Science (Physics) Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE)

Who is the course designed for?

Good physics teachers are in increasingly short supply. However, there are many enthusiastic graduates with the potential to be successful physics teachers but who are insufficiently qualified to enter straight onto teacher training with physics as their specialism. The new Subject Enhancement Courses replace the two-year and 18-month PGCE routes. Pre-initial teacher training enhancement courses are intensive programmes for graduates who need to develop a greater depth of subject understanding prior to training for qualified teacher status. Enhancement courses are suitable for graduates with experience of a science to at least A-level standard. The School of Education has specifically developed two courses which will equip you with the necessary skills and subject knowledge to teach science across the 11-18 age range, with physics as your specialism.

If you think you need to go on an enhancement or extension course, you should first apply to an initial teacher training (ITT) course. All applications have to be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry and the process starts in September/October each year. Though there is no official closing date for applications, once the course has reached its quota of places we will have to close that particular course to further applications. We recommend that you apply as early as possible to stand the best chance of getting a place. You can visit their website at www.gttr.ac.uk or telephone them on 0870 1122 205.

If we consider you to have the attributes to make a good teacher, you will be offered a conditional ITT place and referred to the appropriate enhancement course. If you are applying for a PGCE, you can indicate on your application form that you are interested in doing a subject enhancement course.

How does the training take place?

At the University of Southampton you can take either the 24 week or 36 week physics enhancement course. These courses are for graduates who are interested in teaching but who need to develop their subject knowledge to teach secondary pupils. University based teaching is run over three days with the remainder of the week allocated to directed and private study.

The 36 week course begins in September, with on-line activities and some school-related work. Teaching sessions begin in October, with further on-line support.

The 24 week course begins in February. Teaching sessions are based in the School of Education in the laboratory. Sessions are also held in other physics related departments in the University, and in the Science Learning Centre.

Assessment for both courses is through portfolios of evidence, presentations and written assignments focusing on children’s learning of science.

Are there any particular features of the course?

The main focus of both the physics subject knowledge enhancement courses is to update subject knowledge and understanding. There is strong continuity throughout the course as successful completion will enable direct progression onto the secondary science PGCE.

Central to your success on this course is the support you receive from tutors in the University and from mentors in partner schools. Year-on-year, trainee teachers on our PGCE courses evaluate highly the support received from both tutors and mentors. Mentors undertake regular training within the University, so that all school placements are of a consistently high standard.

Upon your successful completion of one of these courses, you are expected to go straight into an initial teacher training course leading to qualified teacher status (QTS).

If someone is interested in this course, how would you recommend them to prepare for the course?

We recommend you spend some time in one or more secondary schools, observing science teachers and working with pupils. Try to visit a range of different types of school. Reflect on what makes a ‘good’ lesson. Broaden your understanding of all three sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) and the interconnections that exist between them. Broaden your scientific knowledge, especially some of the areas with which you are less familiar.

Caro Garrett

To be an effective and stimulating teacher of physics in schools you need to develop your skills to “think like a physicist”, observing and analysing the world around you, questioning your understanding of common physical situations, and to be able to convey these concepts to young people with enthusiasm and confidence. Our aim is to produce teachers who are effective, reflective and will make a positive contribution to the profession. By the end of the course you should have an understanding of appropriate professional attributes and strong subject knowledge.

The 36 week physics enhancement course at the University of Southampton starts by recapping the basic science (physics, chemistry and biology) taught at KS3 level (11 – 14), with a focus on discussing and clarifying misconceptions which some science graduates carry with them into secondary science teaching. The course has a particular emphasis on practical work, and developing an understanding of the ‘How Science Works’ aspects of the new secondary science curriculum. Teaching sessions mirror methods of good teaching and learning found in secondary schools including active learning, themed approaches and scientific applications and processes. Graduates who successfully complete the first twelve weeks of this course automatically join the students on the 24 week course.

The 24 week physics enhancement course is an intensive programme which covers all the physics covered at GCSE and AS level and Advanced level topics. As with the 36 week course teaching sessions mirror methods of good teaching and learning found in secondary schools including active learning, themed approaches and scientific applications and processes. During the course you will have the opportunity to spend one week observing lessons in schools. Throughout the course you will be able to develop your subject knowledge in physics through a range of approaches: we offer workshops, micro-teaching activities, independent and group research, and the opportunity to use some of the wide range of teaching resources currently available; published schemes, worksheets, interactive whiteboards and software packages.

Each topic covered is assessed through completion of subject knowledge questions relating to that area of science. These are usually questions taken from past GCSE and Advanced level examination papers. In addition, there are open ended tasks and weekly written assignments relating to the science that has been studied or activities that have been observed in school.

What are my career prospects?

Teaching is a rewarding profession in more ways than one, offering fantastic career prospects and development opportunities. The variety of potential career paths available can see you enjoy all kinds of experiences, roles and responsibilities. In secondary schools, you can move up and across the management structure to gain responsibility as a head of department, faculty or pastoral group. You could then progress to a senior management position such as deputy or assistant head and, ultimately, headteacher – at which point you would have overall responsibility for the management of a school and the education its pupils receive. There are also opportunities for you to specialise allowing you to become a science advisor to schools and local authorities or a career science education researcher.

Fees and Financial support

You will not have to pay any fees to complete an enhancement or extension course. While on the course you will receive a bursary of £4800 for the 24 week course or £7200 for the 36 week course. The funding arrangements for your subsequent initial teacher training are the same as for all trainees on one year PGCE courses whereby fees are payable but there is an enhanced bursary of £9000.

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