Chemistry

If you have any questions please call us on
01242 505945 or complete the form on the
contact page.

Applicants will have a degree in chemistry or a related subject. A strong chemistry A level or equivalent background is also required. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have considered how to develop their subject knowledge in the National Curriculum, GCSE and A level requirements for science.

The majority of chemistry teachers will also be required to teach elements of physics and biology, at least in Key Stage 3.

A fully funded Subject Knowledge Enhancement course is available to boost subject knowledge before starting the course.  This is online and varies in length depending on the depth of knowledge required.  The course will be assessed for chemistry but also gives access to resources for physics and biology.

Emmaline Fletcher-Sykes, the Subject Lead, leads a weekly opportunity to learn more about the subject and the related pedagogy.

Most pathway sessions take place at Pittville School in Cheltenham on a Thursday afternoon. Some sessions are held at other local schools. A visit to the ASE conference extends trainees’ subject knowledge and provides ideas for enriching the teaching of physics. Trainees also benefit from links to STEM Learning, with GITEP involved in the Science Learning Partnership for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, and to the Cheltenham Science Festival.

Physics, chemistry and biology trainees are taught together as a science group.  Due to the range of subject knowledge required there are extra subject development days for science trainees during the first term.

In January and April pathway sessions will be led by a subject tutor from the University of Bristol who will introduce the PGCE assignments on curriculum practice and curriculum research.

Trainees start the year with three weeks of professional studies, a programme of lectures, workshops and expert speakers, to give a context to the course.  By the end of September trainees start their “Parent 1” placement and will be in school full time until mid-December.  There are another two weeks of professional studies either side of Christmas.  In January trainees start their “Twin” placement in a second school.  There are more professional studies weeks before Easter then trainees return to their first school for their “Parent 2” placement.  The final placement includes an enhancement week to give opportunities to experience particular aspects of teaching.

There are also weekly subject seminars, every Thursday, with trainees meeting with their Subject Leader and other trainees from their subject.

Funding

Bursaries available: £27,000*
Scholarships available: £29,000*

To find out more about finance click here

Subject Lead

Emmaline Fletcher-Sykes

Pittville School

Emmaline has extensive teaching experience having taught for over 15 years in three different schools within Gloucestershire. She has been a Head of Science, Head of Sixth Form and an Advanced Skills Teacher (AST). Emmaline has been a subject mentor for a number of trainees and also contributed to GITEP through delivering Subject Pathway sessions before becoming the Subject Leader. She is passionate about engaging her students through active and collaborative approaches. Emmaline is an Honorary Teaching Fellow of the University of Bristol.

Entry Requirements

Mandatory

  • A degree in chemistry or a related subject e.g. biomedical science.
  • Maths and English at Grade C/Level 4 or above at GCSE.

Recommended

  • Degree at 2:2 or above.
  • Involvement with young people in some capacity.
  • An awareness of issues in science education generally.
  • A levels including at least one of biology and physics.

Routes & Course Codes

Institute CodeSCITTLead PartnerPGCE with QTS
G48GITEP26Y2
14BBalcarras Teaching School Hub2CML
1ZBOdyssey Teaching School Hub2RPT

If you have any questions please call us on 01242 505945 or complete the form on the contact page.

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