Science with Physics

The Science SCITT course is a PGCE course, with trainees spending more time training in secondary schools than on traditional PGCE routes.

The course is divided into three stages. During Stage 1 you will be placed at Wetherby High School (Lead School for Science) and Corpus Christi Catholic College (supporting lead school). This allows for you to follow the professional studies course whilst immersed in the school community. The partnership between the school and course is well established, with the trainees provided with a dedicated training room equipped with computers and teaching resources to compliment their classroom development.

Stage 2 and 3 are 12 week full- time placements in other partnership schools where you will gradually take on responsibility for teaching classes across different key stages, as well as being encouraged to contribute to the wider school community. During each stage you will compile a Standardised Evidence Base with the focus of Key Stage 4 being Physics. As well as working with a variety of teachers, you will be given a personal School Based Tutor from the Science department that will oversee your progress day-to-day and by an experienced Physics specialist who acts as a link tutor, monitoring your development periodically.

The course is supported by a framework of individuals that you will work closely alongside to ensure continual development by identifying your strengths and areas for improvement. As part of a smaller cohort than many other Science ITT providers, Leeds SCITT offers a very personal training experience where trainees are nurtured and given the best tools to become successful teachers.

Physics trainees with a 2:1 or first class degree can apply for an IOP Teacher Training Scholarship.

The scholarship will be worth £20,000 and be instead of the standard bursary. It will have additional benefits such as membership of the Institute of Physics and mentoring support. Any graduate with a 2:1 or first who is intending to do a mainstream physics ITT course will be able to apply.

The IOP will award scholarships to candidates with exceptional subject knowledge, enthusiasm for the study of physics, and outstanding potential to teach. In 2012/13 there will be up to 100 available, and the IOP will begin assessments during autumn 2011. Further details are available on the IoP website.

Physics trainees who are not awarded the scholarship will continue to be eligible for the standard bursaries in 2012/13.

To be accepted onto the course you will need:

• an honours degree with a significant element of Physics. at a classification of 2:ii or above.
• advanced level qualifications (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or other science related A Levels.
• GCSE grade C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• the ability to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written standard English.
• have passed the QTS skills in English and Maths by 1st September 2013.
• a good state of physical and mental fitness.
• confirmation that you have not been excluded from teaching nor from working with children, nor have been registered with the Criminal Records Bureau as unfit for working with children or young persons.
• the suitable personal and intellectual qualities required for teaching in secondary schools.

It is beneficial that you also have:

• recent experience working with secondary-age children.
• recent experience of your subject in a secondary school.
• experience as a trainer / teacher / mentor to others.
• a competent tlevel of ICT skills and experience.

Science applicants will need to be able to demonstrate that they have adequate subject knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics. This may be evidenced by advanced level or higher level study or by additional experience. Quality applicants without sufficient Physics or Chemistry subject knowledge may be accepted onto the course, on the condition that they satisfactorily complete a six-month Physics or Chemistry Enhancement Course before the PGCE course. More information about these courses can be found at www.teach.gov.uk.

Leeds SCITT welcomes applications from all members of the local community. We recognise the under-representation of certain groups in the teaching profession and so particularly encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.