Train to teach in
Science with Biology

Leeds SCITT offers a Biology PGCE course with a difference: we aim to get you into the classroom quickly to learn with a ‘hands-on’ approach and to become an experienced practitioner. The course offers a unique opportunity to develop your experience in dynamic and supportive school environments, whilst allowing you to establish your own style as a biology teacher.

Why join Leeds SCITT for PGCE Teacher Training?

Leeds SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) is an exciting and innovative teacher training provider that offers the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for aspiring educators. Our Postgraduate Teacher Training courses help to provide the highest quality of teaching and learning, ensuring that successful candidates have the teaching skills and knowledge necessary to become outstanding educators and secure a successful career in the teaching profession.

Professional Development within Secondary School Placements

As well as subject knowledge enhancement, this postgraduate qualification will give you school-based experience and help build confidence in your professional practice teaching the science curriculum.

In your Lead School Experience, you will be introduced to a range of practical, research-informed strategies to help you to understand how best to teach your subject and make the most of your lesson planning.

As you progress throughout the course, you will begin to implement these practical ideas and adapt them to fit your secondary school setting as well as to the needs of your learners, gradually taking more ownership and initiative on your placements and teaching science lessons with confidence and flair.

How will I become a confident Biology teacher?

If you are passionate about working with young people and developing their love for all that is Science, then Leeds SCITT is the course for you! Our Subject Lead Tutor will ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills for you to become an excellent Biology teacher. 

Science is all around us and the opportunity to bring that to life in the Science lab is what being a teacher is all about. You will have the opportunity to observe excellent practitioners across all the science specialisms and work with a dedicated department at Wetherby High School, as the Lead School for Science.

Develop Your Teaching Practice

Trainee Science teachers will have training in how to deliver practicals to pupils, the best way to teach those difficult concepts, as well as having the opportunity to spend the day at the STEM Centre in York with specialist scientists in education. 

Whilst you’ll focus on Biology, trainees will also get the opportunity to expand their teaching experience further within the subject of science education, by leading Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 secondary school classes on Chemistry and Physics.

From the Science Subject Lead Tutor

We are looking for those who have a passion for Science or have worked in industry to bring their expertise to the classroom to inspire the next generation and promote Science and the STEM subjects for the future.

There are generous bursaries and scholarships available to support you in your training year, to enable our pupils to have specialist science teaching from biology teachers who are ready to share their love for the subject in the classroom. 

What does the Lead School Experience offer?

Wetherby High School prides itself on its focus on restorative practice, which places relationships at the centre of its core business.  As a school, every effort is taken to promote personal development and the welfare of its pupils.

The nurturing environment at the school means that pupils at Wetherby High School have ‘high expectations and are good role models.’ According to their 2019 Ofsted report, which received a ‘Good’. 

The Science department has a proven track record of securing good outcomes for pupils and has a diverse team of specialists, including many Leeds SCITT Alumni. You will be fully supported at Wetherby High School during your training year to help you become an excellent practitioner.

Additional Secondary School Placements

In addition to your Lead School placement, you can be placed within up to two of our additional partnership schools to give you contrasting teaching placements. 

What other opportunities are available in our Placement Schools?

• Experience of observing and teaching across all science specialisms
• Opportunity to teach Post-16
• Pre-course support with subject knowledge development
• Attend the STEM Centre at York University 
• Support with setting up and delivering practical lessons
• Science lab H&S training
• Experience working in a Restorative Practice school

Tuition Fees

The course fees for Leeds SCITT PGCE course (including QTS and 60 masters credits) for the academic year 2023-24 is £9,250. Bursaries and Scholarships are available for some students https://www.leedsscitt.org.uk/how-to-apply/

Entry Requirements

For this Postgraduate Certificate in Education Course you need to hold an undergraduate degree awarded by a higher education provider in England and Wales and GCSE grade C or 4 and above (or equivalent) in Maths and English. For further information go to https://www.leedsscitt.org.uk/how-to-apply/#finance-ske-information.

International Students

For further advice and information for overseas students and entry requirements for PGCE Courses please go to https://www.enic.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC/Default.aspx.