Secondary PGCE Science: Chemistry

Entry requirements for our Secondary PGCE in Chemistry

Alongside our general entry requirements for all Secondary PGCE applicants, there are subject-specific entry requirements for Biology specialism applicants.

Typically, successful applicants have a good A-level grade or equivalent in Chemistry and a 2:2 Honours degree or above in a relevant subject area. For applicants who need to develop their Chemistry subject knowledge to gain access onto a PGCE it is possible to take a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course. There are several options available which can be discussed at interview.

If you have a broad science background and aren’t sure which Science subject you should apply to, please contact Dr Luke Graham for an informal discussion.

Course content and leaders

A practical and interactive course, you will explore the aims of science teaching, school laboratory management and the use of ICT to support science teaching and learning. You will explore the key concepts of Chemistry and how to apply this knowledge to design practicals, demonstrations and explanations to address pupils’ misconceptions and to make the subject exciting and accessible. You will train as a science teacher specialising in teaching Key Stage 3-5 Chemistry, with a grounding in Physics and Biology to teach at least Key Stage 3.

You’ll also develop the fundamentals of teaching such as behaviour management, assessment, lesson planning, inclusive teaching, and working with the school community and parents. We’ll support you to become a reflective and confident teacher who is able to assess your own achievements and professional development requirements.

Secondary Chemistry Subject Knowledge, Pedagogy, Research, and Practice

Our unique course structure based on the Exeter Model of Initial Teacher Education is praised by Ofsted and used across our subject areas. You will study a specialist Secondary Chemistry Subject Knowledge, Pedagogy, Research, and Practice module alongside this. The principal aim of this module is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the background issues and practice of the current teaching of Science and Chemistry in secondary schools.  In addition, the module seeks to nurture you as a reflective and autonomous professional practitioner, able to identify strengths and areas for development in your subject knowledge and pedagogy, through evaluating current professional practice in relationship to developments in research and curriculum theory.

Dr Luke Graham

Lecturer in Education / PGCE Secondary Biology Subject Lead

Dr Lindsay Hetherington

Associate Professor in Science Education / Head of Initial Teacher Education

Dr Luke Graham

Lecturer in Education / PGCE Secondary Biology Subject Lead

Luke has spent over 20 years teaching in schools and colleges. He has been a science teacher, head of department, deputy head and appointed member of the Teacher Regulation Agency in that time. Luke has worked on the PGCE programme since 2012. His research is in the impact of social disadvantage on learners. He is an associate for the exam board AQA, and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.

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Dr Lindsay Hetherington

Associate Professor in Science Education / Head of Initial Teacher Education

Dr Lindsay Hetherington joined the University of Exeter in 2006 having worked as a Science Teacher, Head of Chemistry and Deputy Head of Year for 5 years. She has held various roles as Science Course Leader and Secondary PGCE Programme Director. She is the Chemistry tutor and her research interests focus around science and teacher education, where she is interested in exploring open and inquiry-based approaches to teaching within the structures of schooling.

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