BIOLOGY
About the course:
On the Biology course, students will train towards a professional teaching qualification, achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The course requires a study of academic literature and completion of professional assignments, alongside two school based placements. The course is designed in line with the ITT Core Content Framework with focus on Behaviour Management, Pedagogy, Curriculum, Assessment and Professional Behaviours. By the end of the course trainee teachers must meet the Teachers Standards in full.
You will work alongside an experienced team of Science teachers, who have proven ability to ensure achievement for all students. Through the process of observation and team-teaching opportunities, the ability to communicate and demonstrate concepts and skills will be developed. You will receive a practice-led, hands-on experience, fully supported by expert School-Based Tutors and a Subject Lead. You will receive training in the range of media and equipment used in a secondary-school classroom and build your expertise in supporting students to use these safely, effectively and creatively.
Who is this course for?
The course is perfect for those who find Science exciting and challenging who are then able to share this enthusiasm with young people. Trainees will experience lessons across a range of ages and attainment, reflecting the diverse needs of students in our schools.
What skills and knowledge will you learn on the Biology course?
Trainees will work alongside an experienced team of scientists, who have proven ability to ensure achievement for all students. You will explore a wide-ranging content; develop knowledge and skills which will enable you to become an effective and inspiring classroom practitioner in Science. You will also have the opportunity to develop a range of lessons and teaching styles that cover the practical delivery and theory of Science at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, where appropriate. You will specialise in Biology but will also build your subject knowledge in Chemistry and Physics to enable you to teach the full Science curriculum effectively and engagingly.
You will spend the majority of your course in the classroom; working with dedicated professional and fantastic students. This is the best place to learn the art of teaching. Your programme is designed to suit you, with your strengths nurtured and your areas for development targeted, improved upon and monitored.
Subject studies are delivered as twilight sessions during the course. These are delivered by your Subject Mentors and other experienced teachers from the partnership.
Where can I find useful resources?
Exam boards used by the schools within the partnership may include AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC. You may find it useful to look at the links below:
Our Subject Mentor
Our Subject Mentor for Biology is Yas. She is an experienced teacher who joined the team as subject mentor in 2016. Yas knows more than most what life is like as an NTTP trainee as she completed her training with us and knows about the demands of a SCITT course.
FINANCE
COURSE FEES
Our course fees for the academic year 2024-2025 are £9,250. You can choose to pay your tuition fees in two instalments, or take out a Tuition Fee loan from Student Finance. For more information see the Finance page.
TRAINING BURSARY
Those on a Biology course may be eligible for a DfE funded Training Bursary of £25,000. You must have a minimum 2:2 degree to be able to access this bursary. You may also be eligible for funding to help support you through your training year from Student Finance. For more information see the maintenance loan section on the Finance page.
Our trainees say:
Yas has been an excellent LSM and was highly supportive throughout.
~ Andrew - Biology trainee