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Looking for Bright Sparks: Engineers to teach Physics in new project 

25/03/2022
Looking for Bright Sparks: Engineers to teach Physics in new project 

The University of Wolverhampton has been selected to run a new project to train engineers to teach physics to secondary school pupils.  

The University’s School of Education is one of only six teacher training providers to be chosen nationally to deliver the pilot programme.  

The team will look for Engineers who may be thinking about a new career opportunity to join the secondary initial teacher education programme in time for a September start. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education physics course is aimed at engineers who have an interest in all aspects of science and enjoy investigating Physics in a practical setting.  

Professor Diana Bannister, Director of the School of Education said, “Bringing such exciting and innovative examples from engineering into the classroom is a brilliant opportunity to inspire the next generation – this course is specifically designed for engineers who wish to convey their passion in the subject of Physics to students in the classroom. Whether you are a career changer, or recently graduated having studied engineering, this course will prepare and develop you to become ready for teaching. We are absolutely thrilled that our secondary education department has been selected as one of the six to lead the pilot project.” 

The course looks at the key ideas which underpin the teaching of physics in schools today and the way children's understanding of concepts develops. Trainees will learn how to teach physics to pupils in the 11-16 age range within the secondary age phase, with additional primary and post-16 enhancements. 

The PGCE Engineers Teach Physics course will start in early September and end in June, and it is an intensive academic and professional training course that effectively prepares students for their first teaching post and beyond.  

The Physics lecturers have extensive experience working to develop trainee and experienced teachers in Physics. Furthermore, they have considerable experience working with non-educational agencies, for example, the National Space Centre, National Schools Observatory, and Institute of Physics.  

Dave Allden, a senior lecturer in secondary education said: “I entered teaching from an engineering background myself and can readily demonstrate how the different skills transfer to the teaching profession. There will be lots of opportunities on the course to support your transition to the classroom.” 

The PGCE Secondary Physics attracts a DfE funded bursary of £24,000. Potential students will need to apply for this if they are successful in gaining a place on the course.  

Successful completion of the course will lead to recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), along with 60 credits at Master’s level.   

To find out more and apply for the course visit:  Get into teaching physics | Get Into Teaching (education.gov.uk) 

Further information about other courses offered by the School of Education is available: wlv.ac.uk/education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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