Overview
Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are intensive online programmes for graduates who need to develop a greater depth of subject understanding prior to training for Qualified Teacher Status in England.
These courses are designed for those intending to progress to an initial teacher training programme in England who need to refresh their subject knowledge before starting their course. They provide an easily accessible course for those who would prefer to structure their studies around their other commitments such as work or family.
The courses are also suitable for all those wishing to refresh and consolidate their Maths, Chemistry or Physics subject knowledge in an education context. This may include those returning to the profession or new to the profession or those with a teaching qualification in a related but different specialist subject.
Key Points
- The courses are suitable for individuals who have a confirmed offer of a place from a provider of initial teacher training.
- We offer courses of differing lengths:
- A 4-unit short course for those who are relatively proficient in their subject area but need to boost their subject knowledge in advance of an initial teacher training programme that starts in Sept 2012 (starts 2nd July 2012, applications deadline Tuesday 19th June).
- An 8-unit (16-week) course for those who need to boost their subject knowledge in advance of an initial teacher training programme (starts April 2013).
- A 12-unit (24-week) course that provides a much more comprehensive approach to subject knowledge development and covers the topics taught at school from KS3 to A-level (starts January 2013). - Individuals who do not have a confirmed offer of a place from a provider of initial teacher training may apply for this course; however, course fees will apply.
- Funding from the Teaching Agency is available to trainees with a conditional offer of a Teaching Agency-funded place on a relevant programme of initial teacher training. This funding covers course fees and includes a bursary of £400 per unit.
- The lectures and activities are delivered entirely online making them very easily accessible so that trainees can structure their studies around other commitments such as work and family.
- The course follows an enquiry-driven approach and the lectures are designed around problem solving. There is a focus on developing a deeper understanding of the subject area.
- Technical support is available from a dedicated and experienced support team.
These SKE courses aim to prepare candidates to become first-rate teachers of Science and Maths by:
- Upgrading and expanding subject knowledge in a specialist area
- Developing an understanding of how Science or Maths works
- Developing an understanding of the key concepts and processes of scientific and mathematical thinking
- Promoting and developing independent learning skills
- Improving metacognitive skills and developing the ability of trainees
- Allowing learners to identify and address their own learning needs
We use a problem-based approach to learning, requiring active participation to undertake research, solve problems and analyse data. Topics are approached in real-life contexts to encourage trainees to explore concepts, rather than to simply accept knowledge, and to look at what may be familiar subject knowledge in a different way and, therefore, develop a better understanding of the subject. This approach will model a variety of teaching approaches that have been proven to facilitate learning in the classroom.
