As a chemistry teacher, you will teach students about elements, atoms and molecules as well as the scientific principles and concepts used to understand the material world. You will teach in classrooms and science laboratories. This provides you with the opportunity to back up the academic teaching with hands-on, practical lessons allowing students to experience the excitement of testing their hypotheses and learning through tangible experimentation.

Course outline

How will I learn?

Our programme is intended to meet your own individual needs on your journey to QTS and meets the Teachers’ Standards. You will learn through a range of strategies at the University of Sheffield along with your school placements. Your learning will consist of:

• Seminars
• Group work
• Tutorials
• Individual consultations
• Practical activities
• Hands-on experience through placements at schools in the local area.
• A dedicated mentor to provide you with support and guidance throughout your training. 
• Collaborating with other students and teaching colleagues.

What will I learn?

You will develop your subject knowledge and professional experience, enabling you to teach at key stages 3, 4 and 5 (age range 11-18). The modules on the course cover key aspects of your professional pedagogical development, as well as your school-based training. You are expected to consolidate your development, both in university and in schools, by researching appropriate material and accessing wider resources.

Placements

Your placement will consist of a minimum of 120 days in at least two secondary schools to gain practical classroom experience. Placements are usually undertaken at partner schools with STTA with the first one starting in September and your second placement will starting in January.

You will have your own mentor in each school, who will meet with you regularly and provide support and advice. They will also assess your teaching in school.

How am I assessed?

Your performance will be assessed throughout the year by a range of strategies including observations of your teaching, and formal academic assessment.

We will also track your progress throughout the year and provide support and guidance to ensure that you are
on-track to successfully complete your training.

Future careers

After successful completion of this course you will be qualified teacher. By becoming a teacher, you’re joining a profession that offers a huge variety of career opportunities. 

There are lots of opportunity to progress into a number of leadership or management roles such as:

• Subject/phase lead
• Lead practitioner working as a mentor, coach, trainer or facilitator
• A pastoral role
• Teaching and learning responsibility
• Head of department
• Headteacher
• Deputy head

As well as excellent career opportunities, teaching offers a competitive salary, job security and job satisfaction.