If you have any questions please call us on
01242 505945 or complete the form on the
contact page.
Applicants for GITEP’s Biology ITT course will have a degree in biology or a related subject. A strong biology A level or equivalent background is also required. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have considered how to develop their subject knowledge in the National Curriculum, GCSE and A level requirements for science
The majority of biology teachers will also be required to teach elements of physics and chemistry, at least in Key Stage 3.
Emmaline Fletcher-Sykes, the Subject Lead, leads a weekly opportunity to learn more about the subject and the related pedagogy.
Most pathway sessions take place at Pittville School in Cheltenham on a Thursday afternoon. Some sessions are held at other local schools. A visit to the ASE conference extends trainees’ subject knowledge and provides ideas for enriching the teaching of physics. Trainees also benefit from links to STEM Learning, with GITEP involved in the Science Learning Partnership for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, and to the Cheltenham Science Festival.
Physics, chemistry and biology trainees are taught together as a science group. Due to the range of subject knowledge required there are extra subject development days for science trainees during the first term.
In January and April pathway sessions will be led by a subject tutor from the University of Bristol who will introduce the PGCE assignments on curriculum practice and curriculum research.
Trainees start the year with three weeks of professional studies, a programme of lectures, workshops and expert speakers, to give a context to the course. By the end of September, trainees start their “Parent 1” placement and will be in school full time until mid-December. There are another two weeks of professional studies either side of Christmas. In January trainees start their “Twin” placement in a second school. There are more professional studies weeks before Easter then trainees return to their first school for their “Parent 2” placement. The final placement includes an enhancement week to give opportunities to experience particular aspects of teaching.
There are also weekly subject seminars, every Thursday, with trainees meeting with their Subject Leader and other trainees from their subject.
Funding
Bursaries available: £26,000*
To find out more about finance click here
Subject Lead
Emmaline Fletcher-Sykes
Pittville School
Now in the 26th year of her career, Emmaline has extensive teaching experience in three different schools within Gloucestershire. She has held a number of positions of responsibility including Head of Science, Head of Sixth Form and Advanced Skills Teacher (AST). She currently coordinates the Vocational Curriculum at KS4 at Pittville School and is a Specialist Leader of Education through the Balcarras Teaching Partnership. Emmaline gained experience as a subject mentor for a number of trainees before becoming the Subject Leader for Science in 2014. She is passionate about engaging all her students through active and collaborative approaches and believes that it is essential for our future generations to have an excellent grasp of science phenomena to ‘save the Earth’ from ourselves!
Emmaline is an Honorary Teaching Fellow of the University of Bristol.
Entry Requirements
Mandatory
- A degree in biology or a related subject e.g. zoology.
- Maths and English at Grade C/Level 4 or above at GCSE.
Recommended
- Degree at 2:2 or above.
- Involvement with young people in some capacity.
- An awareness of issues in science education generally.
- A levels including at least one of physics and chemistry.
Routes & Course Codes
| Institute Code | SCITT | Lead Partner | PGCE with QTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| G48 | GITEP | 2QW4 | |
| 14B | Balcarras Teaching School Hub | E788 | |
| 1ZB | Odyssey Teaching School Hub | 2H5F |
If you have any questions please call us on 01242 505945 or complete the form on the contact page.