If you have any questions please call us on
01242 505945 or complete the form on the
contact page.
G|ITEP’s Biology teacher training programme is designed to support and challenge you to become highly skilled, adaptable, creative and reflective practitioners with a strong foundation in subject expertise, inclusive pedagogy, and pupil-focused teaching.
- Expert Subject Knowledge Development: Expert input at weekly training sessions and Subject Knowledge Enhancement days, alongside strong Mentor support throughout placements, leads you through your own personal journey of subject knowledge development and understanding of misconceptions in science and pedagogy.
- Practical, Evidence-Based Training: Training sessions are highly explorative and discursive. They engage you with the most up-to-date educational research and help you grasp a wealth of pedagogical approaches. This enables you to become confident in best teaching practices and adaptable to the needs of the students in your classroom.
- Focus on Pupil Progress & Equity: The programme promotes high expectations for all learners, challenging fixed mindsets and labels, and equipping trainees with inclusive strategies that support SEND pupils, engage all and foster positive attitudes in the science classroom.
- Strong Mentoring & Wellbeing Support: Led by experienced local practitioners, supported by expert mentors and with opportunity for openness and peer support, trainees benefit from tailored guidance, regular reflection, and a support structure that ensures professional growth and wellbeing.
In our Science Subject Pathway, trainees take part in weekly, high-quality sessions led by experienced subject specialists to explore all aspects of science education across the three main areas of biology, chemistry and physics. These sessions are an opportunity for trainees to strengthen their own subject knowledge and understanding (both domain and procedural). They offer insight into likely student misconceptions and provide time for exploration of a wide variety of pedagogical approaches.
Trainees will build up confidence in teaching key concepts of the science curriculum, including but not exhaustive of Cells, Bioenergetics, Particles, Chemical Reactions, Energy and Forces. They will also consider how to incorporate effective teaching strategies to support students’ mathematics and literacy skills in lessons, science capital and progression from KS2 through to KS4 and beyond.
Trainees work collaboratively in a supportive and safe environment, where they are encouraged to share ideas, reflect on practice, and learn from one another’s experiences. There are regular opportunities to engage in professional debate and rich conversations around science pedagogy, helping trainees develop a confident, evidence-informed approach to teaching. Sessions also draw on current curriculum developments, national assessments, and the ITTECF to ensure that trainees are well-prepared and reflective practitioners.
Biology, chemistry and physics 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.
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.
Funding
Bursaries available: £5,000*
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 Vocational Studies at Pittville School.
She is passionate about challenging and engaging students of all abilities and ages in the science classroom and believes that science is a subject that can be filled with awe and wonder. Emmaline’s particular area of specialism is biology, but she believes that developing a strong base in teaching all three sciences during the ITT course is essential. She has worked with trainees of all three specialisms for over 15 years as a mentor initially and for the past 11 years as Science Subject Lead. Emmaline has always found working with trainees inspiring. She will regularly challenge your own perceptions of education, encourage you to think outside the box and motivate you to become the best practitioner you can possibly be!
Emmaline is a member of the ASE and outside of the classroom she enjoys playing netball, skiing, travelling and spending time with her family playing board games.
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.