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What makes Subject Knowledge Enhancement at Worcester so special?

The Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are pre-Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses. They will enable you to gain the depth of knowledge needed to train to teach in your chosen subject.

We offer an eight week (200 hours) Subject Knowledge Enhancement course in Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science*; Design & Technology (Food); English; Mathematics*; Modern Languages*(French, German, Spanish); Physics; Religious Education. We also offer twelve-week courses (300 hours) in Biology, Chemistry or Physics and a sixteen-week course (400 hours) in Biology.

*offered by an external provider

Bursaries are available to eligible applicants. Subject to confirmation from the DfE. 

Overview

Overview

Key features

  • Learn essential subject knowledge needed to teach KS3, GCSE and A Level in your subject
  • Taught by subject experts
  • Flexible working patterns, discuss the options with the subject leader
  • Combination of distance learning and two weeks face to face
  • Available to those on various ITE routes, including those based at other institutions

Would you benefit from a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course?

You could benefit from an Subject Knowledge Enhancement course if you have:

  • Studied the subject to a highly advanced level and but would benefit from a refresher course.
  • Studied a degree which is related rather than an exact match.
  • Recently graduated and studied a degree not related to the subject, but have a related A level.
  • Changed career and have an unrelated degree with substantial related knowledge including an A level.
Entry requirements

What qualifications will you need?

Entry requirements

  • At interview, we will assess your need for a Subject Knowledge Enhancement
  • If there is a need, the Subject Knowledge Enhancement will be placed as a condition of your PGCE offer

Other information

Contact skec@worc.ac.uk to discuss your eligibility

Course content

What will you study

Please note that the latest possible start date for SKEs is July 8th  

Design and Technology (Food) SKE

  • Complete a Design & Technology Food subject audit to assess the skills that will need to be developed and enhanced during the course
  • Develop and enhance skills for teaching food within a demanding curriculum at KS3, KS4 and KS5
  • Complete independent learning tasks linked to the activities undertaken on the face to face content. This will link with resources needed to teach within schools
  • Study the Design & Technology curriculum to become more confident in its content, with focus on the GCSE assessments for Food Preparation & Nutrition
  • Research various exam board GCSE specifications, focusing on key content and skills taught
  • Consider practical classroom management and skills

 

  • 6 weeks remote learning Monday 22nd May to Friday 30th June
  • 2 weeks face-to-face Monday 3rd to Friday 14th July

 

English SKE

  • Read a range of Shakespeare plays and explore at least one in detail
  • Read a range of 19th century literature and study one in more detail
  • Read and compare a range of poetry including modern and Pre 1914
  • Refresh your grammar knowledge
  • Study a range of modern plays
  • Attend two enrichment days during the face to face study; including a trip to Stratford
  • Understand how basic subject knowledge corresponds with the KS3 and KS4 Programmes of Study

 

  • 6 weeks remote learning Monday 22nd May to Friday 30th June
  • 2 weeks face-to-face Monday 3rd to Friday 14th July

 

Science: Biology SKE

  • Enhance your practical laboratory skills
  • Develop scientific thinking and explore how science works
  • Practice each GCSE required practicals
  • Make links to Chemistry and Physics up to KS4
  • 8 week course – mostly remote learning
  • 12 week course - mostly remote learning
  • 16 week course – mostly remote learning
  • 2 days face-to-face: Tuesday 11th & Thursday 20th July

Science: Chemistry SKE

  • Enhance your practical laboratory skills
  • Develop scientific thinking and explore how science works
  • Practice GCSE required practicals
  • Make links to Biology and Physics up to KS4

 

  • 8 week course – mostly remote learning
  • 12 week course - mostly remote learning
  • 16 week course – mostly remote learning
  • 2 days face-to-face: Tuesday 11th & Thursday 20th July

Science: Physics SKE

  • Enhance your practical laboratory skills
  • Develop scientific thinking and explore how science works
  • Practice each GCSE required practicals
  • Make links to Biology and Chemistry up to KS4
  • 8 week course – mostly remote learning
  • 12 week course - mostly remote learning
  • 16 week course – mostly remote learning
  • 2 days face-to-face: Tuesday 11th & Thursday 20th July

Religious Education

  • Subject knowledge content matches GCSE and A Level specifications, and the Commission on RE Statement of Entitlement (2018)
  • Enhance subject knowledge of the main World Religions, and deepen understanding of how some of these are practiced in Britain today
  • Bespoke topics based on your requirements answering questions such as How do different religions understand the nature of God? Or How do different religions and worldviews respond to questions about the purpose of life or purposeful life? Or How do different religions understand the concept of worship?
  • Opportunity to undertake fieldwork and engage with religion in the public sphere
  • Led by University tutors who have extensive experience in teaching Religious Education in secondary schools

6 weeks remote learning:

  • Monday 22nd May to Friday 30th June
  • 2 weeks face-to-face: Monday 3rd – Friday 14th July

Teaching and assessment

How will you be taught?

PGCE Computer Science students working with Raspberry Pi

Teaching approach

  • Audit your subject knowledge to enhance your learning priorities
  • Complete distance learning tasks and reflect on how these build on your existing knowledge and skills
  • Attend two weeks of face to face sessions at the University to work collaboratively on a range of practical activities
  • Place your learning in the context of the classroom
  • Self-assess your development across the course
Careers

Where could it take you?

PGCE students doing outdoor activity
  • Get a head start - Refresh your subject knowledge in your main subject before the course
  • Experience a range of activities and tasks, and get resources to support your teaching career
  • Understand the learning process from the point of view of the pupil
  • Get practical skills - observe your course leader and your peers in action
Costs

How much will it cost?

Further Information

Considering an SKE?

Bursaries are available for eligible applicants. Subject to confirmation from DfE.  

Contact us for further information about the courses, for an application form and to find out more about the bursary.

Get into teaching

How to apply