SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT · level of self-study. You’ll learn through a range of face-to-face sessions, online lectures and workshops as well as self-study. We will provide

SUBJECTKNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENTFor Secondary initial teacher training

2020 Entry

SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT (SKE)

SKE courses are short courses which you may be required to complete prior to starting your PGCE in order to top-up your chosen subject knowledge.

Your PGCE provider will identify if you need to complete an SKE course before you start your teacher training. Using specialist classrooms and face-to-face training, we offer a tailored experience for you to develop your subject knowledge.

ENTRY CRITERIA

You must be able to evidence that you have been accepted onto a PGCE course by providing an offer letter from either Manchester Metropolitan University or any other provider, including School Direct. After successful completion of the SKE, you will be expected to start a teacher training course in September 2020 with your chosen provider.

LOCATIONS FOR COURSES

Our SKE courses will be delivered at Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, Manchester, M15 6GX. Our campus is very close to the city centre, and easy to reach by public transport.

CONTENTS 3 INTRODUCTION TO SKE COURSES

4 BIOLOGY

5 CHEMISTRY

6 COMPUTING

7 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

8 ENGLISH

9 GEOGRAPHY

10 MATHEMATICS

11 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

12 PHYSICS

13 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

14 CONTACT DETAILS

15 FURTHER INFORMATION

16 FIND OUT MORE

INTRODUCTION TO

SKE COURSES

2 mmu.ac.uk/education/pgce mmu.ac.uk/education/pgce 3

Develop your chemistry knowledge to teach the 11-16 curriculum with confidence. We cover the progression of knowledge to a range of A-Level topics, which you can develop further during the self-study aspect of this course.

You’ll cover a range of topics, including: states of matter, elements, compounds and mixtures, earth science and atmosphere, metals and many more.

You’ll learn about typical school experiments including investigations around acids, bases and salts, energy changes

and predicting reactions. You’ll also carry out typical teacher demonstrations such as reactions of group 1 metals and cracking an alkane as well as completing procedures on risk assessments.

There is a four-week face-to-face element, which includes subject knowledge input, school laboratory practicals, research and presentations. You will develop your knowledge and confidence through a hands-on approach using laboratory work so that you are ready for classroom teaching. Sessions will be taught in our specialist chemistry laboratory.

An online element of the course follows the face-to-face sessions, including a range of activities that will help you develop your subject knowledge. We use various assessment methods throughout the course.

The tutors are chemistry specialists who have a range of teaching experiences including in secondary schools.

You'll cover topics such as cells and living things, respiration and photosynthesis, plant biology, health and disease, genetics and evolution. This course will include most aspects of the KS3 and KS4 Biology Programme of Study.

The course has a hands-on approach with much of the work delivered through laboratory experience, so that you are ready for classroom teaching. You’ll carry out a number of biology practicals during

the course including studying osmosis in plant material, factors affecting photosynthesis and ecological field study techniques. Enhancement of your practical skills is a key priority of the course. During the face-to-face sessions you’ll also develop your presentation techniques and confidence. This will give you a great starting point for your PGCE course.

Sessions are taught in our specialist laboratories that are designed to mimic the school classroom setting.

The course is delivered by experienced tutors who work closely with schools and deliver the science PGCE course here at Manchester Met.

You'll also have some self-study activities which will broaden your knowledge further and help you to assess your progress. This will help you to identify areas of strength and where you need to improve in preparation for teaching biology.

CHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY

Start date: May 2020

Duration: 8 weeks


Duration: 8 weeks

Our Chemistry SKE course has been approved by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

“The SKE course put things into perspective for me and helped me to set my targets for my PGCE. It has given me an excellent start to this journey and the advice from my tutors is something I can take forward into my PGCE.”

Samera BibiPGCE Biology Student


We cover a range of practical activities using different materials including bread products, food styling, games in electronics, use of the sewing machine and hand stitching through face-to-face sessions.

During the course you'll actually be making the products that you will be working with during your PGCE school placements. Most of the sessions will have a practical aspect, where you could be working individually or as part of a group.

Face-to-face sessions are delivered in our specialist Design and Technology rooms where you'll have the opportunity to use some of our modern equipment such as a laser cutter. You’ll cover health and safety through the course while involved in the different activities; this will help you understand this from the aspect of a teacher.

There will be regular follow-up tasks so you're able to show your progress. Our academic staff will be on hand to support you throughout the course. All our tutors have taught in secondary schools and higher education, and are experienced in their area of Design and Technology.

“The best thing I found about the course is that you’re not on this journey alone. Our group arrived with a range of different backgrounds, but no-one was expected to be an expert. You share this experience with your colleagues and they’re there to lend a helping hand.”

Abdur ShakirDesign and Technology PGCE Student

We cover a range of practical programming during the face-to-face sessions taught at the University.

You’ll also develop an understanding of the concepts and skills required at GCSE and A-Level computer science, where we aim to build your confidence and knowledge in preparation for your initial teacher training course and beyond.

The course is delivered by a number of experienced teachers with the aim of developing your understanding of key concepts:

• Language, Machines and Computation – including algorithms and computational models.

• Data and Representation – data storage, data transmission, data structures, digital and analogue conversion.

• Communication and Co-ordination – input-process-output, communication protocols, networks and the internet.

• Abstraction and Design – hardware, software, simulation and modelling, interfaces, categorisation.

• Wider Context of Computing – intelligence and consciousness, looking at the natural world in computational terms.

COMPUTINGDESIGN ANDTECHNOLOGY


Duration: 8 weeks


Duration: 12 weeks

“On the SKE Computing course, we have been successful in training and developing our SKE students subject knowledge, and helping to build their confidence in the subjects we cover.”

Louise HayesSKE Computing Subject Lead


We cover a range of English topics including punctuation, spelling, introduction to literary theory and interpretation, studying fiction, poetry, drama and Shakespeare.

The course has a face-to-face approach, so for most of the sessions you'll gain practical classroom experience. You'll have some personal learning and online tasks to complete, so you’ll be ready for the classroom. You’ll consider English from all angles,

from the everyday, such as the way we speak, to the theoretical, such as theories of interpretation. You'll also experience lots of discussion and debate about language, grammar, plays and poetry.

You might spend one afternoon working on a piece of creative writing as a group, or have an online project on reading. You'll take part in group activities, presentations and online projects where you might investigate attitudes towards

language change or you could produce a piece of creative writing.

Your English SKE tutors have all taught the 11-19 ages in a range of settings for many years and currently act as tutors on the PGCE English course. All tutors are currently research active in the fields of education, teaching and English.

ENGLISHStart date: May 2020

Duration: 8 weeks

“The best thing about the SKE was the guidance given by tutors. The teaching was proactive and the ways in which we learned were very dynamic and creative. I’ve been able to utilise so much knowledge that I learned during the SKE on my placement in school."

Jonny ClarkEnglish PGCE Student

You’ll cover a range of geographical topics including climate change, coasts, Geographic Information System, oceans, plate tectonics, population, and sustainable development.

You'll go on field trips to study rivers and ecosystems, and carry out a group task

within an urban environment. Your tutors will include a variety of activities from playing games; group presentations; lab work; and debating.

After the face-to-face sessions you’ll be guided to select areas you feel you need more confidence in, which will influence your self-study.

The self-study weeks also include activities to familiarise you with A-Level and GCSE specifications. You'll be allocated a University tutor to monitor your weekly progress.

GEOGRAPHYStart date: May 2020

Duration: 8 weeks


During this course you’ll focus on the understanding of mathematics, covering topics across GCSE and A-Levels. Topics you'll cover include calculus, trigonometry, statistics, mechanics, geometry and problem solving.

You’ll be taught through face-to-face sessions which will be held at our Brooks building. You'll also have the opportunity to take part in group work during some of our practical sessions.

If you are on the 28-week course you may have the opportunity to spend some time in a school. The SKE maths tutors who teach the course all have experience teaching maths in secondary schools.

MATHEMATICSStart date: January 2020 \ September 2020

Duration: 6 months / 7 months

“You can never have too many approaches to explaining the solution to a problem as not all students learn the same way. This course offers you the advice, knowledge and experience to help you get the best from all your students.”

Reece McilhattonPGCE Mathematics Student

Our Modern Foreign Language SKE course enables you to choose one of four language subjects to study;French, German, Spanish or Mandarin. You’ll study the course alongside your PGCE studies, starting in September and finishing at the end of the academic year. This will help you to develop your second or third language up to and sometimes beyond GCSE level, dependent on your level of self-study.

You’ll learn through a range of face-to-face sessions, online lectures and workshops as well as self-study. We will provide the materials you’ll need including books, dictionaries, CDs and DVDs. Initially you’ll have the face-to-face sessions from September to January with your SKE programme leader, who will be experienced teaching your chosen language.

The online aspect of the course runs from January to the end of the year, this will be delivered by This is Language. Here you’ll continue to develop your language skills covering topics such as vocabulary, grammar and interactive tasks. You’ll be able to access the online information as and when you need to, so you can study alongside the PGCE course.

There may be an opportunity to go on an exchange trip to either France, Germany or Spain, where you’ll be immersed in the local culture and you can put your language skills to the test. We also work alongside the UCL Confucius Institute who are usually able to offer a Mandarin course in Shanghai, usually for two weeks.

“In an ever competitive teaching job market, having the ability to teach more than one language is essential. Having an opportunity to learn a new language, within a supportive environment, is something that will enable PGCE students to upskill.”

Joanne MimnaghMFL SKE Course Tutor

MODERN FOREIGNLANGUAGESStart date: September 2020

Duration: Throughout PGCE Study


When you're on the Physics SKE course, you'll cover a range of topics such as astrophysics, forces matter, medical physics and waves.

You may have opportunities to observe and work alongside physicists in school

settings or visit hospitals, museums or university departments to see physics in action.

Many of the sessions will take place in our science labs, with a hands-on approach so you are ready for classroom teaching.

You'll have regular assessments throughout, including presentations, written tests and possibly some group tasks. These will form part of a final portfolio that will demonstrate your progress and completion of the course.

PHYSICSStart date: January 2020 / May 2020

Duration: 6 months / 8 weeks

This course develops your knowledge and understanding of the various curriculum areas for KS3, 4 and 5.

Your study will involve the main world religions: beliefs, teaching and practices.

You’ll cover religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore religious, philosophical and ethical studies, where you'll look at different perspectives including non-religious viewpoints. You'll then apply your knowledge of religion and beliefs to classroom scenarios. Your understanding will be enriched by visits to places of worship.

You’ll complete a subject knowledge audit, so together we can track your knowledge and confidence in the various study areas.

You’ll have face-to-face sessions to develop your presentation skills and confidence. Online self study will continue to prepare you for the classroom and your PGCE study. You’ll be taught by tutors with experiences in a range of 11-19 settings.

The course will include a two-day project exploring strategies and approaches of applying faith knowledge to the classroom.


Duration: 8 weeks

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION


SKECONTACTDETAILS

Biology SKE enquiries to: Jane Martindale, Biology Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2307 Email: [email protected]

Chemistry SKE enquiries to: Dave Wood, Chemistry Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2302 Email: [email protected]

Computing SKE enquiries to: Louise Hayes, Computing Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2253 Email: [email protected]

Design & Technology SKE enquiries to: Karen Fuller, Design and Technology Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 1642 Email: [email protected]

English SKE enquiries to: Joe Barber, English Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2329 Email: [email protected]

Geography SKE enquiries to: Joanna Baynham, Geography Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 5125 Email: [email protected]

Mathematics SKE enquiries to: Stephen Gough, Mathematics Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2294 Email: [email protected]

Physics SKE enquiries to: Richard Dunk, Physics Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2299 Email: [email protected]

Modern Foreign Languages SKE enquiries to: Catherine Brady, MFL Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2380 Email: [email protected]

Religious Education SKE enquiries to: Majella Dalton-Bartley, RE Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 161 247 2354 Email: [email protected]

FURTHERINFORMATION

APPLICATION INFORMATIONIf you have received a PGCE place offer from a provider other than Manchester Metropolitan University (including School Direct routes) you will need to provide a copy of your offer letter to our Admissions Office.

Email: [email protected]

COSTSThese courses are subject to funding by the Department for Education. Whilst on the course you may receive a bursary of up to £200 per week (paid monthly)*. This course is not appropriate for Student Loan Company funding.

FIND OUT MORETo find out more about a career in teaching visit our website: mmu.ac.uk/education

Or visit the Get into Teaching website: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk

FOR GENERAL QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACTAmanda Smith, Head of Professional Development Tel: +44(0) 161 247 2063 Email: [email protected]

* These details are correct at the time of publication, but applicants are advised to check the Get Into Teaching website at getintoteaching.education.gov.uk


Faculty of Education Brooks building 53 Bonsall Street Manchester M15 6GX

Course enquiries: mmu.ac.uk/course-enquiry +44 (0)161 247 6969

@MMUEducation

MMUEducation

mmueducation

To find out more about a career in teaching visit our website: mmu.ac.uk/education

Or visit the Get into Teaching website: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk

To get the whole story about studying a PGCE or a SKE course with us, come along to one of our events. They take place regularly throughout the year and will give you the opportunity to talk to our tutors and find out more about studying at Manchester Met.

Book your place at: mmu.ac.uk/pgce/events

FINDOUTMORE

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Documents

SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT · level of self-study. You’ll learn through a range of face-to-face sessions, online lectures and workshops as well as self-study. We will provide