Initial teacher training

The issue

There is currently a disproportionate number of biology-related students entering teacher training.

Activities

SCORE has commissioned a small scale scoping survey to investigate the current context of Science Education and how this may influence the motivations and intended exit routes of PGCE science trainees who have undertaken enhancement programmes in physics and chemistry. This survey intends to inform a longitudinal research study monitoring science teacher status on a national scale.

Further information

The ITE scoping survey work is being carried out by the University of Cumbria. Data has been collected from PGCE science trainees who have undertaken physics or chemistry enhancement programme prior to their PGCE. Data has also been collected from practicing teachers seeking to follow the transfer programmes in physics and chemistry that aim to provide teachers with an additional subject specialism. This project is due for completion in October 2010.