Influencing Teaching and Learning

EM Direct has been awarded a contract by the TDA to run Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses in Secondary Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. These will be running in June and July 2010.

The courses are designed for graduates with Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics or science related degrees who need to develop the breadth of their Subject Knowledge in relation to the requirements of the new National Curriculum in secondary schools. They take place before commencement of an ITT programme and are intended to help participants achieve QTS by providing the knowledge required to meet Standard Q14 of the QTS standards - "to have a secure knowledge and understanding of their subject".

You should normally be referred to one of these courses from an ITT provider who has offered you a teacher training place. You can be referred to an EM Direct Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course by any ITT provider in England.

EM Direct courses are 10 days which will take place between 3 June and 2 July 2010, with sessions being held either at the EM Centre for Learning in Grantham, Kesteven & Sleaford High School, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, or St Peter & St Pauls Catholic High School, Lincoln. Courses include tutor input, time in a science laboratory for the science courses, and distance learning activities. Each participant will follow an individual programme tailored to meet their needs.

Courses are FREE to attend as they are fully funded by the TDA. On completion of a course, you will be eligible to receive a TDA Bursary of £400.

Science trainees can only attend one course, either Physics or Chemistry. 15 places are available on each course.

Click here to download the Science Subject Knowledge poster. Click here to download the Mathematics Subject Knowledge poster.

Further enquiries and applications can be made to Dominique Gelsthorpe on 01476 512793 or email: d.gelsthorpe@emdirect.co.uk

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses suitable for?
These courses are for graduates with experience of the subject to at least A-level standard. This could be through holding an A-level in the subject, having an element of it in their degree course and/or occupational experience of the subject. ITT Providers will assess a candidates' subject knowledge, at interview against QTS Standard Q14, and have identified a need for additional subject knowledge training before they start their one-year ITT course (PGCE or GTP). The candidate would receive a conditional offer based on SKE completion.

What does a referring ITT provider need to do?
A referring ITT provider checks the suitability and availability of SKE courses with SKE providers. Does the course offer their individual candidate the necessary subject knowledge training they require? Suitable candidates can be referred to any SKE courses irrespective of location of provider or SKE course.

What funding is available to SKE students?
Courses are free to attend, and students on the course are eligible to receive a bursary payment. For the EM Direct 10 day Maths and Science courses this is £400, and is paid on completion of the course.