Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry teacher training at The OAKS invites people from a variety of scientific backgrounds. Whether you have worked in the chemical industry, or are a recent graduate in chemistry (or in a degree with a substantial element of chemistry, such as forensic science, biochemistry or pharmacy) the course will allow you to develop your subject knowledge and pedagogy, ready to inspire young people in schools.

Chemistry is a core subject in secondary schools, forming one third of science taught to 11 to 16-year-olds. Moreover, it is an exciting yet unique subject, as chemical ideas underpin everything that we know about the world, and yet are not tangible and often cannot be seen. The use of practicals and demonstrations in a chemistry lesson makes the subject stand out in young people’s minds, and The OAKS course will allow you to discover the best way to use such practicals to allow your individual classroom style to flourish. You will explore the use of modelling, games and dance to teach the fundamental chemical concepts and how to make chemistry seem relevant to young people, all of which come together to create a simulating and safe learning environment. Sessions will be able to prepare you for handling different situations, since strategies for maintaining discipline and managing the learning in a chemistry laboratory are considered and discussed.

We provide you with the right foundation in knowledge, skills and understanding for meeting the teaching, administrative and management demands which lie ahead.

While the course aims to help you meet the standards which qualify you to teach, it also has wider horizons which encompass the induction (newly qualified teacher) year and the early years of teaching. Many of our ex-trainee teachers progress rapidly through the profession so we provide you with an appropriate foundation in knowledge, skills and understanding for meeting the teaching, administrative and management demands which lie ahead.

To sum up, the course aims to help you become a competent, professional and, above all, creative teacher, capable of inspiring and developing the scientific enquiry within the young people with whom you have the privilege of working.

Chemistry trainee teachers are eligible for tax-free training scholarships and bursaries, with possible further funding in early-career payments. Click here for further details on funding.