An excellent chemistry teacher should have a good understanding of both subject knowledge (SK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK).

In this section we will explain about the merits of enhancing SK and PCK, and how we can support you in this.

Also in Teacher professional development

What we offer
About our courses
CPD for secondary teachers
CPD for primary teachers

Defining specialist & non-specialist

A specialist chemistry teacher – in the context of secondary school teaching – is one who has a chemistry or closely related degree, relevant professional experience or has had intensive subject-specific training.

A non-specialist may be a science teacher who has many years’ experience teaching biology or physics, or an experienced teacher in another subject specialism who teaches chemistry.

Developing subject knowledge

Subject knowledge (SK) is the understanding of pure chemistry, the content or ‘what’ is being taught. We understand that there are times in your career when SK is a greater focus than PCK. For example, subject knowledge enhancement courses are often attended by those looking to move into teaching, who need to enhance their understanding of the core content before going on to the science of how to teach it.

SK for specialists

Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses offer you the chance to prepare for teacher training by building up or refreshing your existing knowledge. These courses are known as pre-initial teacher training (ITT) courses.

For those entering teacher training in 2016/17, the Department for Education have funding for pre-ITT SKE course. More information on pre-ITT Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses can be found on our website on a career in chemistry teaching and the Department for Education’s website.

A searchable course directory of existing providers of subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses can be found here.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses can also be used by qualified chemistry teachers to help boost subject knowledge at any time during their career. There are different courses available in the UK. These include:

  • The NCTL Return to Teaching programme
  • Post-initial teacher training (ITT) courses
  • Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) Courses for existing and returning teachers

SK for non-specialists

If you are a non-specialist teacher (with QTS) who is teaching chemistry, you can complete subject specialism training in secondary chemistry to boost your subject knowledge. These courses include:

  • Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) Courses for existing and returning teachers
  • Our CPD course: Chemistry for non-specialists. This is a four- or five-day course, with either one or two residential periods depending on location. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of key ideas in pre-16 chemistry. The course is specifically aimed at those who are not chemistry specialists and provides opportunities to develop confidence in teaching practical chemistry.

Pedagogical content knowledge

Pedagogical content knowledge, referred to as PCK, is the understanding of the techniques used to help students grasp the content correctly. A key part of your development as a teacher is also enhancing your ability to put this understanding into practice in the classroom.

PCK constitutes an understanding of misconceptions, contextualising and questioning amongst other things.

Similarly to SK there will be times in your career when enhancing your pedagogical understanding of your subject will be your main focus.

The sections below give some background to help you decide when this might be appropriate for you.

PCK for specialists

The benefits of PCK

Teachers who develop their PCK have access to a wider range of teaching techniques which allow them to be increasingly effective in the classroom by using the appropriate technique at the right time, according to their professional judgement.

Focusing on PCK in a specific subject such as chemistry it is known as subject specific PCK. More information on this can be found in the non chemistry specialist information in this section.

PCK and evidencing performance

Having a good appreciation of subject specific PCK is only part of becoming a successful specialist chemistry teacher. Applying the knowledge and practicing the techniques are key to success in the classroom. Our offering will show you how to do this and enable you to practice the techniques in a classroom setting without students present and enable you to gain feedback from course leaders and peers while doing this.

Our courses will enable you to learn how to evidence your own performance and gain a solid understanding of the elements required in planning the most successful lessons. The course will provide a comfortable setting for you to develop your PCK and SK, and practice new techniques. You will have an expert on hand to support you in doing this as well as other chemistry teachers to discuss the impact of activities and techniques with.

 

PCK for non-specialists

Chemistry-specific PCK

When the focus on PCK is applied to a given subject area it is known as subject specific PCK. This is highly specialised and a variety of research, such as the What makes great teaching? report from October 2014 confirms a teacher skilled in subject specific PCK is one of the most important things needed in a successful classroom environment.

Though our courses you will develop your subject specific PCK and gain a good understanding and appreciation of the misconceptions possible and how to avoid them, both lab and non-lab based practical chemistry teaching as well as subject specific knowledge of the teaching techniques mentioned in the introduction to this PCK section.

Career progression

As a teacher of chemistry, you can progress your career in a variety of ways. However, most teachers will either going progress into management, as a head of department or key stage in a subject, or progress via a more pastoral route.

Whichever route you take, being an effective chemistry teacher will support your progress.

How we can help

Become a chartered science teacher

We can help you to become a Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach), which is a chartered mark recognising excellence in science teaching and learning.

Gaining CSciTeach demonstrates your commitment to your profession, by evidencing the impact you have had on science teaching and learning at your school.

Join us

By becoming a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, you'll be eligible for the following benefits:

  • A monthly copy of Chemistry World and RSC News magazines
  • Access to extensive collections of journals, eBooks, databases and more via The Virtual Library
  • Connect through our networks with other education professionals through our Education Division and interest groups, including the Curriculum and Assessment group, the Chemical Education Group and the Educational Techniques group.
  • Support through our careers service advisors, events and resources

More information about how to join is available via our membership pages.

Careers support

Continuing Professional Development for Teachers

For all queries relating to teacher CPD
Email:
Send us an email

Share