Students in white lab coat in lab

Meet Our Teacher Training Subject Specialists: Secondary Science PGCE

Hannah with goggles on in Science lab

Hannah Parsons

Practitioner for Science

Hi, my name is Hannah and I’m a Practitioner for Science within the Teacher Training department.

Here at the University of Huddersfield, our Teacher Training courses are designed to equip future educators with the skills, knowledge and practical experience they need to thrive in the classroom. A key part of that success is the expertise and passion of our subject specialists.

In this blog, Hannah Parsons, Practitioner for Science, explains what makes our Secondary Science PGCE distinctive. She shares how our dedicated subject-specific weeks help trainees connect theory to practice, highlights the unique opportunities available to science teachers in training, and offers advice on building a professional identity and preparing for the challenges and rewards of teaching science.

Can you introduce yourself and your role?

After a decade of teaching science in a variety of schools, I now have the privilege of supporting trainee teachers as they embark on their journey into the classroom. My role is all about ensuring they feel confident on placement and helping them develop into outstanding science educators.

I’m passionate about making science come alive whether through hands-on practical work or taking learning outdoors. Working with trainees is always exciting because each brings unique experiences and perspectives to their training.

Lecturer with goggles on in science lab doing an experiment

What makes the Secondary PGCE at Huddersfield distinctive for Science?

Whether your passion lies in Biology, Chemistry or Physics, our Secondary PGCE course ensures you’re prepared to teach Combined Science at KS4. That means you’ll receive training across all three disciplines, broadening your skill set and making you highly adaptable for today’s job market.

You won’t be learning in isolation. Our trainees share expertise with peers from different specialisms, creating a rich environment for collaboration and discussion. Alongside this, you’ll experience intensive weeks focused on science pedagogy, giving you the tools and confidence to deliver engaging lessons.

We work closely with local schools and Trusts, so you’ll see the very best of current teaching practice in action. Plus, we’ll connect you with professional bodies and wider networks, helping you build a strong foundation for your career as a science educator.

How do subject-specific weeks help trainees connect theory to practice?

Across the year, you’ll have three dedicated weeks working exclusively with the science cohort. These are some of the most impactful moments of your training. During these sessions, we roll up our sleeves and practice experiments together, dive into peer teaching, and critically reflect on your placement experiences.

It’s not just about sharing stories; we connect what happens in the classroom with academic evidence, exploring how research underpins best practice in schools. This process helps you grow in confidence and autonomy, equipping you to plan meaningful, purposeful tasks for your own classes.

How do you support trainees in building their professional identity?

During our subject weeks, you’ll be introduced to leading professional bodies such as the Association for Science Education and the Royal Society of Chemistry. These organisations, and many more, will support you from day one of your training and throughout your career. By accessing their resources early, you’ll be well-prepared to continue your professional development long after your PGCE year.

Another key feature of the course is having two contrasting placements. This gives you the chance to experience different approaches to teaching science and compare how lessons are delivered in varied contexts. We’ll help you reflect on these experiences and guide you in building your own teaching style, taking the best ideas from both placements to create meaningful, effective practice.

Student and Lecturer with goggles on in science lab looking at experiment

What are the key opportunities available through training to teach Science?

As a science teacher, you don’t just teach one subject; you need a solid understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. That’s why we dedicate time during the course to help you strengthen your knowledge beyond your specialism.

You’ll also have access to the University’s laboratories, giving you the chance to get hands-on with a wide range of practicals and equipment you’ll later use in schools. This experience is invaluable for building confidence and ensuring you’re ready to deliver engaging, accurate lessons in the classroom.

What do you hope trainees take away from their time with you?

The Huddersfield Science PGCE is designed to launch your teaching career with purpose. Our aim is to help you become an inclusive practitioner, someone who transforms lives through learning and promotes science literacy for all.

We’ll equip you with the confidence to make autonomous decisions in your classroom, always backed by academic evidence and best practice. By the end of the course, you’ll not only know how to teach science effectively, but you’ll also understand how to inspire curiosity and continue your own development.

Find out more about our Secondary Science courses:

Secondary Education at Huddersfield

Find out more about training to teach in Secondary Education at Huddersfield, including the subjects we offer, available bursaries and scholarships, and how to apply.

 

Find out more

Postgraduate events

Come along to one of our postgraduate events and find out more about teacher training at Huddersfield. From webinars to on-campus events, we offer a range of options to suit you.

Find out more