SKE
Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE)
For general information regarding SKE courses, please refer to the DfE website - steps to becoming a teacher.
Applicants may not have enough specific subject knowledge to begin an ITT course for different reasons, including:
They have studied the subject to an advanced level, but over time (5+ years) have lost some of the ‘basics’ needed to teach at secondary level
They have graduated with an unrelated degree but have a related A level (A/B) in the subject they wish to teach
They have a language degree, but need a second language at an acceptable level for the schools market
By undertaking an SKE in any of the above subjects, candidates can expect to be upskilled in:
Secondary national curriculums
Key concepts relevant to the subject
How to teach key concepts to pupils in the classroom
Planning for and tackling misconceptions head on
Our 8-week SKE courses are offered to students before they commence training and are delivered during the Summer term. Trainees receive £175.00* per week funding.
You will learn from experienced and outstanding classroom practitioners who still teach these key concepts every day. You will learn through a blended approach with exciting and interactive face-to-face sessions backed up by reading, at-home activities and exam style practice. You will receive individualised feedback from our experts and learning tailored to meet your specific needs. The course equates to approximately 25 hours of study per week.
*£175 is rate of funding for 2021-22 and is therefore subject to change which will be announced shortly by the Government.
We will be publishing a link to apply to our SKE Courses here very soon.
During your Biology SKE you will…
Audit your knowledge and skills
Become more aware of the KS3-5 biology curriculum,studying units on:
Cells
Reproduction
Ecology
Digestion and nutrition
Bioenergetics (photosynthesis and respiration)
Disease, infection and response
Inheritance, evolution and genetics
Homeostasis
Develop your practical skills
Link your learning to the KS3 and KS4 curricula in physics and chemistry
Explore how to develop the cultural capital of your students
Explore how to engage students’ deep thinking through practical work and demonstrations.
During your Chemistry SKE you will…
Audit your knowledge and skills
Become more aware of the KS3-5 chemistry curriculum, studying units on:
Atoms, elements, compounds & pure and impure substances
The periodic table
Chemical reactions and changes
Atomic structure and bonding
Energy changes
Rates of reactions
Chemical analysis
Quantitative chemistry
Organic chemistry
Develop your practical skills
Link your learning to the KS3 and KS4 curricula in physics and biology
Explore how to develop the cultural capital of your students
Explore how to engage students’ deep thinking through practical work and demonstrations.
During your Computer Science SKE you will…
Audit your knowledge and skills
Become more aware of the KS3-5 computer science curriculum, studying units on:
Boolean algebra
Creating digital graphics in Photoshop and Fireworks skills
Computational thinking
Data structures
An introduction to HTML & web design
Searching and sorting algorithms
Systems architecture, memory and storage
Wired and wireless networks
Data representation
Develop your programming skills through C# and Python
Learn how to complete the A-Level & GCSE computer science programming projects
Link your learning to the KS3 and 4 curricula in computer science
Explore the use of technology in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning
During your Maths SKE you will...
Audit your knowledge and skills
Improve your confidence by deepening your understanding
Consider the delivery of topics in the classroom alongside your own learning
The content of the mathematics course is made up of the following at KS3 and 4:
Number
Algebra
Ratio and Proportion
Geometry and Measures
Probability
Statistics
And at A level:
Algebraic Manipulation
Quadratics and Cubics
Surds and Indices
Exponentials and Logarithms
Coordinate Geometry
Calculus
Trigonometry
Themes:
Develop your use of scientific and graphical calculators
Link problem solving to the curriculum
Investigate and mathematics mastery
Investigate standard teaching models
Mathematical argument, language and proof
During your Design & Technology SKE you will…
Audit your knowledge and skills
Become more aware of the KS3-5 DT curriculum, studying units on:
Resistant Materials
Product Design
Graphics
Textiles
Food
Develop your practical skills across a wide range of material areas
Link your learning to the KS3 curriculum in Design and Technology across all material areas
Link your learning to the new Design and Technology GCSE and A Level specifications
Gain an understanding of how to manage Health and Safety in different classroom environments
Explore how to engage students in practical tasks and encourage them to be risk takers
Explore how to engage students’ deep thinking through practical work and demonstrations
During your English SKE you will...
Audit your subject knowledge
Understand the requirements of the KS2 grammar test
Learn key literary terminology
Develop analysis and evaluation skills
Explore different approaches to teaching writing
Engage with texts and genres taught in KS3 and KS4: pre and post 1914 poetry and prose; Shakespeare; fiction and non-fiction; drama texts; texts from other cultures and traditions
Gain awareness of the texts and skills covered in GCSE Language and Literature courses
Learn strategies to prepare to teach A-level Literature
Explore ways to develop your pupils’ cultural literacy
Develop a knowledge of children’s and Young Adult literature
During your Physics SKE you will…
Audit your knowledge and skills
Become more aware of the KS3-5 physics curriculum, studying units on:
Motion and forces
Waves
Magnets and electromagnets
Particle model of matter
Space
Behaviour of light
Electricity and electronics
Energy
Atomic structure
Mechanics
Quantum physics
Radioactivity and nuclear physics
Develop your practical skills
Link your learning to the KS3 and 4 curricula in chemistry and biology
Explore how to develop the cultural capital of your students
Explore how to engage students’ deep thinking through practical work and demonstrations.