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.