Institute of Education
Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Pre – Initial Teacher Training
Subject
Knowledge
Enhancement
at Reading
Information for Applicants
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Institute of Education
Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Contents
Why Subject Knowledge Enhancement?
Page 3
Why the University of Reading?
Page 4
French Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course
Page 4
Mathematics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course
Page 8
Chemistry Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course
Page 10
Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course
Page 12
Finance, Support and Further Information
Page 13
Application Process
Page 14
Contact Details
Page 16
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Institute of Education
Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Why Subject Knowledge Enhancement?
The institute of Education at the University of Reading is delighted to offer the new
TDA funded Pre – ITT Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses. The courses last
from 6 month to 1 year and offer people without subject specific degrees but good
general teaching qualities, the opportunity to develop their subject knowledge further
before commencing secondary teacher training.
Programme Aims
The course aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills required for teaching the chosen
subject in 11-19 secondary schools. Whilst there is considerable flexibility in recruiting for
this course, typically candidates will have an A level in their chosen subject and a degree in
a subject some way distant. Applicants must already have a place for secondary teacher
training conditional upon successful completion of such a course. By the end of the course,
students’ knowledge of their subject will be such that they will be able to teach their subject
to A level standard.
Programme Outcomes
The course will:
 expose students to a variety of teaching methods, including exposition, guided individual
work, group work, investigation, private research, and others;
 use a variety of assessment methods, including formal tests, extended pieces of work,
presentations, portfolios, (examinations will be used on the French course);
 develop a critical understanding of students’ own learning processes with clear
implications for their future work with children.
Acquiring this overview will involve students in study commensurate in rigour with an
undergraduate degree.
Career Progression
The expectation is that the majority of candidates successfully completing the SKE
programme, and then the full PGCE or GTP programme, will be appointed to a teaching post
in the academic year following their ITT.
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Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Why the University of Reading?
The Subject Knowledge Enhancement Programmes at The University of Reading are
run by our highly regarded Institute of Education, by the same academics who run all
of our ITT programmes. This means our SKE students are developing their subject
knowledge to a high standard with one of the best ITT institutions in the country.
The Institute of Education is a major provider of teachers nationally and regionally, offering
PGCE Secondary and Primary, BA (Ed) and the Graduate Teacher Programmes (GTP). The
secondary programme and the primary programme have both received the top Ofsted
grades in 2006/7. The employment rates of our graduates are the highest in the University
and one of the best in the country of any ITT provider. After successful work in local schools
many of our students are offered local jobs and then take advantage of our excellent,
subsidised MA programmes. All PGCE students also qualify for 60 Masters credits as part of
their course.
There is a strong Continuing Professional Development Programme and a large cohort of
PhD students, both local and international. Areas of research strength include school
improvement; inclusion and special educational needs; language assessment and
measurement; historical and comparative aspects of education and science education.
Bulmershe Campus
The Institute is currently based at the Bulmershe campus, with a move to the University
London Road campus due shortly. Bulmershe is completely self-sufficient and has many of
its own specialist facilities. The campus is close to the town centre and also well positioned
for London, the coast, and beautiful countryside. A great place to be and a great position to
get to other places.
The campus’s specialist facilities include its own careers advisory service. Having its own
services and vibrant community doesn’t stop Bulmershe student residents taking advantage
of their full access to events and facilities on all campus sites.
The campus provides self catered accommodation as well as ‘The Bully’ shop selling a small
range of groceries and stationary. Not to mention it’s own bar and coffee shop, providing hot
and cold catering during the day.
For directions to the campus and to download the Bulmershe Court campus self guided tour
visit www.reading.ac.uk
The library
The library can be found on the Whiteknights campus. 1st floor of the library building. It
supports students’ studies by providing access to information – whether online, multimedia
or printed – and the skills to make the most of it.
Facilities here include multimedia viewing, photocopying facilities and an IT Services PC lab
with colour and black & white printers. For more information see the web site at:
www.reading.ac.uk/library.
French Subject Knowledge Enhancement
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Institute of Education
Subject Knowledge Enhancement
(12 Months)
This one-year course is currently the only one of its kind in the country. It gives graduates
without a degree in French the linguistic skills needed to enter an ITT course and then
qualify as a teacher of that language across the 11-19 age range.
Applicants will:
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possess a honours degree in any subject;
normally have an A-level or equivalent in French;
demonstrate the qualities of self-direction, persistence and the capacity to cope with
the demands of an intensive language course.
You should apply directly to us at any time for the SKE course. However, by the time the
course starts, you will need to have obtained an offer of a place on an ITT course (for the
University of Reading or any other initial teacher training institution), conditional on you
successfully completing the SKE Course (different providers may stipulate that you pass the
course at a certain level). Applications for a PGCE place must be made through the GTTR;
for GTP entry, you will need to contact the initial teacher training institution in question
directly.
Programme Structure
The French Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course consists of 4 inter-related modules:
Maintaining Communication Strategies
This module is the core language component of the French Subject Knowledge
Enhancement course and it will run throughout the length of the year, in two parts.
The module aims to extend and enhance students’ linguistic knowledge and skills, to a level
that will equip them to teach the subject across the 11-19 age range in schools. There will
be an emphasis on the development of grammatical knowledge and pronunciation.
By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate competence in the following
areas, at a level at least equivalent to final year undergraduate level:
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detailed comprehension of spoken and written texts;
spoken French, showing an ability to use oral French with fluency, accuracy, and with an
appropriate register and range of lexis;
free writing in French, demonstrating the ability to write fluently, accurately and with an
appropriate register and range of lexis;
detailed knowledge of French grammar and syntax;
detailed knowledge of sound-spelling relationships.
Classroom Language and Strategies
This module covers aspects of the French language required for effective classroom
teaching. It will run throughout the length of the year, in two parts.
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This module aims to equip students with the classroom language required to ensure that
clear instructions are given, and to give them opportunities to practise this language in
practical situations.
By the end of the module students will be able to understand and use in speaking and in
writing the target language required to deliver lessons which include clear instructions and
smooth transitions.
They will also be able to plan and deliver part of a lesson at Key Stage 3 and at A level
(KS5), using appropriate target language, clear objectives, and activities linked to the
objectives which show progression.
French Civilisation
This module involves the study of key aspects of French civilisation: the French press, the
region of La Provence, French theatre (Molière) and French film (Truffaut).
This module aims to provide students with a better general knowledge and understanding of
French civilisation, and help them to relate this knowledge to pedagogy. To develop their
ability to analyse and engage critically with newspapers articles, plays and film assessing the
pedagogical value of these materials and resources. It also aims to enable students to study
a French region and produce both oral and written presentations and to provide students
with the opportunity to plan, teach and evaluate a lesson on a selected aspect of the three
chosen topics.
By the end of this module students will
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have an understanding and knowledge of the French press, aspects of film and theatre,
at a level appropriate for teaching in secondary schools;
be able to apply their analytical skills to review and critique newspaper and magazine
articles both in oral and written productions, showing the ability to write and speak
fluently, accurately and with appropriate register and range of lexis;
demonstrate the ability to form and articulate individual critical responses to literary work;
be able to organise and articulate a coherent written argument, demonstrating an ability
to integrate theory with evidence;
be able to recognise bias and stereotyping in textual and visual resources.
The French Educational System
This module gives students experience in a French school, normally for one month at the
end of the Spring term. This enables students to develop their knowledge of both the French
language and of pedagogy.
It aims to improve students’ communicative skills and provide students with first hand
experience of the French school system. Students are also encouraged to research and
analyse one specific issue – of their choice - inherent to the school system and back it up
with proper documentation, interviews, surveys
At the end of this module students will demonstrate competence in the following areas, at a
level at least equal to that required in the final year of an honours degree programme:

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critically reflect upon observations and first hand experience of a learning environment
produce a well-structured and clearly argued written report in French on these
observations.
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Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is by a variety of methods including tutor and student led seminars and workshops,
and feedback on individual and group research and presentation work. Assessment of
University based assessment tasks will involve meeting the stated criteria for each task. A
sample of submissions will be second marked and moderated. Modules will be assessed
partly through coursework, partly through examinations. Details are given in each Module
Description.
Successful completion of each Module is achieved by gaining a mark of at least 40% against
the stated criteria for that module. For Module 1 (EDFR1), students must additionally pass
each component part of the module at 40%+.
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Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Mathematics Subject Knowledge Enhancement
(6 Months)
The mathematics SKE course at Reading is a six-month, full-time subject knowledge course
prior to teacher training designed for people with degrees and good general teaching
qualities, needing to develop their mathematics further before commencing secondary
teacher training. The course runs from the beginning of February to the end of July.
Programme Structure
The maths Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course consists of 4 inter-related Modules.
These modules have no credit value.
The modules that candidates will be expected to take are:
Module Title
Number and algebra
Geometry and calculus
Probability and statistics
‘A’ level options / maths around us
Level
C
C
C
C
Students will be required to attend at the University from 09:30 to 16:00 Tuesday to Friday
for the duration of the course, except for reading weeks and a week in school.
The course is organised according to 4 overarching modules, which contain a number of
units:
Module 1: number and algebra
Unit 1.1: number
Unit 1.2: algebra
Unit 1.3: proof and structure
Module 2: geometry and calculus
Unit 2.1: geometry
Unit 2.2: calculus
Module 3: probability and statistics
Unit 3.1: probability
Unit 3.2 statistics
Module 4: A level options / mathematics around us
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Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Unit 4.1: A level options (see below)
Unit 4.2: mathematics around us: private research
Unit 4.3: mathematics around us: an analysis
Unit 4.4: mathematical interconnections
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is by a variety of methods including tutor and student-led seminars and workshops,
practical work, and feedback on individual and group research and presentation work.
Students are expected to attend all taught and practical sessions and to complete set work.
Students will be regularly set independent or group work, to be done outside of taught
sessions, in order to practice the appropriate skills and to develop knowledge and
understanding. They will be supported by the VLE, peer support and tutorials. They will be
provided with regular formative feedback in order to achieve an acceptable standard by the
end of the module.
All work is step marked, as this is a pass / fail programme, with no academic credits
attached. The marking will provide an indication of the level of achievement and final
assessments will be included on a transcript.
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Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Chemistry Subject Knowledge Enhancement
(6 Months)
The chemistry SKE course at Reading is a six-month, full-time subject knowledge course
prior to teacher training designed for people with science related or numerate degrees and
good general teaching qualities, needing to develop their chemistry further before
commencing secondary teacher training. The course runs from the beginning of February to
the end of July.
Programme Structure
The chemistry Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course consists of 4 inter-related modules.
These modules have no credit value but will be assessed on a four step system for formative
feedback and records purposes
The modules that candidates will be expected to take are:
Module Title
Level
Introductory chemistry
C
Physical Chemistry
C
Inorganic chemistry
C
Organic chemistry
C
Practical chemistry
C
Introductory Chemistry
A flexible and interactive approach to maths in physical science, together with health, social,
ethical, economic and technological aspects of chemistry.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to the
aims of the module. Students will be expected to:
 Carry out practical work with due regard for Health and safety.
 Become competent in basic chemical concepts and techniques
 Value chemistry in research, industrial application and educational environments.
Physical Chemistry
Students will gain insight into the structure of atoms and molecules and the forces between
them, and the theory and measurement of enthalpy change. Students will then be exposed
to the driving forces of chemical reactions, the mechanisms of reactions and how their rate
and equilibrium is studied and measured.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to:
 Chemical phenomena, concepts, laws, theories, models, relationships, quantities and
definitions;
 Chemical vocabulary, terminology, conventions, symbols and units;
Inorganic Chemistry
Students will gain an understanding of the three main types of bonding within the framework
of electronegativity. Students will consider group and period trends and develop knowledge
and understanding of the structure, isomerism and redox properties of transition metal
complexes.
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Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to:
 Chemical phenomena, concepts, laws, theories, models, relationships, quantities and
definitions;
 Chemical vocabulary, terminology, conventions, symbols and units;
Organic Chemistry
Students will be equipped with the tools to understand the organic reactions through the
framework of the functional group level, to suggest reagents and conditions for the
transformations they have studied when faced with unfamiliar reaction schemes, to consider
the three dimensional nature of organic reactions and to understand their mechanisms and
the acid-base properties of organic reactions.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to:
 Chemical phenomena, concepts, laws, theories, models, relationships, quantities and
definitions;
 Chemical vocabulary, terminology, conventions, symbols and units;
Practical Chemistry
Students will carry out practical work as part of the Organic, Inorganic and Physical
chemistry modules in order to develop their ability to manipulate apparatus, record
observations and then analyse it. This work will be assessed will be assessed as part of the
Practical Chemistry module.
Students will be expected to demonstrate the following skills and understanding:
 Competently manipulate a wide range of chemical equipment and materials;
 Record observations appropriately;
 Analyse and evaluate practical results;
 Apply their chemical knowledge to further their understanding of the practical work
undertaken.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is by a variety of methods including tutor and student-led seminars and workshops,
practical work, and feedback on individual and group research and presentation work.
Students are expected to attend all taught and practical sessions and to complete set work.
Students will be regularly set independent or group work, to be done outside of taught
sessions and practicals, in order to practice the appropriate skills and to develop knowledge
and understanding. They will be supported by the VLE, peer support and tutorials. They will
be provided with regular formative feedback in order to achieve an acceptable standard by
the end of the module.
All work is step marked, as this is a pass / fail programme with no academic credits
attached. The marking will provide an indication of the level of achievement and final
assessments will be included on a transcript.
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Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement
(6 Months)
The Physics SKE course at Reading is a six-month, full-time subject knowledge course prior
to teacher training designed for people with science related or numerate degrees and good
general teaching qualities, needing to develop their physics further before commencing
secondary teacher training. The course runs from the beginning of February to the end of
July.
Programme Structure
The Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course consists of 4 inter-related modules.
These modules have no credit value but will be assessed on a four step system for formative
feedback and records purposes.
The modules that candidates will be expected to take are:
Module Title
Introductory Physics
Mechanics, Gravity and Energy
Waves
Radial Fields (the atom and the nucleus)
Level
C
C
C
C
Introductory Physics
A flexible and interactive approach to maths in physical science, together with health, social,
ethical, economic and technological aspects of physics and astronomy.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to the
aims of the module. Students will be expected to:
 Carry out practical work with due regard for health and safety;
 Handle and interpret unfamiliar situations;
 Translate information from one form into another;
 To value physics in research, industrial application and educational environments;
 To understand some of the historical and philosophical developments in particular
aspects of physics.
Mechanics, Gravity and Energy
Students will gain an understanding of basic Newtonian physics with extensions into special
relativity and kinetic theory.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to:
 Physical phenomena, principles, concepts, laws, theories, models, relationships,
quantities and definitions;
 Physical vocabulary, terminology, conventions, symbols and units;
 Physical laboratory apparatus and its use.
Waves
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Students will study the wave model in physics and its development towards quantum
mechanics.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to:
 Physical phenomena, principles, concepts, laws, theories, models, relationships,
quantities and definitions;
 Physical vocabulary, terminology, conventions, symbols and units;
 Physical laboratory apparatus and its use.
Radial Fields (the atom and the nucleus)
Students will study field theories in physics and their development in quantum and nuclear
physics studies.
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in relation to:
 Physical phenomena, principles, concepts, laws, theories, models, relationships,
quantities and definitions;
 Physical vocabulary, terminology, conventions, symbols and units;
 Physical laboratory apparatus and its use.
Across all modules
Students will be expected to demonstrate practical skills by:
 Planning investigations;
 Making and recording observations and estimates methodically and with regard to
precision, accuracy and cost;
 Plot and analyse graphs to identify mathematical relationships;
 Manipulating and analysing raw data;
 Drawing conclusions supported by evidence;
 Evaluating experimental methods;
 Researching information from a variety of sources.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is by a variety of methods including tutor and student-led seminars and workshops,
practical work, and feedback on individual and group research and presentation work.
Students are expected to attend all taught and practical sessions and to complete set work.
Students will be regularly set independent or group work, to be done outside of taught
sessions and practical’s, in order to practice the appropriate skills and to develop knowledge
and understanding. They will be supported by the VLE, peer support and tutorials. They will
be provided with regular formative feedback in order to achieve an acceptable standard by
the end of the module.
All work is step marked, as this is a pass / fail programme. With no academic credits
attached. The marking will provide an indication of the level of achievement and final
assessments will be included on a transcript.
Finance, Support and Further Information
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SKE Finance
The Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course is fully funded by the TDA, therefore there are
no fees to pay for the course.
The TDA also provides a bursary to help cover students living costs whilst on the course.
This usually equates to £800 per calendar month for the length of the course (subject to
change by the TDA).
ITT Finance
Students may be eligible for tuition fees for subsequent initial teacher training; however
further funding is available for this from the TDA and Student Loans Company. For further
information about ITT finances and support please speak to your individual ITT provider.
Other Financial Support
Students on 12 month courses may be eligible for help towards living costs from the Student
Loans Company.
All SKE students are eligible to Council Tax reduction, subject to the usual guidelines.
The University also provides student financial support, with staff who can offer additional
financial advice and support. Students on the French course may receive financial support
towards the placement in France.
Further Information
 For further information about the TDA, all of the courses they run and financial support
they provide visit:
www.tda.gov.uk

For more information about support from the Student Loan Company visit:
www.slc.co.uk

For more information about eligibility for Council Tax relief and how to apply visit:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/student/test-archive/council_tax.asp

You can contact the University of Reading’s Student Service Centre at:
Student Services Centre
Carrington Building
University of Reading
Whiteknights
Reading RG6 6UA
0118 378 5555
studenthelp@reading.ac.uk
Application Process
I would like to apply for the SKE Course and my ITT programme at the University of
Reading.
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PGCE
Applicants wishing to apply for a PGCE at the University should simultaneously send a
PGCE application, through the GTTR website, and a SKE application, from the University of
Reading website (www.reading.ac.uk/education).
Applicants should make clear on the GTTR form that they would like to, or are willing to take
the SKE course, should the subject tutor think it necessary and are willing therefore to defer
their application by one year if necessary.
On receipt of the application forms, if the candidate is deemed suitable, they will be invited
for a joint SKE/PGCE interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be informed in writing of the
decision not to pursue their application any further.
With the letter inviting candidates to interview will be all of the information required including,
what to expect at the interview and details of how to get to the campus. The interview will
also provide unsure candidates with the opportunity to discuss with the interviewing tutor
which route into teaching would be most suitable for them, and whether a SKE course will be
necessary in their case.
After the interview the applicant will receive written confirmation as to whether they have
been successful. Successful candidates will receive two letters, one offering them a place on
the PGCE course, the other offering them a place on the SKE course. Applicants must reply
with all paperwork by the prescribed dates to ensure that places are kept for them on all
courses.
GTP
Candidates wishing to apply for GTP at The University of Reading will apply through the
TDA website: http://www.tda.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options/gtp/how-toapply.aspx . As for PGCE, candidates should state on the application form that they would
like to be considered for, or are willing to consider, SKE before embarking on their GTP
programme. The SKE application form also found on the University website will also
normally be sent at the same time.
As with PGCE successful applicants will be attend a joint interview for GTP/SKE and
applicants successful at this stage will receive two offers, one from each course, both of
which must be replied to by the prescribed date to ensure a place is kept open on both
courses.
I would like to apply for the SKE course at Reading but my ITT programme at another
institution.
Applicants wishing to complete their ITT at an institution other than Reading must typically
first complete their GTTR or GTP application form, again stating that they are interested in
first taking a SKE Course (and are willing to defer, if relevant).
Once a conditional place has been offered, applicants should then apply to the SKE course
using the application form on the University website.
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Once the University has received confirmation from the applicants’ ITT provider of the offer,
and as long as there are spaces available applicants will normally be offered a place without
interview (except for French, where an interview will be necessary). Applicants may be
interviewed where there is competition for remaining places.
Conditional Offers
Any offers made by ITT providers (including The University of Reading) onto ITT
programmes, will be conditional on the successful completion of the SKE course. Some ITT
providers, or certain ITT subjects, may make the offer conditional on passing the SKE
course at a certain level, due to the intense nature of the ITT programme for which has been
applied. It is important that applicants understand the offer they have been made before
embarking on the course.
All offers onto our SKE programme are conditional upon the applicant’s acceptance of their
offered place at their chosen ITT provider. Failure to accept the offer they have been made
will result in withdrawal of any offer made for the SKE programme.
Useful Application Information:

SKE
Application Forms can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-PG-Pre-ITET.asp
For further admissions information contact:
David Kempton
0118 378 5899
ske@reading.ac.uk

PGCE
Applications for all PGCE course be found at:
http://www.gttr.ac.uk/
For information specific to the admissions at The University of Reading contact:
Yvonne Woodward
0118 378 5254
y.m.woodward@reading.ac.uk

GTP
Information about applications to the GTP programme at Reading can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-gtpapply.asp
For more information contact:
Hazel Inglese
0118 378 8842
h.l.inglese@reading.ac.uk
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