About Physics Teacher Initial Teacher Training
For those looking to pursue a career in teaching without returning to university, Best Practice Network’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes for physics teachers offer a compelling alternative. Instead of following the traditional academic route, trainees are immersed directly in schools, allowing them to gain real-world experience while working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in just 11 months.
This practical model attracts individuals keen to bypass the constraints of university life and step into teaching roles with immediate impact.
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How will I learn to be a physics teacher?
Our physics teacher training programme offers a blend of online learning and practical school-based experience, designed to fit around your schedule while providing excellent support throughout.
- Structured Weekly Plan: You'll follow a well-organized weekly schedule that balances online learning with practical experience in your school, making it manageable alongside your daily responsibilities.
- Flexible Online Learning: Spend 20% of your time on professional development and subject knowledge modules through our interactive e-learning platform. The flexibility of this format allows you to access lessons, resources, and tutorials at your own pace, ensuring you can learn whenever it suits you.
- Dedicated Support: Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by an experienced school-based mentor who will regularly check your progress and help you plan your next steps, ensuring you are always moving forward with confidence.
What will I be teaching?
You will teach the national curriculum for physics. When teaching, you will cover themes including:
- Energy, forces and wave motion
- Electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism
- The structure of matter
- Atomic structure and space physics
Why become a physics teacher?
Physics is the fundamental language of the universe, and Physics teachers are its storytellers! Here's why you might consider igniting a passion for physics in the next generation:
Unravel the mysteries of the universe: Spark curiosity and a sense of wonder in your pupils! Guide them on a thrilling journey of discovery, exploring the wonders of motion, forces, energy, and the very fabric of reality.
Nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers: Physics is the foundation for countless scientific and technological advancements. By fostering a deep understanding of physics principles, you'll be shaping the future innovators who will tackle the world's challenges.
Be a lifelong learner: The world of physics is constantly evolving. As a teacher, you'll stay at the forefront of discoveries, keeping your lessons fresh and engaging while expanding your own knowledge.
Why is teaching physics important?
Physics is the bedrock of science and engineering, shaping our understanding of the world around us. Here's why teaching it is crucial:
Equipping pupils for future careers: A strong foundation in physics opens doors to exciting careers in fields like aerospace engineering, medicine, renewable energy, and more. By teaching physics, you'll be preparing students to be the problem-solvers and innovators of tomorrow.
Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Physics is all about analysing situations, formulating hypotheses, and testing them through experimentation. Through engaging lessons and problem-solving activities, you'll equip pupils with critical thinking skills vital for success in any field.
Promoting scientific literacy: Physics underpins many aspects of daily life, from understanding the workings of your phone to the forces at play when you kick a football. By fostering scientific literacy, you'll empower pupils to think critically about the world around them.
How do teachers make a difference to young people's lives?
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Apply to be a Physics Teacher
What qualifications do I need to train to be a physics teacher?
To train to teach physics, you will need:
- GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths
- a bachelor’s degree in any subject
- a keen interest in, and passion for, physics
- If we think you might need to top up your physics knowledge, we might ask you to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course before you start your teacher training
The Application Process
You can apply directly through our website below. After an initial check, we will then contact you to arrange an interview. Once a successful interview has been completed and you have accepted a place to train to teach with BPN, we will then search for a school placement for you (if you do not already have a school that is willing to support your training).
How can I prepare for a secondary teacher training interview?
- Consider why you want to teach in a secondary school and why you want to train to teach your subject
- Reflect on why you've chosen to apply for either the teacher apprenticeship or fee-funded route
- Identify some personal qualities or characteristics that you possess that would make you a suitable secondary teacher
- Think about some examples of skills or knowledge from your education or work history that you could share at interview that demonstrate your potential to train to teach, e.g. your knowledge of your chosen subject, previous experience of working with children or young people etc
- Familiarise yourself with the Secondary National Curriculum and your chosen subject's Programme of Study and use these to identify your strengths and areas for development in terms of your subject knowledge
- Research lesson plans and resources that are available for teaching your chosen subject using Oak National Academy or BBC Bitesize as a starting point
- Brush up on your literacy and numeracy skills so you are well-prepared for the Maths and Written Tasks
- Where possible, talk to current teachers or trainees so you can find out more about the teaching profession and the role of a secondary school teacher
- Research current issues in education using Schools Week or TES and think about how these might affect pupils, teachers and schools. Prepare any questions that you want to ask us about the Secondary ITT programme and/or training to teach
- Think about whether there's any important information that you need to share with us that would help you to access the programme, if you are offered a place. This could include reasonable adjustments, a learning support plan, or anything else you feel you may need support with.
"I do not work in a school" - Apply Here
Those not currently working in schools can complete our Initial Teacher Training programme for physics teachers. This 11-month course is perfect for anyone who wants to become a physics teacher including recent graduates and career changers.
Best Practice Network will do our best to find you a placement school no more than 45 minutes from where you live. You will complete the majority of your training in this placement school as well as completing a temporary placement in a contrasting school.
Initial Teacher Training costs £8,500 which can be paid with a student loan or self-funded through monthly or termly instalment plans.
A bursary of £29,000 or a scholarship of £31,000 is available to eligible candidates. Read more about scholarships and bursaries.
"I work in a school" - Apply Here
The Teacher Apprenticeship is a school-based training programme designed to help staff currently working in schools take the next step and become a qualified physics teacher.
Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, this pathway will allow you to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Qualification in just 15 months.
During your apprenticeship, you will be employed at your current school and receive a salary of at least £20,598 per year on the Unqualified Teacher Salary (UNQ1).