From Biology Graduate to Chemistry Teacher: How an SKE Helped Jack Take the Next Step

When Jack Thomas decided to pursue a career in teaching, he knew he wanted to inspire the next generation through science. Although he held a degree in Biological Sciences, he was passionate about chemistry and wanted to specialise in teaching the subject at secondary level.

To begin his teacher training journey, Jack enrolled on the Secondary Science PGCE at Bradford College. As his academic background was primarily in biology, he was required to complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course in Chemistry before starting the programme.

Building Subject Knowledge and Confidence

Before beginning the SKE, Jack felt confident in some areas of chemistry but knew there were gaps in his knowledge.

“Certain parts of it I was confident on and then there were other parts that I had completely forgotten existed until I did the SKE.”

The online Chemistry SKE gave him the opportunity to revisit key concepts and strengthen his understanding across the subject. Looking back, Jack believes the course was essential preparation for his PGCE.

“It helped me prepare for teaching 100%. I feel like I know all of it now.”

One area where he particularly noticed the difference was quantitative chemistry.

“I was quite weak on that and I’d forgotten all the equations. Now, when we’re doing practice questions in class, I can do them, which is good.”

Flexible Learning That Fits Around Life

One of the benefits of Bradford College’s SKE courses is their flexible online delivery, allowing learners to study around work, family and other commitments.

For Jack, this flexibility proved invaluable.

While completing the course, he was supporting his mother after she broke her foot, alongside managing his other responsibilities.

“If there was a short time limit on it, I would have failed it. The flexibility meant I could push it back and still get it done.”

The online platform enabled him to learn at times that suited him.

“I could just dip in whenever I needed to. It was really easy to use and there was a simple introduction that made it easy to navigate.”

Although tutor support was available throughout the course, Jack found the resources and structure straightforward enough to work through independently.

Creating Resources for the Classroom

One unexpected benefit of the SKE was the opportunity to create teaching materials that could be used in future lessons.

“The bit I enjoyed most was creating my own PowerPoint and resources based on what I’d learned. I’ve kept them, so I’ve already got them in the bank to use as teaching resources.”

This practical approach not only reinforced his learning but also provided him with resources that he can take into his teaching career.

Making the Transition to Teacher Training

Now on his first school placement, Jack is already seeing the value of the knowledge gained through the SKE.

Many of the lessons he has observed have been chemistry-focused and content-heavy.

“If I was observing those lessons and didn’t know the content, I’d probably be panicking. Instead, I feel like I know what they’re talking about and I could teach it myself.”

He also believes the course has had a significant impact on his confidence in the classroom.

“It’s definitely helped my confidence because I know what I’m talking about now.”

Advice for Future Teachers

For anyone considering teacher training but concerned that their subject knowledge may not be strong enough, Jack has a simple message:

“Do it anyway, because there are resources there to support you and get you up to where you need to be.”

His journey demonstrates how Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses can open doors for aspiring teachers, helping them develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to begin a successful teaching career.

As Jack continues through his PGCE, he is looking forward to one aspect of teaching above all else:

“The practicals. I love doing practicals and I love getting other people to do the practicals.”

And when asked about the impact he hopes to have on future students, his answer went beyond science:

“It’s not just about getting them to be good at science. The big thing for me is helping them become good people.”

Flexible Learning That Opened the Door to Teaching

For Jack, completing a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course was more than just a requirement for starting his PGCE. It gave him the confidence, knowledge and practical resources needed to begin his teaching career successfully. By offering flexible, accessible learning that fits around work and family life, Bradford College’s SKE courses help aspiring teachers take the next step towards the classroom.

Whether you’re changing career, returning to study or looking to specialise in a different subject area, our SKE programmes can help you unlock your teaching potential.

Click here to learn more about our SKE courses and teacher training at the Margaret McMillan School of Education.