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One of the most common questions I hear from prospective Now Teachers is:
“It’s been years since I studied my subject… what if I don’t remember enough?”
It’s been a while since your school or university days, and most career changers feel a bit rusty when it comes to subject knowledge.
If you’re thinking this too, I’m here to reassure you that you’re not alone and there are steps you can take, with our support, to help prepare.
What are SKE courses? Let me talk you through it.
You may not be aware of Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses (SKEs) that are designed to help with your career change journey.
SKE courses help refresh your subject knowledge before you start your initial teacher training course, running anywhere from 8 – 28 weeks.
They’re designed for people who have the right foundation but may need a refresher (or a deep dive!) back into their existing knowledge.
Most subject knowledge enhancement courses are flexible, online or a combination of online and in person, and take you through the key parts of secondary education.
By the end, you’ll feel more confident and more prepared for your first day as a trainee teacher.
Subjects with funded SKE courses are:
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- French, Spanish and German
- Mathematics
- Physics
These are funded by the Department for Education — and in some cases, you may even receive a subject bursary while you study.
But what if your teacher training subject isn’t in this list? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of actions you can take and support available before your teacher training course begins.
1. Explore free online platforms
Websites like Oak National Academy, STEM Learning, Seneca, and BBC Bitesize are fantastic for revisiting core concepts.
2. Look at the curriculum
Download the secondary curriculum for your teacher training subject and read through what pupils learn. Many career changers find this instantly reconnects them with existing subject knowledge they thought they’d forgotten.
3. Join subject associations
Groups like the Historical Association, Association for Science Education, or National Centre for Computing Education or Design and Technology Association offer accessible CPD and resources.
4. Learning in the Classroom
If you have time to visit schools before teacher training starts, you could observe teachers in your subject area. You will pick up tips of how to deliver lessons and increase your existing subject knowledge.
I know finding the time for this can be tricky for career changers, so just to reassure you, that you will conduct observations throughout your teacher training too.
5. Subject lead
You will undertake additional subject knowledge enhancement training during your training year. A subject lead will be appointed and help support you if you have any concerns.
Now, let’s hear from one of our Now Teachers…
Darren Manoharan admits he was still concerned about his subject knowledge even after completing his SKE course. However, he says he needn’t have worried as once he started his teacher training, he realised that he had a broad range of subject knowledge.
You’re not on your own
Being a member of the Now Teach network allow you the unique opportunity to ask your questions to our community of career changers.
Talk to us about becoming a Now Teacher today