Secondary Course Guide

Click on a subject title for more information

Lead Subject Mentor for Art & Design Jason Smalley, Manningtree High School

Course Overview

The Art & Design course at CTTC is ideal for creative and reflective individuals who are passionate about nurturing artistic expression in young people. The course is designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to teach art in a secondary school setting, supporting students in their creative journeys.

You will explore a wide range of art disciplines including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, photography, and digital media. Through both academic study and practical experience, you will learn how to plan engaging lessons, build a positive and inclusive studio environment, and inspire a love of visual arts.

You’ll gain an understanding of how to assess students’ creative work and provide constructive feedback, as well as how to celebrate diversity and cultural influences in art. The course supports you to develop your own artistic practice alongside your teaching, giving you confidence to model creativity and critical thinking in the classroom.

What You’ll Learn:

Planning and delivering engaging art lessons across Key Stages 3–5
Developing pupils’ visual literacy and creative confidence
Assessing practical and conceptual art outcomes
Managing a studio classroom and promoting safe use of materials

Placement Experience:

You’ll observe and teach in schools with strong Art departments, gaining experience in both traditional and contemporary art practices.

Useful Websites:

Lead Subject Mentor for Science Susie Devonport

Course Overview

The Biology course at CTTC provides a comprehensive grounding in how to teach biological sciences in a way that is engaging, rigorous, and relevant. Whether your background is in pure biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field, this course will support you to translate complex concepts into meaningful learning experiences for pupils across Key Stages 3 and 4 (and often 5).

You will develop your understanding of key topics such as cell biology, human anatomy, genetics, evolution, ecology, and microbiology, and learn how to deliver these in a hands-on and inquiry-led way. Emphasis is placed on scientific thinking, practical investigation, and linking learning to real-world contexts.

You’ll gain skills in managing lab activities safely and effectively, encouraging students to ask questions, interpret data, and draw conclusions. The course also explores how to support pupils with different learning needs and how to foster curiosity and resilience in science.

What You’ll Learn:

Subject knowledge across cell biology, ecology, genetics, and physiology
Planning investigations and promoting scientific thinking
Supporting pupils’ understanding of data and scientific language
Developing practical lab skills and safe practice in school laboratories

Placement Experience:

You’ll teach KS3 and KS4 Biology and Science, and may have the opportunity to observe or support A-Level teaching depending on your placement school.

Useful Websites:

Lead Subject Mentor for Business Studies George Lowe, The Trinity School

Course Overview

The Business Studies course at CTTC is designed for those with a strong interest in economics, enterprise, and real-world decision-making. Business is a highly relevant subject that appeals to many young people, and this course will give you the tools to make it come alive in the classroom.

You’ll develop a deep understanding of the curriculum content across GCSE and A-Level specifications, including entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, operations, and human resources. The course also supports you in building the skills to help students interpret data, construct arguments, and evaluate business strategies.

You’ll explore how to use current events, news stories, and real-life business case studies to enrich your teaching, making links to pupils’ own interests and experiences. As part of the course, you’ll also learn how to use digital tools, business simulations, and project-based learning to engage students and prepare them for further study or careers in business.

What You’ll Learn:

Key concepts including marketing, finance, human resources, and enterprise
Real-life case studies to support meaningful and applied learning
Effective use of data and business reports in the classroom
Preparing pupils for GCSE and A-Level exam requirements

Placement Experience:

You’ll teach KS4 Business (GCSE) and may have opportunities to observe or support in KS5 (A-Level or BTEC) classes.

Useful Websites:

Lead Subject Mentor for Science Susie Devonport

Course Overview

The Chemistry course at CTTC is designed for enthusiastic science graduates who are keen to bring the wonders of chemical science to life in the classroom. The course supports you in developing both subject knowledge and pedagogical approaches to teach chemistry across Key Stage 3, GCSE, and potentially A-Level.

You’ll learn how to break down abstract and often complex ideas – such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids and bases, reaction rates, and organic chemistry – so they are accessible and meaningful to young learners. There is a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ practical skills, scientific reasoning, and confidence in laboratory environments.

Throughout the course, you will receive training in managing practical work safely and effectively, assessing students’ progress, and using models and demonstrations to support deep understanding. You’ll also explore how chemistry connects with real-world contexts such as climate change, pharmaceuticals, and sustainability, helping students see the relevance and value of what they’re learning.

What You’ll Learn

Pedagogical approaches to teaching chemistry at KS3 and KS4 (and A Level, where applicable)
How to plan engaging, safe, and meaningful practical lessons
Strategies for explaining abstract scientific concepts using models and analogies
Assessment for learning in science and how to support all learners effectively
Cross-cutting themes like sustainability, health, and climate within the chemistry curriculum

Placement Experience

You’ll complete placements in at least two different schools, gaining experience across Key Stages 3 and 4. You’ll have the opportunity to lead practical lessons and experiment demonstrations, plan sequences of lessons, and reflect on the progress and engagement of your pupils with support from your subject mentor.

Recommended Reading

Teaching Secondary Science: Theory and Practice by Geoff Woolcott and Richard Smith
The Language of School Science (ASE Guide)

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Design & Technology Kate Hoddy, Thurstable School

Course Overview

he Design and Technology course at CTTC supports you in developing the confidence and practical knowledge to teach across the full breadth of D&T, including product design, resistant materials, textiles, electronics, and food preparation and nutrition, depending on your specialism and background.

You’ll explore how to teach the iterative design process – researching, designing, making, and evaluating – and how to inspire pupils to become creative problem-solvers. The course includes hands-on experience with tools, materials, and digital technologies, and supports safe and inclusive workshop practice.

As part of your training, you’ll learn how to plan engaging projects that integrate real-world issues such as sustainability, ethics, and innovation, giving pupils a sense of purpose and relevance in their work. You’ll also develop your assessment strategies and learn how to foster creativity, independence, and collaboration in the design classroom.

What You’ll Learn

Planning and delivering engaging D&T projects from design brief to finished product
Health and safety protocols and risk assessments in practical settings
Strategies for teaching designing, making, and evaluating
Integrating sustainability and innovation into the curriculum
Supporting creativity and independence in a practical subject

Placement Experience

During your placements, you’ll experience the breadth of D&T taught in schools and will take responsibility for leading practical sessions. You’ll receive guidance from your school-based mentor to build your skills in planning, assessment, and managing workshop environments effectively.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Drama Sarah Milligan

Course Overview

he Drama course at CTTC offers an inspiring and practical approach to teaching drama and theatre across Key Stages 3 to 5. You’ll develop the skills to create engaging lessons that build pupils’ creativity, confidence, communication, and teamwork. The course explores a wide range of drama techniques, including devising original work, scripted performance, improvisation, and the use of space and movement.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of how drama can support pupils’ personal, social, and emotional development, encouraging empathy and self-expression. You’ll also explore the links between drama and other curriculum areas, using drama as a tool for enhancing learning and inclusion.

Throughout your training, you will engage with live theatre, understand how to manage rehearsal processes, and develop strategies for assessment and feedback in both practical and written work. The course balances theoretical study with hands-on teaching experience to prepare you for the diverse demands of drama education.

What You’ll Learn

Planning and delivering practical drama lessons across Key Stages 3–5
Techniques for fostering creativity, imagination, and emotional expression
How to manage and direct group work and performances
Assessment methods specific to Drama, including both practical and written work
Supporting students’ personal development through drama and theatre

Placement Experience

You’ll complete placements in schools with active drama departments, observing and teaching lessons across different year groups. There may be opportunities to support school productions, workshops, and extracurricular drama activities, helping you build a varied portfolio of teaching experience.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for English Charlie Jasper, Colchester Royal Grammar School and Matthew Blair, Manningtree High School

Course Overview

The English course at CTTC prepares you to teach a broad and stimulating curriculum that includes language, literature, and communication skills. You’ll explore ways to foster a love of reading and writing, helping students develop critical thinking, creativity, and analytical skills.

The course covers teaching approaches across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, including preparing pupils for GCSE and A-Level examinations. You’ll learn how to support pupils in understanding a wide range of texts—from classic and contemporary literature to media and non-fiction—while also building their confidence in spoken language and writing across different genres.

You’ll gain insight into how to plan engaging lessons tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, including those with special educational needs and English as an Additional Language (EAL). Assessment techniques, formative feedback, and the use of technology to enhance learning are also key components.

This course places a strong emphasis on developing your reflective practice and understanding of how language shapes identity and society.

What You’ll Learn

Approaches to teaching reading comprehension, analysis, and creative writing
Supporting language development and literacy across the curriculum
Planning lessons that engage diverse learners with a range of texts and media
Assessment and feedback strategies for English language and literature
Using spoken language activities to develop confidence and communication skills

Placement Experience

You will gain experience teaching English in at least two schools, working with different age groups and abilities. Opportunities will include leading whole-class lessons, small-group support, and observing exam preparation classes.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Geography: James King, Colchester County High School for Girls

Course Overview

The Geography course at CTTC prepares you to inspire young people to explore and understand the complex physical and human landscapes of our world. You’ll learn how to deliver a curriculum that covers diverse topics including ecosystems, weather patterns, rivers, population dynamics, urbanisation, and sustainable development.

Your training will emphasise practical skills such as map reading, data analysis, fieldwork, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). You will be encouraged to develop enquiry-based and experiential learning opportunities that engage pupils in real-world issues like climate change, globalisation, and resource management.

The course also addresses how to teach geography in ways that develop pupils’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and global citizenship, making connections between local, national, and international contexts.

Throughout your placements, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in planning and delivering lessons, leading field trips, and using digital tools to support learning.

What You’ll Learn

Curriculum content from Key Stage 3 through GCSE and A-Level Geography
Methods for teaching physical geography topics like ecosystems, weather, and rivers
Approaches to human geography including population, migration, and urban development
Planning and leading fieldwork and enquiry-based learning
Using GIS and digital tools to enhance learning

Placement Experience

You’ll complete placements in schools where you can observe and teach geography lessons across age ranges. Fieldwork opportunities may be available, allowing you to develop skills in outdoor learning and geographical enquiry.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Health and Social Care Sharon Mangoma, Suffolk One

Course Overview

The Health and Social Care course at CTTC is designed for trainees passionate about supporting wellbeing and development within diverse communities. You will explore how to teach the subject’s broad curriculum, covering topics such as human development, health promotion, safeguarding, and social care values. The course balances theoretical knowledge with practical teaching strategies to help students understand both personal and societal health and social care issues.

You’ll develop skills to engage learners through discussions, case studies, and real-life scenarios, preparing them for further study or careers in the sector. Emphasis is placed on safeguarding, empathy, and communication skills to support vulnerable individuals. The course also covers assessment methods and strategies for supporting learners with varied needs.

What You’ll Learn

Key concepts and curriculum content across health and social care
How to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments
Strategies for teaching sensitive topics with care and professionalism
Assessment and feedback specific to vocational subjects
Linking theory to practical experiences and current industry standards

Placement Experience

Placements will provide experience in schools delivering health and social care qualifications, including opportunities to observe and teach vocational lessons. You may also visit relevant settings such as care homes or community centres to deepen your understanding.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for History Ignacio Paz, Colchester County High School for Girls

Course Overview

The History course at CTTC prepares trainees to engage students with the stories and complexities of the past. You will explore how to teach historical inquiry, critical analysis of sources, and develop pupils’ understanding of chronology, causation, and change over time.

The course covers a broad chronological and thematic curriculum spanning British, European, and world history, from ancient to modern periods. It also includes teaching approaches for controversial or sensitive topics and strategies for supporting literacy and critical thinking through historical evidence.

You’ll learn how to make history relevant to pupils’ lives, connecting past events to contemporary issues, and develop assessment methods to track pupils’ progress and understanding.

What You’ll Learn

Planning and delivering lessons on key historical periods and themes
Developing pupils’ skills in historical enquiry and source analysis
Promoting critical thinking and debating historical interpretations
Using a variety of resources, including digital archives and museums
Strategies for adaptive teaching and inclusion in history lessons

Placement Experience

You’ll undertake placements in schools with strong history departments, teaching across key stages and possibly supporting trips or projects. Mentoring will support your development of both subject knowledge and pedagogy.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentors for Mathematics: Amy Duthie, The Gilberd School; Ollie Thorpe, Manningtree High School, and Helen Baker, CTTC

Course Overview

The Mathematics course at CTTC is designed to prepare trainees to teach maths with confidence, clarity, and enthusiasm across Key Stages 3 to 5. You’ll deepen your own subject knowledge while developing the pedagogical skills needed to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging.

The course covers a broad range of topics, including algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and problem-solving, aligned with the national curriculum and examination specifications. You’ll also learn how to use assessment data effectively to support learners’ progress and tackle misconceptions.

Special focus is given to fostering mathematical reasoning, fluency, and application, alongside strategies for teaching diverse classrooms and addressing gaps in knowledge.

What You’ll Learn

Planning effective and inclusive maths lessons for different age groups
Using concrete resources and visual representations to support understanding
Techniques for teaching problem-solving and critical thinking
Assessment strategies including formative assessment and exam preparation
Supporting pupils with special educational needs in mathematics

Placement Experience

Your placements will allow you to teach maths across the age range, with mentoring to help you develop classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment skills. You may also observe maths support sessions and interventions.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Modern Languages Florence Townsend, Colchester Royal Grammar School

Course Overview

Overview

The Modern Languages course at CTTC prepares you to teach languages such as French, German, and Spanish to pupils across Key Stages 3 to 5. You’ll develop practical skills to create immersive, engaging language lessons that build pupils’ communication, cultural awareness, and confidence. The course emphasizes speaking and listening skills alongside reading and writing, integrating grammar and vocabulary within meaningful contexts.

You’ll explore contemporary approaches to language teaching, including the use of technology and authentic resources. The training also covers differentiation to support learners of varying abilities and backgrounds, as well as assessment methods aligned with GCSE and A-Level requirements.

Cultural enrichment is an important focus, helping pupils understand the diversity of language use in real-world settings and develop a lifelong interest in global communication.

What You’ll Learn

Planning lessons that develop all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Using interactive and communicative teaching methods
Strategies for teaching grammar and vocabulary effectively
Incorporating culture and intercultural understanding into lessons
Assessment techniques for modern language qualifications

Placement Experience

You will teach in schools with established language departments, gaining experience with mixed-ability classes and exam preparation. There may be opportunities to support language clubs or international exchange activities.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Physical Education Matt Atkins

Course Overview

The Physical Education course at CTTC prepares you to inspire pupils to develop physical competence, healthy habits, and teamwork skills. You’ll learn how to deliver a broad and balanced PE curriculum covering games, athletics, gymnastics, dance, and outdoor activities for Key Stages 3 to 5.

The course emphasizes inclusive practice, ensuring all pupils can participate and progress regardless of ability. You’ll explore how to promote positive attitudes towards health and wellbeing and support physical literacy development.

Training covers lesson planning, behaviour management in active environments, and assessment strategies. You will also develop knowledge of sport science, anatomy, and physical education theory to underpin your teaching.

What You’ll Learn

Designing safe and engaging practical PE lessons
Teaching a range of physical activities and sports
Supporting pupils’ social, emotional, and physical development
Managing group behaviour in active settings
Using assessment to monitor skill progression and fitness

Placement Experience

Placements will give you opportunities to teach across the curriculum in schools with strong PE departments. You may assist with extracurricular clubs, sports teams, and competitions.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Science Susie Devonport

Course Overview

The Physics course at CTTC equips you with the expertise to teach physics concepts with clarity and enthusiasm from Key Stages 3 to 5. You’ll deepen your understanding of topics such as mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, and modern physics, alongside developing pedagogical skills to make challenging content accessible.

The course integrates practical experiments and real-world applications to engage pupils and develop their scientific enquiry skills. You’ll learn how to use data analysis and modelling tools, teach problem-solving approaches, and support pupils’ scientific literacy.

You will also explore differentiated teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, including those aiming for GCSE and A-Level qualifications.

What You’ll Learn

Delivering clear explanations of key physics principles
Planning and supervising practical investigations safely
Encouraging scientific thinking and reasoning skills
Using technology and simulations to enhance learning
Strategies for assessment and exam preparation

Placement Experience

You will complete placements in schools with well-resourced science departments, teaching physics lessons across age ranges. Opportunities may include supporting science clubs and practical workshops.

Useful Websites

Lead Subject Mentor for Religious Education Sarah Jones, Thomas Lord Audley School

Course Overview

The Religious Education course at CTTC prepares you to teach pupils about a broad range of world religions, beliefs, ethics, and philosophical questions. You will develop the skills to deliver a curriculum that encourages critical thinking, respect for diversity, and ethical understanding across Key Stages 3 to 5.

The course explores how to engage pupils in discussions about identity, morality, and spirituality in a balanced and inclusive way. You’ll learn how to navigate sensitive topics with sensitivity and foster a classroom environment that values open inquiry and mutual respect.

You will study contemporary issues in religion and society, helping pupils to connect their learning to real-world contexts. The course also emphasises methods for assessment and adaptive teaching to meet the needs of all learners.

What You’ll Learn

Planning engaging lessons covering major world religions and ethical themes
Facilitating respectful discussions on sensitive or controversial topics
Encouraging pupils to develop their own beliefs and values critically
Using a variety of resources including texts, media, and visits to places of worship
Assessment techniques for Religious Education qualifications

Placement Experience

Placements offer experience in schools with diverse RE programmes, where you’ll teach across age ranges and may support visits to religious sites or community events. Mentoring will focus on subject knowledge and pedagogy.

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