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PGCE Key Stage 2/3 - Mathematics
Mathematics is a part of everyday life, and a part of the cultural heritage of every society; doing mathematics involves different levels of engagement, from an ability to count and be numerate to the pursuit of mathematics in creative ways. Apart from an incredibly rich world of mathematics in which there is always a new field to explore and learn about, being a mathematics teacher offers exceptionally good career prospects.
There is a nationally recognized shortage of maths teachers, and promotion prospects are varied and exciting. In particular the Key Stage 2/3 phase mathematics specialism is one which has promising progression pathways in both primary to secondary settings.
This one-year programme provides an exciting opportunity to qualify to teach mathematics to the 7-14 age range in primary, Key Stage 2/3 or across the transition into secondary school. It will provide you with a subject specialism for secondary teaching but also qualifies you as a Primary classroom teacher.
Course Structure and Content
The programme is structured to balance university teaching with school-based phases. It is designed to enable you to teach mathematics to all abilities across the Key Stage 2/3 range. There is an emphasis on how mathematics is addressed in the National Frameworks at Key Stages 2 and 3 both within the subject specific frameworks and the National Strategies.
The subject specific element of the course includes sessions on a range of pedagogical approaches and styles used by the teachers of mathematics in teaching number and algebra, geometry, and data handling and how to incorporate these skills to enable students to use mathematics and think mathematically. You will learn how to plan, teach, observe and critique the mathematics lessons, and how to focus on an overreaching goal and related research questions that you wish to explore. You will be working in a number of settings, and will investigate the collaborative and individual practices to achieve maximum potential in your studies of mathematics pedagogy and mathematics education practice.
In addition, you will learn to be a general Primary practitioner. The university-based aspects of teaching include continuing study of your specialist subject and substantial pedagogical and curriculum input in the core subjects. You will develop a critical understanding of the processes of learning and teaching and requirements of the Key Stage 2 aspects of the National Curriculum as appropriate. In addition you will have short courses in a range of foundation subjects.
Another major element of the programme is the Professional Studies component. This offers a mix of experiences both in school, at the university and other settings. It positions you in the broader context of professional practice and considers key issues which take you beyond the confines of the traditional curriculum. All professional studies themes are developed further in the subject elements at both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.
Teaching Methods and Resources
The three phases of the programme are:
- A period of induction both in university and school, followed by a Key Stage 3 school phase in either a middle school or a secondary school – September until Christmas;
- Preparation for teaching in the primary phase – January until March;
- The final extended school phase in a primary school – March until June.
Your study will involve developing a range of approaches to teaching and learning mathematics. Assessment is continuous throughout the programme to enable you to cover all the standards required to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have a degree in Mathematics or a related subject with at least 30-50% suitable maths content. In addition you need to have A-Level maths. GCSE equivalence tests are offered for English language.
In those instances where your degree doesn’t have sufficient maths content, you may be recommended to take a Maths Enhancement Course prior to joining the PGCE year. This is an intensive 28-week course that will focus on maths subject knowledge as required by the National Curriculum for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, and to achieve this fully you will study the subject to the equivalent of A-level standard.