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PGCE Secondary - Mathematics
Course closed for 2010 entry!
This programme will prepare you to become a successful and valued member of a secondary school department and develop your ability to teach pupils aged 11-16. Good mathematics teachers are always in demand, so employment prospects are excellent.
This practical programme relates to life in the classroom whilst giving you the knowledge and understanding necessary to reflect on your practice, and that of your colleagues’, in order to improve your teaching and children’s learning. Whilst you work on developing your skills as a mathematics teacher, you will be encouraged to focus on various skills which will in future enable you to continue developing your own professional path. You will learn how to focus on an overreaching goal related to mathematics pedagogy and related research questions that you wish to explore through collaborative and individual practices to achieve maximum potential in your studies.
Course Structure and Content
This programme aims to enable you to meet the DCSF Standards in respect of pupils aged 11-16; the QTS recommendation is for Key Stages 3 and 4. There are opportunities to undertake post-16 enhancement work, with University based sessions on planning, teaching and assessment at post-16. The programme is divided into University and school-based phases.
The University phase is in two blocks, one at the start of the programme and one after Christmas. In the first phase we concentrate on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching Key Stage 3. We look at the four areas of the National Curriculum and develop ideas on how to teach each area in a manner that links the whole together. We make good use of the National Numeracy documents.
Children’s learning is at the heart of the programme so we consider what ‘understanding’ means and how this can be developed and assessed. The love of and the competency in mathematics is, on the other hand, one of the most important aspects of being a good mathematics teacher, hence an emphasis is also put upon supporting you to further develop both through workshops and events.
After Christmas we consider teaching and learning at Key Stage 4 and A-level and widen and deepen the understanding and skills developed in the first phase. The School phases are with two different partner schools. The first six-week phase is before Christmas and the second fourteen-week phase runs from March. The first of these phases is usually in a pair, so you will take responsibility for teaching the classes whilst your partner supports you.
Teaching Methods and Resources
As the programme is practical most of the University sessions can be thought of as workshops. We consider the misconceptions that some children develop and how they can be overcome. We also consider how a child’s learning progresses and how teaching styles can aid this. We visit local classrooms to gain insight into these aspects of Maths education and to test the ideas developed.
ICT plays a major part in teaching mathematics in schools so you are given opportunities to develop your skills in the use of mathematics-specific software, general purpose software and hardware, including interactive white boards, and to consider how such tools can be used most effectively.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements you are expected to have a degree in Mathematics or a related subject with at least 50% suitable maths content. In addition you need A-Level Maths. GCSE equivalence tests are offered for English language. You are expected to have enthusiasm for mathematics and for working with children. You will need to demonstrate commitment to learning, both your own and for children. This is a demanding programme and on completion you will realise why teaching can be such a rewarding and satisfying profession.
If you want to teach maths but are unsure if you have the necessary subject knowledge then you may be recommended to take the Mathematics Enhancement Course. This is a 28-week intensive course which aims to develop a deep understanding of all school mathematics with the potential to teach up to A-level.