Bath Spa University - Courses - Teaching

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PGCE Secondary - Mathematics

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 overarching 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

The programme will enable you to meet the QTS Standards in respect of pupils aged 11-16. There are also opportunities to undertake university based education for planning, teaching and assessing the post-16 age range. 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 study the recent reviews of the curriculum and discuss your possible input in shaping the new curriculum for the 21st century.

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. 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 prior to joining the PGCE year. 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 standard.

Student Profile

Having completed a degree in Education at Bath Spa I wanted to remain at the University to complete my Initial Teacher Education due to the supportive staff, passion for education and focus on students and their needs. The programme offers a range of in-school phases complemented by taught sessions. The emphasis is on teaching and learning strategies (and not curriculum content) and has been extremely valuable through placements. The diversity of my studies at undergraduate level has well equipped me for the PGCE and given me a greater understanding of issues pupils and schools may have. The beautiful setting of the University makes you want to come to lectures to escape from the city! Before studying on this programme I already had a degree in Mathematics at The University of Bath, I then came to study here and achieved a first in Education and Psychology. I managed to obtain a job as a Mathematics Teacher after completing the programme. I only have good things to say about my experiences at Bath Spa and really appreciate the dedication of staff to individual needs here.