Mathematics with Secondary Education (QTS)

Why Mathematics with Secondary Education?

The Mathematics with Secondary Education (QTS) programme is a three year programme, leading to an honours degree and a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Qualified Teacher Status is subject to the student achieving the Government Standards for the award of QTS and passing the National Skills tests in English, Mathematics and ICT, and meeting any other Government requirements that may be in force.

Students are trained to teach mathematics at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 (11–18 years), while at the same time studying mathematics, with the programme being delivered jointly by the Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Kent and the Faculty of Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. Students can specialise in mathematics and statistics while at the same time being prepared to be creative, reflective and flexible professionals with a deep understanding of learning and teaching.

What will I study?

Year 1 is spent studying alongside students on the BSc Mathematics programme at the University of Kent.

In Year 2, in addition to a compulsory Mathematics Education module at Canterbury Christ Church and associated school experience, students continue to study a range of mathematics modules alongside BSc Mathematics students at the University of Kent.

In Year 3, the Professional year, study is alongside PGCE students at Canterbury Christ Church as well as school experience. As some school experience will have been undertaken in Year 2, students undertake a project related to mathematics teaching at the University of Kent during the spring term.

Teaching methods are varied, with a particular emphasis on student participation and active learning. Work in school is overseen by a mentor (an experienced teacher in the school) who liaises with a Link Tutor from the University.

Please note that as students are taught at the University of Kent in Year 1, they are not entitled to Canterbury Christ Church University accommodation. Instead, accommodation should be sought from the University of Kent.

Learning and Teaching

The use of a range of learning and teaching strategies is a central component of the design and planning of the programme

The learning that you experience in the University and in schools needs to model explicitly and implicitly key aspects of subject and phase-specific pedagogy. To this end, there is an emphasis on:

• Individual and collaborative learning,
• The use of a range of ways of engaging you in critical debate and discussion
• Practical, creative and active learning, through a multi-sensory approach;
• Consideration of the range of learners’ needs,
• The appropriate use of information and communication technologies
• The use of technology-enhanced learning and blended learning
• Independent and directed learning tasks
• Teaching which draws upon local, national and international perspectives
• Critical review of resources
• A strong and continual focus on professional and personal reflection
• The use of a range of methods to assist you in auditing your own knowledge, skills and understanding

During the programme you will spend a significant amount of time learning to teach in schools and other education settings, which may be both local and international. You will have a range of contrasting experiences of teaching in terms of age groups, type, size and location.

Assessments

You will be assessed for the award of your academic qualification through your assignments and through your teaching in school. You will submit assignments for all of the taught modules. Most modules carry 20 credits and the assessment will include a wide range of tasks including written essays and assignments, examinations, oral presentations, action research tasks and portfolios of evidence of your learning.

What can I do next?

This programme is aimed at students wishing to qualify as a teacher of mathematics in three years. Students qualifying as teachers are very successful in gaining employment in Kent and the rest of the United Kingdom.

Advice for Applicants

Applicants for this degree need to meet the entry criteria both for a degree in mathematics at University of Kent and for suitability to train as a teacher. Entry requirements are typically 280 UCAS points including ACC at A2 Level, see the entry requirements page for more information, with the grade A being in A2 Level Mathematics. GCSE English Language and Science (grade C or above) or acceptable equivalents are also required. Students are offered a place subject to successful interview, a satisfactory health clearance and a Criminal Records Bureau check (see here). In your application you must say why you wish to become a secondary school mathematics teacher. Applications are made through UCAS.

Students qualifying as teachers are very successful in gaining employment in Kent and the rest of the United Kingdom.

Please note that as students are taught at University of Kent in year one they are not entitled to CCCU accommodation. Instead, accommodation should be sought from University of Kent.

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