PGCE in Maths (11-18)
Course code: G1X1
Mode of study: Full time
Location: Canterbury & Essex*
* When applying please use campus code E for Essex.
A campus code is not required for Canterbury.
Introduction
The 11-18 PGCE in Mathematics is an innovative and intensive nine-month programme that prepares graduates for the demands of teaching the 11-18 age range in the secondary education sector. On successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded a PGCE and recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to teach in schools.
The course is organised in partnership with schools in Kent and Medway where you will spend 24 out of the 36 weeks teaching in two different schools.
Teaching and Learning Methods
For the equivalent of 12 weeks, you will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops in the University and carefully selected specialist partnership schools. This will prepare you for your professional placements and help you to reflect on professional issues and your own development. During the 24 weeks on placement, you will learn through a combination of observation, individual, group and whole class teaching, discussions with mentors, attendance at school training events and professional meetings.
Content
Professional Placement – Module 1
Teaching experiences include opportunities to teach at Key Stages 3 (11-14), 4 (14-16) and post-16, on a range of examination courses such as GCSE, A-level and other post-14 courses.
You will teach on two main placements in two contrasting secondary schools in Kent or Medway. During the placements, your work will be supported by a subject mentor, who will provide opportunities for you to plan lessons, try out particular skills in a safe environment, and evaluate your performance. You will also have a professional mentor who will be able to offer advice about generic and whole school issues.
Professional Studies – Module 2
Professional studies sessions aim to inform you about aspects of professional practice which are central to your work, including how we learn, how we include all children, how teaching is a professional activity, how education can be organised and how learning can be assessed.
The module is taught in cross-subject groups so you will have the opportunity to discuss these issues from the perspective of a wide range of subjects.
Curriculum Studies in mathematics – Module 3
This module involves work in two related strands: practical concept-based workshops and seminars, which together enable you to develop a clear personal rationale, and practical strategies for teaching
Mathematics in the secondary sector. In the practical workshops, you examine and explore key concepts that underpin the various curricula and syllabi for
Mathematics. The seminars allow discussion of different pedagogies and allow reflection on differing school approaches to the subject.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the entry requirements you will need the following:
- A degree in a subject related to Mathematics, or, in some exceptional cases, an unrelated degree if you have worked in employment or activities related to Mathematics.
We welcome candidates with experience in business and industry, particularly where this work has enhanced your knowledge, skills and understanding of Mathematics.
Subject knowledge
Candidates with limited subject knowledge are welcome to apply, but may be offered a place on the course subject to their satisfactorily completing a Mathematics Enhancement Course (MEC). Places on a MEC are only available to people who have been offered a place on a PGCE course.
