Entry requirementsEntry Requirements: There are two routes onto the PGCE mathematics programme -Candidates with a degree in Mathematics (or a mathematical discipline) are eligible for the one year course, as are candidates whose degrees comprise 50% mathematics -Many good candidates for this course have degrees in other disciplines -The Mathematics Enhancement Course (MEC) is a six month course in mathematics that prepares graduates from other disciplines for the PGCE mathematics programme -GCSE Maths and English (grade C or above). UCP Marjon offers Maths and English Equivalence Tests -Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced Disclosure -Meet the Secretary of State’s requirements for physical and mental ?tness to teach as detailed in ‘Fit to Teach’ -Clearly and accurately communicate both spoken and written English -Candidates must take part in an individual interview and/or a group interview with representatives from schools as well as University College tutors
Academic titlePGCE Secondary Mathematics
Course descriptionOverview:
The course prepares you to teach across the whole range of the school mathematics curriculum from 11 to 16, the core components of A level mathematics and at least one area of applied mathematics. This involves knowledge of the content, recommended teaching approaches and assessment requirements for the National Strategy and the National Curriculum for Mathematics. We will address how pupils learn, effective teaching strategies and models of pupil progression. As well as focussing on the main National Curriculum areas of number, algebra, geometry and data-handling, there will be a strong focus on the problem-solving, the processes involved in learning and doing mathematics, the use of ICT to promote understanding and the development of pupils as independent learners and users of mathematics.
Module Information:
The course comprises professional and theoretical study of education with a central focus on teaching and learning in mathematics. The course will prepare you for the academic requirements of the PGCE and the professional requirements of the Standards for the award of Quali?ed Teacher Status. Study/ training takes place in both university college and partnership schools across the South West. Most of your teaching will be with the pupils in the 11–16 age range and you may wish to exploit the significant opportunities to work with post 16 students. In both areas of training (at university college and at school), there is extensive focus on subject knowledge, related pedagogy and pupil development/ learning.
Career Opportunities:
Teaching is a rewarding profession in more ways than one, offering fantastic career prospects and development opportunities. There are a number of ways in which teachers can progress in their careers, either within the classroom or in a leadership role. In secondary schools you could move up and across the management structure to gain responsibility for:
-a particular subject as head of department, faculty or curriculum
-a particular age group as head of year or key stage coordinator, or
-a particular area such as special educational needs or pastoral care (ie personal guidance).
Ultimately, you could progress to a senior management position such as deputy or assistant head and, of course, headteacher - at which point you will have overall responsibility for the management of a school and the education its pupils receive.