Mathematics, Secondary PGCE
Tutor: David Wright
Duration: Full-time 10 months
Requirements: Applicants should ensure that their degree includes at least 50% mathematical content. (But see the information about the Subject Knowledge Enhancement course). Other than in exceptional circumstances candidates should hold a 2:2 Honours degree or above. Applicants must have a GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above before commencement of the PGCE Course.
School experience: Some recent experience in a secondary school is required by the time of interview
Course Aims
This course will equip you with a variety of techniques, including whole-class teaching, working in investigative ways, using practical workshops and the effective use of ICT. It is planned and delivered jointly by the subject mentors in the partnership schools and university tutors.
As you will soon realise, successful mathematics teaching is much more than the teacher standing at the front, doing an example and then asking the class to do 20 more! The National Curriculum, the increased availability of graphical calculators and computers with subject-specific software, as well as research into the effective teaching and learning of mathematics, have all played a part in redefining the role of the classroom teacher. This means that using a variety of approaches and encouraging the active participation by pupils in lessons are two very important aspects of mathematics teaching today which you will learn to implement in the classroom.
The course is also informed by recent research findings and Newcastle University has an international reputation for the quality of its research in education. By the end of the course, you will have had the opportunity to develop a range of teaching styles, amass a bank of ideas and absorb a wealth of experiences which should equip you to join any secondary school's mathematics department and immediately begin to play a full and constructive part in the work.
Coursework and assessment
More than two thirds of your training will take place in local schools, giving ample opportunity for hands-on experience. It is here that you will have the opportunity to gather evidence and demonstrate that you can meet the criteria (standards) to gain QTS.
For the assessment of the PGCE you will be helped to create two portfolios: Thinking through Teaching which is a series of three assignments where you reflect on your mathematics teaching and Professional Learning in Context where you will report on a collaborative enquiry you have carried out into an educational issue and an individual enquiry into the impact of a change you have made in your teaching.
Entry requirements
Please note - applicants who have NOT made the effort to visit the mathematics department of a secondary school, observed some lessons and who can discuss them in an informed way at interview are unlikely to be made an offer.
North East Mathematics Enhancement Course:
This course is run by the University of Sunderland. Applicants need to have a conditional offer on a one year programme to train as a Secondary Mathematics teacher in England for the following September. Participants also require A level Mathematics (or equivalent). Occupational experience of mathematics together with experience of mathematics in a secondary school is also desireable (either through voluntary work, or some classroom observations).
PGCE Enquiries:
Tel: 0191 222 6581
Fax: 0191 222 6546
E-mail: pgce-education@ncl.ac.uk
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