Course overview

GTTR Code - G1X1

Mathematics is a core area of the secondary curriculum, which equips people with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. The PGCE course will train you to be part of an exciting, rewarding and changing profession that will help equip pupils with these skills.

You will study and learn about issues in mathematics education ranging from the theoretical to the practical, while teaching both at the University and in school.

All trainees embarking on this programme will be registered on the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education pathway. During February trainees will have the opportunity to remain on the Professional Graduate pathway (taking all modules at HE level 3) or choose to follow the Postgraduate Certificate in Education pathway (taking two modules at Masters level). Further guidance will be available at interview and at the start of the course.

Why complete a PGCE in Mathematics?

In this one-year course, your main concern will be with the development of your professional competence as a teacher of Mathematics. You will need to focus not only on the teaching of Mathematics itself, but also on developing an understanding of educational issues pertaining to teaching and learning, classroom interaction, the school curriculum and the school and society. As well as becoming a competent classroom practitioner, you will need to be able to make informed decisions and recognise the need for further development.

You will be expected to enhance your subject knowledge through background reading, research, working in peer subject development groups, teaching and working on examination papers.

How do I find out more?

For further information, please contact us (details above) or the course coordinator, Neil Angus (neil.angus@port.ac.uk).

For more information about Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, please visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Startinganewjob/index.htm.

Applications

Applications should be made through the GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry).

Please apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk

T: 0871 468 0 469

Course content

The course is essentially practical and two-thirds of your time will be spent in school where you will be working closely with mentors and other school staff.

Throughout the year you will be engaged in considering a range of subjects including:

• Subject Knowledge Enhancement
• ICT in the classroom
• Lesson Planning
• Classroom management
• Research into the pedagogy and psychology of learning mathematics
• Special Needs and Inclusion
• Assessment
• Teaching and assessment

The assessment procedures adopted throughout the course are mainly formative in nature and designed to ensure that trainees meet the Standards for Qualifying to Teach.

In each term you will be assessed on:

• The development of your teaching skills
• A formal assignment
• An interview in which you will demonstrate the evidence collected towards the standards including your subject knowledge

Throughout the course you will collate a portfolio of evidence based on schoolwork, observations of teaching, tasks and assignments.

The programme offers trainees a choice between the Professional and the Postgraduate route, with the latter allowing trainees to graduate with 60 M-level credits.

Career prospects

Successful completion of the PGCE in Mathematics will enable you to gain Qualified Teacher Status and will provide for a career in secondary teaching. Over 90% of our students each year gain employment with 60% of those getting jobs in our partnership schools.

Facilities and features

Our resources

Portsmouth has a reputation for providing a supportive and friendly atmosphere in which its students can quickly settle and enjoy their studies. You will have access to a full range of support services for personal issues and academic study. Personal tutors will assist with directing you to accessing support you may find helpful, while you will also have access to appropriate University resources, including our main library and computing facilities, which are open seven days a week.

The School of Education and Continuing Studies staff are all experts in a range of appropriate subject specialisms. Their enthusiasm and motivation means you will be encouraged to gain the most out of your time with us.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for PGCE Mathematics are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: School of Education and Continuing Studies (SECS)
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5204
Email: secs.enquiries@port.ac.uk