Mathematics PGCE

The PGCE will introduce you to a range of perspectives on the mathematics classroom and enable you to develop a variety of approaches to address pupils' needs. You will learn how to make mathematics meaningful and to teach effectively.

The IOE's mathematics educators have an international reputation for research and innovation. Our research interests include digital technologies in mathematics education; language and the learning of mathematics; and identity in relation to learning mathematics. We will introduce you to this research, prepare you for critical thinking about learning in general and learning mathematics in particular, and help you to make connections between theoretical perspectives, research, policy and practice.

Your school-based learning will include a range of activities in at least two London schools, which provide a rich context for understanding the social and cultural origins of school mathematics teaching and curriculum design. We will consider the purposes of mathematics education in the wider school context and in society as a whole, and look at how mathematics can be made more relevant for pupils.

By the end of the course, you will be confident about teaching mathematics across the 11 to 16 age range. There will also be opportunities to develop some understanding of post-16 teaching. The PGCE provides a strong basis for further professional development and leadership in mathematics education.

Features

This programme has been designed to enable all students to demonstrate that they have met the standards across Key Stages 3 and 4 (11–16 age range Qualified Teacher Status).

Wherever possible, we provide opportunities for trainees to gain experience at Key Stage 5 (post-16 age range), even where their qualification is for 11 to 16 teaching.

Attendance

In your placement schools or colleges, your responsibilities will be equivalent to those of a practising teacher, but on a reduced timetable. The working day starts at approximately 8.30am and ends at 5.00pm. Sometimes it is shorter, but you will need to plan your life to reflect the demands of the school day and the school term dates, which may not be the same as the published IOE term dates.

Days spent at the Institute include keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days. In addition, time in the evenings and at weekends is needed for further study and planning.

Assessment

You will be assessed in two ways:

• on your practical teaching and your progress in achieving the standards for Qualified Teacher Status
• on assignments, portfolio tasks and, for some subjects, practical projects.

We will monitor your progress throughout the PGCE, and you will record this in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of a portfolio that links into the induction year (your first year of teaching) and your continuing professional development.

Subject entry requirements

Normally we expect you to have a degree in mathematics, or with substantial mathematics content (for example, mechanical engineering or physics). Ideally, you will have studied a broad range of mathematics, extending at least three of the following topics significantly beyond A level: analysis, algebra, geometry, calculus, mechanics, probability, statistics.

We also consider applicants with a degree with some mathematics content; for example, statistics, chemistry and some economics or accountancy degrees. Your degree should include specialist mathematics extending at least one of the topics listed above beyond A level. If you have a degree in a subject highly relevant to education such as psychology, philosophy or sociology, you are expected to have a grade A in mathematics at A level and usually a further mathematics A level.

It is essential that you enjoy mathematics yourself and that you can explain mathematics in a clear way to stimulate pupils' interest and self-confidence. You should have some recent experience of at least one UK urban state school. Good spoken and written English are also essential, and previous experience with children and young people is desirable.

Where do our students go?

Mathematics PGCE graduates are currently working as:

• mathematics teachers, heads of department and school leaders
• advisers and consultants in continuing professional development
• lecturers and researchers in mathematics education.