PGCE Secondary Mathematics (Postgraduate Certificate of Education)

Overview

PGCE Mathematics is a one-year, full-time course focusing on teaching in a multilingual urban context. The course is designed to produce competent, professional teachers of mathematics with an emphasis on the needs of pupils from 11-16 years. The training programme also covers post-16 teaching.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

You should have studied mathematics as part of your degree studies achieving a 2.2 or above. If you do not have the requisite subject background, you may be asked to follow a six-month paid Mathematics Enhancement Course (MEC) before taking up a place on the course. We run a MEC here at London Met; click here for more information. You can also search for other providers on the TDA website. On successful completion of the Mathematics Enhancement Course you will move onto the PGCE.

In addition, you need GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and mathematics. It is possible to take a test set by the institution if you have a GCSE Grade D or equivalent.

You should bring to the course an enthusiasm for mathematics. You should have a desire to engage students and improve standards in Mathematics. You should be interested in working in urban schools with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and should visit a school to observe teaching in the subject.

Course contents

You will be working collaboratively with colleagues and developing your skills of discussion and presentation. Professional issues such as planning, class management, assessment and evaluation are an integral part of the course. Other University sessions focus on learning promotion in response to individual student needs. There are sessions on supporting students with English as an additional language, challenging the able and responding to those with specific learning difficulties.

The University sessions are designed in collaboration with school-based mentors to support your professional development.

You will have two substantial periods of school experience in different secondary schools. You will also spend three days in a primary school, which you must arrange yourself.

Assessment
There are four elements to assessment. Practical teaching experience is assessed in relation to the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status. Two written coursework assignments focus on curriculum development in the subject area and broader issues and policies in education. A Professional Practice Portfolio is compiled across the year, detailing personal experiences and reflections on your development as a teacher, largely in relation to your practical teaching experience. There are no examinations.

Careers

If you complete the course and pass the relevant TDA skills tests, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status for teaching Key Stage 3 (aged 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (age 14-16). You will be able to apply for a post in any secondary school (11-18). The majority of previous trainees have gained Qualified Teacher status and have entered the teaching profession.

Funding

If you are a UK/EU applicant, you may be eligible for a government training salary. For more information, contact the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) on 0845 6000 991 or www.tda.gov.uk.

Read about London Metropolitan University PGCE graduate Phil Beadle in The Independent article, Passed/Failed: An education in the life of Phil Beadle, a Teacher of the Year and writer

Student profiles

Read a student profile: Shawki Dayekh
Read a student profile: Sumaira Iftikhar