Mathematics - Keele University
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School of Public Policy & Professional Practice

 

Education

PGCE Mathematics

The Keele course is built upon Mathematics in the National Curriculum, the Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status and the needs of Associate Teachers, pupils and schools. Curriculum workshops will essentially look at ways of teaching mathematical content through the 11-16 age range, together with basic components of AS/A2 Level work. Typical topics for Mathematics workshops include: an investigative approach to Pythagoras’ theorem; practical experiments for teaching probability; using interactive whiteboards and dynamic geometry software to learn about circles; thinking skills and Mathematics; problems pupils can have when learning about angles and using research results to help improve pupils’ learning. We encourage you to participate actively and to take responsibility for your own learning.

An important part of the course is learning how to create a stimulating and caring environment. To help create such an environment, you need to be enthusiastic and lessons need to be well planned and related to the needs of the pupils. They need to be conducted in a well-organised way with a positive approach to control. You will be able to prepare in advance for handling different situations, since strategies for maintaining discipline and managing the learning in a Mathematics classroom are considered and discussed.

Considerable attention is given to the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) during the course. In almost all sessions you will experience use of an interactive whiteboard and there are notebook computers available for you to use in school. We also place considerable emphasis on the development of your ICT skills (both personal and professional) and provide a wealth of opportunities for you to become a highly competent, skilled information technology user, whatever your starting point.

A wide variety of resources is available for use by you in school, including classroom sets of graphic calculators; dice of all sorts for statistical work; geoboards; pegboards and probability kits.

You will follow a Supplementary Studies course in Citizenship.

You will need a degree in Mathematics, normally at a minimum of lower second class Honours, or a degree in which Mathematics features as a substantial part (usually where Mathematics occupies at least 40% of the taught course). It is helpful where the other subject is relevant to the study of Mathematics in schools. You should contact the Course Tutor for further advice if you are unsure that your degree
meets these criteria.

In addition, we consider applications from graduates who can demonstrate through their professional experience, their degree and any postgraduate work that they possess the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to equip them for teaching Mathematics. This can only be done by considering your application as a whole.

If your degree does not give you the necessary level of subject knowledge to gain entry to the one-year course, you may wish to consider the one-year Pre-Initial Teacher Education Subject Enhancement Course that is offered at Keele. Successful students then progress to the one-year PGCE at Keele, or to an Initial Teacher Education (PGCE/GTP/SCITT) Programme at another provider.

Candidates need to have GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification). Keele does offer Institutional tests for candidates who do not have these qualifications.

Candidates must have GCSE or equivalent before they can commence this PGCE course.