University of Sunderland

PGCE Mathematics Secondary Education

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

This programme will enable you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), equipping you with the skills you'll need to be an effective and efficient teacher of you subject at secondary level.

One strand of the programme, based in the University, gives you a grounding in theory and practical issues.

A second strand, approximately two thirds of the programme, involves active participation in school and college placements. The focus is on the professional application of the teaching and learning process in the 11-18 age range. Your teaching experience will be organised by the School Placement Officer.

All applicants to this course are required to have undergone the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure process prior to commencement of study on their chosen programme.

Applicants are also required to complete a medical pro forma.

The provisions of DES Circular 9/93 concerning the disclosure of criminal convictions of those with access to children apply to all Education programmes.

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Course Content

Year 1
The Professional Year
The programme comprises academic modules and work-based learning with the option of doing up to 60 credits at Masters level as an integrated part of the programme.

September - January

• One academic module covering generic teaching/learning issues and subject application. Two days in university, three days in school, seven weeks in total.
• One teaching practice in a secondary school or college of approximately 6 weeks full-time.
• One elective Masters level module.

January - June

• One academic module building upon work done earlier and generic teaching/learning and subject application, two days a week.
• One teaching practice of approximately ten weeks - full-time placement.
• One option module which can be at Masters level.

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Entry Requirements

Degree
Applications are welcome from holders of a minimum of a first degree with a 2:2 award, at least half of which should normally be Mathematics or a Mathematics related subject. We will also consider other recognised equivalent qualifications.

Applicants will also be required to pass the Teaching Agency skills tests in literacy and numeracy before they start their course.

Entry to Teacher Training
Entry to Teacher Training programmes is governed by the following regulations:

All students must have passes at grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English or a recognised equivalent qualification. For Primary Education, applicants are also required to have Science at grade C or above.

Students may in certain circumstances be allowed to sit a special test for one or both of Mathematics and English for secondary teacher training programmes. Access to this test is only available after a satisfactory interview.

Students who intend to follow a programme of Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after graduation are reminded that entry to all such programmes is also governed by these regulations.

The latest requirements for initial teacher training include the requirements for a CRB check.

Provisions for medical assessments are based upon the DFEE Circular 8/92 and apply to all Education Programmes.

How to Apply

Applications for PGCE programmes should be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). Please apply online at GTTR.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Work-based learning and teaching placements form the core of the programme, supported by seminars and tutorials, lectures, project and group work.

Written assignments, evidence profiles and assessment of teaching practice form the basis of the assessment for this programme.

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Work Experience

The main part of the programme is spent in at least two partner schools or colleges. All PGCE students will spend a minimum of 120 days in a secondary school or college. See (*Structure of the Professional Year.)

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Career Opportunities

As a holder of Qualified Teacher Status, you will be able to undertake secondary teaching posts throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. There are very good employment prospects for those completing the Mathematics PGCE programme.

Most trainees who complete the programme go on to obtain employment as mathematics teachers. An induction period of one year or equivalent, in a recognised school, is necessary for employment in a school in England.

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Facilities

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/

For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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Related Courses

• Mathematics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course (36 weeks)

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