Secondary Mathematics

Being able to crack problem-solving and master essential maths are some of the most important skills a young person can learn. They underpin everything from household budgets to complex data and AI. Here’s your chance to make a huge difference to students’ lives by taking our Secondary Mathematics PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). It will equip you with strategies to become a confident and successful teacher across KS3 and KS4.

You’ll spend time in local schools, plan engaging lessons, cover behaviour management techniques and discover how pupils learn. On campus, we’ll help you reflect on your teaching from a subject-specific perspective and give you one-to-one support.

But you’ll get far more than just a teacher training qualification with us. As part of our Institute of Education, you’ll have access to the latest research on what works in the classroom and other evidence-based approaches.

On the PGCE, you’ll explore how to get schoolchildren to be creative in maths. We have links with a local LEGO studio where you can apply maths.

There will be plenty of hands-on experience on placement too. You’ll put different techniques into action, such as maths mastery, and help pupils use logic and reasoning.

From getting the most out of your induction to tips on teaching your first lesson, your personal tutor will be there to support you every step of the way. We have also developed a close partnership with school-based mentors for your placements.

You’ll be able to draw on a wide range of other expertise as well. We work with maths hubs and a maths excellence partnership led by local schools. Our links with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics also ensure trainees benefit from the latest developments in teaching.

And to help you achieve your ambitions, you can take our aspiring leaders’ programme towards the end of the course.

After you pass your PGCE, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). But the support doesn’t stop there - we’ll even offer you a mock interview in a school to prepare you for job applications.

Work placements

Our Secondary Mathematics PGCE lasts for one academic year, from September until the end of July. This school-led course includes an induction to prepare you for your placement and weekly face to face sessions at the University to develop your knowledge of the curriculum and subject specific pedagogy.

You will also undertake 20 Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) days focused on foundational areas of learning to further develop your practice in the classroom.

To give you experience in the classroom, you’ll spend at least 120 days working in two local secondary schools as well as visiting a local primary school. But, don’t worry, you won’t have the pressure of teaching an entire lesson straight away.

Your training will begin with observing a teacher and helping with group work. Then you’ll share the classes with the teacher and work towards teaching lessons independently.

Alongside teaching, you’ll join in with day-to-day life at the school. Each school has a professional mentor to help you understand the ethos, pastoral care systems, legal and social framework, and supporting services.

You’ll also have weekly meetings with your subject or class mentor to help you prepare for teaching, review lessons, and develop your subject knowledge.