PGCE Secondary Mathematics with QTS (11-16) course preparation

Educating young adults and being able to inspire them to share your passion for a particular subject is one of the main reasons why people choose to train as a Secondary teacher. Imagination is crucial, as is the need for patience and the ability to develop and sustain excellent relationships with pupils, communicating clearly with them and breaking down complicated concepts into manageable building blocks for learning.

This PGCE will equip you with a range of academic, professional and vocational knowledge, understanding, skills and values necessary to become a high quality and effective teacher of Mathematics. The programme aims to develop reflective and analytical skills as well as providing practical experience in planning effective lessons, helping pupils to learn, and effective teaching and learning strategies.

Your Launchpad sessions

The Faculty of Education have organised a number of virtual Launchpad sessions. Although not all of these sessions will be relevant to your specific degree, you may find a number of these sessions useful.

Suggested texts

Below are some suggestions for academic reading, this list is not exhaustive, however it will allow you to choose the books/articles/documents to read in relation to your programme.  Please note, we do not recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive, however you may be able to find some second hand or online.

• DfE, (2020) ITT Core Content Framework [online] 
• Mr Barton Maths
• Barton, C. (2018) How I Wish I’d Taught Maths.  Woodbridge: Catt.
• Chambers, P. and Timlin, R. (2013) Teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School (2^nd Edition). London: Sage.
• National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics
• Southall, E (2017) Yes, by why? Teaching for Understanding in Mathematics. London: Sage

Academic preparation

Now is a good time to develop your knowledge further which will prepare you for the specific requirements of your course.

• Keep up-to-date – Try to ensure you engage with any reading on recent issues in education and mathematics.

• Check GCSE content – It would be helpful for you to revisit the mathematical content at GCSE via the examination board’s website. Here’s an example from AQA.