Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGCE: Specialist pathways

Here you can find out more about the Mathematics Specialist Pathway (information about the other pathways will be available soon).

PGCE Secondary Mathematics

"The course was one of the hardest but most enjoyable things that I've done. The academic part was refreshingly practical and an excellent preparation for the classroom. It made me rethink how and why students learn."
Trevor, PGCE Secondary Mathematics 2007

The Mathematics Specialist Pathway, leading to a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics, has a very practical focus. It will enable you to teach:

• mathematics up to Key Stage 3;
• mathematics to GCSE; and
• some aspects of A-level mathematics.

We aim to help you develop your professional skills in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. The secondary mathematics team at Kingston University provides a friendly and supportive environment, where you can share and learn with staff and colleagues alike.

The course offers a rigorous training in all aspects of being a secondary school teacher, approached from an investigative and practical perspective. Two-thirds of your time is spent working in schools. The year is divided into:

• two weeks school-based work at the start of the course;
• a learning block where you spend three days per week at the University and two days per week in school looking at mathematics teaching. The main emphasis is on planning work for pupils, planning for good discipline/control and developing your skills as a teacher;
• a six-week block spent full-time in the school; after which
• the pattern is repeated at a second school.

We are proud of our supportive and open relationship with the staff in our partner schools. These well-established links enable us to provide continuous support and care for the trainee teachers on our course. Find out more about this in the Links with business and industry section.

Mathematics facilities: We emphasise on the use of ICT in mathematics teaching, aided by our excellent ICT resources both in the School of Education and the onsite Learning Resource Centre (LRC). Both the School and the LRC are well stocked with the most up-to-date software packages used in mathematics teaching, as well as a wide range of other teaching materials and resources.

You can also make use of the SMILE Maths Collection, housed in the LRC. (For further information or to view the collection, telephone Faye Sisson on 44 (0)20 8547 7385 or email f.sisson@kingston.ac.uk.)

For more information about the general facilities available, visit the Facilities section.

Mathematics support: For those in need of further support with their mathematics, there are two options available.

The Mathematics Enhancement Course is for those who have an A-level or equivalent in mathematics but have not studied the subject beyond school level. The course is a year in length and is supported by Kingston University, Brunel University, Roehampton University and St Mary's University College.

The Booster Course is for those who have studied mathematics beyond school level, but want to refresh their knowledge. It takes place at Brunel University over the summer before the start of your PGCE course.

For more information about the general support we offer, visit the Learning support section.