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University of Wales Trinity Saint David| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGCE | find out | find out | find out | 0 | 0 |
Course Overview
The course is split into a number of modules, each designed to give you all the skills you need to teach within the secondary sector. You will study various styles of teaching Mathematics to pupils, including lesson planning, resource preparation and selection, teaching approaches for examination courses, class management and control, assessment of attainment, and the impact of Mathematics on learning.
You will be assisted in developing the range of your specialist knowledge and skills to cover all the content required for the National Curriculum at key stage three, GCSE at key stage Four and GCE 'A' level at key stage five and equivalent vocational courses.
The course will involve concept and skill development in all aspects of Mathematics. You will be expected to work together in groups to present seminars such as ICT in Mathematics, A level topics and research into mathematical misconceptions.
Other aspects of the course include the Literacy and Numeracy Framework and as a Mathematics PGCE student you will be expected to lead support sessions on Numeracy to the whole Secondary PGCE cohort. There are also opportunities to teach and be involved with Further Mathematics A Level teaching and also to be involved in Mathematics master classes with local Year 9 pupils, both in conjunction with Swansea University.
The PGCE Mathematics room is well equipped with internet-linked computers and a networked interactive whiteboard. There is good access to other ICT suites for timetabled sessions and plentiful open access to ICT facilities for trainees.
The PGCE Mathematics course uses partner schools and colleges across South Wales. Placements are decided after consultations between mentors, subject tutors and the Programme Director. All placements will be found within realistic commuting distances; however, trainees are expected to be prepared to travel to placements.
Key Features
It is available with English and Welsh medium student provision using long established English and Welsh medium partnership schools and colleges.
Most importantly we have the best employment rate throughout Wales.
The course has recently been updated to reflect contemporary issues and changes within the world of education. It is taught by highly respected tutors who have considerable knowledge within their field and chosen specialism.
The course is challenging, but motivating and invigorating, combining practical strategies and skills with academic enquiry and theory.
There are opportunities to investigate areas of specialist interest.
The course is split between university and professional teaching practice, with approximately 12 weeks and occasional days and 24 weeks split between two placements. The weeks at University are designed in such a way that you experience lead lectures both with your own subject area and with students from different subject areas in order to have an insight about how a particular issue relates to different specialist subjects. These may be given by University Staff or by guest lecturers with specialist expertise.
There are also plenty of opportunities where your experience can be enhanced such as involvement with the Further Mathematics scheme, Year 9 Mathematics Masterclasses, numeracy support sessions and expert speakers from local schools and exam boards.
Within the newly designed course if you are achieving your QTS early it is envisaged that should you wish to take the opportunity you can arrange a fortnight placement at an establishment of your choice within the Secondary or 14-19 sector. This will enable you to observe, experience a specialist area that you may wish to pursue. It could include special needs schools, independent schools and training establishments. This opportunity is likely to increase your experience and employability.
The University offers excellent support to trainees in seeking their first posts. Participants are trained in interview techniques. There is also a large and popular annual Teaching Employment Fair in January.
The employment rate for the course is one of the best in Wales and many graduates of the course are now Heads of Department or Senior Teachers and act as Mentors for the programme.
Modules
Professional Accreditations
PGCE with QTS
Course Tutor(s)
Assessment
The course comprises of 120 credits, 40 of which are at Masters level and is assessed by a combination of written assignments and Professional Teaching Experience.
The assignments are a combination of level 6 and level 7 assignments and are designed to combine practical teaching strategies and academic enquiry.
The Professional teaching practice is assess through teaching observations by both experienced placement mentors and university tutors against the Qualified Teacher Standards.
Career Opportunities
The South West Wales Centre of Teacher Education has excellent graduate employment rates with 99% of graduates going into employment or further study (DLHE 14/15).
Many school and college departments, both locally and nationally, are staffed with several of our teachers and many of our trainees have gone on to forge successful teaching careers at strategic, professional and management levels at home and abroad.
Our PGCE graduates usually remain in close touch with us as they make their careers in the teaching profession and they often become Subject Mentors on the programme. This creates a very strong, sustainable professional network of teachers which is a rich source of continuing professional development.
Recently our PGCE Maths graduates have gone on to work as Secondary teachers in many independent and state schools in Wales, England and abroad including (but not limited) to: City and County of Swansea, Merhyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Aldworth School (Basingstoke), Cwmtawe Community School (Swansea), Pontypridd High School (Pontypridd), Burnham Grammar School (Slough), Llangatwg Comprehensive School (Neath), Downham Market Academy (Norfolk), Ysgol Gyfun Gwmraeg Llangynwd (Bridgend), Lingfield Notre Dame School (Surrey), Eastern High School (Cardiff) and Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School (Caerphilly).
Further Information
If you are called to an interview you would need to undertake 30 minute Literacy and Numeracy tests and if you wanted to follow the course through the medium of Welsh, an additional Welsh Literacy test. You might also be asked to undertake: a presentation related to your subject area, group discussion, an extended writing exercise, a formal interview with a subject tutor and school mentor.
You would need to demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for your subject.
Related Courses
Entry Criteria
You will need a B grade at GCSE in English and Mathematics and if you intend to follow your course through the medium of Welsh, a C grade in Welsh. Good GCSE and A level qualifications related to your subject area are expected. A Level 'equivalent' qualifications such as BTEC advanced will also be taken into account.
If you hold a C grade in GCSE English Language or Mathematics and are successful in other aspects of the selection process you will be given the opportunity to sit the equivalency test. If you are successful and you accept your place to study with us then you can start your programme as planned. Attendance at the workshops prior to the test is a compulsory part of the equivalency testing programme.
For further information please contact PGCE secondary admin: 01792 482111 at [email protected]
The normal minimum entry requirement to the programme is an honours degree in Mathematics or in a strongly cognate discipline, with a high proportion of Mathematics within your degree.
Other requirements include
At interview you will be challenged to demonstrate your:
Literacy and Numeracy skills
Good communication skills
Commitment to teaching
Determination and perspective
The PGCE Secondary programme has a well-established link with the CANTEACH programme that supports and facilitates Canadian graduates' application to the PGCE Secondary programme.
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