PGCE Secondary Mathematics

Gain broad teaching skills, and qualify as a secondary mathematics teacher, with our PGCE Secondary Maths at the Institute of Education.

At the University of Reading, we understand how important it is for children to develop competent mathematical skills to thrive in adult  life. Your role  as a secondary education mathematics teacher is pivotal in achieving this.

This course will train you how to teach mathematics to children from 11 years old to their GCSE exams, and beyond to A-level.

How you’ll learn

This PGCE course will give you a varied learning experience, ranging from  theoretical presentations to in-classroom placements.

Your learning will be divided into seminars, workshops, lectures and practical teaching in the classrooms. You’ll be mentored by experienced teachers throughout the process so you can develop your own style whilst learning from other professionals. 

Throughout your course, you will: 

• engage in active discussions of teaching theory and practice
• write assignments which connect theory to your in-classroom teaching
• attend workshops and individual tutorials with experienced teaching professionals
• build up significant classroom experience with different age groups  
• work on tasks in groups
• visit schools or other education settings.

You will also have the opportunity to work in a broad range of settings and educational environments such as special needs schools, Pupil Referral Units, independent schools, museums, and charities.

Qualified Teacher Status

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Maths course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11-18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.

For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.

Your learning environment

We offer a diverse and experienced community of academics with extensive school teaching and academic experience. You will be taught by experienced mathematics teachers, well versed in both theory and practice. Your placement in a local school will be supervised by expert mathematics teachers who are all specially trained as mentors.

Alongside University of Reading tutors, you will be taught and guided by a team of committed and experienced University-trained school mentors.

Your learning activities will help you develop a toolkit of knowledge and skills, ensuring you are well prepared to tackle challenges and opportunities throughout your training and your career.

Partnership with schools

This course is designed in collaboration with our strong schools partnership, ensuring that it meets both your needs as a learner and the needs of the children you teach.
At secondary level, we have relationships with around 90 schools in the local and surrounding area. It is a testament to the strength of these partnerships and the reputation of our graduates, that most schools in Berkshire employ at least one graduate from the University of Reading.

Placements

Placements enable you to develop the skills and knowledge valued by employers. You'll build your confidence in the classroom and gain practical teaching experience.

Placements also provide you with the opportunity to connect with potential employers and build your professional network.

On this secondary PGCE course, you are required to carry out three placements in two age groups – ensuring that you receive a broad range of experiences. Two placements must be undertaken in a school setting, but the third can be taken in a different setting – allowing you to sample teaching in an alternative environment.

In your school placement, you will:

• gain experience in the range of responsibilities of the classroom teacher
• observe other teachers
• plan the teaching of small groups and whole classes
• plan and teach elements of lessons and whole lessons
• reflect on and evaluate your teaching
• receive feedback on your teaching.

We offer a flexible and broad range of educational environments. You'll have the opportunity to gain experience in:

• special needs schools
• Pupil Referral Units
• independent schools
• museums
• charities.

Research

98% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Education).