University of York, PGCE, Secondary Education (Mathematics)

The course prepares students to become effective teachers of mathematics with pupils in the 11 18 age range; students will benefit from university-based sessions led by experienced staff and guest teachers from schools, and from a strong system of mentor support during school-based training; university-based sessions include formal presentations; whole and small group discussions and practical workshops; national concern about mathematics teaching, and developments in our knowledge about how children learn mathematics, have led to major changes in emphasis and teaching approaches to meet the needs of the whole ability range in schools; these have included; the national curriculum being supplemented by the national strategy for key stage ; changes to A level and other post-16 curricula; students will consider these changes as they learn how to help pupils engage in mathematical thinking and how to use and evaluate different approaches to teaching mathematics; these include practical work; problem solving and open ended investigative work; mental methods of calculation; the use of calculators and computers and stronger links with other subjects and the world of work; students will also learn how to assess both their own teaching and their pupils' learning; training encourages students to reflect on what they learn and experience; so that they can make secure progress during the year; the course combines a practical approach with a strong theoretical basis; offering opportunities to develop personal subject knowledge and to share technical skills such as using computer equipment and packages;