Course summary

*with a recommendation for QTS Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach across the secondary school mathematics curriculum for the 11-16 age range.  You’ll learn strategies to help you teach a variety of topics in mathematics classes, including number, algebra, geometry and handling data. You’ll also explore practical activities that you can use in or outside the classroom that encourage students to engage in mastering mathematics.  During the first few weeks of your PGCE you’ll typically discuss and plan retrieval activities, drawing on lesson-based research, and present them to fellow student teachers. This helps you to become comfortable presenting in front of a group and to explore different ways of engaging learners.  When you’re at Manchester Met, you’ll mainly study with your PGCE mathematics group. You’ll consider how to plan lessons, reflect on your planning, learn how research can develop your teaching practice, and look at ways to develop your teacher persona.  As well as researching methods to teach a variety of mathematical concepts and discussing the impact misconceptions can have on individuals, you’ll spend time refreshing your own subject knowledge and considering activities for mixed attainment learners.  Features and Benefits

• Employability - You will have the knowledge, skills and experience to teach mathematics at Key Stage 3, GCSE and potentially A/AS-level.

• Teaching experience - You will spend at least the minimum Department for Education (DfE) required time (approximately 120 days) on placement, gaining experience in mainstream secondary schools.

• Postgraduate credits - When you graduate, you’ll achieve 60 masters level credits (this is one-third of a masters degree). You can put these towards a masters degree to help you develop your new career.

• Partnerships - We have partnerships with over 500 schools, colleges and educational organisations, meaning we are able to provide students with a range of school experiences.

• Research-led teaching - Many of our staff are active researchers in education and their research influences our programmes. The School of Education at Manchester Met ranks in the UK’s top 10 research power in education (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and the Institute of Children’s Futures launched in November 2024 which brings together academics, policy makers and practitioners to improve the lives of young people.

• Student support - You’ll receive guidance throughout your journey, including academic support from subject tutors and professional mentoring while on placements, helping you develop the skills and knowledge to meet Teachers’ Standards.