Learning maths can be exciting for some and challenging for others, but the enjoyment of maths can be strongly linked to how it’s taught. This is where you can truly make a difference.

A mathematics teacher is a varied role that includes the need to educate children and young people through bringing Mathematics to life, inspiring, enthusing and motivating them to explore the subject’s potential at an appropriate level. You will encourage and support pupils and learn how to make mathematics accessible to all.

Brunel’s PGCE in Secondary Education (Mathematics) is designed to prepare you to teach pupils aged 11 to 16 in line with the National Curriculum for Mathematics (DfE, 2013) with a focus on developing their maths skills in preparation for compulsory exams and also for life beyond school.  

The need for qualified, enthusiastic teachers with an understanding of the demands society places on young people has never been greater. The opportunity to educate children and young people, and learn from them in return, is immensely rewarding.

Whether it’s helping someone to have the confidence to move up to higher problem solving, inspiring a budding accountant or maths genius, or creating masters of fractions and percentages in so many work places, your maths teaching will leave a strong legacy.

Schools are seeking teachers with high levels of pedagogical competence and skill. They need practitioners who have advanced subject knowledge for, as well as knowledge of the systems and theories relevant to education.

The focus of your studies will be on the principles and methods of teaching and learning delivered through three core modules, together with compulsory, practical school-based teaching placements. Your progress will be assessed in both areas.

As part of your teacher education, you will be taught how to use subject knowledge and relevant course specifications to plan and deliver the curriculum for pupils from 11-16, including examination and vocational courses.

Your placement will typically take you into Brunel partner schools or other educational settings in and around London for at least 120 days in block placements in two or more different contexts working with a school-based mentor.

Links with schools across our Partnership enable you to undertake placements that will equip you with the skills to work with young people in a diverse range of educational contexts. The Education Department at Brunel was highly praised for this Partnership work in the 2015 Ofsted inspection – Ofsted graded Brunel’s Initial Teacher Education Partnership as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

As you progress through your own development and learning on the course, you will be encouraged to reflect critically and constructively on your own and others’ teaching practices in relation to a range of aspects including national and regional priorities and policies, and current research.

At the heart of the programme is the commitment to ensuring that your practice will impact positively on pupil progress over time, and Brunel Partnership activities with schools will contribute to school improvement in which you will play a central part.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive both a postgraduate certificate in Education (PGCE) and a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).