Program Overview

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Introduction to the PGCE (Mathematics) Program

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year course that offers the opportunity to train to teach the secondary age group in one of the leading educational establishments in the country. The University of Oxfords Department of Education has a long history in initial teacher education, dating back to 1892, and has consistently received the highest possible designation (Outstanding) from Ofsted in inspections.

About the Course

The aim of the Mathematics course is to help students become effective secondary school teachers of mathematics. The course teaches students through a variety of styles, paces, approaches, and presentations, and learning mathematics can be challenging, requiring concentration, but also has the ability to surprise and give a sense of achievement and enjoyment. The course aims to:

• Provide mathematical experiences on which students can reflect as learners and relate these to planning for teaching
• Offer insights into childrens learning and help students plan their teaching accordingly
• Provide skills and experiences in planning, teaching, and managing effective lessons
• Help students reflect on and analyze their teaching and make decisions about how to modify and adapt it
• Introduce students to a range of resources, research, and theoretical perspectives on which to base their growth as teachers
• Enable students to develop skills and experience in ICT that will support their teaching and its management

Course Structure

The course begins with an orientation experience in September, spending three days in a primary school of choice. This is followed by the first week in the University of Oxfords Department of Education, and the rest of the autumn term is made up of joint weeks with two days spent in the University and three days in school. The spring term consists primarily of school experience, and for the summer term, interns move to a second school to consolidate and extend their understanding and experience of learning and teaching.

Attendance

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements. The course will involve travel to placement schools, although most partnership schools are within the Oxfordshire county boundaries.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, and the University's IT Services is available to support students with core university IT systems and tools.

Supervision

Interns are supported in their professional development as teachers by both a university curriculum tutor and a general tutor, as well as by a mentor and a professional tutor in each school placement. Academic guidance for assignments is given by curriculum and general tutors.

Assessment

Assessment of progress and achievements are jointly carried out by schools and the university, and students take part in informal and formal discussions about this. Continuous assessment is used throughout the course, and there are no examinations. Interns developing practice as teachers is reviewed at regular intervals, and at the end of the course, interns professional knowledge, understanding, skills, and personal attributes are assessed in relation to the standards for Qualified Teacher Status.

Graduate Destinations

The numbers of interns going into teaching at the end of the course are high, with most interns having secured a teaching post in a state-maintained school. As of August 2024, 90% of the student cohort had accepted positions as teachers or were seeking teaching roles.

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Entry Requirements

If you are committed to teaching mathematics in state comprehensive schools, can demonstrate your commitment to working with children in schools through voluntary work or other experience, have a good degree (a 2:2 or above) in mathematics or a mathematics-related subject, and can provide an excellent academic or work reference, you are encouraged to apply.

Funding

The Department of Education website provides details about funding opportunities for this course.

Costs

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis. For the academic year, the annual course fees are:

• Home: ｣9,790
• Overseas: ｣40,710 Course fees cover teaching, as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support studies. Unless specified, course fees do not cover accommodation, residential costs, or other living costs.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the PGCE (Mathematics):

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• New College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St Peter's College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Applications for all PGCE courses are made via the UK Government's GOV.UK website. You do not need to contact an academic member of staff in the department prior to submitting your application.