PGCE Primary with Mathematics

Established in 1840 as a teacher training college, and graded as Outstanding by Ofsted since 2005, the University of Winchester has a long history of high-quality and innovative teacher education programmes. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds from recent graduates to mature learners, and with a wide variety of prior knowledge and understanding of primary teaching.

PGCE Primary with Mathematics is a postgraduate professional programme of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) leading to the award of either Postgraduate Certificate in Education (for students achieving 40-60 Masters level credits) or Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (for students achieving fewer than 40 Masters levels credits, both including the recommendation of the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

PGCE Primary with Mathematics prepares you to teach the 5–11 age range. The course covers everything that trainee teachers need to develop professional skills associated with high-quality teaching: expert tuition in all primary school subjects; understanding of how children learn and effective pedagogy; meeting the needs of all learners and professional skills associated with high-quality teaching.

PGCE Primary with Mathematics aims to develop confident, highly effective and passionate teachers of mathematics. Graduates of the route will be strong advocates for mathematics with the knowledge and skills to foster an interest and enjoyment in the subject. The expertise gained on the route will enable students to promote more positive attitudes, higher expectations and higher standards in mathematics for all.

Students on all routes undertake studies in all elements of primary education; they extend their knowledge of learning and teaching, of the breadth and scope of the curriculum and the professional skills associated with high-quality teaching. These areas of understanding and skills are then applied to classroom practice during two assessed placements in schools.

In addition, the mathematics route supports students in extending their knowledge and understanding of mathematics specific pedagogy. Drawing on international and national perspectives on mathematics teaching, students will explore key ideas and the latest research associated with primary mathematics education. Students will examine a wide repertoire of teaching approaches and consider how these support children’s learning of mathematics. Participants will develop their own practice through study, analysis and research, and where possible, will be supported in acquiring collaborative approaches to developing their practice.

All of our PGCE programmes run in close partnership with a wide range of schools and educational settings to provide supportive placements where you can develop your skills as a reflective teacher. You will spend 120 days developing your understanding and skills through classroom practice. Subject to Government guidance, this includes two assessed placements, one in the autumn term and a second in the spring/summer and a further three-week research based placement.

Teaching placements are predominantly in Hampshire primary schools, but this geographical area often extends to Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey. Students also have the opportunity to take one of their placements in East London or the Isle of Wight.