Maths Teacher Training

8 replies

create · 19/05/2011 17:56

I have been thinking about this on and off for years, but never been in a financial position to do it.

I am about to leave my job and in the fortunate position of being able to take some time off. My Dc are quite young ATM and I don't think I'm able/ready to start the actual teaching just yet, but maybe in 2-3 years. In the meantime I'm thinking of ways to get "ready"

I plan to submit my CV to some local secondary schools to see if they can use me as a volunteer in the classroom, is this likely and/or the way to do it? How many hours pw would they want to make it worthwhile for them?

I have Maths O-Level and A-level and a 2:1 Hons degree, but it's not in maths. The A-level is 20 years+ old. I know I will have to do some extra subject training before I can start a PGCE course, can anyone tell me what form this should take or where I can find out? Could I do that part-time (preferably by distance learning) over the coming months, with a view to applying for Teacher Training in 2012/2013?

OP posts:

basingstoke · 19/05/2011 17:58

What is your degree in?

Original poster

create · 19/05/2011 18:01

Its in Business Studies Basingstoke, thank you

OP posts:

MmeBlueberry · 19/05/2011 18:05

How much maths was in your business degree? If around 50% you may be ok.

My degree is not in the subject I teach, and I had to list all the modules and show which ones were relevant. My degree was 10 years old at the time.

basingstoke · 19/05/2011 18:08

Well, you need to find out whether any of it counts towards the necessary qualifications for teaching maths. You need to contact your ITT providers (who run PGCE/GTP) and ask them. You can get a maths degree, or top up modules, from OU.

mamacheeks · 19/05/2011 18:14

Go to the open day at your nearest PGCE provider - they probably have one on a Saturday. Ask all the questions of the relevant Maths lecturer there. They are often desperate for good maths trainees and will tell you exactly what you need to do to get on the course. They'll probably even be able to advise good schools to volunteer in and may be able to give you some good leads rather than just writing a generic letter. I work on a PGCE course that is over-subscribed (not maths) and I do all this for those applicants that ask nicely!

Bue · 19/05/2011 20:22

At least some of the maths PGCE courses now allow candidates to take 'top up' courses so they do consider people who have unrelated degrees. Definitely worth asking about this at the unis you're interested in. You may be OK with your degree though, if there was a decent amount of maths content.

happymum2be1 · 19/05/2011 21:50

Applying to do volunteer work at secondary schools doesn't happen much due to child protection issues. Generally they would prefer a paid post - as a teaching assistant, for example, which they would need a CRB check. However, many schools allow you in to gain experience for a week, especially if you approach the maths department.
In terms of your degree, as long as you are not anticipating teaching A-level, it should be ok. However, as part of a PGCE, one of the requirements is to show knowledge/ability in your subject, possibly by doing past papers (GCSE and A-level). You will probably have to do a top up course, but the uni that you do your PGCE through should help you with details of that!

schobe · 19/05/2011 21:56

What grades did you get at O and A level?

My degree was not even close to 50% maths but I got onto a course ok. However, this was back in about 1995 so I know I'm very out of date. I think they were impressed with my GCSE and A level results.

I would definitely ring around PGCE providers and see what they're requiring these days.

I taught A level up to further maths level without any problem - it's fairly low level stuff in comparison to degree level. Or am I out of date again?

God I'm getting old.

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