Course description

PGCE Primary will train you to teach children aged 5 to 11 and develop as a mathematics specialist.

This ten-month course provides training in all primary-stage National Curriculum subjects, with a particular focus on mathematics, English and science. It leads to both a postgraduate qualification and qualified teacher status (QTS).

The course combines master's-level academic study of primary education with a range of practical experiences. A significant amount of your time will be spent in partnership schools developing practical teaching skills with the support of trained mentors and experienced teachers. This course is run in partnership with more than 200 local primary schools which allows us to personalise your school experience to your individual needs.

Your practical training will be underpinned by education theories, ideas and concepts, and by enhancing your awareness of current educational issues and developments.

With mathematics as your specialism you will enhance and deepen your subject knowledge, undertake an enquiry project in school, and further your knowledge and understanding of how mathematics is taught and led in school. You will undertake a specific mathematics placement leading to your enquiry project and will be taught and coached during the course by experienced colleagues and practitioners to support you in developing a clear understanding of how children learn mathematics.

Aims

The course will provide the range of experiences necessary to support and guide you as you develop into an excellent primary teacher with:

• an understanding of the nature of teacher professionalism;
• the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to strive for excellence in teaching;
• an attitude towards learning that promotes high expectations, and values diversity and respect for all social and cultural backgrounds;
• the ability to reflect upon evidence in order to inform both your practical actions and principles and values in educational settings;
• a deep understanding of the nature of primary mathematics and how children learn the subject.

Career opportunities

PGCEs are a route to train to teach and recommendation for qualified teaching status (QTS) for those who already have an undergraduate degree.

You need QTS to teach in a state-maintained or special school in England and Wales. Whilst other routes to gain QTS exist, they do not all come with the postgraduate qualification of a PGCE. A PGCE from The University of Manchester is a valued qualification regionally, nationally and internationally.

When you study a PGCE with us, we help you prepare for a successful career in education. You will be given clear direction, advice and support when making applications for teaching posts and our employment rates are consistently high.