Leading to a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Education Studies (PGCert). This programme can also form the first year of the part time MA Education (Mathematics Education).
Programme overview
The Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher Programme (MaST) is designed for experienced and practising primary teachers who wish to further deepen their understanding of mathematics and mathematics teaching and learning. This is an exciting programme which presents a set of ‘big ideas’ in mathematics. Exploration of these big ideas and their application in your mathematics teaching will encourage you to refresh your view of mathematics and enable you to strengthen connections in your own understanding of the subject and in how you present it to the children you teach.
This programme involves lively workshop style sessions in which you will engage in collaborative mathematical activity and discussion with others in order to analyse underpinning mathematical ideas. This taught component is supplemented by ongoing critical analysis of your own classroom practice, reflection on teaching approach and emphasis and the impact of these approaches on children’s mathematical learning. Additionally you will conduct more detailed analysis of learning within particular groups of children.
The programme will support you to analyse and improve your own mathematics teaching; enthusiasm for, and some confidence in, your own mathematics teaching together with an interest in deepening knowledge and expertise are essential starting points. The programme will enable you to:
- Strengthen and deepen your own mathematics subject knowledge and understanding
- Enhance your ability to promote learning in mathematics that is challenging and engaging for pupils
- Analyse children’s learning in mathematics
- Develop reflective awareness of pedagogical approaches and their impact on engagement and learning
- Deepen your understanding of theory and research in mathematics education
- Develop lasting support networks with other professionals and the university’s postgraduate community
- Develop your capacity for Masters level study and gain credits towards a MA Education
Programme structure
This one-year, part-time programme is led by mathematics specialists within the University of Brighton. Course activities will be comprised of university tutor-led sessions during evenings and weekends, independent class-based trial and exploration, maintenance of a reflective journal and independent reading and research. During the year you will complete and submit three pieces of academic work for formal assessment.
Areas of study
The programme consists of two main components: deepening mathematics subject knowledge and strengthening and developing pedagogical knowledge through analysis of and reflection on your own classroom practice. You will explore theory underpinning learning and teaching and examine ‘big ideas’ in mathematics.
Outcomes On completion of this programme you can anticipate improved professional practice, enhanced skills and mathematics subject knowledge. You can also achieve the award of a PGCert or gain credits toward the MA Education (Mathematics Education).
Key facts
Typical entry requirements: Applicants must have Qualified Teacher Status and be employed as a primary classroom teacher on a minimum 0.5 contract. You must be teaching at least 3 mathematics lessons per week.
Tuition fees
For students joining the programme in 2013/14, fees are £1500 per annum.
How to apply
Contact us
For further information and to find out how to apply for this programme, please contact our Senior Programme Administrator Claire Watson.
Phone: 01273 643598
Email: c.e.watson@brighton.ac.uk
Post: University of Brighton
School of Education
Checkland Building
Village Way
Brighton BN1 9PH