Developing mathematical practice
This programme is a pilot Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course for Serving and Returning Teachers and is the successor to the Mathematics Development Programme for Teachers that ran successfully at the University of Brighton from 2007 - 2011. The Government fund this course through the Teaching Agency hence, for eligible teachers, there are no fees to pay.
We now have confirmation of 15 places available for the course starting in January 2013 and are able to accept applications (see details of how to apply below). For 2013 the Teaching Agency has agreed to pay supply cover of £150 per day to schools for each whole day that a teacher is away attending this course.
Programme overview
This programme is designed for secondary teachers who wish to deepen their understanding and professional practice of mathematics education. It is of benefit to both practising mathematics teachers (including those who did not train with mathematics as a specialism) and to those who wish to return to teaching secondary school mathematics. This academic programme gives you the practical skills and knowledge required to make a real difference to your day-to-day teaching and will increase your ability to lead and develop the mathematics curriculum. The programme will enable you to:
- Boost your mathematical skills and knowledge
- Increase your confidence and effectiveness in the classroom
- Inspire you to promote learning in mathematics that is challenging and engaging for pupils
- Help you to identify and build upon your previous knowledge
- Develop your capacity for masters level study
- Develop lasting support networks with other professionals and the university's postgraduate community
- Gain credits towards an MA Education
Programme structure
This one-year, part-time programme, is led by specialists within the University of Brighton with some additional sessions at local schools across the region. It includes a blend of contact with tutors through taught sessions, on-line learning and face-to-face tutorials. It has a flexible framework that combines academic study with work-based learning and action research. For those seeking accreditation it enables you to combine day-to-day professional activity with masters’ level thinking and research.
Areas of study
The programme content will be based around the mathematics needed to gain a full and profound understanding of the National Curriculum. It will not be exclusively curriculum mathematics - you will have opportunities to broaden your experience of mathematics through topics that lie outside and beyond the regular syllabus.
The emphasis will be on the fundamental concepts that underpin mathematics, understanding the links between different areas within the subject and gaining an appreciation of how these areas of mathematics can develop and lead into the higher areas of the subject. There will also be a consistent focus on how you can develop these ideas to enhance your classroom teaching of mathematics.
The level of mathematics you study will be related to your own experience. The programme is aimed at non-specialist teachers of mathematics so there need be no fear that you will be left behind. The level of final award can be selected to suit the intensity of study and the workload to which you wish to commit. The PGCert route will enable you to progress onto our Education MA if you wish to pursue your academic studies.
Outcomes
On completion of this programme you can anticipate improved professional practice, skills and knowledge to develop and implement effective mathematics education in your school. You can also achieve the award of a PGCert or gain credits toward an MA in Education.
Key facts
Typical entry requirements
A first degree, Qualified Teacher Status and experience within an education setting.
Time commitment
Contact sessions will broadly consist of six full days (two Fridays and four Saturdays) plus one twilight session each term. Course participants will be expected to commit to at least a further 10 studying hours each term.
Location
Whole day sessions will be held at the University of Brighton’s Falmer Campus. Some twilight sessions will be held at local secondary schools within East and West Sussex.
Mode of study
You will undertake projects which are designed to be readily accommodated within your working practice.
Tuition fees and funding
For eligible teachers the TA will cover the tuition fees in full. For all others there is a fee of £1440 for 2012/13.
Additionally, the Teaching Agency will, through the University, reimburse schools for up to 8 full days absence of any eligible teacher attending the course.
TA funding eligibility
To be eligible* for a fully funded place a teacher must have qualified teacher status (QTS), have completed their induction period and meet one of the three criteria below:
1. Currently teaching secondary age pupils in a school but did not originally train to teach secondary mathematics (note: primary trained teachers are eligible);
or
2. Not currently teaching and did not originally train to teach mathematics; but seeking to return to teach secondary mathematics and with either some experience of teaching mathematics or a significant element of mathematics in their original degree;
or
3. Originally trained to teach mathematics but have been out of teaching for an extended period (usually more than 3 years) and seeking to return to teach secondary mathematics.
*Eligibility criteria are subject to TA guidelines which may change. Information current at 1 Sept 2012
If you are not sure whether you meet the criteria but you believe the course would be suitable for you then please call or email Richard Goodman, the Course Coordinator, to discuss the possible options (contact details below).
How to apply and further information
For general enquiries contact Alice Wenban-Smith (see below).
Please submit these by post or email to:
Alice Wenban-Smith:
email a.wenban-smith@brighton.ac.uk
phone 01273 643430.
To discuss your potential suitability or the nature of the mathematics involved please contact Richard Goodman:
email r.n.goodman@brighton.ac.uk
phone 01273 643117.
Please note that practising teachers will need the application endorsed by their Headteacher or a Senior Manager at their school. You may wish to send an electronic application now to reserve your place and post the signed hard copy later.