Maths

Mathematics

Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Mathematics

The OAKS course is built upon Mathematics in the National Curriculum, the Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status and the needs of Trainee Teachers, pupils and schools. Curriculum workshops will essentially look at ways of teaching mathematical content through the 11-18 age range. Typical topics for Mathematics workshops include:

  • an investigative approach to Pythagoras’ theorem
  • practical experiments for teaching probability
  • using interactive whiteboards and dynamic geometry software to learn about circles
  • thinking skills and mathematics
  • problems pupils can have when learning about angles
  • using research results to help improve pupils’ learning

We encourage you to participate actively and to take responsibility for your own learning.

An important part of the course is learning how to create a stimulating and caring environment. To help create such an environment, you need to be enthusiastic and lessons need to be well planned and related to the needs of pupils. They need to be conducted in a well-organised way with a positive approach to control. You will be able to prepare in advance for handling different situations, since strategies for maintaining discipline and managing the learning in a mathematics classroom are considered and discussed.

A wide variety of resources is available for use by you in school, including classroom sets of graphic calculators; dice of all sorts for statistical work; geoboards; pegboards and probability kits. You will be encouraged to make use of Digital Technologies. Considerable attention is given to the use of Digital Technologies during the course. In almost all sessions you will experience use of an interactive whiteboard. Additionally, there are graphic calculators and some iPads available for you to use in school. We also place emphasis on the development of your skills in Digital Technologies (both personal and professional) and provide a wealth of opportunities for you to become a highly competent, skilled technology user, whatever your starting point.

School experience

There are excellent working relationships between colleagues at our lead schools, the OAKS and other partnership schools that will contribute to your professional development. All schools have subject mentors who have been trained by us and they are responsible for your learning and development when on placement.

Course participants are assessed through written academic assignments and portfolios of evidence. Throughout your placements you will be assessed against the National Teacher Standards. Your final award will be either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education, the outcome being determined by your performance in your formal academic assignments.

The Institute of Mathematics is offering tax-free training scholarships and bursaries, with possible further funding in early-career payments. Click here for further details on funding.