A new training route from The Open University, aimed at would-be Maths teachers, offers a route to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education qualification and has been specifically designed to meet the needs of people unable to access conventional face-to-face initial teacher education.

The trainee teachers will be able to study from home and fit their studies around their work and other commitments by choosing from a part-time (2 years) or full-time (August – June) route, with the full support of an OU course tutor. Practical placements in secondary schools will be arranged within each student's local area through their local authority.

Beginning in August 2008, the training programme builds on the success of an initial pilot scheme launched by the OU in August 2006. Students who successfully complete the course become eligible to join the Teachers' Induction scheme, which guarantees newly qualified teachers a teaching post in Scotland for a year.

The course can be taken either full-time or part-time with study at home linked to flexible and full-time experience in local schools. Students will have the support of a personal tutor as well as a mentor in school.

Successful completion of the programme will lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (a PGDE) and recognition by the GTC(S).

Feedback from students on the initial pilot scheme confirm that the new programme is already proving successful.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for admittance on to the course, applicants will need:

• A Mathematics Degree

• A degree that includes the required amount and level of Mathematics study (normally 80 points, 40 of which are at SCQF level 8 or above)

• Higher Grade English (or equivalent)

The application process and important dates

Information packs and application forms are available from The Open University in Scotland on tel: 0131 226 3851 or email: scotland@open.ac.uk.

• Applications for the programme beginning in August 2008 close on 11 April 2008
• Initial interviews will be held in late April/early May 2008 in Edinburgh.

* Subject to final approval and confirmation of funding.