Charles Cockram (TES 9 July) raises important issues, but omits to mention some relevant aspects. Six-month TTA-funded subject enhancement courses in mathematics are available for people in similar positions to Charles, prior to their taking a PGCE course. Two-year PGCE courses also exist, with the first year again enhancing subject knowledge.
PGCE courses are already available as either 1-16 or 11-18, but there are also 7-14 courses that usually require an A-level in mathematics and a degree in any subject. Student teachers who pursue this last route successfully are able to choose to work in either primary or secondary schools and, although their initial training is limited to key stages 2 and 3, they should have demonstrated competence in mathematics in key stage 4. Students who have experienced no difficulties in securing in secondary schools teaching posts that have entailed working with key stages 3 and 4.
Brian Morgan
Senior lecturer in postgraduate initial teacher education
Canterbury Christ Church University College