Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) in Mathematics

The ACE in Mathematics is an innovative two year professional development programme to train Mathematics subject leaders. It is a NQF level 6 qualification, accredited by Stellenbosch University and is a collaboration between the Institute for Mathematics and Science Teaching at the University of Stellenbosch (IMSTUS) and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Schools Enrichment Centre (AIMSSEC). This partnership is ideally suited to conduct the programme as it brings together a combination of local knowledge and experience of Mathematics education and teacher education, and the knowledge and experience of academics from leading universities around the world.

The ACE in Mathematics caters for teachers of the Senior and FET Phases from all parts of South Africa, thus providing opportunities for the teachers to learn from each other and preparing them to provide support for other teachers in their areas.

Until further notice, there will be no new intakes for any ACE courses

Mathematics Material

This programme is designed to extend and to update the knowledge of teachers and other educators about Mathematics and about educational issues within secondary education, to assist educators to improve their educational practice, and to develop skills to support evaluation and enquiry into areas of professional practice.

Specific outcomes include:

• Empowered, equipped and motivated teachers who are prepared to assume a leadership role.
• Effective teaching methodology and improved classroom practice.
• Lessons that are offered with confidence and enthusiasm, resulting in an increase in learners that are better prepared for higher education in Mathematics.
• An increase in learner numbers in Mathematics at the schools involved.

Institute for Mathematics and Science Teaching at the University of Stellenbosch (IMSTUS)
IMSTUS has experience in offering accredited ACE programmes and an established model of Interactive Telematic Education.

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Schools Enrichment Centre (AIMSSEC)

AIMSSEC has an established introductory course of three months for teachers. Overseas subject experts offer their services to train Mathematics teachers during the introductory course and during the residential course of the ACE.

The programme consists of various components:

Residential Component
During two 10 day residential courses per year of intensive contact teaching, teachers will be taught by an international team and will be trained to use the technology necessary for the programme.

Self Study
Teachers receive material to work through on their own. At the end of each month at least one assignment is handed in. Feedback on each assignment is posted back no later than one month after the submission date.

Interactive Telematic Component
There will be three interactive telematic sessions per year at centres around South Africa. These sessions will consist of networked real time workshops which will allow teachers to interact with their lecturers and fellow teachers enrolled in the programme.

e-Learning Component
Regular weekly sessions involving communication via Moodle (a course management system) will enable discussions on subject content as well as providing opportunities for teachers to share thoughts on their teaching experiences and to ask lecturers any relevant questions.

The duration of the programme is two years.

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Teachers can choose to specialise in one of two streams: FET or Senior Phase.

Year 1
Senior Phase: (Next intake 2012)
Mathematics (Sec Ed) 774 (24)
Applied Mathematics (Sec Ed) 774 (10)
Statistical Methods (Sec Ed) 774 (10)
Subject Didactics Mathematics (Sec Ed) 773 (12)
Perspectives on Education (ACE) 771 (4)

FET Phase: (Current intake 2011)
Mathematics (Sec Ed) 773 (24)
Applied Mathematics (Sec Ed) 773 (10)
Statistical Methods (Sec Ed) 772 (10)
Subject Didactics Mathematics (Sec Ed) 773 (12)
Perspectives on Education (ACE) 771 (4)

Year 2
Senior Phase: (Next presented in 2013)
Mathematics (Sec Ed) 786 (20)
Mathematics (Sec Ed) 781 (10)
Statistical Methods (Sec Ed) 784 (10)
Subject Didactics Mathematics (Sec Ed) 783 (16)
Perspectives on Education (ACE) 781 (4)

FET Phase: (Next presented in 2012)
Mathematics (Sec Ed) 784 (20)
Mathematics (Sec Ed) 785 (10)
Statistical Methods (Sec Ed) 782 (10)
Subject Didactics Mathematics (Sec Ed) 783 (16)
Perspectives on Education (ACE) 781 (4)

A student must pass all modules to complete the programme.

For those modules that are assessed by examination, a student must obtain a minimum of 50% for their class mark which will be made up of the marks obtained from the assignments handed in throughout the year.

To enroll for the ACE in Mathematical Sciences, teachers must:

• posses a professional education qualification ranked not lower than Category C (M+3)
• have obtained a pass mark in Mathematics (at least on Standard Grade) in the matriculation or equivalent examination
• complete one of the residential courses offered by AIMSSEC
• demonstrate subject leadership potential and the ability to disseminate what they learn to other educators
• be a practising mathematics teacher or facilitator with at least one year's experience in teaching Mathematics.

NB: Only teachers who have completed a Mathematical Thinking course offered by AIMSSEC will be invited to apply for this programme. Teachers interested in attending the Mathematical Thinking course should contact Barrie Barnard at barrie@aims.ac.za.

For 2011 the tuition fee is R8300.

Ingrid Mostert
(Programme co-ordinator)
Tel: +27 21 808 2301
Fax: +27 86 696 4752

The closing date to enroll in 2012 for the ACE in Mathematical Sciences is 30 September 2011.
Interested teachers are to contact Ingrid Mostert. Only electronic applications will be considered.