Teacher Training
Copies of this helpsheet are available from Careers Reception at Whiteknights. Large print and alternative format versions are also available on request.
Introduction
Recruitment for Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) begins in late August in the year preceding entry. It is best to apply early to give yourself the widest choice both of subject combinations and institutions.
The closing date has been brought forward to December 1st for Primary PGCE applications. There is no closing date for secondary applications, which will be processed in date of receipt order.
Competition has increased dramatically and institutions will expect you to be well informed about your career choice, and convincing about your interest and suitability both in written applications and interviews.
Your application will need to demonstrate a good understanding of current educational issues, evidence of your ability to relate to young people and the relevance of your own education to the school curriculum. The following suggestions are intended to help you build relevant knowledge and experience. The timescales used are appropriate to penultimate year students. If you are a graduate or well into your final year as you read this, you will need to make appropriate adjustments.
Ideas for research
- Talk to subject teachers and headteachers about recent developments in Education. If you don’t have contact through family and friends, try starting with your own school or schools in and around Reading.
- Acquire a good general background from reading the educational press, especially the Times Educational Supplement (Friday) and the Education Guardian (Tuesday).
- Consult the GTTR website to research courses. Note the variety of provision including conversion courses, part-time courses, school centred training consortia (SCITT) and flexible modular routes.
- Consult the Infoguide on Teacher Training (PGCE) in SEECC.
Other Routes
The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) is an employment-based route into teaching. Teach First is a business-led programme for top graduates. It combines two years teaching in challenging London secondary schools with education training. Details of both schemes are available from the Training and Development Agency for Schools.
Qualifications required
As well as a degree, candidates must have a Grade C Maths and English GCSE or equivalent and for Primary Teaching a GCSE Science or equivalent as well.
The rule that Primary PGCE candidates have to be able to offer a National Curriculum subject, at Degree level, has been relaxed but institutions can impose their own entry qualifications. "A" level subjects can also be taken into account.
If you are in any doubt about your entry qualifications, talk with your Careers Adviser or contact admissions tutors directly.
Ideas for relevant experience
You will need recent and practical evidence of your ability to relate to children, so the sooner you start on this the better. Babysitting won’t carry much weight, but voluntary or paid work where you have to organise and motivate groups of children will.
- Any vacation: Observe some lessons and help out in a classroom. This should not be difficult to organise as school terms are longer than those at university.
- Term-time: You can gain classroom experience in a local school through the CSV Learning Together scheme. It offers an eight week school placement and introductory training leading to a certificate and runs through the Autumn and Spring terms.
Apply by early October at the latest for the Autumn programme. Application forms from Julia Hodgson, Widening Participation Office Room 2L18, Agriculture Building, Earley Gate.
Paid work experience on the Student Associates Scheme (SAS) has now ceased, but the TDA plan to introduce a new programme later in 2011.
The Job Shop will help with details of local, part-time jobs, some of which will provide valuable experience in the education sector.
- Spring term: Apply for summer opportunities such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL); Activity Holidays; Summer Camps in the UK or abroad; Playschemes and Au Pair work.
- Anytime: Renew old contacts or develop new ones for voluntary experience, eg with handicapped or disadvantaged children, through Church groups etc. Many people link experience with an existing hobby, eg through the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, riding or skiing. Remember, though, that most will need a regular commitment from you.
Applications
- Now onwards: Go to the GTTR web site. The GTTR will keep names of early applications on its database for despatch of information as available - usually late summer. Late applicants will be sent details of places available but the picture changes daily and it is worth contacting the GTTR or institutions directly or accessing their website to check the current situation.
- Summer term: Go to an Application workshop which is appropriate to all types of applications including postgraduate courses. Ask at the Information Desk for details. Think about whom you will ask for references and check that academic referees will be available at the appropriate time. Your application form cannot be submitted until the references are complete.
- September onwards: Monitor the progress of your application to avoid delays; in particular make sure that referees send off your form promptly. Later on, you can check with the GTTR that institutions are dealing promptly with your application.
- Any time: Ask to see a Careers Adviser about any aspect of your career choice or application. In particular, see a Duty Adviser for comment on your draft application form.
Further information
Collect a copy of the yellow Infoguide - Teacher Training (PGCE) which provides details and location of relevant information at the Student Employment, Experience and Careers Centre.
