PGCE post Compulsory Funding?

elisebutt65

I know it's a little early to think about Post-graduate courses (only on 2nd year) but some of my lecturers, tutors and fellow students have commented on the possibility of me becoming a lecturer - probably 'cos i'm so gobby in classes - I'm always the first one to open my mouth when they ask for input - lol.

But if I'm going to take this seriously I have to think about a) where to go (probably UCE as it's the closest and means I can get the kids to school frirst)and b) Can I get funding?

I think - not sure - too many websites!!!!! I get a grant/bursaried salary of about £9000 + fees paid but legislatoin seems to be changing and it's the PGCE in post compulsory education I want to do- really don't want to go anywhere near the 16's and under - lol

Anyone out there able to enlighten me? Pretty Please?

megsykins

My dad did PGCE in post-compulsory education last year. He did it at our local FE college who offer PGCEs in conjunction with De Montfort Uni.
He did it part-time over two years, whilst working as an assisstant lecturer at the college, and so didn't get funding, but did earn money and get more experience, plus lots of support (smaller class size, etc). It's similar to the GTP option, which I know a lot of my friends are looking into as it means you can earn. You can also then carry on with the same job when you finish your PGCE.
I'm guessing that you're a mature stduent (taking kids to school first) so maybe this is an option to look into?
Hotcourses is a good website to look for courses, prospects.ac.uk is also very useful and has lots of info.

One thing to bear in mind, is that post-16 teachers usually earn around 10-15% less than their school counterparts, as colleges receive much less government funding (for no good reason :mad:)http://www.aoc.co.uk/aoc/Members/comms/campaigns/1619resources/1619briefing.doc
This is why college lecturers have been striking.

Savvy_Sue

It would also be worth contacting UCE and asking them about funding for their courses. Once you know what the options are you can think about what choices to make.

Also, depending on your subject, there may be other options you haven't yet thought about!

elisebutt65

I'm currently doing a Ba(hons) in Tourism Business Management so I will be eligible for lecturing in Tourism or Business subjects.

I want to study full time as then I qualify for the funding and also childcare grant but don'tknow how much yet. Salary level doesn't really bother me too much as at least I'd be out there earning a living. Couldn't go back to living off IS and only seeing the kids and other mums now, and the college environment is great. I eventually want to do a Masters in Journalism or Media, so will need a job to support me whil I study for that.

I really can't face teaching 16 and under as I have enough of that with the kids at home - lol

crankup

I completed my Cert Ed Adv (Further Education) last year. It was via Bath Spa, but at local college. This was one evening a week over 2 yrs (1 yr for the Intermediate). I done a little casual p/time lecturing for the college too, for my teaching hrs.

The fees were fully covered via LEA for both Intermediate and Adv courses.

I started doing it as I thought I my make the leap into education. However, seeing how the colleges are funded, the type of contracts/salaries on offer due to this funding, the 16-19 reform plans etc......put me right off!!! I'll stay casual whilst I see how the sixth form schools cream off their fave students to keep their A Level league table positions looking good, whilst colleges 'open to all' struggle to compete. Anyway I digress......!

Good luck!

purply

Hi,
I did my PGCE in FE last year-hoping to go into higher education but IMHO the PGCE is much more pertinent for further education, even though its accecpted at HE.

Re Funding- i received £6000, however, at the uni where i did my PGCE, they were not sure if this funding would continue-so don't take it as given that you will receive a bursary-as people have mentioned FE is the cinderella of education.

Also, its not the case that you will be 'teaching'-ive been put off going into FE, as i was managing behaviour most of the time and rarely teaching.

Those who think that FE means not dealing with 'kids'-you are dealing with kids. they're not that different to schoolkids.And with the reforms, it will be more and more likely that you will be teaching under 16's.

There aren't that many jobs in FE-especially if you are looking for full time and permanent posts. I still havent found a teaching post (i'm working at a uni doing research which is great but...)

You do need to apply very early as places get taken up and in my experience, people don't generally tend to drop out, so theres no such thing as 'clearing' really.

Finally, i would recommend that you go onto the tes.co.uk website and into the staffroom link where you will find the FE forum-there is a wealth of information there.

saintstreaky

First, I agree with Purply's comments - and it is likely you'll be teaching 14+ or even younger in the long term.

What is it you want to teach? If it's a mainstream National Curriculum subject, I'd be inclined to do a PGCE with QTS, thus keeping your options open (i.e. you can teach in schools and FE Colleges, whilst with a PGCE (post-comp) you can only teach in FE).

elisebutt65

Ideally I'd like to teach the subject I'm currently studying at Birmingham - TBM and several of the Head of Years have mentioned that they'd like to see me at the collegge lecturing and they seem to have an aptitude for it. A few hints have also been dropped regarding a post should I qualify and get my PGCE.
We have quite a high turnover of staff at our college as a lot of the tutors drop in and out of the travel industry IYKWIM. I also have a college nearer to home that teaches the HND in Travel & Tourism, but am not to keen to work there as a freind already does and she only stays because of the higher salaries, no loyalty because of the dreadful way she's been treated - change of contract regularly and lowering of pay scales at random intervals etc etc.

i don't want to do this because of the salary - i know it's not as high as secondary levels, but I love the whole ethic and atmosphere of our college.

saintstreaky

If they want you that much, enquire if they'll could take you on whilst you do the PGCE.

purply

One thing that would greatly help your application (this is straight from the horses mouth (well, a course leader of my PGCE course). she told me that when students apply, they look at where they can place them during their teaching practice-let me tell you it is difficult getting a placement (colleges aint interested alot of the time)-if they can place you at a college easily, your application form will be considered more.

So....if you are able to speak to your college and ask them if you could do your teaching placement at the college during your PGCE (if you do the PGCE full time-you will be teaching from November/December til April/May), then wherever you apply, they will love you as they don't have to find a place for you. One major headache sorted as far as they are concerned.