Teacher training

Top_Banana_2

Well, at the moment I am researching the prospect of training to be a primary school teacher.:cool:

It would mean 1 year doing an Access to Teaching course at college, followed by 3 years at uni', before I got a first paid position.

Is it worth it in the long run? Has anyone any experience of the the courses I mention, particularly at primary age (5-11)?

Most of the courses I have seen have said that you need 'an appropriate background' in the area you want to specialise in. What does that mean? I think I'd like to specialise in history, but only have a D grade GCSE in that subject.

Any advice would be great.

dmg24

Do you have any experience of working with children? If not, I would try to get some voluntary experience before going any further.

alwaysonthego_2

To be a primary teacher you need to have a C or above GCSEs in Maths, English and biology. You also have to have relevant experience i.e volunteer in a school as a helper.

Usually primary teaching courses do not specialise in history, it is normally English, science or ICT and there is a general teaching course. It is a full on course and many student teachers drop out in the first year. If you want to specialise in history maybe you should do the relevant degree and do a PGCE afterwards.

gratefulforhelp_2

You will work like a dog, and never ever feel like you have done what you should.

That said, it is the best job in the world!

poet123

I would think that you will also need to qualify as a Teacher by doing a PGCE, unless the degree course is an Educational one.

I think that with a D at GCSE in History you will also need a subject top up to bring you knowledge up to scratch, C isthe minimum requirement at GCSE. Subject top up may only be needed if you intend to teach a specific subject at Secondary level, at Primary level it may not be a requirement.

I would also say that gaining a place on the relevant courses is very hard now, and preference is given to those who can demonstrate they are serious about teaching. It is a good idea to volunteer in a school, and get some classroom experience to put on your application.

alwaysonthego_2

poet123 wrote: »

I would think that you will also need to qualify as a Teacher by doing a PGCE, unless the degree course is an Educational one.

If the op did a QTS then they would not have to take a PGCE.

poet123

That is what I meant about it being an educational degree course. The OP just said 3 years at Uni, and did not specify what type of course it is.

Oldernotwiser

You also need to remember that there are no shortages in primary teaching and it's likely to be very competitive to get a job, even after you've qualified.

I find the fact that you want to specialise in history (not possible at primary level) despite having a poor grade at GCSE, rather worrying. Have you got grades of at least C in English, Maths and a Science?

alwaysonthego_2

poet123 wrote: »

That is what I meant about it being an educational degree course. The OP just said 3 years at Uni, and did not specify what type of course it is.

I am doing an educational degree course and would have to undertake the PGCE if I wanted to do teaching, that's why I specified it was the QTS.

poet123

Is the degree not specified as "with" QTS rather than "the" QTS?

alwaysonthego_2

poet123 wrote: »

Is the degree not specified as "with" QTS rather than "the" QTS?

Yes sorry it is with QTS.