Teacher training

Magnolia

Have a look at this site for more information.

http://www.tda.gov.uk/recruit.aspx?ilewa=10000427

Very useful phone number if you want to teach pre 16's

0845 6000 991

mr.brightside87

Just to let you know, you don't need to do that access course... I am currently doing the same thing but need to get a-levels in chosen subjects before I can take my PGCE.

When I asked about it the other day, she said it's a minefield. The best thing is is to become a teaching assistant and gain a degree in said subjects through the OU. That way you get experience of working with kids, get money and ultimately, get your qualifications

Oldernotwiser

mr.brightside87 wrote: »

Just to let you know, you don't need to do that access course... I am currently doing the same thing but need to get a-levels in chosen subjects before I can take my PGCE.

When I asked about it the other day, she said it's a minefield. The best thing is is to become a teaching assistant and gain a degree in said subjects through the OU. That way you get experience of working with kids, get money and ultimately, get your qualifications

Could you clarify what you mean, please? Are you simply suggesting an OU degree as an alternative to Access + traditional university? Your comments about A levels/PGCE are rather confusing.

Top_Banana_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

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?

I do have Maths and English at C grade. The Access course has units to level 3 that covers science.

The Primary Education degree with QTS allows you to choose a specific course to specialise in through the course- not necessarily what you would specialise in at school.

mr.brightside87

Top_Banana wrote: »

I do have Maths and English at C grade. The Access course has units to level 3 that covers science.

The Primary Education degree with QTS allows you to choose a specific course to specialise in through the course- not necessarily what you would specialise in at school.

See now this is confusing me no end.

I had a chat with a woman from my local college who explained that you don't have to do the access course. You can study at home to earn your level 3 qualification (a-level or equivelent) and then you can go further with it. Looking at OU, they have a diploma course which can then be followed by a degree if you want and this woman said that the diploma course would allow me to move into teaching.

But now I have read the access course is good for multiple subjects.

Argh! CONFUSION!

Oldernotwiser

mr.brightside87 wrote: »

See now this is confusing me no end.

I had a chat with a woman from my local college who explained that you don't have to do the access course. You can study at home to earn your level 3 qualification (a-level or equivelent) and then you can go further with it. Looking at OU, they have a diploma course which can then be followed by a degree if you want and this woman said that the diploma course would allow me to move into teaching.

But now I have read the access course is good for multiple subjects.

Argh! CONFUSION!

You cannot become a teacher without a degree. You can get that degree from the OU and studying with the OU doesn't require any entry qualifications. You will also need specific GCSEs as well as a degree.

Oldernotwiser

Top_Banana wrote: »

I do have Maths and English at C grade. The Access course has units to level 3 that covers science.

The Primary Education degree with QTS allows you to choose a specific course to specialise in through the course- not necessarily what you would specialise in at school.

Make very sure that the science part of the Access course is acceptable instead of the science GCSE for entry to primary teaching, it isn't normally the case.

I was surprised that you'd chosen a subject in which you are weak to study to degree level, that's all.

alwaysonthego_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Make very sure that the science part of the Access course is acceptable instead of the science GCSE for entry to primary teaching, it isn't normally the case.

I was surprised that you'd chosen a subject in which you are weak to study to degree level, that's all.

When I did the access many students had to take the GCSE biology, at the time I was lucky as I was past the age where you had to do it, now it has changed where all students have to have the GCSE biology/science.

natmour

I'm currently at uni studying primary teacher training with English, this was my specialist subject, however you can choose any subject to specialise in, from Special Eduational Needs, Early Years, History, etc. They usually require a C in GSCE in the subject that you want to specialise in, however with the subjects SEN and Early years, there was no subject for it.
The uni also requires that you have a C in Maths, English and Science to be accepted onto the course.
If you specialise in a subject, it's mainly to help you when you become a teacher to be a head of subject, as there is a head for all the subjects at school.

Do you know what the course it is you want to do?
Only apply for a course with QTS as this is a qualified teachers status and allows you to offically teach.

Before you start the course they would ask for at least 2 weeks experience within a primary school, if you want to study the 5-11 route, or can do experience in a nursery if you want to do the early years route 3-7.

The interviews are quite hard as some uni's make you take a few tests to make sure your English and maths skills are up to scratch.

The first and second year of the course hasn't been as full on as previously stated. The only hard thing about it is doing the essays!

Can I ask are you male or female? As male teachers are needed more then female teachers.

Hope this helps!

HampshireSeagulls

I came in via a strange route, but basically I went with the OU. I followed a "simple" degree in Literature because I was advised to stick to a major subject, and not to follow one that is "XXX with XXX". You also need GCE/GCSEs in English, Maths and Science. You will need to take tests to prove you can still remember most of the content of these subjects! The OU proved to be a postive point in my original interview as it demonstrated an ability to self-motivate and that I was committed to lifelong study. I teach in Primary Schools, and we notice a definite difference between new teachers that have some life experience and those that don't - mainly with issues of classroom and time management. Their ability to deliver lesson is broadly comparable, but sometimes their ability to deal with a crisis is different.

Your PGCE year will be hard. Get some experience in local schools, as much as you can, and begin to become familiar with the acronyms and routines that are followed, also some of the documentation - it will save you in the long run!

Good luck!