ITT: Teacher Training as a Mature student?

barbara_anne

This sort of question seems to get asked frequently. Is there any chance the mods could merge all the threads on the subject?

dneil

I'm the OP, so I'll try and ask some specific questions.

I'm looking at starting from scratch. I've got the GCSEs, but would need to do an Access course. But, that would not be a problem.

My worry is my lack of work experience. I was ill for a number of years up to last summer, and this limited my employment to two years in admin/customer service. As teacher training is a long slog I do not want to embark on it if I have no real chance of getting a job at the end of it.

I am looking at primary age kids as I feel I have a good, clear way of explaining things. Of course, I have no evidence of this. I'm not sure I have the patience to teach teenagers, but I would not rule it out completely.

One other issue is the CRB check. I received a 'bind over' from a court in the late 90s for a minor non-violent offence. This 'conviction' is now spent. Would I still be eligible, or can you have no record at all?

barbara_anne

dneil wrote: »

I'm the OP, so I'll try and ask some specific questions.

I'm looking at starting from scratch. I've got the GCSEs, but would need to do an Access course. But, that would not be a problem.

My worry is my lack of work experience. I was ill for a number of years up to last summer, and this limited my employment to two years in admin/customer service. As teacher training is a long slog I do not want to embark on it if I have no real chance of getting a job at the end of it.

I am looking at primary age kids as I feel I have a good, clear way of explaining things. Of course, I have no evidence of this. I'm not sure I have the patience to teach teenagers, but I would not rule it out completely.

One other issue is the CRB check. I received a 'bind over' from a court in the late 90s for a minor non-violent offence. This 'conviction' is now spent. Would I still be eligible, or can you have no record at all?

I'm only speaking from my experience as a Postgrad secondary student, so apologies if this doesn't help.

As a male, you have some advantage as males are under-represented in the primary teaching sphere.

You will need to go into a school and observe at some point, this was compulsory for my postgraduate course, and I assume it will be so for an access course? This may be a good way to 'prove' that you have the skills, as most who go into 'observe' do get involved in helping out the teacher. You will need really to be CRB checked for this. I'd see if you can get a job as a classroom assistant. This will give you all the experience you need and show that you are serious about it as a career. Other good things to get your foot on the ladder (so to speak) is perhaps volunteer to work with kids - Scouts etc.

With regards to your CRB, the conviction may show as it is an enhanced CRB required for teaching. They may decide it's not relevant if it was non-violent. The things they look for are violent offences, offences against children, drink driving etc.

I don't think it will matter so much that you have been out of work due to illness in the past, but I had to pass a medical to get on my course so anything ongoing may cause you trouble.

barbara_anne

Oh and if it makes you feel any better I am 28. I was a mature student for my undergrad degree then went straight onto my PGCE. I'll be 29 when I qualify.

Also, see this link;

https://www.tda.gov.uk

therivierakid

I'm 31 and hoping to start the GTP course next year. I'm hoping to be a secondary maths teacher. So I'd be 34 by the time I had QTS. I don't see the age thing as a disadvantage - enthusiasm, ability and caring about what you do are far more important.