DFW daily chat wet and snowy Monday 22 Feb

becky_rtw

Yeah an evening A-Level isnt usually that expensive...or you can do what my friends just done and do masters/phd full time while working full time - you just need to find a research one rather than a taught course - then you can get funding from the arts and humanities research board for example

elfen

I'm actually doing research for an essay. Don't all gasp at once but I have some coherence going on....mad mad mad!

Burlesque_Babe

Our A levels are around £350 if you pay full fee. The difficulty is that they are on the wane, numbers wise and only a few ever run for adults because you need the numbers to make it viable. We do Art, French and Spanish if there are enough people plus a small number of GCSE's.

lizzie_b

Burlesque_Babe wrote: »

I've done a handful of OU modules over the years, I did some 10 years ago the first time I was made redundant and decided to try to get a second degree in a subject that this time might be vaguely relevant! I decided on Technology modules but got enough points for about a third of a second degree (plus the points I'd get for having one already). I was able to get them for free as I wasn't working, but I don't know how it works now. I then did a couple about 5 years ago just for my own development and then started a Masters but didn't get further than 1 module (and boy, a Masters is expensive).

The advantage is that you can take as long as you like to get whatever you want to do and also you can do as many or as few modules as you like.

The disadvantage is definitely the cost and also juggling it with your working life.

Occasionally I dip in and have a looky-see at what they have on offer. There are a few modules in unrelated subjects I'd like to do just for personal interest but to be honest the cost doesn't warrant any 'gain' I'd get from them.

What do you fancy? I work in adult learning and we have lots of courses, from accredited stuff like book keeping and GCSE/AS/A levels, teacher training, hairdressing, beauty diplomas etc and then long language courses with a certificate through to anything from 1 week upwards for leisure related courses (ie crafts, art, cookery, calligraphy, flower arranging, computing).

I want to do teacher training...but I didnt get accepted this year for PGCE so I want to do something that will improve my chances...but everything costs a fortune to do.

Burlesque_Babe

how about teaching adults? That's the way I got into teaching (for its sins!!!)

The route is the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Sector - PTLLS (we do it at 3 hours per week for 10 weeks) and then the Certificate in TEaching in the LLS - CTLLS (30 weeks at 3 hours per week) and then if you need to do it because of what you teach, the Diploma in Teaching in the LLS - DTLLS (another year).

What would you want to teach and at what level? There's a flood of primary teachers these days because of the golden handshake so if you want to do something where there is a need (ie maths, science) you would have more chance of a job at the end of it. Teaching adults does need you to have teaching hours for the CTLLS and DTLLS qualifications.

Buffythedebtslayer

lizzie_b wrote: »

I want to do teacher training...but I didnt get accepted this year for PGCE so I want to do something that will improve my chances...but everything costs a fortune to do.

what do you need to improve your chances? did they say?

lizzie_b

I am looking to teach primary, and that is where I currently am 2 days a week on a voluntary basis. But I am now wondering if Secondary business studies is the way to go with me Events Management degree, and if it is relevant enough.

It just all seems so complicated now the PGCE option has been taken away

Burlesque_Babe

How about through the SCITT scheme?

http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/typesofcourse/postgraduate/scitt.aspx

clairewop

well my ds2 has got the knitting machine working but were still having trouble getting it to knit proporly just practice now i suppose

becky_rtw

Thats good news Claire - I was hoping you got all your 'bits' for it

So when you've got the hang of it - what are you knitting first do you know?