Becoming a primary school teacher

Pendulum7

Hi all, first time posting on these forums and I need some advice

I am currently 18 years of age and I've only just realised what I really want to do with my life - Primary school teacher! (Key Stage 2)

However I have a feeling I may have taken too long to decide what I actually want to do putting me at a disadvantage. I have 11 GCSEs all A*-C including Maths, English, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. I am also just about to finish A level courses in General Studies, History, ICT and Mathematics.

I know I need to gain a QTS but by doing this I need to complete ITT (Initial Teacher Training) which involves at least 18 weeks practical experience in a school environment. So do I do the ITT and then apply for uni doing QTS? I'm kinda confused Or am I starting too late? Any advice greatly appreciated

Oldernotwiser

You have two possible routes. You can either do a subject based degree (one where a minimum 50% content is a National Curriculum subject) and then do a PGCE, or you can do a degree that gives you QTS straight away. You will normally need substantial experience of working with this age group so a year out or voluntary work whilst doing a subject based degree would be the way to go.

Whichever you choose, the degree comes first.

Pendulum7

Thanks for your reply, I've looked around a bit for some more information and I have found that a bachelor of education (BEd) course enables you to study for your degree and complete your initial teacher training at the same time and you also receive a QTS, so this appears to be the best option for me. I was confused before as I thought you had to do part of the ITT while studying at A level.

Oldernotwiser

Pendulum7 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply, I've looked around a bit for some more information and I have found that a bachelor of education (BEd) course enables you to study for your degree and complete your initial teacher training at the same time and you also receive a QTS, so this appears to be the best option for me. I was confused before as I thought you had to do part of the ITT while studying at A level.

No, you go into a BEd after A levels like any degree. I think what may have confused you is the fact that you're unlikely to be accepted for primary teaching without classroom experience, probably on a voluntary basis. Entry into primary teaching is very competitive at the moment.