Pgce

ultimatedingbat

Hey all
I am applying for a PGCE this year, nervous as heck but wanted some advice from someone who's done it before.

Personal statement - Not sure what to put in this, struggling a little as I have recently changed my career ambitions. SHould I say this in the personal statement?

My degree is unrelated as it's in Journalism (this is the career change) but have no qualms admitting while I love my degree the job isn't for me.

When do applications open?

angelofmel

Firstly, best of luck! I'll be appplying for a PGCE as well this year!

As far as i can tell, applications will be open in september when the current application cycle ends...aka once the new intake start.

ultimatedingbat

Good luck Angel! Where are you thinking? I'm a little nervous as my degree isn't associated but hoping I can convince them i'm good

angelofmel

no im the same, mine isnt exactly related only partly and has so many elements to it I hope they dont look at it unfavorably!

my first choice is going to be the Uni of Wales Institute Cardiff for secondary english. If i dont get in there it'll mean i'll have to move away again cus theres not many places in south wales that do secondary english. think Swansea's my only other option.

what about you?

Oldernotwiser

ultimatedingbat wrote: »

Hey all
I am applying for a PGCE this year, nervous as heck but wanted some advice from someone who's done it before.

Personal statement - Not sure what to put in this, struggling a little as I have recently changed my career ambitions. SHould I say this in the personal statement?

My degree is unrelated as it's in Journalism (this is the career change) but have no qualms admitting while I love my degree the job isn't for me.

When do applications open?

When you say this year, I assume that you mean for 2011 entry.

What do you want to teach and what age group do you want to teach it to? Do you have the required GCSEs?

ultimatedingbat

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

When you say this year, I assume that you mean for 2011 entry.

What do you want to teach and what age group do you want to teach it to? Do you have the required GCSEs?

Hi Older, yes I mean for 2011 entry.

I want to teach at primary school level. Qualification wise i've got:

11.5 A*-C GCSE's (A* History, English Language and Food Tech. A Music, English Literature, Double Science and Double ICT. B Maths. C French and this Certificate for Working Life thing)
3 A Grade A Levels English Language, English Literature and Media Studes
B Grade General Studies A Level
AS Level ICT B Grade
Advanced Extension Award English Grade Merit

Currently a 2:1 in my degree but close to a first.

I also have Grade 5 PRactical Singing Distinction

Oldernotwiser

ultimatedingbat wrote: »

Hi Older, yes I mean for 2011 entry.

I want to teach at primary school level. Qualification wise i've got:

11.5 A*-C GCSE's (A* History, English Language and Food Tech. A Music, English Literature, Double Science and Double ICT. B Maths. C French and this Certificate for Working Life thing)
3 A Grade A Levels English Language, English Literature and Media Studes
B Grade General Studies A Level
AS Level ICT B Grade
Advanced Extension Award English Grade Merit

Currently a 2:1 in my degree but close to a first.

I also have Grade 5 PRactical Singing Distinction

You've got the academic requirements, although your degree subject could cause problems, as you obviously realise. Primary teaching is really competitive at the moment so you'll need good, relevant experience to be accepted.

slummymummyof3

I would recommend getting some volunteering at a school done as well.

ultimatedingbat

slummymummyof3 wrote: »

I would recommend getting some volunteering at a school done as well.

Hey SlummyMummyof3. I volunteered in a primary school last year every week and they had me for a 3 week placemen at the end of the year. I also went to another primary school for a week.

I have some youth worker experience as well

ultimatedingbat

Oh plus plannign to volunteer at the primary school which gave me the big placement again

marmitequeen

Hi, good luck and well done on deciding to do the best job ever.

Your first step needs to be to get into schools - secondary as well as the primary you want to do. This will give you real experience and will make writing your personal statement a breeze because you will be able to write (and talk at interview) about what it's like and exactly what difference you want to make. Look for good schools via the bbc website - go to education and look at the league tables. Then look at the school websites and phone/email to ask for a pre-PGCE visit. Some will offer just one day, others will offer a week. The more you do the better. No-one will take you seriously until you do this, so get in early and ask now! (At key points in the year we have too many requests so just take first come first served!)

In your personal statement you want to balance between your passion for your subject and your desire to teach and 'make a difference'. You'll find that schools you observe in might help you and look over your draft, but make sure it's yours as it's got to reflect who you are.

Good luck!
MQ
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