Pgce

slummymummyof3

When I applied for my PGCE, when it came to interview we had to teach a group of 10 other interviewees for 10 minutes. Whatever you do.....don't do origami as 5 people in my group did this and it wasn't at all unique. My niece recently has been accepted to do her PGCE and during one of her interviews she had to discuss an object of her choice for 10 minutes. If you can relate whatever you are teaching at interview so it involves eating chocolate, that is always a good hit!

We also had a paired interview where we had to discuss the last book we had read and say why we had enjoyed it etc.

I would continue to be involved in volunteering in the meantime at your local school.

ultimatedingbat

Teaching a group sounds PETRIFYING! Although I think I would go for music and try to do a mini music lesson or something

Oldernotwiser

I would contact the universities you want to apply for and discuss how they feel about your journalism degree. If there's a problem with it you've then got time to increase your academic content by taking an OU course or two.

If you're able to to go to a variety of universities, you'll then be in the situation to apply to those who are more flexible with their entry requirements.

ultimatedingbat

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I would contact the universities you want to apply for and discuss how they feel about your journalism degree. If there's a problem with it you've then got time to increase your academic content by taking an OU course or two.

If you're able to to go to a variety of universities, you'll then be in the situation to apply to those who are more flexible with their entry requirements.

The universities I'm looking at hve said it shouldnt be an issue as I have relevant experience and I want to go in at primary level.

I don't really want to take time out and not sure I could handle OU on top of third year at uni

marmitequeen

journalism isn't a problem - for sec you have to have 50% of your degree in the subject you want to specialise in. I'm not sure of the current reqs for primary as I only interview and assess for sec.

Journalism is great though - claim all the English / Language / History / Humanities / pretty much anything from the nat curric you want to! I wouldn't be at all concerned.

ultimatedingbat

marmitequeen wrote: »

journalism isn't a problem - for sec you have to have 50% of your degree in the subject you want to specialise in. I'm not sure of the current reqs for primary as I only interview and assess for sec.

Journalism is great though - claim all the English / Language / History / Humanities / pretty much anything from the nat curric you want to! I wouldn't be at all concerned.

Hey Marmite.
I also do Creative Writing as the other half of my degree which is purely english.
Im hoping the school experience will back up the weaknesses from my degree.

slummymummyof3

Hey, don't worry about your degree, it is fine; they accept international hotel management for a PGCE! The teaching a group is ok - don't worry.......as I said earlier, just don't do origami! There was another girl in my group who had an OHP showing netball positions and what the letters stood for on the bibs of each player and where they were able to go in the netball court.......yawn! We were allowed to use crib sheets - but I would recommend you avoid if at all possible - you could tell who was prepared and who wasn't!

There is a lot more competition for university places atm so having lots of school experience will be in your favour and show dedication and drive. Just really start to think about what you would teach for the interview.

Oldernotwiser

ultimatedingbat wrote: »

The universities I'm looking at hve said it shouldnt be an issue as I have relevant experience and I want to go in at primary level.

I don't really want to take time out and not sure I could handle OU on top of third year at uni

Sorry, I thought you'd already graduated.

Oldernotwiser

slummymummyof3 wrote: »

Hey, don't worry about your degree, it is fine; they accept international hotel management for a PGCE! .

That's a bit of a generalisation. The general rule for primary teaching is that at least 50% of your degree should be a national curriculum subject and some universities are very inflexible in this respect. Offering substantial experience, as the OP does, can be one way round it but this won't work everywhere.

ultimatedingbat

I am trying to make my application as strong as possible by taking extra courses ont he side including a sign language course, first aid and obviously school experience. i am trying to apply ot Cambridge so I have a fight on my hands.