Personal statement for PGDE - help!

papoosue

I'm applying to do a PGDE for primary teaching and I have to write my personal statement. To be honest, I really don't know where to begin. There is some advice on the GTTR website, but I just don't know how to get started. I'm in my final year of an Hons Degree with the OU, I volunteer one day a week at the local primary school and I help out with the Guides too. I've been at home for the last 12 years looking after the kids and studying, so I feel a bit lost now that I'm trying to get back into the working world. I really want to teach, but I am going to fall at the first hurdle if I don't get my head together and get this application sorted out.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on :embarasse. If anyone has any advice of any kind, I'd really appreciate it

slummymummyof3

Think about why you want to teach and what you can bring to the classroom. You have a wealth of life experience that your average 21/22 year old cannot get close to. You have regularly(????) volunteered within a classroom environment rather than the obligatory 10 days required for the course (university dependent on period required) You can demonstrate commitment, drive and enthusiasm. You are able to see things from the parental perspective rather than just the other side of the fence. Detail the responsibilities you have when you are volunteering within the classroom.

Have you thought about becoming involved with the school pta or the Governing body - so you can demonstrate the importance of a home/school relationship from another perspective?

Ask your class teacher to read your draft personal statement and ask for their feedback.

Do you have any additional skills such as the ability to play a musical instrument such as the piano - always in great demand as a teacher who can play the piano is a dying breed!!!

papoosue

Thank you so much for your advice, it's been really helpful and is much appreciated It's very hard to think of these positive things yourself sometimes.

The 'why you want to teach' question is the hardest thing to try and put over I always think - I just think that education is so important and I can never believe how underrated/unappreciated it is in this country (I will stop the rant now lol).

I wasn't aware of the 'obligatory 10 days' experience - I wonder if that's an English thing - I am up in Scotland and I know things are different here.

I haven't recently been involved with the pta at my kids primary, but I have just joined the parent forum since my daughter has just gone into high school, so I guess although it's not primary, it's yet another perspective to mention.

Unfortunately I do not play the piano I can imagine that being sought after as our school is always looking for someone to help out in that area. I guess my other skills are on the creative side - art, crafts, that sort of thing which might be helpful?

I am managing to get a few words together so far, and hopefully can get my application finished by the end of this coming week. Thanks again for your advice slummymummyof3

Susan xx

slummymummyof3 wrote: »

Think about why you want to teach and what you can bring to the classroom. You have a wealth of life experience that your average 21/22 year old cannot get close to. You have regularly(????) volunteered within a classroom environment rather than the obligatory 10 days required for the course (university dependent on period required) You can demonstrate commitment, drive and enthusiasm. You are able to see things from the parental perspective rather than just the other side of the fence. Detail the responsibilities you have when you are volunteering within the classroom.

Have you thought about becoming involved with the school pta or the Governing body - so you can demonstrate the importance of a home/school relationship from another perspective?

Ask your class teacher to read your draft personal statement and ask for their feedback.

Do you have any additional skills such as the ability to play a musical instrument such as the piano - always in great demand as a teacher who can play the piano is a dying breed!!!

Gleeful

I have PM-ed you my personal statement that got me on a PGCE course

ultimatedingbat

Good luck! I'm just sorting my PGCE!

papoosue

Thank You!! I'm so grateful. Have PM'd you. x

Gleeful wrote: »

I have PM-ed you my personal statement that got me on a PGCE course

papoosue

Thank you ultimatedingbat! Good luck to you too! I hope you get a good result

ultimatedingbat wrote: »

Good luck! I'm just sorting my PGCE!

nutty1

Gleeful wrote: »

I have PM-ed you my personal statement that got me on a PGCE course

hi, i've pm'd you