Applying to do Primary PGCE

hails84

Hi all, appealing to anyone with experience or knowledge of the PGCE application process please

I'm looking to apply to do a Primary school PGCE in September (to begin Sept 2012) and the minimum experience is just 2 weeks.

My background: I have a 2:1 degree in Children's Nursing and became a qualified nurse, and worked a year post registration before having my children, now 4 and 2years, but teaching is where my heart is.

With my nursing I obviously have a lot of experience working with children/families, and in a teaching role as an educator of their illnesses/medications, and as part of my training I had a 2 week placement in a school, although that is now almost 5-6 years ago.

I am currently (started last week) volunteering at a local nursery 1 day per week and stationed primarily with the school-age children.

My question is this: I know how competitive the course is, do you think my experience will be enough by September or am I best to wait a year (which I really don't want to do!) ??

Many thanks for reading what now seems like a very long-winded post for such a short question!! :rotfl:

hails x

Oldernotwiser

You've nothing to lose by applying this year; if your experience isn't enough you'll just have to wait until 2012.

I think that, if you make a good application, your experience might well be acceptable, however, you do realise how difficult it may be to get a job at the end of it, don't you?

hails84

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You've nothing to lose by applying this year; if your experience isn't enough you'll just have to wait until 2012.

I think that, if you make a good application, your experience might well be acceptable, however, you do realise how difficult it may be to get a job at the end of it, don't you?

Yes, I am more than aware of the job situation but if you're lucky enough to know what you would love to do I think go for it All the best things are worth waiting and working for

Thanks

kingfisherblue

I know a number of people who have applied to study for a PGCE - they have been asked to provide proof of two weeks recent experience in a school. You sound as though you have a lot more experience than that, so go for it!

hails84

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I know a number of people who have applied to study for a PGCE - they have been asked to provide proof of two weeks recent experience in a school. You sound as though you have a lot more experience than that, so go for it!

Thanks for that-it helps to have someone else look at it and support you I was just worried my most recent exp isn't school-based but I think i'll apply anyway and if I don't get in i'll have a whole years' worth by next application!

Thanks again! x

claire16c

Just wondering as another option, have you thought about doing a GTP? That way you receive a wage as well as train to be a teacher.

erdd2

Give consideration to your grade in Maths if you a Scotland as this is more important to "them" than a wealth of life experience as can be evidented by their selection committee and government

WinterGhosts

I have an unconditional offer for a Primary PGCE starting this September. I only have my own experience to go by so I'm not sure if I can be qualified to say you definitely have or haven't enough experience. However, you should apply this year, you have absolutely nothing to lose and at worst you can ask for feedback, if you are turned down, in order to improve for the next intake.

My own experience is: 1 year as a Cub Scout Leader. 6 months (1 day a week) mainstream school. 5 months (1 day a week) Special Needs School. 2 week block in a mainstream school.

All of that experience was within a year of applying. I did have other bits of experience throughout the years but they highlight the importance of recent experience and so that is what I wrote on the application form.

I wish you the best of luck and if you are passionate you will get on the course, just remember to persevere!

Oldernotwiser

claire16c wrote: »

Just wondering as another option, have you thought about doing a GTP? That way you receive a wage as well as train to be a teacher.

The GTP is far more competitive than doing a PGCE; you can't use it as a fall back option!

Oldernotwiser

erdd2 wrote: »

Give consideration to your grade in Maths if you a Scotland as this is more important to "them" than a wealth of life experience as can be evidented by their selection committee and government

In the UK, nobody can train to teach without GCSE English and Maths or an equivalent, by law.

Given that a grade C in Maths doesn't show a particularly high level of numeracy, it would be quite appalling to think that someone who couldn't even achieve this was guiding children's early stages of working with numbers!

SavingPennies_2

No matter how much experience you have with children, they will want recent experience in school. No harm in trying I guess it depends how popular the uni you are applying to is. Id try and get some time away from the nursey and in key stage 1 and 2 instead.