Applying to do Primary PGCE

smileylondongal

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

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!

This is quite an offensive thing to say! I got a C grade in Maths, which due to my dyscalculia, I am very proud to have achieved. My other grades were A's and B's. I'd like think that if I ever do go into Primary teaching that I could cope with the curriculum as it is fairly basic from what I've seen - I think a Maths GCSE/O Level would be slightly more difficult!! Secondary, and you would have a point, Primary, and I'm afraid you don't.

smileylondongal

OP, have you called the TDA helpline to ask them? Their advisors are excellent and will be very open about it with you if there is a problem.

SavingPennies_2

smileylondongal wrote: »

This is quite an offensive thing to say! I got a C grade in Maths, which due to my dyscalculia, I am very proud to have achieved. My other grades were A's and B's. I'd like think that if I ever do go into Primary teaching that I could cope with the curriculum as it is fairly basic from what I've seen - I think a Maths GCSE/O Level would be slightly more difficult!! Secondary, and you would have a point, Primary, and I'm afraid you don't.

The brighter pupils in KS2 may be doing more advanced maths than you might expect.

SavingPennies_2

That wasn't a criticism by the way, I got a C aswell!

claire16c

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

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

All depends on where you live and how many people are applying for each. I know 3 people who applied to do a GTP and are now all on the course, seemed to be no more of a problem to get onto it that the PGCE was for people I know who have done that. Except that some of the people who did the PGCE wish they had done the GTP instead to save a lot of money.

Oldernotwiser

claire16c wrote: »

All depends on where you live and how many people are applying for each. I know 3 people who applied to do a GTP and are now all on the course, seemed to be no more of a problem to get onto it that the PGCE was for people I know who have done that. Except that some of the people who did the PGCE wish they had done the GTP instead to save a lot of money.

There are a tiny number of places on the GTP compared to PGCE/SCITT places. In many areas, the GTP barely exists for primary teaching as there are so many many people wanting to to work in this area.

As an example, in the Bristol area,

"There are 10 Primary GTP salaried places each year in the Bristol area with the University of Gloucestershire (see below). The deadline for applications is November 30th to commence training the following year. There is considerable competition for places and applicants will normally have already worked in a school as a Teaching Assistant or similar. "

Oldernotwiser

smileylondongal wrote: »

This is quite an offensive thing to say! I got a C grade in Maths, which due to my dyscalculia, I am very proud to have achieved. My other grades were A's and B's. I'd like think that if I ever do go into Primary teaching that I could cope with the curriculum as it is fairly basic from what I've seen - I think a Maths GCSE/O Level would be slightly more difficult!! Secondary, and you would have a point, Primary, and I'm afraid you don't.

I'm sure that a grade C is quite an achievement for someone with dyscalculia but, for someone without this learning disability, it certainly isn't.

Educationalist generally consider that one of the main reasons for low maths standards in schools is because so many primary teachers are so poor at maths themselves.

smileylondongal

SavingPennies wrote: »

The brighter pupils in KS2 may be doing more advanced maths than you might expect.

But I don't think the potential for KS2 maths pupils doing more advanced maths would put me off an entire role.

smileylondongal

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'm sure that a grade C is quite an achievement for someone with dyscalculia but, for someone without this learning disability, it certainly isn't.

Educationalist generally consider that one of the main reasons for low maths standards in schools is because so many primary teachers are so poor at maths themselves.

Learning disability aside, why do you think people (I'm speaking about 'teacher' age) get a C grade in Maths? - this is a genuine question, not being facetious!

If educationalists really had a basis for the theory above, then the entry grade for Maths would be much, much higher. I understand there is a chicken and egg situation here due people of teaching age not being properly taught themselves, however if we went on this basis, would we have enough Primary teachers? I doubt it, looking back at when I recruited teachers.

SavingPennies_2

smileylondongal wrote: »

But I don't think the potential for KS2 maths pupils doing more advanced maths would put me off an entire role.

No and it shouldn't, being a good teacher is certainly not all about academic ability. I was just pointing out that there are a lot of bright ten year olds out there who will give many adults a run for their money as far as maths is concerned!