Teacher training (Scotland)

GlasweJen

I'm facing redundancy in my dream job and won't get much of a payment as I've been there less than 2 years (even the consultation won't take me past the 2 year mark but I have contractual redundancy of 2 weeks pay). If I'm selected to go (very likely, others have more experience having done the job longer) I will be put on a redeployment list but I think it would be difficult to find me a suitable job.

My other half has suggested I go back to uni and get my PGDE. My undergrad degree has a lot of chemistry and biology in it so I could apply for either of those courses.

Is anyone a science teacher in Scotland who could tell me if this is a good move or not?

beecher2

I'm not a Science teacher, but work in a school. Much depends on whether you'd enjoy working with young people, and how you feel you'd adapt to working in a school. It is very different from elsewhere and a bit of a culture shock for anyone coming from outside. I think it is pretty rewarding though.

I'm sure you're already aware of myworldofwork but just in case,
https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/my-career-options/secondary-school-teacher-chemistry

Have a look at Education Scotland, SQA and Bitesize for an idea of certificated classwork. Lower school follows a more general Science course.
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nationalqualifications/subjects/chemistry.asp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zmnp34j

Deadline's 15 January for UCAS applications, why not go for it and see how the interview goes?

Bogalot

Not a teacher but my partner is (that will be "was" by Christmas). The workload is ridiculous, management support non existent, and god forbid you fall ill. Disability support comes in the form of disciplinaries and performance management.

The TES forum is a good place to get a view on the realities of being a teacher, good and bad. Also have a look at the comments on the Get into Teaching page on Facebook.

beecher2

Depends where you are Bogalot, not every teacher will share your partner's experience. Much depends on management.

There's a separate TES Scottish page which would be more useful

Bogalot

beecher2 wrote: »

Depends where you are Bogalot, not every teacher will share your partner's experience. Much depends on management.

There's a separate TES Scottish page which would be more useful

Absolutely, which is why I suggested the OP take in the views of many teachers on the above links. The Scotland forum is on the link provided.

The average length of service of new teachers is less than five years. That speaks volumes.

(My partner has 22 years service, so has seen how the role has changed over many years, and it will get worse before it gets better.)

GlasweJen

Im a guide leader so I know I can handle a room full of high school kids but I'm not sure. OH seems to think this would give me a measure of job security and flexibility if we have children but I've heard horror stories.

beecher2

Bogalot wrote: »

Absolutely, which is why I suggested the OP take in the views of many teachers on the above links. The Scotland forum is on the link provided.

The average length of service of new teachers is less than five years. That speaks volumes.

(My partner has 22 years service, so has seen how the role has changed over many years, and it will get worse before it gets better.)

Again, think the 5 year average is for England. Not saying teaching is a bed of roses in Scotland, but terms and conditions for teaching staff in Scotland is much, much better than in other comparable jobs. Working with young people can be extremely rewarding and I think it is fantastic to see them grown into young adults. I've worked in schools for 23 years, and there's no doubt things have changed and there are new challenges. However behaviour has improved a lot and most of the negatives come from poor management.

StaffieTerrier

GlasweJen wrote: »

Im a guide leader so I know I can handle a room full of high school kids but I'm not sure. OH seems to think this would give me a measure of job security and flexibility if we have children but I've heard horror stories.

I completed at PGCE for similar reasons to you. At the time I was coaching sport and the chief coach said I'd make an excellent teacher. The reality of teaching is not what it appears from the outside. It's very long hours. I was teaching during the day and then working evening and weekends to stay on top of marking, lesson planning and paperwork. The classroom management was easy compared to the rest of it.

It's worth spending a few days in a school and getting a feel for what's involved. You also need to think about what age and subject you want to teach. Some areas are crying out for teachers. Other areas have many applicants fighting over positions.

I'm of the firm belief that teaching isn't a job but a way of life. I struggled with the stress of teaching so decided that a smaller wage, less job security and hours where I could walk away from the job were more important to me.

beecher2

StaffieTerrier wrote: »

It's worth spending a few days in a school and getting a feel for what's involved..

good idea, though I'm not sure how easy it is to organise without a PVG. Schools are paranoid about such things these days.

missbiggles1

beecher2 wrote: »

good idea, though I'm not sure how easy it is to organise without a PVG. Schools are paranoid about such things these days.

Worth looking at the SEP (School Experience Programme) before trying to arrange something independently.

https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/school-experience

beecher2

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Worth looking at the SEP (School Experience Programme) before trying to arrange something independently.

https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/school-experience

Doesn't apply in Scotland I'm afraid. Not aware of anything like this here, but may be wrong.