Training to become an IT teacher...advice please!

nicki_2

I'm looking to start a career as an IT teacher in a secondary school. I know I need to do a degree in ICT and was originally looking at doing it through the Open University (I have a daughter who is in primary school so need to take that into consideration) but now I've looked at a local university and am wondering about that route.

I've already got :

• DipHE (in performance & production technology) (1999)
• A-level English Literature - D grade (1998)
• A-level Sociology - E grade (1998)
• A-Level General Studies - N grade (1998)
• 10 x GCSE's at C or above (1995 & 1997)

would these be sufficient to get into a proper university or am I best sticking to the Open Uni route?

I'm then thinking what about doing the teaching qualification? I always thought I would have to do a PCGE but now I've learnt of a QTS course which is just confusing me.... any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

scaty

Hi nicki,
I went back to college and got some IT qualifications and then onto university. I teach in FE now and did my pgce 'on the job'. Secondary school would need a slightly different pgce than mine but it was worth it.

I went to the local careers agency to ask about different routes and ££££ as to grants. Also, you may want to chat to colleges, schools etc to see what they need to take you on.

As to grants, try the library - there used to be a publication about bursaries/charities etc, and don't forget the Internet. Another thing to try is volunteer for summer schools - get your name/face seen, and it gives you a chance to see teaching in the wild.

Others here will be able to come up with more - there is always someone here to help.

keep us informed of how you get on.

Enjoy:j

Gingernutmeg

A university might want to see more evidence of recent study, something like an Access course or another A-Level, but it's always worth ringing round, getting a few prospectuses and going on a few open days. Policies for mature students vary hugely, so it's hard to give you a definite yes or no. If you're thinking about going to a certain university, give them a call and find out what their policies are.

You'll also need pass grade GCSEs in English, Maths and Science to get onto a teaching course, but it doesn't look like that's a problem for you