Spend three weeks in the classroom... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

System

learning_to_drive wrote: »

I hasten to add to the above comment and state that it's meant for those that are looking at teaching as a career.

I believe you have to show some proof that you are interested in a career in teaching, and isnt just a easy £600.

What do you mean "an easy £600" ?

3 weeks, 9-3 at minimum wage would earn you more than £600 ... so I doubt it anyone would apply for money alone.

marklar_2

I have just completed this course and to have it on this site as a way of 'boosting income' is quite frankly disgusting.
The scheme has been designed as a way to let people who are thinking of going in to teaching experience life in the classroom, not for people who are short of money. In fact, the financial incentive is not the main aim of this scheme at all.

I have been an avid supporter of this website for several years and this is the first time I have had any reason to be negative. I do feel that this should be removed from this section and to let it remain is irresponsible. I completely support the previous poster in the respect that this scheme needs to be filled with the right candidates, not just people who see the financial side as the primary reason for doing so.

dolly_day_dream

candyflossing wrote: »

What do you mean "an easy £600" ?

3 weeks, 9-3 at minimum wage would earn you more than £600 ... so I doubt it anyone would apply for money alone.

9 - 3 would be lovely in fact I begin work at 7.30 and leave school - with further work at 5.45 - The only reason I am able to write this is because I have been away today sick - totally exhuasted in fact and unable to speak.
That said teaching is the best job in the world and if this scheme is able to persuade more enthusiastic people to join I am all for it.

retrocircles

i finished university last year, started my own business for a year but am now considering doing a pgce in september. i don't know if i want to go into teaching, so this would be ideal for me. am i excluded because i'm no longer a student?

emmaglet

learning_to_drive wrote: »

I hasten to add to the above comment and state that it's meant for those that are looking at teaching as a career.

I believe you have to show some proof that you are interested in a career in teaching, and isnt just a easy £600.

To be fair, teaching isn't 100% far from what I want to do. I have just qualified as a youth worker. I will be completing my degree come Sept in youth work, as well as working as a youth worker. Aside for the money, I think teaching would be a great experience, but no something I have ever thought of doing before! By earning money for it, all be it a bursary that would go towards my travel expenses, etc whilst teaching, it would give me the push to apply. I would feel bad because I don't intend on becoming a teacher, but I can see the benefits that it would have on my youth work and whatever comes after that.

All that said, I will still think about applying and perhaps get into contact with someone to see whether they feel it would be suitable for me.

tiamaria

My son did this 2 years running, one at Primary level and one at secondary. He was studying maths and maths teachers are always in demand. Sadly though, after doing this he decided that teaching wasn't for him. However, despite a 2:1 degree he can't get a job in other areas after looking for 12 months so he may have to reconsider teaching.:undecided

Owen_Lloyd

Hi all,

I run the Student Associates Scheme at the University of Leeds, we cover all of West Yorkshire and (slightly) further afield too. I'd like to clarify a few points as we've had a lot of enquiries since Tuesday and we had to find out where they were coming from!

Firstly, the timing of this bulletin is extremely unfortunate! There will most likely be no places left on any institution's scheme at this point in the year. The vast majority start recruitment at the start of the academic year, and even those that run the scheme in the summer will have been through their application and selection process by now. We started our placements here on 9th June, but the deadline for applications was back in March. Ultimately, considering the time it takes to complete a CRB (criminal records) check - about 4 weeks - it will be virtually impossible to get onto this year's scheme now.

Right - now that's out of the way, here's some more info for those of you that might be interested next year, or further on down the line:

1. The scheme is (currently) available from 53 different providers throughout England - and all placements must be within English schools. It's likely that there will be a few more providers next year as the TDA (who fund the scheme) have just been confirming the provision for 2008-11.

2. The main focus of the scheme is 'shortage' subjects - namely Maths, Physics and Chemistry. There are places available in other subjects, especially Other Sciences, Modern Languages, Music, RE, ICT, D&T (especially Food Science) but there will be more competition for places (a case in point - we've had 30 places available over these subjects this year, and we had more than 100 applicants for them). If you're doing this just for the money and can't demonstrate an interest in teaching you might not get a place on the scheme - you might not even make it to an interview.

3. There are VERY few primary placements available - it's simply not the focus of the scheme (we don't have any primary placements at all here!). Men looking for primary experience are in short supply however so you might have more luck. As with primary PGCEs, ensure you apply early - make enquiries in September even if your placement wouldn't be until the following summer.

4. You must be a current registered student on a higher education course that doesn't lead to a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) award - so if you're already doing a PGCE or if you've already graduated you won't be eligible. Postgrads are welcome however. If you've already done the scheme once you are ineligible to take part a second time - tiamaria's son must have done it when the scheme crossed over last year and this was still a possibility.

5. It's NOT an easy £600! Students on the scheme are required to attend at least 15 hours of training and complete quite a large amount of paperwork whilst on the scheme. It's hard work, early mornings, potentially a lot of travel - and then there's the kids to deal with! Most providers are asked to ensure that a large number of their placements are in areas of deprivation, so if you're thinking it will be a cushy 3 weeks in a posh school... well, it won't be.

Having said all that, if you are thinking about teaching or want to know what it's all about it's second to none in giving you that experience (the skills and experience gained on the scheme is very closely linked to QTS), and the money is certainly useful - that's what we're all on this site for after all!

I hope that clears a few things up - if anyone would like more info about next year's scheme in West Yorkshire then please feel free to visit the site that MSE Natasha linked to, search Leeds for the contact details and drop me a line!

Oh - and just to reiterate: the money comes through as a 'training bursary' - so it's tax- and NI-free. Ace? Ace.

Cheers,

Owen

niknakb

how would it work if you are studying for a PGCE part time while working in an educational setting.Do you think you could stilldo it then?

Owen_Lloyd

No - as your course of study leads to QTS you wouldn't be eligible.

learning_to_drive

candyflossing wrote: »

What do you mean "an easy £600" ?

3 weeks, 9-3 at minimum wage would earn you more than £600 ... so I doubt it anyone would apply for money alone.

Hours of 9-3? I think some people (certainly grads) would.

It's for an experience of teaching, not just a way to put off getting a job in their chosen field. The education system is full of teachers who do not care and due to the system, they get away with being poor.

We need more good teachers and schemes likes this are a good idea to give those a good experience of it.