Teacher Training

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Teacher Training

• How to get a place on a PGCE course

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Is Teaching for you?

• teachers need to be adaptable, creative and,
  above all, enthusiastic. Whatever you are
  teaching, you need to unlock your own interest in
  it, and then fire up your pupils imaginations so
  that they really want to learn.
• Nick
  Webster
• Teacher,
  Bristol.

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Initial Entry Qualifications

• GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) in
  English Maths (for both primary secondary
  PGCE)
• GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent) in a
  science subject for primary or key stage 2/3 if
  born on or after 1st Sept 1979
• For secondary, degree needs to show relevance to
  subject you teach (at least 50)
  www.curriculumonline.gov.uk www.nc.uk.net

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Entry Qualifications - Cont

• Some ITT providers may offer you an English or
  Maths equivalence test. Check this out.
• www.gttr.ac.uk - course search
• If in any doubt about your qualifications,
  contact your chosen ITT provider(s) to check out
  their requirements BEFORE you apply

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Are you experienced ?

• Get some experience in a school
• Get broader experience of working with children
  of the age group you would like to teach, e.g.
• Local play schemes
• Mentoring programmes in schools
• Scouts/ guides
• Sporting activities

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How to do this?

• www.communi.org.uk
• Tel [phone]
• Contact your old school
• After school clubs www.manchester.gov.uk/jobsupd
  ate

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Student Associate Scheme

• For more information
• mmu.ac.uk/ioe/sas
• 247 2043
• a.l.kerr_at_mmu.ac.uk
• 2 weeks experience in local schools
• 400
• Nationally recognised scheme

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Timescales for Applications

• Apply on the GTTR website from September 06 for
  2007 entry
• www.gttr.ac.uk
• 1st Dec likely closing date for primary
• No closing date for secondary, BUT
• APPLY EARLY FOR BOTH !

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Application Procedure

• On-Line at www.gttr.ac.uk
• Cost 12 for 2006 entry
• Applications processed in date of receipt order
  sent out from October onwards
• Can apply for up to 4 courses in order of
  preference, but maximum 2 for primary.
• For secondary (and some primary) must choose a
  subject specialism.

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Key Tips

• Arrange for a tutor to act as your referee well
  in advance.2 referees are required but the 2nd
  one isnt always taken up.
• Research your course choices thoroughly.
• Do not underestimate the importance of the
  Personal Statement.
• Get someone to check your form.

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Personal Statement

• Describe briefly your reasons for wanting to
  teach giving the relevance of your previous
  education experience, including teaching,
  visits to schools and other work with young
  people.

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Personal Statement (cont)

• Why do you want to teach?
• Think about the skills you need to become an
  effective teacher. What EVIDENCE can you provide
  that you have these skills?
• Reflect on your observation/ work in school. What
  did you do? What did you learn?
• How will the skills and knowledge from your
  degree help you in the classroom?

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Personal Statement (cont)

• What else have you done to show you enjoy working
  with young people/ children? Their parents?
• Comment on work/ voluntary experience in other
  settings show how the skills youve gained
  there will help you in teaching.

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Finance

• For full details on bursaries, fees, and Golden
  Hellos look at
• www.teach.gov.uk

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Fitness to Teach?

• Skill (National Bureau for Students with
  Disabilities) www.skill.org.uk
• Marina Matosic Disability careers Adviser
• Tel [phone] for an appointment

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Selection Procedure

• Interviews
• Tests/ practical exercises
• Presentations
• Group Discussions

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Tests/ Practical Exercises

• I was asked to bring notes to the interview of
  one geography lesson I had observed in a school.
• The University sent me a subject knowledge
  profile and asked me to complete it and bring it
  to interview.

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Presentations

• I had to prepare a 3-5 minute presentation in
  advance. The topic they gave me was about the
  place of English in the secondary school
  curriculum.
• I was asked to do a 5 minute presentation on the
  skills which would enable me to be an effective
  Geography teacher.

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Group Discussions

• We had to introduce ourselves to the rest of the
  group and observers, and then say who our best
  teacher had been and why.

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Alternatives to PGCE?

• SCITT (School- centred initial teacher training)
  www.gttr.ac.uk
• GTP (Graduate Training Programme)- www.tda.gov.uk

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Teaching in Further Education

• PGCE (FE) does not give QTS
• Check full range of courses on www.lifelonglearnin
  guk.org
• Bursaries and Golden Hellos only available for
  shortage subjects
• Flexibility when seeking first job is key
• Most jobs teaching basic skills

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Finally

• Plan your strategy
• Gather information
• Consult the careers service
• Experience at least one school, and develop your
  contact with children.

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Further Help?

• Careers Service
• Ground Floor
• All Saints Building
• Tel [phone]
• Mon Fri 8.45 4.20
• www.mmu.ac.uk/careers
• Same day appointment booking service