PGCE 2014 Applications (NOT FOR SPECIFIC INTERVIEW TASK DISCUSSIONS)

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I know what you mean about being under-confident.

Deciding to apply was kind of a last minute thing for me. I mean, I've been thinking about teaching a lot, but it took some heart to heart conversations with friends and family to convince me that I would be good at doing it and should apply!

A lot of people don't get on a course first time, so I am a bit worried about that, especially applying for English, but I am making a conscious effort to gain as many experiences by November as possible to support my application!

I hope you get on this year, Drama is popular but if you are passionate enough, I am sure you can do it :smile:

I know it is difficult, but try and think positive, because if you set yourself up to fail, you won't put your all into trying! Good luck!!

Original post by neonlj

How's everyone feeling about applying this year?
I know it's still early days, but I'm already starting to feel a bit under-confident. I've had to take a gap year because I didn't get on a course last year and I feel a bit rubbish about myself and stuff.

I feel like Drama is so competitive and quick to go, I still don't think my chances will be all that good. :frown:

I feel the same guys! Everyone seems to have so much experience already. I'm applying for R.E, and to be honest I have no idea what it is like in terms of competitiveness! I can't imagine it being that bad, but I think they are all pretty competitive. Fingers crossed for all of us anyway.

Reply 361

alabelle

Trying to decide whether to apply for a MFL specialist PGCE course or not... I have an A Level in French (C) and some basic Spanish from uni, but not sure whether that would be enough to get me into a MFL course. Should I just try to get into a generic PGCE? Lots of them allow for specialism when you start the course but I'm not sure which I would have more of a chance of getting onto. It doesn't help that I have no idea how competitive MFL courses are!

Reply 362

Airfairy

Original post by alabelle

What exactly is a generic PGCE?

Reply 363

alabelle

Original post by Airfairy

What exactly is a generic PGCE?

Just an ordinary Primary PGCE, rather than Primary PGCE with French, for instance.

Reply 364

Airfairy

Original post by alabelle

Just an ordinary Primary PGCE, rather than Primary PGCE with French, for instance.

Oh, apologies, I didn't realise you were talking primary. Makes sense now :tongue:

Reply 365

bfc92

Hi everyone, I will be applying this year to do a Primary PGCE, I am wondering if having a grade C in English language and grade B in English literature will be a major disadvantage and should I resit the exam.

Reply 366

MissRebReb

I'm an art graduate with a masters in research in art history and design. I'm going for Secondary art this year (for a second year) and if I am unsuccessful I am going with primary early years the year after.

I know that subjects not given any help with funding suffer from lack of numbers, therefor are far more competitive. I have friends who got into maths secondary at the last hurdle in clearing last year. Arts and humanities however, aren't doing so great. The unis I applied to were honest in explaining their lack of positions, usually having 8-12 places. If you don't get 1st interview with them your chances have changed enormously. It's brutal.

What I'm trying to say in a very long and winding tone is; it is disheartening! I felt like a reject for a number of weeks - having to explain to colleagues you weren't so lucky this time. But use that to prove to yourself how much you want it! How determined you will be next year! Do your research, practice and then hopefully pip the post and earn a place on our own credit and hard work!

Reply 367

Shelly_x

Original post by bfc92

So long as you meet the requirements of the places you're applying to you'll be fine.

Reply 368

Gio'

Original post by Airfairy

Thanks for telling me about that good teacher training guide. I'd never heard of it but have had a good look through it. I'm trying to ignore that nice big league table at the bottom though because I got a bit obsessed with league tables when I was applying for undergrad and I don't think it really matters for teaching.

You're welcome!

Yep, I think that league table may be useful, but I know many people who did their PGCE in good unis (not the top ones) and found the courses interesting and well organised.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 369

Gio'

Original post by FrancescaDB

I know it's not requested, but every bit counts and it shows interest for the job, I think. Obviously it's a different system, but I thought they might appreciate the volunteering in a school environment, even if Italian!

Yep, the more you can do, the better for you.
Maybe they will ask you if you have noticed some differences between the two systems. Dunno which was the main field of your Liceo, mine was Languages (a sperimental project Brocca), and if they ask I will them how lessons were.

I used to be a Spanish and English Teacher/Tutor for some cultural organisations, and tailored courses/syllabus by myself, so I will underline these experiences as well.

Good luck, let me know how it goes your application! :smile:

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 370

wildrover

I'm Starting to get my three choices together. So far I've decided applying to Leeds Uni and Leeds Trinity.

Reply 371

jeffercake

Original post by wildrover

I'm Starting to get my three choices together. So far I've decided applying to Leeds Uni and Leeds Trinity.

I'll also be applying for Leeds Uni, and probably Shef Hallam :smile:

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Reply 372

neonlj

I'll probably apply for Manchester Met and Chester, as these are the only two PGCE providers within a reasonable reach. I'll also apply for a local School Direct course.

Outside of those (assuming that there will be no more local school direct places, which is very likely), I'm probably going to have to move to wherever else would accept me, so it would be pretty much anywhere.

Reply 373

LaurieLee

I am having to move regardless, as my nearest providers are too far away...

I think I'm applying to Durham, Sheffield and probably Shef Hallam or Manchester

Reply 374

Louzilla

Are most people staying home to do their PGCEs? I'm wanting to move somewhere far away for a change but by the sounds of it most people are staying at home, am I missing something?

Reply 375

StarBabyCat

It could be best to think about where you would like to work. If you get a job in your placement school etc. That, and saving so much money. I'd also say that it is important to have a support network around you as it's a tough year.

Reply 376

polka_dott

I would like to be able to live at home but there is only one provider I could do that with realistically, unless I drove at least 2 hours everyday for another one. Trying not to get my hopes up too much but it would be great to save some money and probably be a lot less stressed!

Reply 377

Airfairy

I'm trying to get a place somewhere so that I could live at home, as I want to save money and not focus on moving out. The only place for this would be Edge Hill really, as even if I went to Man Met (which is quite close) I still think I'd have to move out, seeing as my placement could be anywhere around there and it would be a hectic commute.

The only place I know for sure I'm applying for it Edge Hill. The other two are up in the air. I was thinking maybe Sheffield Hallam because I go to uni in Sheffield atm and so I know the city well if I need to move there, and the other is between Cumbria, Liverpool Hope and Schools Direct. I'd put SD down in an instant, but there is only one place available which makes me hesitant!

Reply 378

neonlj

The placement fields at universities are large, a lot larger than people think. I live in Leeds and want to do my PGCE at Manchester Met and Leeds is a pretty close area in the placement scheme of things.

I'd rather have the ability to drive than have to move to my provider. I think it would save a lot of time and save me from having to get up ridiculously early and not get back until late because of the stupid routes transport methods take.
I couldn't afford to both drive and live somewhere else, so it's either one or the other. :frown:

Reply 379

Louzilla

Original post by neonlj

This worries me even more now. I'm from Bradford and go to uni in Hull but I was considering moving down south to do my PGCE because the prospect of jobs seems much better down there. And I'd like to leave Yorkshire, do you think it will be difficult to move away so far to do a PGCE? :confused: