The 'I'm applying for a PGCE' thread

Even secondary?

Subject : PGCE Mathematics
Universities:- Chester, Exeter, MMU , Sheffield Hallm
Date sent :- 3rd November 2011

Hmm not as much as I thought - the interview was less about me and more about how I would teach and respond to certain situations. I think your subject knowledge is more vital for the group discussion and presentation to be honest... I think if you do really we in those then you will sail through...

Hello!

I've just started doing a degree in English Literature (which I love), however for a while when choosing what subject to study at university it was tough deciding between this and a BA in Primary Education. People have told me that I have a way with children and as I would love a job ultimately helps others, it seems natural for me to take a Primary PGCE after my degree .

I know I'm only early on in my degree, but I'm curious about what I would need to be doing and reading in order to increase my probability of getting on to a PGCE post grad. course. For example, are there any educational books or magazines I need to have a look at? How much experience will I need before I apply? (Will a two week placement be enough, or would I have to do it over the space of a year?)

Also, if anyone could say which the best unis to do this course are, that would be helpful too!

Sorry for the fairly long post, but thanks for reading and I hope someone can offer some advice

That's really weird she asked you about Biology for a Physics interview? Did you get asked much Physics related stuff? What sorts of things did you get asked? (I've got Cambridge next week, am bricking it!!!)

Yeah i know! Apparently its because we need to be able to teach all the sciences up to gcse.... but obviously if i was going to teach a lesson on plants i would have first read all the relevant stuff!

Other than that just got asked the obvious things... why teaching, why physics, what can you do to inspire young people in the classroom and that sort of stuff....

and we had to do a written assignment on the issues facing science teachers now and in the coming years....

Good luck with yours, just stay calm and prepare some answers to the obvious questions. x

Eeee!! Me too (I think I saw you on the other thread actually, did you apply Nov 2?)
Where have you applied to?

Yes that's me!!!! Applied Nov 2 - how weird is it, I was having a proper meltdown yesterday allll day and TODAY I check GTTR and I've been invited for interview!! Soooo happy - I know I'm not in yet, but still happy!! I've applied to Leicester Uni, and interview is 5th December. How about you? Have u applied to start Sept 2012?

And I don't understand why they've told you this should be a problem. The GTTR says, and I quote:
"England and Wales: You also need to have GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above. Primary and middle years applicants also need GCSE Science to the same standard. Equivalent qualifications are also acceptable."

You should be fine, and if they do kick up a fuss, you've technically got more grades (and better ones!) than half the people applying!
Hell, I got a BB at GCSE Science!

I would contact the university and see what they think. It's likely that it won't be a problem, but if for some reason it is I think they would just ask you to take a GCSE Science equivalency test.

Eeee!! Me too (I think I saw you on the other thread actually, did you apply Nov 2?)
Where have you applied to?

And I don't understand why they've told you this should be a problem. The GTTR says, and I quote:
"England and Wales: You also need to have GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above. Primary and middle years applicants also need GCSE Science to the same standard. Equivalent qualifications are also acceptable."

You should be fine, and if they do kick up a fuss, you've technically got more grades (and better ones!) than half the people applying!
Hell, I got a BB at GCSE Science!

I've just logged onto track and I have an interview
For PGCE Upper Primary at University of Leicester on 5th December - anyone else got one on that day?

Thank you - that's exactly what I did. They forwarded the email to the relevant equivalency person, who hasn't replied for 2 weeks, but I'm guessing they've accepted my GNVQ Science qualification as I've been invited for interview! Are u applying?

Yes me!!!!! Exactly the same as yours - upper primary, 5th Dec!

Congrats!! I guess I will see you there then!

Glad to hear you've got an interview, tigergrowl! I thought it would be fine I'm applying to UEL for first choice (2nd time round applicant) for the Primary PGCE.