PGCE Applications 2015

I'm pretty sure I read on the website that you can't apply to Teach First if you already have a PGCE/schools direct place. I got the impression they just say it to stop people withdrawing like you say though and there's nothing that ACTUALLY stops you! It seems a bit unfair to say you can't apply for both, I genuinely don't know know which one I'd prefer yet but didn't want to apply to one and then ruin my chances of applying to the other!

I think I might contact my choices and see if they will accept one from a teacher or head of department.

It seems silly to me to ask for a headteacher, especially when it's not likely that you had much contact with them during your observations.

Hi,

I'm also applying for PGCE 2015. Starting to worry about the application process now though, I've got my personal statement done but not sure who to ask for my second reference. I know that ideally the head teacher from the school you've gained experience in is a good idea but I don't feel they really know me. I've worked in an after school club for a while so the manager knows me really well, I'd just feel more comfortable getting her to do it than someone whose only met me a handful of times.

Also does anyone know what is actually asked for in our references? Do they ask set questions or do they just ask for a general reference?

Thanks.

Starting to have doubts about applying for the PGCE.
All related to trying to fit it into my life.
I have 2 children who will be 4 & 7 when I start and in YR & Y3.
I have waited for my youngest to start school before applying but not relishing the thought of missing taking him for his 1st day at school :-(
I currently work 8-12 term time as a TA so can collect from school.
I have done my degree PT whilst working these hours (went 1pm a week for 3 years) & I got a 1st.
But I'm worried that I will be working every waking minute and I won't be there for my children. Also worried my relationship will suffer too.
Don't really expect any answers but I just need to tell someone who is removed from the situation!

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So it's looking like UCAS apply is going to open on the 28th. However, I have a 3rd week of school observations arranged for a couple of weeks after this date.

Does anyone think that I should hold off applying so that I can include this experience or just mention that it is something that is arranged? At least I will have done it in time to mention it in my interviews.

Looks like a few other people are in a similar situation!

Must say the fact others are applying late puts me at ease. I think I'll be applying last week of November once I've got all my school experience as I think I'll be doing it 2 days a week for 5 weeks to work it around my full time waitressing job. I can't afford to take 2 weeks off to get it all done quicker, wish I could :-( I mite even apply a week before and say I've done my 10 days, sure the head teacher would vouch for me as it will nearly be completed, I'll be able to write about it in my personal statement and it'll all be done by the time I have an interview.

Anyone any idea of timing of interviews? I know some happen straight away in November but if I'm applying late November would I have one in December or would it not be till January?

Hey everyone,

I just updated the OP with a link to Education/Teaching connect/stalking page - if you haven't already go connect to see other applicants' grades & offers. Also, if you enter your details it will be really really useful for everyone else making their applications this year.

Is there any option to study the PGCE part time? That might be a better idea in your situation. That does sound tough though. Otherwise... they'll only suffer for a year whilst you study, maybe that's ok if it means you come out of it with a good job and then you can be there for them from then on.

Starting to have doubts about applying for the PGCE.
All related to trying to fit it into my life.
I have 2 children who will be 4 & 7 when I start and in YR & Y3.
I have waited for my youngest to start school before applying but not relishing the thought of missing taking him for his 1st day at school :-(
I currently work 8-12 term time as a TA so can collect from school.
I have done my degree PT whilst working these hours (went 1pm a week for 3 years) & I got a 1st.
But I'm worried that I will be working every waking minute and I won't be there for my children. Also worried my relationship will suffer too.
Don't really expect any answers but I just need to tell someone who is removed from the situation!



Posted from TSR Mobile

Does anyone know what's the word count for the personal statement? And also for the work experience section? I'm unsure how much to write about my school experience in the personal statement because of the work experience section!
Thanks!

The work experience section is a pretty basic section of literally writing where you worked, the dates you worked there & a couple of sentences on your experience. The personal statement is where you go into detail about the work experience.


this link is really useful at explaining what you have to include in this section. http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training/filling-in-your-application

Thank you for your reply!!
I didn't realise the work experience section was so basic- I feel like we have so much to put in the personal statement! Why you want to teach, why the subject/age, experience etc.
I think I'm going to struggle to fit it all in!

Ahh right! So are you ready to apply when applications open then? :-)

Yeah, it is pretty basic, I think it's just to give them a rough overview of what experience you have, and then you write in more detail in the personal statement.
I know! It seems like so much to put in, but I think it helps that you then can't ramble too much & you have to be straight to the point about everything.

Pretty much. I'm going to tweak my personal statement a bit, because my teaching assistant job is now slightly different.
When do you think you'll be ready to apply by?