PGDE Applications 2016 (Scotland)

Hi,

Yeah most of the threads seem to be for the PGCE on TSR! I'm applying for the PGDE in English for 2016 entry, but like you I'm worried about how competitive the course is! What other universities are you applying for? How did you get on with your application?

Best of luck with your application and I hope you get into Edinburgh!

Hey, I'm looking to apply for the PGDE Business Education. As I work full time it is difficult to get the time to arrange school work experience. Does anyone know if there is a specific amount you need to have? So far I have shadowed for two full days in a local secondary school. I am also intending to work as a youth worker or do some volunteering of that nature. How is everyone else getting on?

Hi, I'm actually looking to apply in 2016 for intake August 2017. I'm undecided on whether to go for Primary or Secondary (History w/ Modern Studies). For those who have (or are currently getting) classroom experience, how did you go about organising it? I'm hoping to get something set up for starting in January. I'm also wondering about the PVG scheme. Their website doesn't make it very clear how to go about actually applying for the scheme - could any kind soul shed some light on this for me? Do I need to do this prior to organising class experience and if so how do I do it?

I would really like to stay in Edinburgh, but will be applying to Glasgow and Strathclyde too, and not 100% sure on the last two! How about you?

Good luck! I'm hoping to apply to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Strathclyde.

In case anyone was wondering about how much school experience is required, I found this statement on the FAQs for undergraduates on the University of Glasgow site. I'm assuming most universities would look for a similar amount, but it gives an idea of the absolute minimum they would expect:

"During the selection process we would expect to see some evidence of a candidates experience of working with school-aged children. This could include youth clubs, sports clubs, school trips, classroom assistance or teacher observation.
For applicants to the Undergraduate and PGDE Primary programmes we would expect evidence of at least two weeks spent in a Primary School (preferably a Scottish School).
For Secondary we would expect to see a minimum of two days experience working with a teacher of the subject you wish to qualify in."

The website also has some more useful info about applying for the PGDE, both secondary and primary if anyone is interested. The link is:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/education/undergraduate/informationforapplicants/teachingadmissions-faqs/#/workexperiencerequirements

Hey
I'm also applying this year for the primary teaching PGDE. I applied last year and got interviews and a place at Glasgow, but withdrew and decided to spend a year in Canada as an Au Pair.

Hi! I just picked the school I thought would be best (one of the biggest, with a nursery and special need unit attached) as I felt I would get a good wide range of experience there and got to speak to the headmaster and told him I would like to volunteer and he bit my hand off! They told they didn't need a PVG (but I don't know if that would be the case in every school as my children actually go to this school which probably helped a bit). It turned out I had just had my PVG done for applying for an ANA job so they got a copy anyway. If the school requires it then they may be able to shed some light into how to go about it.

I do volunteer for 2 and a half days every week and have asked if I can stay for the whole year (I"m lucky as I'm self employed so can work round my job to fit it in) and the school are really grateful to have that much help. They were really keen to help me out as they said that teachers are really needed at the moment. The experience I am getting is invaluable, I'm learning so so much at the moment.

I would start by phoning some schools, explaining your situation and see who says yes! Ask them about the PVG too. As you aren't sure whether to follow the primary or secondary route yet I would get some experience in both. They'll be completely different from each other and you'll need both to make an informed decision.

Massive congratulations on getting a place! What is it that made you go for primary vs secondary? I'm just curious, I'm applying for secondary Also, any tips on the interview process (which is still so far away I probably shouldn't be thinking about it), was it quite tough?
In the past I've heard people had essay writing, group exercises, as well as a traditional interview on the day.

Thanks! Just hoping and praying that I get a place again this year, even with having to do Skype interviews! I went for primary because personally - I have learned through experience - I just prefer working with that age of children. Also, my undergrad is in psychology so I don't think I could specialise in a subject!
In terms of interviews there's no harm in thinking of them just now! I only went to my Strathclyde and Glasgow interviews last year because I got a place at Glasgow so just withdrew the rest of my choices. Glasgow was a group interview, an individual interview and a written task. Strath was a written task and individual interview. The interviews were pretty relaxed and the questions all pretty similar!

Hi All..... ive created a facebook group if you want to share ideas, interview tips etc

PGDE Scotland 2016 intake

Thanks!
Lisa