PGCE 2014 Applications (NOT FOR SPECIFIC INTERVIEW TASK DISCUSSIONS)

Yeah, it's a tricky one... see how it goes in the meantime before applications open. You might know more about your placement before they do and be able to contact the school to arrange to go in reception for a while, then put that down as upcoming experience in your application. And then you may have had it by interview.

Was it you who was really struggling to find anything? Have you tried asking round local Nurseries rather than schools, I know it would be good to have some reception as well but it would be better than nothing, you could maybe fit in a couple of afternoons in one nursery, a couple in another etc. Maybe if your uni has a Nursery for staff/students' children you could try there?

xxx

Well I've not struggled finding work experience in schools as I think I've done quite a bit. But, do need to some this year too and I'm doing the students into school scheme but just waiting to be placed. I think I will try the Nursery at my uni, they might be able to offer me something. Then maybe I could do both nursery and reception. Do you know when the PGCE deadline is this year?


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There is no longer a deadline for primary - it has been abolished. However, the unis can close applications if they've filled all their places, or close them then reopen them if they have too many applicants.

Since in previous years people have only been able to apply for one course at a time but this year they can apply for three unis are likely to have a massive influx of applications, and because they have to respond within 40 days many of them may find they HAVE to close for a while to allow them time to process what they have.

So basically, there is no closing date but the best advice is to get it done as soon as you're ready. However, don't give up hope if it's closed - keep checking back as they may well reopen (especially since some people may get more than one offer this year and decide to go for a different one, freeing up a place).

One more thing to consider... Early Years courses sometimes take slightly longer to fill up since they are more specialised, meaning possibly less applicants and more specific things the unis are looking for. But this is not definite, and would depend on the uni etc (eg. if the uni has a really good rep for early years).

xxx

Thanks for your reply, BabyGirl. Yes, there is. I will email them tomorrow morning. Did you also do class observation? Can I ask what subject and level are you applying? I am applying from secondary spanish and french.

There is no longer a deadline for primary - it has been abolished. However, the unis can close applications if they've filled all their places, or close them then reopen them if they have too many applicants.

Since in previous years people have only been able to apply for one course at a time but this year they can apply for three unis are likely to have a massive influx of applications, and because they have to respond within 40 days many of them may find they HAVE to close for a while to allow them time to process what they have.

So basically, there is no closing date but the best advice is to get it done as soon as you're ready. However, don't give up hope if it's closed - keep checking back as they may well reopen (especially since some people may get more than one offer this year and decide to go for a different one, freeing up a place).

One more thing to consider... Early Years courses sometimes take slightly longer to fill up since they are more specialised, meaning possibly less applicants and more specific things the unis are looking for. But this is not definite, and would depend on the uni etc (eg. if the uni has a really good rep for early years).

xxx

Also, is a nursery class as part of a school still ok to get or would you recommend somewhere separate?


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Anyone else feeling really frustrated about the lack of info available to 2014 applicants? UCAS is still redirecting to the GTTR for postgraduate course searches and the GTTR is still referring to 2013 applicants. Considering 2013 applicants have started now, it seems a bit slow to update. Annoying that we can't book skills tests either!

A nursery class in a school is perfect . In general, whether it's in a school or a separate nursery they should follow the same principles, but in practice there is sometimes pressure from higher up schools pushing down (eg. more of a focus on literacy and maths) in ones attached to schools, but by no means always. I'd just get whichever you can, I just suggested separate nurseries as schools are sometimes busy and hard to get experience in, so that's another option.

And I am not applying, I did a PGCE last year, I just can't give up my TSR addiction!!! Lol. And love helping other people out if I can. Just started a job in a Nursery class ^^

xxx

Hi Guys,

I want to apply for my PGCE in 2014 and I was just wondering if anyone could sort out my confusion with the new UCAS application system. The UCAS website states that you need two references (I know the GTTR application system asked for this too, but they only asked for a written reference from one principal referee, so do we now need to provide two written references?) I just wanted to know because If this is the case I will now have to tell my 'second referee' to write something and I wish I had given her more notice. If anyone can shed light on this I will be so so grateful!

I've been in touch with a pre school and they are going to let me know tomorrow if they have enough space for me to volunteer.

Oh right, you are very helpful too so thanks! So did you do an early years PGCE? What was your interview like?


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If it states it on the website then that's what you'll need. You needed two for GTTR also, it was just the case that it was optional for unis to get your second one. UCAS has changed that now.

Thanks for this - I have a question - my referees are asking where they need to send these references? Will they send them to me directly? Or do they send them to UCAS directly?

Hi!

Going to slight panic mode about the whole application process - I have been writing my personal statement since March and still can't get it quite right! I'm applying for secondary Geography.

Main worry is about observation - I did the SEP placement but they could only offer me 3 days due to CRB restrictions as well as three days at another local school. I have a year as a teacher at an Independent school too. Problem is I am going travelling in 2 weeks and won't be back until February, so would only be able to do more days after that. Is that a bit risky? I work every holiday at a summer camp as well as in a Museum in the education department so have experience with kids outside the classroom.

At the moment my choices are IoE, Goldsmiths and either Cambridge or Southampton. Any other Geographers looking to apply here?

Thank you!

Sounds promising! I did PGCE (M) Primary at X with the specialism of early years and key stage one age range.

Sorry, talking about interviews is against the rules (see below)! And sorry mods , I had no idea as I'd seen discussions about it before!

What I will say is go to open days for the course if your can as they often have ex students there who can give more info about interviews, plus the admissions people themselves are usually happy to help and give more info- they like to see you being proactive (email them if you can't make an open day). Plus their info will be accurate for the year you're applying for. Also try Facebook groups for more specific info.

Xxx


[MOD EDIT: Interview discussion is against TSR rules, especially when it mentions the specific institution/company/etc which the interview was for. This can give applicants an unfair advantage when applying in future.]

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Oh sorry! I didn't know you couldn't write about interviews either! I'm not sure whether to start my personal statement now or later when I have more experience with EYFS.

Thank you for the advice!


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