Applying for teacher training help
Hi everyone.
I am about to start my final year of my undergraduate degree. I decided in my 1st year that I wanted to become a high school teacher. I am doing a degree that is related to the subject I want to teach (Biology and doing Biomedical degree).
I have no idea how the application process works? I have no idea on how much experience i need ? I heard someone said 2 weeks was enough experience for them but others say they needed 6+ months!
Also when do you start applying???
It is September now, so hopefully I would have graduated by next summer and would like to start a teacher training course by the following september 2017? (So a year from now). I understand you apply through ucas but when do I do this? I also heard there is an Apply 1 and 2?
I have no idea where to start looking for courses. Are all courses 1 year only full time? Would this give me a PGCE and QTS to allow me to become a NQT and begin applying for jobs?
I know there are different routes too. Which routes are best? I know I cant do the salaried option obviously.
Also my Alevels are awful. DEE with a D in biology and E in chemistry
Although my GCSES were good. As and Bs in everything. Is this going to impact me much? My degree is looking to hopefully be a 2:1... Fingers crossed!
Or instead of applying this year to start next year, would it be useful taking a gap year after I graduate uni and use that to get experience and then jsut apply during that year for the following september after that in 2018. This might take the stress of applying and inteviews away since it is my last year at uni and I want to do well. This is just a thought, not definite.
Sorry for so many questions. Any help would be super appreciated. Also sorry if this is in the wrong thread. (Will be posting this is 2 threads incase you see this twice)
I am about to start my final year of my undergraduate degree. I decided in my 1st year that I wanted to become a high school teacher. I am doing a degree that is related to the subject I want to teach (Biology and doing Biomedical degree).
I have no idea how the application process works? I have no idea on how much experience i need ? I heard someone said 2 weeks was enough experience for them but others say they needed 6+ months!
Also when do you start applying???
It is September now, so hopefully I would have graduated by next summer and would like to start a teacher training course by the following september 2017? (So a year from now). I understand you apply through ucas but when do I do this? I also heard there is an Apply 1 and 2?
I have no idea where to start looking for courses. Are all courses 1 year only full time? Would this give me a PGCE and QTS to allow me to become a NQT and begin applying for jobs?
I know there are different routes too. Which routes are best? I know I cant do the salaried option obviously.
Also my Alevels are awful. DEE with a D in biology and E in chemistry
Although my GCSES were good. As and Bs in everything. Is this going to impact me much? My degree is looking to hopefully be a 2:1... Fingers crossed!Or instead of applying this year to start next year, would it be useful taking a gap year after I graduate uni and use that to get experience and then jsut apply during that year for the following september after that in 2018. This might take the stress of applying and inteviews away since it is my last year at uni and I want to do well. This is just a thought, not definite.
Sorry for so many questions. Any help would be super appreciated. Also sorry if this is in the wrong thread. (Will be posting this is 2 threads incase you see this twice)
Your grades are absolutely fine. Biology is a shortage subject so having months of experience is unlikely to be a necessity. Having as much experience as possible will give you things to talk about in your application and interview, though. Applications open at the end of October - keep an eye out on the UCAS website. Apply 2 is the equivalent of Clearing, you only go down that route if you are rejected by all the course providers to which you have applied or if you have changed your mind and want to apply elsewhere. Apply 1 is the main application.
The DfE's Get into Teaching website provides a lot of information about the routes you can take: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options They also run a school experience programme and provide advice about applications, so it is well worth signing up to their services.
Full time PGCEs do indeed last one year and, unless otherwise stated, they all offer the opportunity to gain QTS.
The DfE's Get into Teaching website provides a lot of information about the routes you can take: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options They also run a school experience programme and provide advice about applications, so it is well worth signing up to their services.
Full time PGCEs do indeed last one year and, unless otherwise stated, they all offer the opportunity to gain QTS.
1) 2 weeks in the minimum amount of experience, but you may be 'competing' for 1 space against several other applicants. The more you have, the better advantage.
2) End of September courses will open for browsing. This is the time to find courses you like, contact references, write a personal statement and contact providers with questions. Application will open for submission about 2 weeks later (October 18th). As above, some subjects/providers are desirable and have limited spaces. first come, first serve.
3) So you'd apply this year (October 18th) in order to start next year (17/18). Apply 1/2 are just phases of applications. If you're rejected/withdraw from your initial 3 choices you need to wait until Apply 2 in January before you can apply to additional providers one at a time.
4) All courses for 17/18 will be on UCAS at the end of September. You can find part-time courses, but the majority are full-time (1 year). Most courses will grant you a PGCE (it has MA credits) but you can opt to gain just QTS (minimum teaching requirement)
5) University-led routes just mean you'll start in schools around December and spend September - December FT in University. It works more in blocks (block of uni, block of school)
School-led routes (SCITTs) mean you start in September with the kids and usually have 1 day a week to go to your provider to study. Within SCITTS are 2 independent charities (School Direct and Teach First) that offer slightly different experiences but are a lot more competitive to get onto. Read into them. Basically, it's your choice how you want to learn.
6) You A-Levels don't matter, your degree is a higher level of qualification and essentially 'overrides' them.
7) You will also need to pass numeracy and literacy skills tests before you can teach. Your offer will be conditional until you pass these. You only have 3 attempts on each - if you fail, you cannot apply to teach for 2y.
8) It's all personal choice. If you take a year out, you can apply for a paid position as a TA or Cover Supervisor, or even join a Teaching Agency. As your 'specialism' is Science, you'll be sought after. Also, you're eligible for a tax-free bursary because of your subject.
Here's a FB group for trainees wanting to teach next year
www.facebook.com/groups/TeacherTraining1718/
2) End of September courses will open for browsing. This is the time to find courses you like, contact references, write a personal statement and contact providers with questions. Application will open for submission about 2 weeks later (October 18th). As above, some subjects/providers are desirable and have limited spaces. first come, first serve.
3) So you'd apply this year (October 18th) in order to start next year (17/18). Apply 1/2 are just phases of applications. If you're rejected/withdraw from your initial 3 choices you need to wait until Apply 2 in January before you can apply to additional providers one at a time.
4) All courses for 17/18 will be on UCAS at the end of September. You can find part-time courses, but the majority are full-time (1 year). Most courses will grant you a PGCE (it has MA credits) but you can opt to gain just QTS (minimum teaching requirement)
5) University-led routes just mean you'll start in schools around December and spend September - December FT in University. It works more in blocks (block of uni, block of school)
School-led routes (SCITTs) mean you start in September with the kids and usually have 1 day a week to go to your provider to study. Within SCITTS are 2 independent charities (School Direct and Teach First) that offer slightly different experiences but are a lot more competitive to get onto. Read into them. Basically, it's your choice how you want to learn.
6) You A-Levels don't matter, your degree is a higher level of qualification and essentially 'overrides' them.
7) You will also need to pass numeracy and literacy skills tests before you can teach. Your offer will be conditional until you pass these. You only have 3 attempts on each - if you fail, you cannot apply to teach for 2y.
8) It's all personal choice. If you take a year out, you can apply for a paid position as a TA or Cover Supervisor, or even join a Teaching Agency. As your 'specialism' is Science, you'll be sought after. Also, you're eligible for a tax-free bursary because of your subject.
Here's a FB group for trainees wanting to teach next year
www.facebook.com/groups/TeacherTraining1718/
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by Findlay6
1) 2 weeks in the minimum amount of experience, but you may be 'competing' for 1 space against several other applicants. The more you have, the better advantage.
2) End of September courses will open for browsing. This is the time to find courses you like, contact references, write a personal statement and contact providers with questions. Application will open for submission about 2 weeks later (October 18th). As above, some subjects/providers are desirable and have limited spaces. first come, first serve.
3) So you'd apply this year (October 18th) in order to start next year (17/18). Apply 1/2 are just phases of applications. If you're rejected/withdraw from your initial 3 choices you need to wait until Apply 2 in January before you can apply to additional providers one at a time.
4) All courses for 17/18 will be on UCAS at the end of September. You can find part-time courses, but the majority are full-time (1 year). Most courses will grant you a PGCE (it has MA credits) but you can opt to gain just QTS (minimum teaching requirement)
5) University-led routes just mean you'll start in schools around December and spend September - December FT in University. It works more in blocks (block of uni, block of school)
School-led routes (SCITTs) mean you start in September with the kids and usually have 1 day a week to go to your provider to study. Within SCITTS are 2 independent charities (School Direct and Teach First) that offer slightly different experiences but are a lot more competitive to get onto. Read into them. Basically, it's your choice how you want to learn.
6) You A-Levels don't matter, your degree is a higher level of qualification and essentially 'overrides' them.
7) You will also need to pass numeracy and literacy skills tests before you can teach. Your offer will be conditional until you pass these. You only have 3 attempts on each - if you fail, you cannot apply to teach for 2y.
8) It's all personal choice. If you take a year out, you can apply for a paid position as a TA or Cover Supervisor, or even join a Teaching Agency. As your 'specialism' is Science, you'll be sought after. Also, you're eligible for a tax-free bursary because of your subject.
Here's a FB group for trainees wanting to teach next year
www.facebook.com/groups/TeacherTraining1718/
2) End of September courses will open for browsing. This is the time to find courses you like, contact references, write a personal statement and contact providers with questions. Application will open for submission about 2 weeks later (October 18th). As above, some subjects/providers are desirable and have limited spaces. first come, first serve.
3) So you'd apply this year (October 18th) in order to start next year (17/18). Apply 1/2 are just phases of applications. If you're rejected/withdraw from your initial 3 choices you need to wait until Apply 2 in January before you can apply to additional providers one at a time.
4) All courses for 17/18 will be on UCAS at the end of September. You can find part-time courses, but the majority are full-time (1 year). Most courses will grant you a PGCE (it has MA credits) but you can opt to gain just QTS (minimum teaching requirement)
5) University-led routes just mean you'll start in schools around December and spend September - December FT in University. It works more in blocks (block of uni, block of school)
School-led routes (SCITTs) mean you start in September with the kids and usually have 1 day a week to go to your provider to study. Within SCITTS are 2 independent charities (School Direct and Teach First) that offer slightly different experiences but are a lot more competitive to get onto. Read into them. Basically, it's your choice how you want to learn.
6) You A-Levels don't matter, your degree is a higher level of qualification and essentially 'overrides' them.
7) You will also need to pass numeracy and literacy skills tests before you can teach. Your offer will be conditional until you pass these. You only have 3 attempts on each - if you fail, you cannot apply to teach for 2y.
8) It's all personal choice. If you take a year out, you can apply for a paid position as a TA or Cover Supervisor, or even join a Teaching Agency. As your 'specialism' is Science, you'll be sought after. Also, you're eligible for a tax-free bursary because of your subject.
Here's a FB group for trainees wanting to teach next year
www.facebook.com/groups/TeacherTraining1718/
Thank you very much for this very useful information!
I heard you had to take skills tests before you start your course. Do these have to be completed before you apply in October, after you apply or when you get an offer?
I really like the idea of perhaps applying as a TA or joining a teacher agency. What kind of agencies do this?
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Original post by Pierson
Your grades are absolutely fine. Biology is a shortage subject so having months of experience is unlikely to be a necessity. Having as much experience as possible will give you things to talk about in your application and interview, though. Applications open at the end of October - keep an eye out on the UCAS website. Apply 2 is the equivalent of Clearing, you only go down that route if you are rejected by all the course providers to which you have applied or if you have changed your mind and want to apply elsewhere. Apply 1 is the main application.
The DfE's Get into Teaching website provides a lot of information about the routes you can take: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options They also run a school experience programme and provide advice about applications, so it is well worth signing up to their services.
Full time PGCEs do indeed last one year and, unless otherwise stated, they all offer the opportunity to gain QTS.
The DfE's Get into Teaching website provides a lot of information about the routes you can take: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options They also run a school experience programme and provide advice about applications, so it is well worth signing up to their services.
Full time PGCEs do indeed last one year and, unless otherwise stated, they all offer the opportunity to gain QTS.
Great info. Thanks so much.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by superdan_
Thank you very much for this very useful information!
I heard you had to take skills tests before you start your course. Do these have to be completed before you apply in October, after you apply or when you get an offer?
I really like the idea of perhaps applying as a TA or joining a teacher agency. What kind of agencies do this?
Posted from TSR Mobile
I heard you had to take skills tests before you start your course. Do these have to be completed before you apply in October, after you apply or when you get an offer?
I really like the idea of perhaps applying as a TA or joining a teacher agency. What kind of agencies do this?
Posted from TSR Mobile
You can't book tests until you've applied via UCAS as they ask for proof. book them after you apply. If you haven't sat them by the time you get an offer, you'll usually be given a deadline to complete them by.
They'll be different ones all around the country. JustTeachers, Textbook Teachers, Mana Education are a few in my area (Google it). Start of term is always slow for agency work, and you'll be paid by day (£60-80) to cover any subject. Sometimes schools will offer long term cover placements.
Im not a teacher but its something im giving serious consideration. I highly recommend you work your butt in the final year and get at least a 2i. The benefit of that is not only does it put you at good standing with a potential school youd want to teach in, but also against the other candidates with 2ii or even 3rd class degrees. Theres also the likelihood of getting government bursary which could cover the cost of your training and some.
Also consider spending some time volunteering as a tutor/teacher with some charitable organisations. Theyll give you a free dbs check, you gain some experience and youll help some kids which is really good. Youll also get a bit of a taste, to see if you really do want to do want to teach
Ive looked at numerous teacher vacancies, cover letters and cvs dont cut it. You have to fill out an application form and list all your gcse and a level results. I dont know how it will come across even if you get a 2i or 1st but did poorly in your a levels, i think a good degree helps compensate. Even if you do have to do your a levels again which i HIGHLY doubt when you gain qts + 2i/1st, it would be a piece of cake for you as youve worked at a higher standard.
Also consider spending some time volunteering as a tutor/teacher with some charitable organisations. Theyll give you a free dbs check, you gain some experience and youll help some kids which is really good. Youll also get a bit of a taste, to see if you really do want to do want to teach
Ive looked at numerous teacher vacancies, cover letters and cvs dont cut it. You have to fill out an application form and list all your gcse and a level results. I dont know how it will come across even if you get a 2i or 1st but did poorly in your a levels, i think a good degree helps compensate. Even if you do have to do your a levels again which i HIGHLY doubt when you gain qts + 2i/1st, it would be a piece of cake for you as youve worked at a higher standard.
Original post by MasterJack
Im not a teacher but its something im giving serious consideration. I highly recommend you work your butt in the final year and get at least a 2i. The benefit of that is not only does it put you at good standing with a potential school youd want to teach in, but also against the other candidates with 2ii or even 3rd class degrees. Theres also the likelihood of getting government bursary which could cover the cost of your training and some.
Also consider spending some time volunteering as a tutor/teacher with some charitable organisations. Theyll give you a free dbs check, you gain some experience and youll help some kids which is really good. Youll also get a bit of a taste, to see if you really do want to do want to teach
Ive looked at numerous teacher vacancies, cover letters and cvs dont cut it. You have to fill out an application form and list all your gcse and a level results. I dont know how it will come across even if you get a 2i or 1st but did poorly in your a levels, i think a good degree helps compensate. Even if you do have to do your a levels again which i HIGHLY doubt when you gain qts + 2i/1st, it would be a piece of cake for you as youve worked at a higher standard.
Also consider spending some time volunteering as a tutor/teacher with some charitable organisations. Theyll give you a free dbs check, you gain some experience and youll help some kids which is really good. Youll also get a bit of a taste, to see if you really do want to do want to teach
Ive looked at numerous teacher vacancies, cover letters and cvs dont cut it. You have to fill out an application form and list all your gcse and a level results. I dont know how it will come across even if you get a 2i or 1st but did poorly in your a levels, i think a good degree helps compensate. Even if you do have to do your a levels again which i HIGHLY doubt when you gain qts + 2i/1st, it would be a piece of cake for you as youve worked at a higher standard.
Thanks for the info. I agree about retaking my Alevels if necessary. I will do anything if it means becoming a teacher one day.
In terms of charitable organisations, what do you have in mind?
The volunteer website do-it.org has a database you can trawl through for possible openings, I picked the top three results I got from the London area (there are countless other openings):"Do-It"- Volunteer Conversation in English Teacher"Team Up"- Math & English Support Volunteers "Action Tutoring"- Volunteer Tutor- English or mathsYou can find tutoring opportunities near you, it's not so easy finding them in subjects you'd actually want to teach (i.e. biology) but getting any tutoring experience even in English or mathematics would do really well for you if you want to get into teaching- it'll deffo do wonders when you can put that on your teacher training application.
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