PGCE info 2021

HjJ did a PGCE for post secondary (non QTS) at my local college/University after moving back home from London after doing a uni degree in theatre arts.

I can tell you about the PGCE in general, which mah or may not be what you’re looking to find out but I hope it helps!

PGCEs are very intense- but so rewarding! You learn so much about theorists and learning styles aswel as how to apply them to your practice.
You’ll get to (if you choose to and push yourself) work with lots of types of students including SEND and those or of your specific specialist subject area.
It’s a intense year (for me I know it was anyway! I spent 2 days a week in lectures and 2.5 ish in classroom in my first semester then second semester 1 day lectures and 3.5/4 days teaching!).
You will no doubt have to complete a certain amount of hours (I had to do 100 teaching hours but I ended up doing way over that), and a series of observation (I did 7 out of the 8 required before lockdown so hoping I stand a good chance of passing!)
Modules I did looked at subjects like:
Learning theorists
Keeping a portfolio/blog of my teaching
Rating and demonstrating I could meet the professional standards (there are 20)
A research project (into an area of my choice- I did supporting students with disabilities by creating a self assessment tool).

It seems like a lot of work what I did, and it is! But seeing the faces of my students when I teach them theatre arts is so rewarding!

Thank you so much for this, really helpful and informative!

What university did you do your PGCE at?

Hi All!

I was supposed to be starting my teaching career with Teach First this September but due to the pandemic they cut 120 people from their programme; unfortunately, I was one of them!

I'm now looking into alternative routes into teaching as I have lost trust in the Teach First route! I am thinking of going via the PGCE route at my local university, but have not had any experience in the classroom (not required for Teach First). Just wondering how everyone is feeling about the possibility of getting classroom experience before applying with schools currently being shut and probably still being limited in numbers come September?

Also, any tips on the application process for the PGCE route would be muchly appreciated as I'm new to it! Really want to get my teaching career going as it's already been put on hold for a year

Thanks again!

You've had a lucky escape - I'd never recommend Teach First to anyone. You should be able to get into a Primary school - they are all open now.

From my experience supporting NQTs in school and students on placements, the best prepared for the classroom come from PGCE courses. I think you will find there are still places - why not ring a few and ask?

I did it at GBMC (Part of Greater Brighton Metropolitan College) one of University of Brighton accredited

Nice! I'm down South too, I will be (hopefully) at St Marys Twickenham University

I have had a few people tell me that it may have been a blessing in disguise, especially with all training being online this year!

I actually reached out to my local university and they have told me that I can still apply for this year, even without any experience, as they have spaces available so going to get on with my personal statement. Thanks very much for your response!

I have had a few people tell me that it may have been a blessing in disguise, especially with all training being online this year!

I actually reached out to my local university and they have told me that I can still apply for this year, even without any experience, as they have spaces available so going to get on with my personal statement. Thanks very much for your response!

Brilliant - win, win!

Good luck and I hope you get a place. What are you hoping to teach?

PM me if you think I can help

Thank you very much!

Secondary History hopefully

Much appreciated!

Hi All!

I was supposed to be starting my teaching career with Teach First this September but due to the pandemic they cut 120 people from their programme; unfortunately, I was one of them!

I'm now looking into alternative routes into teaching as I have lost trust in the Teach First route! I am thinking of going via the PGCE route at my local university, but have not had any experience in the classroom (not required for Teach First). Just wondering how everyone is feeling about the possibility of getting classroom experience before applying with schools currently being shut and probably still being limited in numbers come September?

Also, any tips on the application process for the PGCE route would be muchly appreciated as I'm new to it! Really want to get my teaching career going as it's already been put on hold for a year

Thanks again!

Hi All!

I was supposed to be starting my teaching career with Teach First this September but due to the pandemic they cut 120 people from their programme; unfortunately, I was one of them!

I'm now looking into alternative routes into teaching as I have lost trust in the Teach First route! I am thinking of going via the PGCE route at my local university, but have not had any experience in the classroom (not required for Teach First). Just wondering how everyone is feeling about the possibility of getting classroom experience before applying with schools currently being shut and probably still being limited in numbers come September?

Also, any tips on the application process for the PGCE route would be muchly appreciated as I'm new to it! Really want to get my teaching career going as it's already been put on hold for a year

Thanks again!

Will be following this thread as I'm curious also. I just got rejected from teach first for 2021. I have been told I can reapply this October for 2021 because of how early in the cycle I applied originally, which is encouraging, but I doubt I'll get it if I didn't the first time considering how competitive history and primary both are. It is encouraging that St Marys Twickenham is willing to consider you without experience.

Hello there, could I just confirm that you're looking at applying for a PGCE to start in September 2021?

If so, I echo what other people are saying in terms of work experience being incredibly helpful for your application but not essential.
If you're near to your old school it might be worth getting in touch with them and asking if they'll offer you to come in for a week in September.
If they're worried about the public health risks then one consistent block of time spent in school would be better than you coming in one day a week for a term.

If you want to teach long term then the PGCE route is probably better for you (not least because you'll get a qualification from it, unlike TeachFirst).

Don't be put off by the one year that a tonne of schools pulled out due to a global pandemic. Or if you are put off, be put off the Teach First route rather than the entire profession.

Will be following this thread as I'm curious also. I just got rejected from teach first for 2021. I have been told I can reapply this October for 2021 because of how early in the cycle I applied originally, which is encouraging, but I doubt I'll get it if I didn't the first time considering how competitive history and primary both are. It is encouraging that St Marys Twickenham is willing to consider you without experience.

You do get a qualification in Teach First, a PGDE (and the possibility of a master's too).