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Teacher Training 2021 Applicants Thread

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I have an offer (computing) with LJMU PGDE, but also an offer with a nearby School Direct PGCE (accredited by LJMU) - I'm not sure which to go for. I have heard horror stories about School Direct workload, but it is guaranteed to be closer to where I live and it's an outstanding school.LJMU also offers additional credits and a chance for eligibility for moving to Scotland (something that I'm thinking of doing). Any advice?

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 521

Aty100

UCL said we would hear a response within two days about whether or not we were successful during the interview stage. Anyone got a formal offer from UCL for PGCE? And if so, how long did it take for them to get back to you?

Reply 522

username3964842

When did you have your interview? I had mine on Thursday the 22nd. They told me that they would make a decision by the end of the day.

However, I still haven't received any informal or formal offer yet. I was wondering whether we're in a similar position.

Original post by Aty100

Reply 523

username3964842

Original post by Aty100

May I ask which PGCE subject you applied for?

Reply 524

Aty100

Original post by randomfm

My interview was on Monday. The interviewer gave me an informal offer at the end of my interview and reminded me that the final offer would depend on my post interview task and passing thr DBS check. Still haven’t heard back yet

Reply 525

fabian.cq

Hello ! I thought I'd come into this thread rather than starting a new one.

I have been offered an interview at Canterbury Christ Church University for a place in their Secondary PGCE in History. I was wondering if they'll expect me to take a numeracy test ?

I have looked on their interview itinerary/overview online and have not seen anything to do with that. However, they have mentioned that they expect me to submit an interview lesson task and subject knowledge audit. Is it fair to also expect a numeracy test as well ?

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 526

Rorty

Original post by fabian.cq

Universities handle these things rather differently, but they are not obligated to assess your numeracy during the interview process and therefore most won't unless it is relevant to the subject you will teach and is not otherwise evidenced on your application.

The interview lesson and the subject audit will be in your specialism. These are both very standard interview tasks and there is no reason either should include numeracy.

This all being said, the best thing to do is call them and ask. It will not have any impact on your application and will put your mind at ease. Even if you are expected to do some kind of maths test it will be very rudimentary. I had to do one as part of my PGCE (not interview) and scored full marks very easily despite being an English teacher.

Best of luck.

Reply 527

1251

Original post by Crblyth

Hi, I’ve just had an email from UCL saying that any offers from now will be going onto a waiting list as they have no spaces left. I applied well over a month ago and the interview date they gave me is the 29th March! I’ve already had offers from the other two universities so it’s alright but I am rather annoyed at them, because at their virtual open evening they said that they have no cap on their places so I’m quite annoyed at them!

May I ask what subject you applied for? I’m thinking of applying for UCL but need to look at other options if languages is full 😬 they should really update the website and UCAS if they’ve filled up a course, I’m scared now

Reply 528

Pohare500

Hi has anyone been accepted to Liverpool Hope to do a PGCE Secondary Business starting September 2021?

Reply 529

Quiet Benin

Can anyone give me an idea on what i should take

i have two offers, PGCE in univeristy, and a schools direct in a school

Which is better pgce in university or Schools Direct? my schools direct also offers pgce too

Reply 530

ItsAnotherGrad

With bursaries scrapped for some subject (like English), how are people paying for finance? I'd ideally like to avoid the loan, but have a feeling I'll have to take it.

Reply 531

nicz206

Original post by Quiet Benin

Hi, I'm so glade you asked this question because I'm in the same boat. I really don't know what to do and I have until Tuesday to make a decision. Is your school direct salaried?

Reply 532

Rorty

Original post by ItsAnotherGrad

With bursaries scrapped for some subject (like English), how are people paying for finance? I'd ideally like to avoid the loan, but have a feeling I'll have to take it.

The vast majority of people will be paying with the loan. A few will pay with savings or have their parents pay. If you have an aversion to the loans then consider finding a salaried position as that avoids taking one.

Reply 533

Meek&Mild

Deleted - I’m still asleep

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 534

JamThatJam

Original post by Quiet Benin

I wouldn't really say that one is 'better' than the other, it all depends on what you prefer. For a university-led PGCE, you start off in university for lectures and seminars before you go off on placement (For some courses, you also return to university at some point later in the year as well. The university also finds a placement for you based on where you live and their connections to local schools. For a School Direct, you can pick your placement school and depending on the provider, you spend more time in school. School Direct providers also give you the additional option of doing a PGCE. I personally chose to do a SCITT (similar to a School Direct) as I wanted more time in school. Hope this helps :smile:

Reply 535

Kalbi

Do you think the PGCE will be mostly online come September or at least the majority of weekly hours will be, with the absolute minimum weekly face-to-face hours the universities can get away with hosting, in order to call it 'blended learning' as opposed to a fully online course?

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 536

nro96

Original post by Kalbi

When I asked this for UCL, they told me they will keep everything onsite except the larger class sizes that involve modules which all PGCE students have to share as they wouldnt be able to accommodate within the covid guidelines.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 537

SarcAndSpark

Original post by Kalbi

I think it will depend a lot on each individual uni, but I would imagine that some subjects (e.g. science) will need in person practical sessions at least.

I would discuss it with your provider.

Reply 538

ebam_uk

Original post by Kalbi

I want it to be online or not compulsory to be in the lecture theatre as, giving us flexibility can help mitigate things!

Reply 539

emilytongue19

Original post by LJHK

Hi all,

I'm planning to apply for a PGCE Primary course for September 2021 entry.
I'd really appreciate some advice regarding my lack of UK school experience. I'm British but since I graduated (Geography degree, 1st) in 2014 I have been living and working abroad.
I have a lot of voluntary experience in playgroups and after school clubs in the Netherlands (full-time volunteer for one year)
I have 6 months of teaching experience as a TEFL teacher at a tuition centre in Hong Kong
I currently work as a teaching assistant/English teacher at a kindergarten in Hong Kong (1-year placement)

I have absolutely no UK based teaching experience or non-teaching work experience with children in the UK.
Do I stand any chance of being offered a place on a PGCE primary course?

Thank you!

Hi there!
We have a very similar situation.
I also have a geography degree (2017) and then I went to Korea to teach English for two years. I came back and did some more teaching at Birmingham University (EAP) I sent my application in at the end of June and I just got offered a place this week.
Hope it’s going well for you too!

(edited 2 years ago)