PGCE 2014 Applications (NOT FOR SPECIFIC INTERVIEW TASK DISCUSSIONS)

The following is fromt he top of my head so anyone, please feel free to correct me as I'ms ure there may be some faults in what I'm saying.

Teach First is a charity, you must be predicted a 2.1+ to apply and must go through a course of exams/interviews. Also, as it is a charity working in underdeveloped/poor preforming schools, they will send you where they need you ie. they will not always put your needs first in terms of what and where you want to teach. Just because you have a degree in Biomedical Sciences, does not mean you will teach Sciences (at secondary), they will look at your A-Levels too and decide ie. having done History at A-Level they might want you to teach that (heard that from the Teach First thread anyway, sounds a little weird to me though..). Also, I don't think you have any tuition fees to pay, it's like training on the job. School direct I think you must have had worked for 3ish years minimum to qualify and enables you to also train on the job and earn money whilst you do so. It is offered by schools and the school decides if they want to consider your application. I think you get less dedicated support this way, hence the prerequisite for 3 years work experience (in any field).

You don't need 3 years experience for SD. You need ample work exp (can't remember how much) only for the salaried route, but for the fee paying route (that I'd imagine most of us will be applying for) it's the same requirements as a PGCE, roughly. It's not less dedicated either.

I don't know much about Teach First. All I know it is very competitive with a long application process I believe. I did read you are able to teach a subject other than your degree as long as you have a good grade in it at A-Level. Last time I looked it didn't include a couple of national curriculum subjects. I remember History didn't count. I don't know why, and it may have changed. Yeah here you go:

Thanks for the info. So if Teach First is so competitive, you have no control over what/where will you teach, why go for this route? Is it because it has no fees?

Anyone know if you have to do CRB checks through the school you're going to do work experience at or is there some service where I could pay to get one done over the summer? Was under the impression that CRB checks weren't open to the individual and had to be done through an organisation (e.g. employer).

Hi guys. This thread is proving to be quite helpful!

I have a few questions about my situation. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

I am from Ireland so I will be applying for the PGCE (Primary) '14 intake as an EU student. I am hoping to apply to Strathclyde, Bangor and 1 more university. I know that the courses are quite competitive in terms of applications.

My Bachelors degree (2.2) is largely unrelated but did contain many modules that directly relate to Primary Education. I recently completed 2 weeks observation in an Irish primary school. I have also taught ESL full time for 2 years at primary school level and 6 months at middle school level, both in South Korea. By the time the course starts I will have added another year of primary school ESL teaching experience, albeit in a different country.

Will this be enough experience or should I look to gain more during my holidays? Also, can any Irish applicants give me any advice re: fees?

Thanks in advance!

Have you thought about applying to St Marys in Twickenham as a lot of irish people go there?

I did no volunteering but 4 days a week - 2 days in 2 schools from January onwards (I was a late application). Best to go to more than one school if you can as you'll have more chance to pick something really useful or inspirational up. I suppose the 4 days a week was volunteering though as I didn't just observe.


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There is a thread on all things to do with PGCE Applications (commencing 2014). Check it out!