what should i do at college?

ellie1904

i am looking to apply to colleges as my deadline is a few months away and i am really stuck on what to do. I have decided that i would like to be a primary school teacher (from reception to year 2) and am wondering whether I should do A-Levels or an apprenticeship at a school that would be sorted by the college. i really refer working than being at school but i'm not sure whether an apprenticeship is the way to go as i would have to go to University afterwards to do a four year course in primary education. i also don't know what i should study for my A-levels so please if someone could help me it would be seriously appreciated.

Reply 1

habouya

My friend wanted to become a Primary School Teacher. She studied L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, then she chose Health Studies in Her second year. She got an offer from her chosen Uni and now she is starting a teaching degree in Sep 2017. If doing a BTEC is not something you would like to do then try to study A-Level Health and Social Care if your college offers it. Otherwise you could choose subjects such as Sciences, History, English, Maths etc. You can contact the college you would like to apply for help, perhaps they will give you a better idea about the courses you might want to consider.

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 2

og_ad_informant

In England, your subject choice is important. If you're really unsure about what you want to do -- try a site like CareerFear (helps you find what job you'd enjoy). Alternatively -- if you like a few related subjects (Business, Economics, Maths) then pick up a subject that's broad and covers all of them -- it will ensure you enjoy your time at Uni as well as have a variety of options if you choose to change from teaching.

If you are hell-bent on teaching, I'd suggest the apprenticeship.

Reply 3

clarkey500

I'm going to start with the degree and then work backwards for you (so bare with me):

Where would you like to teach? A certain part of the country? I would suggest quickly looking at the universities in your area that have education degrees with QTS (it will either be a BEd or a BA but don't worry about which). These are 3 year courses so if you want to do a PGCE or similar you can do any degree you want - as long as it's relevant. If you seem to only want to work with reception and KS1 look to see if they have an ECS (early childhood studies) specialism otherwise you will end up with placements with classes to year 6.

Most universities do not mind the type of qualifications that you achieve (as long as they are of a high enough standard) whether they are A Levels or a BTEC. I imagine the apprenticeship you are talking about is a SCITT programme like teach first which isn't an apprenticeship for 16-18 year olds and require a degree to complete.

Regarding A levels, my university requires an A level in a relevant subject at grade B (for the specialism) and others (any grade) to reach the tariff mark. For ECS, this could be health and social care and if you do go for A levels, for your other subjects - go for those on the primary curriculum as this would look better on your application - go for ones you're good at and importantly enjoy. Alternatively, you could complete a BTEC in the relevant area - it's up to you.

You will also need experience working in schools so if you get a free day at college you it to do this as it shows that you are eager to be a teacher to any university and also any future employer.

Can I ask why you only want to teach reception and KS1 rather than the whole of primary? Maybe get some experience in both key stages to get an idea and experience. I know year 6 may sound scary, but the ones I've taught have been really good and did the work that was set but it is completely your decision.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. :smile:

Reply 4

username2992802

Original post by ellie1904

From what I've heard from a teacher in my school who is currently at Uni. She suggests to keep the subject you want to teach apart from the primary teaching course in case you ever change your mind you can pursue the subject and not limit it to just teaching, if that makes sense.

But I'm sure whatever you do pick is great.