The Student Room Group

Science PGCE- is it really that bad?

Hey guys, I'm currently in the final year of my physics degree and I'm really interested in doing a secondary PGCE specialising in physics. :smile:

I've been reading a lot about the course, and all I seem to find are horror stories and people warning others off of teaching!

Will a science PGCE student really have no life outside of the course?
I'm a bit of an overthinker at times and all the negatives have me worried about the effect it will have on all aspects of my life- my relationship, my sport etc.

After a year of misery and no social life with covid I'm worried about throwing away any chance of it before entering something so many people have branded a hellish experience. I've been considering a year out to work but I'm also nervous about putting it off.

Does anyone have any positive experiences doing a science PGCE?
I did a Science PGCE 2 years ago now. I did have a live outside the course- in terms of being able to socialise with friends etc. People do manage to keep up sporting commitments during the PGCE, but it does depend how much you want to train. I'm pretty sure most people who started the course in a relationship stayed in one throughout.

It is a tough year- my NQT was much easier. There's a lot to juggle, you can end up with a long commute, and there's a lot of "stuff" you have to do for the PGCE which takes up a lot of time and feels a bit pointless. But obviously most people get through the year (although drop out rates are high) so it can't be that bad!

I think a year out to work is always good before doing a PGCE though- it tends to be those coming to it straight from uni who find it a huge culture shock.

If you share your specific worries, perhaps people can reassure you?
Reply 2
Original post by physnsm
Hey guys, I'm currently in the final year of my physics degree and I'm really interested in doing a secondary PGCE specialising in physics. :smile:

I've been reading a lot about the course, and all I seem to find are horror stories and people warning others off of teaching!

Will a science PGCE student really have no life outside of the course?
I'm a bit of an overthinker at times and all the negatives have me worried about the effect it will have on all aspects of my life- my relationship, my sport etc.

After a year of misery and no social life with covid I'm worried about throwing away any chance of it before entering something so many people have branded a hellish experience. I've been considering a year out to work but I'm also nervous about putting it off.

Does anyone have any positive experiences doing a science PGCE?

I'm currently doing my PGCE in Secondary Chemistry and am absolutely loving it!
I think the key thing is to ensure you research where you apply to and make sure you'll be in a supportive environment. My school is fantastic and really supportive which really makes the difference when there are stressful moments.
As long as you manage your time well and are sensible about the amount of time you spend on things, you should have plenty of free time.

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