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Am I crazy for considering doing A Levels again in same subjects with A*/A??

I have struggled to get a job since graduating University and only ended up doing some private tutoring after failed teacher training applications.

I managed to get on one course but struggled to match the fitness to teach requirements due to what was at the time undiagnosed autism and the course didn't really suit me due to essay requirements.

I want to do teacher training but I had a mental breakdown and have been out of work for 3 years(apart from the last few months where I unsuccessfully tried private tutoring again). If I just aim for QTS will there be little essays?

My aim is to retake and update my A Levels in Mathematics( got A*), Further Mathematics(got A*) and Physics(got A) to give me more up to date knowledge since A Level courses have changed considerably and that's making private tutoring hard. Then, I could do teacher training. I want to teach A Level mainly not so much GCSE.

Reply 1

Your A level grades were clearly not the reason you previously dropped out of teacher training so what do you think retaking them will actually achieve? Nothing meaningful, and this will not instantly fix your other issues which are clearly still holding you back.

Do you now have a formal diagnosis for autism, and are you receiving help with your mental health?

Reply 2

Excuse me, what do you think re-taking your A-Levels will achieve, if you already got 2 A*s and 1 A? Talk about redundant. Don't hold yourself back.
You don’t need to retake A levels to bring yourself up to date with the current syllabus and exam marks schemes. That information is all available for free on exam board websites.
As others have said, you definitely don't need to redo your A Levels.
You need to have not dropped out of teacher training.

If you aren't able to have another go at teacher training, then you aren't going to become a teacher. You're limited to being a tutor.

Reply 5

Original post
by Dalek1099
I have struggled to get a job since graduating University and only ended up doing some private tutoring after failed teacher training applications.
I managed to get on one course but struggled to match the fitness to teach requirements due to what was at the time undiagnosed autism and the course didn't really suit me due to essay requirements.
I want to do teacher training but I had a mental breakdown and have been out of work for 3 years(apart from the last few months where I unsuccessfully tried private tutoring again). If I just aim for QTS will there be little essays?
My aim is to retake and update my A Levels in Mathematics( got A*), Further Mathematics(got A*) and Physics(got A) to give me more up to date knowledge since A Level courses have changed considerably and that's making private tutoring hard. Then, I could do teacher training. I want to teach A Level mainly not so much GCSE.

Have you thought about working as a TA for a year to get some classroom experience?

No-one just teaches A level even in a sixth form college.

Reply 6

Original post
by PinkMobilePhone
As others have said, you definitely don't need to redo your A Levels.
You need to have not dropped out of teacher training.
If you aren't able to have another go at teacher training, then you aren't going to become a teacher. You're limited to being a tutor.

I dropped out before signing up for the course I didn't manage to actually get on the course in the end so should be able to do teacher training.

Reply 7

Original post
by Muttley79
Have you thought about working as a TA for a year to get some classroom experience?
No-one just teaches A level even in a sixth form college.

Teacher assistant roles for just Maths seem rare.

Reply 8

Original post
by McGinger
Your A level grades were clearly not the reason you previously dropped out of teacher training so what do you think retaking them will actually achieve? Nothing meaningful, and this will not instantly fix your other issues which are clearly still holding you back.
Do you now have a formal diagnosis for autism, and are you receiving help with your mental health?

Yes I have an autism diagnosis and am getting help with my mental health.

Reply 9

Original post
by Muttley79
Have you thought about working as a TA for a year to get some classroom experience?
No-one just teaches A level even in a sixth form college.

What would be better redoing A Levels(maths, Further Maths and Physics) or Access to Science Diploma(mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry) for maths teaching?

Reply 10

Original post
by Dalek1099
What would be better redoing A Levels(maths, Further Maths and Physics) or Access to Science Diploma(mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry) for maths teaching?

Neither - you have A levels. You have enough qualifications - you need classroom experience to find out if teaching is for you.

Reply 11

Original post
by Dalek1099
Teacher assistant roles for just Maths seem rare.

You will be assigned maths support with your qualifications.

Reply 12

Original post
by Muttley79
You will be assigned maths support with your qualifications.

What about the Universal Credit situation? I currently get both LCWRA and PIP so I should be eligible to study on these benefits. I found a Teaching Assistant role that's temporary till July 2025 but if I got the role I might be back on Universal Credit in July 2025 without LCWRA.

Problem I have is the teaching assistant job says experience of working in classroom environment essential. This seems to be why it's so hard to get a job these days they all demand experience.
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 13

Original post
by Dalek1099
What about the Universal Credit situation? I currently get both LCWRA and PIP so I should be eligible to study on these benefits. I found a Teaching Assistant role that's temporary till July 2025 but if I got the role I might be back on Universal Credit in July 2025 without LCWRA.
Problem I have is the teaching assistant job says experience of working in classroom environment essential. This seems to be why it's so hard to get a job these days they all demand experience.

I can't advise re benefits you need expert advice. Some TA roles are more open; you have more qualifications than most will.

Reply 14

Original post
by Dalek1099
What about the Universal Credit situation? I currently get both LCWRA and PIP so I should be eligible to study on these benefits. I found a Teaching Assistant role that's temporary till July 2025 but if I got the role I might be back on Universal Credit in July 2025 without LCWRA.
Problem I have is the teaching assistant job says experience of working in classroom environment essential. This seems to be why it's so hard to get a job these days they all demand experience.


Could you do tutoring at a local school/library or explorelearning or volunteer with a charity such as REACHOUT to get work experience?

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