Primary school PGCE

[TheNewClassic]

Hi, Just wanted a bit of advice regarding the primary school pgce.
I have recently finished a degree in education and hope to apply for the primary school pgce next September as I will be spending this year doing a science GCSE at college.

I have just started a new job as a keyworker working with 14-16 year olds in alternative education and will effectively be dealing with work experience.

Apart from working in an after school club I do not have experience working with primary school children but have lots of experience working with 11-16 years including working in schools. However I do not want to be a secondary school teacher and have my heart set on working with the younger age group.

My question is: Would it place me in a better position when applying for the primary school PGCE to have worked as a TA in a primary school this year or would it be fine if I have worked in alternative education for older young people?

I am trying to decide if I should quit my job and get a TA position in order to have more chance of being accepted onto the PGCE.

TIA

[ShyGirlie]

it'd probably be better if you gained more primary experience really.

[Floralnomad]

Could you find the time to do some volunteering in a primary school ,TA jobs are quite hard to get .

[TheNewClassic]

The new job is five days a week so I would not be able to volunteer.
Quite a few agencies in my area are advertising ta positions so I am debating whether to email my C.V.
Thanks for the replies.

[regularrectangle]

I have been teaching primary for the last 2 years. Previous to completing my PGCE I worked as an SEN TA in a secondary school. I had experience of primary through a students into schools unit I completed during my final year in my psychology degree and I also helped out at a after-school club, but it was limited experience.

On my PGCE interview they were more interested in why I wanted to teach rather than who I had previously taught.


One of my coursemates got onto the course with less than 2 weeks experience in any school.

[TheNewClassic]

Regular thank you that is very helpful. For the last two years I have worked in a secondary school working with small groups of children at risk of exclusion but right now I am panicking as the new school year is starting and if I had to get some experience in a primary I would need to get in somewhere asap.

[Singsongmama]

I'd get as much primary experience as possible. TA post would give you great insight into how a class really runs. I'd definitely go for this option, it'd give you confidence when you start course and it would show you are serious about your career choice. Good luck!

[regularrectangle]

Could you prehaps ask to help with KS2 to KS3 transistion?

[WaffleWiffle]

What about something like Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers or Cubs?

I realise these are not educational, but they are primary age group and something you could volunteer in during the evenings.

[TheNewClassic]

I was working in the secondary school whilst studying and left in June. The new job which I literally started last week is a charity working with 14- 16 year olds.

That is why I am worrying now that I wont get onto the PGCE next year!

Singsongs mamma thank you very much :)

[TheNewClassic]

WaffleWiffle brilliant idea thank you!

[TinCanSally]

Why don't you contact the universities you intend applying to and ask what their admissions requirements are. That way you're not second guessing.

[clam]

DH is an admissions tutor for primary B.Ed/PGCE and says a TA role would stand you in very good stead, although you would not necessarily be rules out if you hadn't done so. However, as others have said, they're like hens' teeth to get.
At the very least, at his University, the bare minimum is to have a fortnight's work experience in a primary school before starting the course.

[Supermum222]

Could you take annual leave to get some experience in primary? 2 weeks is enough for entry to PGCE courses.

[tethersend]

With your experience, it might be worth asking the agencies if they have any TA positions in primary PRUs. This would certainly stand you in good stead for a place in a PGCE course, as few applicants are likely to have experience of the 'sharp end' of behavioural issues in that age group.

[TheNewClassic]

Thank you for all the good advice I have been given. I am very grateful.