Long shot - Did you do a GTP?

[CrystalDeCanter]

Hi there

This is a bit of a long shot but in 2003/4 I got QTS through studying on the Sussex Uni Graduate Teacher Program. I then went on to teach in a Primary school before emigrating to Australia.

My GTP qualification isn't valid in the UK and I've heard rumours that I can convert it to a PGCE with a bit of teaching and some essays.

Has anyone done this/heard of this?? I've just spent a bit of time on the Sussex Uni website and it seems that Gove has closed the GTP programme, I've emailed the person at Sussex uni to find out more but thought I'd try the power of mumsnet too.

If anyone has any knowledge or experience of doing this I'd be hugely grateful.

Cheers.

[BrianWont]

Your qualification IS valid! You achieved Quakified Teacher Status and you still have it. The GTP no longer exists, true, but that makes no difference to all the people like you who achieved QTS through that route.

[CrystalDeCanter]

Hey thanks so much, I made a bit of a stuff up in my OP though and meant to say that the GTP isn't valid in AUSTRALIA sorry, am working and attempting to sort my life out at the same time - obv too much for my small brain.

[BranchingOut]

Do you have a QTS number?

[CrystalDeCanter]

Yes I think I do. Does that make a difference?

[maclover]

Hi - QTS alone (ie, your GTP qualification) isn't enough to teach in Australia, so if that is your plan, you will need to convert. There isn't a national conversion programme (because there isn't the market for it - most trainees who apply for GTP just want QTS to teach in the UK, but it was not well-communicated that this alone is not sufficient to teach abroad). You might be able to convert to a PGCE if you contact other local providers/universities to see what they might be able to do.

[Phineyj]

Contact Edge Hill university - they may be able to help. They provide a distance-learning route for UK GTPs to get all or part of an MA Education - GTP plus two modules equals PGDE, which would do the job for you I think. I've just done it and it cost me £750, but that was some sort of special deal with the training provider (2 modules for the price of one - I think it's sponsored by the ATL union). Contact your GTP provider for advice as well. As far as I understand it, no-one will simply convert GTP to PGCE.

As an alternative, does Oz have a fast track programme for overseas trained teachers like the UK does?

[Phineyj]

Formatting fail - PGDE - Postgrad Diploma in Education.

[CrystalDeCanter]

Hi Phineyj thanks so much for the info, I've had a look at the Edge Hill website but can't find the info I need (not surprising as it's a bit unusual). Phineyj are you currently in the UK?

I've heard back from Sussex Uni who do indeed to a conversion course - but I would need to be a UK teacher to be eligible to do it.

As far as I can tell I need to requalify over here - my local Uni does a 2 year Masters or I can do a 1 year distance learning Graduate Diploma with Darwin Uni. There isn't really a fast track programme for primary teachers Phineyj, they're a bit more clued up with secondary but I may get some credit for what I have already done - it's just impossible to say until I get on the course apparently .

Thanks so much for all you help.

[siilk]

I can understand the pain. I qualified in NSW in 1999 and also did my induction there. However, to teach in Wales I have had to do my GTP. Luckily, I had a very supportive school. However, it was a major pain. Good luck.

[CrystalDeCanter]

Thank you siik, not that I'm pleased it works both ways but nice to know you understand. Good for you to have re done it. I just can't bear the thought of all that slog again.