School Direct / SCITT - Secondary Science

[RainbowDashed]

Has anyone done this? I've been considering a PGCE for a while but I live in a rural area, the nearest course place is too far away to attend daily for a year. Our local school is offering places on a School Direct course and I am considering applying. Are there any pros/cons of doing this vs a PGCE?

Other questions:

Currently I work a 40+ hour week, leave home at 7.45 and arrive back at 6pm when commute and drop off / pick ups are taken into account. How does a teaching role compare? I also bring work home occasionally so am used to long hours and stressful days.

One of my kids attends the school where the training is based - is that likely to cause any issues?

Re classroom experience, I have a bit of primary school experience (parent helper) and training is a part of my current role, but I have no secondary experience. I've already put out feelers at the secondary to see if I can get some classroom time as a volunteer. How essential is it for applications?

TIA :)

[PurpleDaisies]

Starting with experience, you absolutely need it so you know what you're getting yourself in for! Secondary is very different to primary, although it's great you'll know what sort of science and maths understanding they leave primary with.

The workload on the school's direct programme builds as you take on more of your own classes-it'll certainly be comparable to your old job, probably more. Have a read of the threads on staff room to get a good idea of teacher workload. Nqt is horrendously busy (work at home every evening plus planning on weekends) but it gets easier as you get more experienced. It is a brilliant job but be certain you want to do it before you apply. If you're leaving the old job looking for something less stressful this isn't it!

[PurpleDaisies]

Forgot to ask, what's your specialism? They're much more likely to overlook being short of work experience if you're a physicist or chemist (huge shortage!).

[RainbowDashed]

Hi PurpleDaisies thanks for your reply.
My work background is in microbiology (food science more recently) and I have a degree in Biochemistry. I would be looking to teach chemistry or biology.

Less stress isn't necessarily my motive, I have enough (primary) teachers in my family to know what's what. I want a challenge, something that isn't the same every day, to feel like I am making a difference. I feel on a bit of a treadmill atm so it's time for a change. I have found out I may be entitled to a bursary which is going to mean that something which I have thought of doing for a while is now financially possible.

[PurpleDaisies]

That sounds great-you won't new a massive amount of work experience as long as you can convince them you know what you're letting yourself in for. I'd definitely go for chemistry over biology...you'll never have a problem finding a job. On my Pgce there were 8 physicists, 12 chemists and 80 biologists!

When I started I was very rusty having finished my degree five years earlier and I'd definitely recommend spending some time familiarising yourself with the a level subject content before you start. Once you're in school there's so much other stuff to do you won't want to be reteaching yourself organic chemistry or whatever else you've forgotten. The great news is there are loads of websites with past papers, mark schemes and notes so it'll be easy to sort out any gaps.

Good luck!

[GinandJag]

I think that most teachers will recommend the route they themselves took. I did a PGCE and think that's a good system. :)

[CountryLovingGirl]

I have sent you a message :-)