PGCE Applications for September 2018

[PersianCatLady]

After the last thread went a bit off course and ended up dying a death, I thought that it would be nice to see where we are with our applications and to make this the go-to thread if anybody wants any help, support or just general chit-chat about their PGCE Applications for September 2018.

I am currently waiting to hear back from my UCAS application. I applied to the SCITT programmes at two local schools to do a PGCE in secondary Computer Science.

My skills tests are booked for 1 February 2018 and I am currently waiting for Amazon to deliver some books to help me prepare for the tests.

I am really looking forward to hearing how you are all getting on with your applications.

[Pinkguitar3]

Hi PersianCatLady,

I commented on the other thread. I am very lucky as I have heard back about my application, been for an interview and have been offered a place! I am in Scotland so things are a little different. Good luck with the skills tests, sounds like you are going to be well prepared for them, so sure you will be fine.

Would be nice to hear how you and others are getting along. I am very excited, but also totally terrified.

[PersianCatLady]

I remember you PinkGuitar3 and I am glad you are doing so well with your application.

I was thinking that this thread would be positive but realistic but without any scary nonsense.

[Pinkguitar3]

Yes, that would be good! Positivity is what I need or else I might chicken out by September!!

[Snape]

I commented on the last thread too, I'm glad to hear everything is on track for you now. I have now been offered a place to do Primary Education with QTS and I have my skills tests booked for 23rd Feb which I am very nervous about. I was recommended a website called numeracy ready, it costs £20 but if I pass it will be more than worth it. Please let us know how you get on.

[PersianCatLady]

Snape
That is great, good luck with your skills tests!!

[Pinkguitar3]

Hi Snape,

Well done! Good to hear things are going well. I am sure you will do great on the skills tests.

[Peskywabbitsmum]

Hi there, just saw your last thread. You’re definitely not too old. I’m half way through my PGDE Primary at the moment & even though I’m in my late 40’s I’m coping with the course & loving my time on placement. It’s not easy, but I knew that when I applied. I’m older than the majority of my cohort, but I’m not the oldest and though I’ve been out of academia for a long time, I have life skills that 20 year olds don’t have. Good Luck. Teaching is so rewarding.

[PersianCatLady]

Thanks Peskywabbitsmum it is always good to hear success stories like yours.

[Clara04]

I'm thinking about applying but haven't yet done much about it yet. I want to give it a go but nervous about whether it is the right thing. I have a good amount of experience working in schools and with children but will I be able to cope with being the one in charge and the stress/work load?

Need to figure it out very soon though!

[PersianCatLady]

Need to figure it out very soon though!
Have you looked at these websites for a start? -

getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/

www.ucas.com/ucas/teacher-training/ucas-teacher-training-apply-and-track

www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/teacher-training-and-education

www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=97

Good luck!!

[toomuchicecream]

I applied for my PGCE because I read that hospice nurses say that on their deathbeds, patients regret the things they didn't do, not the things they did. I decided I would rather have a go at teaching and fail, than live with the what-might-have-been of never having applied.

13 years later, I've now applied to do an MSc in mathematics teacher education....

[Redwineistasty]

Hi! I too have applied for 2018
I have interviews this month for all 3 of my choices, which is great! I’m just so nervous now!! I’m ever stressing about what to wear!

I’m 34 and have 2dc aged 4 & 8, so I’m also worried about the workload/family balance!

[PersianCatLady]

I decided I would rather have a go at teaching and fail, than live with the what-might-have-been of never having applied
That is exactly how I feel about it toomuchiceicream

[QuantumPixies]

Thanks for the shiny new thread persian. I’m no further forward (ucas complete except references, primary pgce/scitt choices is the plan) because school isn’t back yet but I’m not too stressed. There are loads of train to teach events this month so I figure I must be ahead of those people who haven’t even thought about applying yet!

[Pinkguitar3]

That's good to hear Pesky, glad you are having a positive experience.

Clara, I have similar worries but guess I will only know if I give it a bash and see.

Redwine, good luck with the interviews, I look forward to hearing how you get on. I was really nervous about my interview but it was fine once I was there. The people were all lovely. In have similarly aged children to you so balancing tje heavy workload and spending time with them is a worry.

[Redwineistasty]

Thank you pink

[NearlySchoolTimeAgain]

I applied for a PGCE at about this time in 2011. I had DC in Y2 and reception at the time. It was hard but I don’t regret it and I do love treaching.

Good luck!

[NearlySchoolTimeAgain]

Even if I can’t spell it!

[PersianCatLady]

Just a quick update -

I have got interviews for both of my choices so I am really pleased about that.

[Redwineistasty]

Thanks for the positivity nearly
Fantastic newspersian When are they?

[NearlySchoolTimeAgain]

Good luck - I know we really struggled to recruit a (good) computer science teacher so I’m sure you’ll have no problems finding a job!

[PersianCatLady]

Fantastic newspersian When are they?
One is at the end of January and one is at the beginning of February.

How are you getting on ladies?

Any more news or progress??

[AnnaFiveTowns]

Have you all got to deliver a short lesson to a class as part of your interview? I've got my interview tomorrow for MFL...

[crazycatgal]

First Primary interview to tomorrow!

Can anyone let me know of any questions that I should definitely prepare to be asked?

[Redwineistasty]

Ooh, good luck persian my last interview is at end of Jan.

I had my 1st interview this morning. I think it went well. The mini teach did anyway! I’m totally rubbish in interviews so I struggled getting my word out when she asked me questions.
I think my subject audit went okay, it was just a few questions from a past exam paper, not too hard.

Questions I was asked in interview include why do I want to teach, why my chosen subject and why I think behaviour in the classroom is important. I was also asked how I’d respond to a child being cheeky in the classroom.