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Original poster

Should the DfE be offering £26k bursaries to train as a Classics teacher?

458 replies

noblegiraffe · 23/01/2018 18:38

Given the recruitment and retention crisis and the school funding crisis, is it really the best use of funds to be paying £26k for teachers to train in Classics (and then presumably sod straight off to the private sector)?

Although I doubt they're expecting many takers, it does seem to display completely messed up priorities.

I'm half wondering if Toby Young has said he needs more Latin teachers for his WLFS and the DfE has, as ever, pandered to his whims.

Should the DfE be offering £26k bursaries to train as a Classics teacher?
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Julie8008 · 23/01/2018 19:27

But its not a case of a Latin teacher or a Maths teacher, you can train both of them.

I know parents in more disadvantaged areas would love their children to have the education those supposed elitists get. I dont get this class warfare, everyone deserves a good education.

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 23/01/2018 19:25

I think it depends on how dire the shortage is, Battle. They ballsed up with English this year, underestimated how short of English teachers we are. I think the English bursary will be increased next year.

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Battleax · 23/01/2018 19:25

They probably have an algorithm or a ratio or something. Vacancies to trainees.

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 23/01/2018 19:24

You don't have to consider something of paramount importance to value it.

So who set the value of Classics at £26k and primary maths at £20k less and why?

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Battleax · 23/01/2018 19:23

I don't really understand why they vary the bursary amounts so much. A subject is either a shortage subject or it isn't.

Battleax · 23/01/2018 19:22

You don't have to consider something of paramount importance to value it.

Poor parents in disadvantaged areas are probably stuck with what's on offer, anyway, though. Regardless of what they value and why. So it's moot.

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 23/01/2018 19:16

I would suppose that it is better off parents with a nice choice of schools who care whether their kids' school offers Latin or not.

Those in more disadvantaged areas would probably be more concerned whether their kid would have an actual maths teacher this year or a string of supply teachers.

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Battleax · 23/01/2018 19:14

So designed to appeal to a particular demographic of parent. Tory priorities showing...

I don't see that we should cede the Classics to the Tories.

Battleax · 23/01/2018 19:12

My dd did classics but they did not offer it to ds. A lot of students enjoy it more so than history

INot so much an "it" as a "they"; Latin, Ancient Greek and Classical Civilisation in terms of GCSE and A-level.

WhirlwindHugs · 23/01/2018 19:12

I am a bit shocked by only 6k for primary maths!

My DCs school really struggles with maths teaching, they could really do with a maths specialist.

Julie8008 · 23/01/2018 19:12

So designed to appeal to a particular demographic of parent

That's a bit of a leap. So your only allowed to study Classics is your a 'Tory'? That just leaves me agog.

Fekko · 23/01/2018 19:11

What? Tories? Oh grow up!

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 23/01/2018 19:07

Classics being the sign of a good school

So designed to appeal to a particular demographic of parent. Tory priorities showing...

God I just looked again, it's only £6k for primary maths. FFS?

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Fekko · 23/01/2018 19:03

Greek not green.

Fekko · 23/01/2018 19:03

DS is doing these and I’m really pleased as my school didn’t do Latin. He’s not keen on green though!

Julie8008 · 23/01/2018 19:02

I also don't believe there are loads of parents out there desperate for their kids to do Latin or Ancient Greek
I guess it depends where you live but over the years I have heard many parents talking about Classics being the sign of a good school and wanting their DC to do it.
A local state secondary school near me has just started a classics hub and is going into into several of the local primary schools teaching it, as there is a good demand.

No matter how good the English and MFL teachers are, studying classics improves the pupils. And unlike MFL you dont have to learn to speak them so they can be much more enjoyable and inspirational to some children.

woodhill · 23/01/2018 18:54

My dd did classics but they did not offer it to ds. A lot of students enjoy it more so than history

Battleax · 23/01/2018 18:53

Bit's^

Battleax · 23/01/2018 18:53

History, RE and Music don't entail much of a sweetener either. Nothing at all for a 2:2 (that buys sensible enough).

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 23/01/2018 18:52

I guess this means you dont think Classics are important then?

I don't think that there are thousands of schools out there desperate to recruit Classics teachers and failing because of a shortage.

I also don't believe there are loads of parents out there desperate for their kids to do Latin or Ancient Greek. You can barely get them to do French.

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Unicorndiscoball · 23/01/2018 18:51

Gosh my bursary is nothing like as good as it was 10 years ago when I trained Grin (secondary music) especially as I only got a paltry 2:1 (even though I do have a masters). Seems a bit crazy that you’ll earn more doing your training in physics etc than when you actually qualify though...

Original poster
noblegiraffe · 23/01/2018 18:49

Eggs the disparity of attainment could be diminished by properly qualified teachers in the core curriculum subjects before we consider 'nice-to-haves'!

Only £9k for primary maths!

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Sofabitch · 23/01/2018 18:49

26k now regardless of grade. Looks marginally tempting again.

Then i remember the crazy workload and talk myself out of it

Fekko · 23/01/2018 18:49

What’s wrong with classics?

Julie8008 · 23/01/2018 18:48

I guess this means you dont think Classics are important then? I think its an important part of a good education and if there is a shortage then I dont see whats wrong with offering incentives.

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