Want to be a drama teacher - professional skills test, please help!

[MayorMumbum]

After a really tough ten years and with all my children now being school age I have decided I really want to pursue my dream career of drama teaching.

My one obstacle is the professional skills numeracy test I need to take, and pass before I can enrol properly on my the course.

I was horrible at maths growing up and never got a GCSE. I can barely manage to help DD with her maths homework!

How on earth can I teach myself maths from the ground up and pass this test at 31 years old! I am looking to apply in 2020 when DD has settled in to her first year at high school.

I want this so badly for myself but the whole thing feels so daunting and I have no idea where to start. I can add/subtract and do basic multiplication/division, but anything more than that is beyond me. Also if you fail three times you are locked out of retaking for two years so with my age I really need to pass one of those three goes.

Any advice/help would be so appreciated. I really need some guidance.

Don't you need a gcse in maths and English to train as a teacher? The skills tests are on top of that. Could you enroll at a college or do evening classes?

It's not actually that hard though, as an adult with a reason for doing it you'll be much more motivated to do well.

Yes you need a GCSE or equivalent in Maths, and yes the schools and training providers will check and will ask for proof.
getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/eligibility-for-teacher-training

So you need to do a course. There are lots around, either online or at local colleges.

Most local further education colleges do GCSE Maths and English for free, if you don't already hold a C (4/5 in the new grading) or above. You'll need both above C to apply for the PGCE. This will really help to prepare you for the skills test and you can buy a book from Amazon to help too.

The rules recently changed again on the skills test, you can now take it as many times as you need, with no lock-out period, but you only get the first three attempts free.

You are going to need a C grade or above at Maths and English GCSE. Have a look at your local adult education college as many of them will offer a 6 month adult GCSE course.

I would also get a copy of Carol Vorderman's book. It is really visual and you can dip into each topic as you need to. It's not scary at all.

www.amazon.co.uk/Help-Your-Maths-Step-Step/dp/1409355713/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=carol+vorderman+maths&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1537283738&sr=8-1

It’s really not hard. If you can’t do it, think twice. There’s no guarantee you won’t be asked to teach maths at the lower levels, or science with maths. Studying for it is no bad thing.