AIBU to expect a job after PGCE??

[missingmevino]

Calling all teachers!!!

Am keen to do my secondary science PGCE in September. Have wanted to get into teaching for a long time, and recent redundancy has given me the option to finally do it (and still manage to pay bills etc while training).

Have heard that there is currently a glut of teachers and it is getting very difficult to get a job after PGCE.

Is this true? Is it the same for science teachers (there is a bursary still available as it is a priority subject, does this not mean there is a shortage of teachers?)

Would appreciate any advice. Would be heartbreaking to make all the sacrifices necessary for PGCE, and then find I've made a huge mistake when I can't get a NQT post.

Thank you.

Yup...you would almost certainly be expected to teach core sceince to at least KS3 and in most schools KS4. It is only at KS5 (A level) that you specialise.

You DO specialise for your PGCE though...although from what I can see the academic side of the PGCE is all 3 sciences. It is only teh placements that are polarised.

I second looking on TES to see the job situation in your area. In my subject there are lots of jobs in Kent but mostly on the coast, not London commuter belt. Obviously if you could get to London there are loads of jobs there.

Also - don't rely on supply as a safety net. Look up the three term induction rules (if you don't clear induction within a time limit+limited extensions you can't do supply anymore - I know a lot of people locked out by this) and look into the situation with cover supervisors and the utter decimation of supply teaching that's gone on lately (especially secondary but it's hitting primary now too). Supply forum on TES is worth a look just to be able to pre-empt the worst case scenario.

If you get a job that's not a short-term contract as an NQT you're pretty much OK, if you end up on short-term contracts to keep a roof over your head and the bills paid, the situation's less pretty when you're no longer a cheap NQT (and viewed by some SMT people as being more malleable and shiny and new)... I regularly used to go to interviews where I was the one experienced teacher up against three NQTs - was never going to get the job because of the cost of employing me, was just there to make up the numbers and tick the fair recruitment boxes.

I just decided sod it and do supply by choice, some tutoring work and some marking these days. As long as you don't go into things all starry-eyed and naive about it all is the main thing.

I agree with Rosieoo - I've seen a lot of changes in sec school recruitment over the last few years, even in shortage subjects such a physics: yes, they are desperate, but with expected 20% budget cuts, managements are forced to be 'creative' with the curriculum and dump untrained 'Cover Supervisors' across the subject range. Science is protected to some extent due to being a core subejct, but you should look into 'integrated Key Stage 3 curriculum' and BTEC to boost your CV & employability at interview. Good luck :)

Yep, my training provider told me if you had a pulse they wanted you on maths training.

Thank you all for your replies, some really good advice on here.

I spoke to the training provider today, and she said there are places left on GTP for Sep. Definitely going to look into this, as if i am employed I will be able to claim help towards childcare through tax credits. With PGCE I wouldn't have this option.

If you are a Biologist there is very little shortage..avoid NE/NW esp - hardly any jobs comapred to SE.

Both myself and DH relocated from Kent to NW 8 yrs ago. I was one of 51 applicants (at a rough school too!!). About 6 people applied for the job I was leaving in Kent!

Our student teacher is getting 5K golden hand-shake in his 2nd year (chemistry)

There will be no golden handshake for those starting PGCE in sept.

I think you can still get childcare help on PGCE but not via tax credits...think it works out hte same though ( up to 80%?). Don't do the GTP just because of this...think about what will suit you as a person best GTP or PGCE.

If you are set on staying with biology as a specialism then it could be financially better in the short term to do GTP. Not so sure if you do chemistry.

I just think you are very brave, as teaching is such hard work! I did PGCE in 1999 before any dosh chucked at people or help with child care. Just try though, as if you don't you will always wonder. You might be one of the lucky - and one of the best. Don't try, don't get.

We had to move away from Kent due to lack of teaching jobs but this was 6 years ago (I trained at Christchurch). Areas with large training colleges tend to be low on the job front and you have Christchurch and Sussex that use Kent schools.

Best bet is to check TES and KCC websites to see what is out there at the moment.

Good luck and all the best for the future.