To be gutted I got turned down by OU to study PGCE

[MrsDontDoMuch]

I’m just a bit upset, and wondered if anyone had any experience of being rejected by OU?

I work as a class room assistant and have over twenty years experience of working in schools. I have GCSE’s, A levels, a degree, and diploma in performance (ABRSM piano). I recently applied to OU to study a PGCE. I wrote what I thought was a good application and personal statement.

I’ve just received feedback that I was rejected because I did not ‘demonstrate a clear understanding of curriculum reforms’ and ‘maybe I should work on improving my GCSE grades’. I did get a C in maths and English amongst several other subjects but a D in science (my mum died when I was doing my GCSE’s) and I would have thought A levels and a degree would outweigh my GCSE grades?

AIBU to think this is just patronising feedback? I’m thinking it’s because I’m in my early 50’s and maybe they think I’m just too old? I just can’t stop crying, I really wanted to be a primary school teacher.

Could you try a local uni instead? Is reapplying next year an option?

Unfortunately you do need at least a C in Science too. This will be the reason I imagine. Try not to be disheartened: these are statutory minimum standards that everyone has to have. Retake your Science GCSE and reapply: they'll snap you up!

It won’t be due to age, I’m studying with the OU and I’m young by a long shot (28).

It sucks though especially if you’ve felt you’ve given the application your all. It’s not the end of the road, they aren’t the only provided. Can you have a chat with the admissions team? They’re famed for being as accessible as possible so please do give them a call.

You need at least a C in science, regardless of a levels or a degree.

Ok I thought it said minimum D in science on the application form, no worries.

I’m in my 50’s and getting out. It might have done you a favour tbh!

YANBU at all - the my rejected me for my masters but I got in somewhere better. They're so stuck in the past.

You'll fly through that if that's all you need to do

It sounds like your personal statement was also an issue; I assume that's where they got the impression you're not up to date on the curriculum?

According to teachers on here your performance will be constantly judged and assessed, so you probably need to develop a thick skin now!

That sounds really tough. I bet you could up your GCSE grades, though. The other comment does sound a bit patronising, but IME often these things are about ticking the right box. Do you know anyone who's been successful, who could show you an example of their application? (Someone on here might well).

Gcse grades are key, no-one cares about A levels except as a route into Uni. Can you go part time elsewhere?

Did you explain the extenuating circumstances as to your gcse results on your application?

I presume they’re inundated with applicants at the moment. Teaching is an incredibly tough vocational role but nonetheless with the economy the way it is and mass redundancies a sensible choice.

Can you apply elsewhere, not the OU?

Have you looked at the SCITT route into teaching?

I was also rejected by the OU but did my PGCE elsewhere to fulfil my dream of teaching in my 'twilight years' and retired last year after 15 years. Good luck (but I'm glad to be out of it now!)😂

Have you looked at the charity "Now Teach" that Lucy Kellaway set up?
they may be able to offer advice/assistance.

You might need the C in science. Depends on your age. I did O levels and didn’t need science - I didn’t go into teaching till I was 40.

I can’t believe they’d expect you to know about curriculum reforms. Surely that’s what you learn on your pgce? Very strange. I’m pretty sure I knew nothing about curriculum when I started my training.
Dunno about the D in science but it wouldn’t surprise me if they wanted you to have a C as a minimum. I’d recheck their admissions criteria if I were you. Hope you feel better soon. Xx

It may say minimum D grade for science GCSE but there will be so many people applying with C grade and above that you won't have much change with a D. Do you have a science A level? If not then it won't help with the science requirement. Primary teaching requires all round knowledge so you need to have a good level of science.

For primary you have to have C or equivalent science.

I got accepted onto a PGCE this year, this pandemic made me realise I don’t want to rely on hospitality for any longer. I have average GCSE’s-Cs in math, English and science which I had to prove before the interviews, a degree, but it’s irrelevant (tourism management, I applied for a primary pgce). Luckily my DD qualified as a teacher last year so I had some up to date advice on my application. Did you make sure you linked things back to the curriculum and teaching standards-so x job gave me y experience/skills which will help me achieve teaching standard z? I also wrote very briefly about how the pandemic was affecting us all and that’s why I wanted to change to teaching. In my interviews (I did 3) I was asked about current issues in education, the teaching standards and how I think I could meet them-what skills were necessarily and examples of times I’ve done those skills.

@CuckooCuckooClock

I can’t believe they’d expect you to know about curriculum reforms. Surely that’s what you learn on your pgce? Very strange. I’m pretty sure I knew nothing about curriculum when I started my training. Dunno about the D in science but it wouldn’t surprise me if they wanted you to have a C as a minimum. I’d recheck their admissions criteria if I were you. Hope you feel better soon. Xx

Exactly! That’s what I thought I would learn on the course!

I think it's awful that something you were not great at when you were 16, can hold you back your whole life.
I didn't do great at school. Lied about my grades to get into an Access course. Then did a degree and got a 1st. Just because, for whatever reasons, you didn't do your best when you were a teenager, doesn't mean you can't do great now.
Also - how can one know about curriculum reforms before one becomes a teacher?

Pretty sure you need the C in science if aiming for primary teaching.

Why do you want to be a primary teacher? What are your A levels and degree in?