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.

OP - DH teaches cello/strings as whole class provision throughout about 6 schools (in non-Covid times, only 3 at the moment) throughout our city and loves it. He was a full primary teacher for years and then went this route and it is the perfect compromise. Well done, I really think you'll enjoy it. (Although, as I often say to my DH how he can enjoy the caterwauling of 32 string instruments all scratching away badly together I don't know, but it seems to float his boat so it's all good!)

Thanks everyone I’m so made up. I even told her up front I was rubbish at science and she just laughed so no problem there.

What’s also great is that my HT knows the music service manager and has already said good things about me in the past - phew.

And.... this bit I’m really excited about is that the piano teacher who was teaching at my school has left, so potentially I could get some teaching work at my current school and still see my lovely colleagues. That would be amazing as I currently work in a brilliant catholic school which I’d be sorry to leave.

What a difference a day makes, I’d better get this job now!

Well done OP.

To those mentioning access courses, OP has 3 A-levels & a degree in Music already, so an access course to FE is completely inappropriate.

@MrsDontDoMuch I've read your updates. I wish you well. A day can indeed make a massive difference! I hope it works out for you.

That’s great news, OP!

What a great outcome, very best of luck to you.

"It was ridiculously patronising, but was true."

Did you not see my quote from Lynne Truss, so-called punctuation expert?

@icdtap

did not ‘demonstrate a clear understanding of curriculum reforms’

You will have missed out some current buzzword from your personal statement. I have been out of primary teaching for several years now so I don't know what the current reforms and schemes are.
Back in the day, around 2003, when I was applying for my first couple of primary teaching posts, "Every Child Matters" was the big thing. You needed to mention it and how you would implement in your classroom on your personal statement - applications were being rejected if it wasn't there. It was also topic number 1 in interviews!
The thinking being that if you weren't aware of it as "the next big thing" you weren't up-to-date enough.

There's probably something similar at the moment which you need to mention!

I got accepted for a secondary PGCE (that I didn't do in the end) with no knowledge at all of developments in education policy. I suppose primary is more competitive though.

Fantastic news OP. Have a look at the National Plan for music education and the model curriculum. The National Plan is currently undergoing a refresh but it sets out the core roles that hubs fulfil.
Other things you might get asked - group instrumental teaching and differentiation. I work for a hub and I love it.

It is evident that some people on here have really bought the teacher shortage myth. This is not true and has not been true at any point since 20 years ago when I was looking to apply. It might be the case for certain subjects in some areas but is not true generally and especially not in primary. There are around 200 applicant for the average primary job in Wales. Minimum entry requirements for teacher training courses have to be met and GCSEs seem to be more important for teaching than higher qualifications. I remember having to include recent hot topics in education when I applied and I had to research this. As others have pointed out, you are actually taught very little on a PGCE. The OU PGCE has recently replaced other paid routes into teaching in Wales and as a result is now extremely competitive. I know a few people who I believe would make excellent teachers but they were also unsuccessful. I think the music teaching or reapplying next year sounds like a better option OP. Good luck 😊

Brilliant outcome op. I've seen some really cool whole class instrumental stuff delivered by music hubs over the last few years, I'm sure you'll have a ball. Good luck for the interview.

Good luck OP! If you need any help prepping questions we are here to help

[quote year5teacher]@ameliajanes this is so true. I learned sweet FA on my PGCE. All I got was experience in the classroom - all the things I now know about pedagogy, curriculum etc I taught myself. Even our essays were basically totally self-directed without much input from the uni.[/quote]
That was my experience as well. The MEd. is even more like it, a few introductions to theory that took a week or so to read and then an essay which you choose yourself on most modules, money for very little really.

I learned sweet FA on my PGCE. All I got was experience in the classroom - all the things I now know about pedagogy, curriculum etc I taught myself. Even our essays were basically totally self-directed without much input from the uni

Same here, even though I did my PGCE at a highly reputed institution. I remember thinking the essays were very mickey-mouse compared with my degree. It seemed like all you had to do was waffle a bit and chuck in a few of the latest trendy educational buzzwords.

Btw good luck with it all, OP. Glad you've found something to aim for that suits you and that you're excited about!

I'm so excited to come back on here and see your update. I wish you the very best with the next steps

@Alittlenonsensenowandthen

I'm so excited to come back on here and see your update. I wish you the very best with the next steps

Ah thank you so much, I’ll probably post on Friday after my interview

Brilliant - I'm so glad a new path has opened up! You sound perfect for this role.

@lazylinguist

I learned sweet FA on my PGCE. All I got was experience in the classroom - all the things I now know about pedagogy, curriculum etc I taught myself. Even our essays were basically totally self-directed without much input from the uni

Same here, even though I did my PGCE at a highly reputed institution. I remember thinking the essays were very mickey-mouse compared with my degree. It seemed like all you had to do was waffle a bit and chuck in a few of the latest trendy educational buzzwords.

Yes! Some of the assessments were a piece of cake. Most high school students could have done them.

Congrats for not giving up and finding a way around it all, looks like it has opened up new opportunities for you. Best of luck

Brilliant OP, well done!

@Lessthanaballpark

Good luck OP! If you need any help prepping questions we are here to help

Good point, I’ve been so busy thinking about likely questions they will ask me and preparing answers, I completely forgot they always ask at the end of the interview if I have any questions! I’m at a complete blank, anyone got any ideas about what I can ask? It’s been a very long time since I had an interview!

For music hub - CPD opportunities? Career development, self employed or contracted, if you are contracted do they pay travel? Concerts and other big events? And how could you get involved.

Could you clarify what you mean when you call yourself a 'classroom' assistant? Where I live, this is an old-fashioned term for someone who cleans out paint pots. If this is the case, then you would absolutely need to demonstrate that you have been paying attention to what the children are learning and have an opinion on curriculum reform. Are you, in fact, a Learning Support Assistant who supports children with additional or special needs, or a Teaching Assistant who supports the teacher with teaching groups and 1-to-1? Either of these last two involve at least a basic knowledge of the curriculum and age-related expectations.

I was a teaching assistant with 8 good 'O' levels including sciences, 3 'A' levels including physics and a degree in a non-related subject. I achieved a specialist level 2 teaching assistant qualification to gain my employment. Knowledge of the curriculum and how to deliver it was an essential part of the training. I then achieved level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant status, which involved most of the standards for QTS, and was qualified to teach 1-1 and groups independently and whole classes using teacher-led plans. I left several years ago and I am now a successful independent private tutor. Up-to-date knowledge of the curriculum is vital for any job in education.

I mean this kindly, but I'm surprised that you didn't realise that you need to demonstrate in your application some knowledge of the curriculum and how any of your previous experience relates to the standards. Have you had any training? Do you have someone at your school who could become your mentor? If you are determined to do a PGCE, then I would get yourself a GCSE level 4-5 in a science (equivalent to a low-to-solid C at 'O' level; D has always been a fail) and read up on the curriculum and teacher standards. You can then write a more convincing application based on how your experience and skills make you a suitable candidate for study. Good luck!