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Original poster

Any primary teachers around to advise?

26 replies

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 16:15

I've posted on the TES forums but it's rather quiet over there! Thought I'd post here as there are often loads of teachers posting on MN.

I'm a secondary teacher who would love to switch to primary, but I don't know where to start. I have experience of primary kids but not in a classroom setting.

Has anyone made this switch? Does anyone know if there's a course I can do without doing an entirely new PGCE? I really cant afford to give up my full time job and retrain, but I am willing to work as hard as I can to make this happen.

OP posts:

cornsilxkski · 31/12/2011 16:17

I job shared with a teacher who switched from secondary to primary. What is your specialist area?

bigTillyMincepie · 31/12/2011 16:20

Out of interest, why do you want to switch and which age-group would you want to teach? And what is/are your subjects?

Original poster

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 16:28

I'm an English teacher but I'm also qualified to teach drama (though I don't, IYSWIM). Have taught PSHE, ASDAN and a variety of Key Skills type subjects.
My original degree was a joint honours with History, so I'm confident in that area too.

I want to switch for a lot of reasons. I had a pastoral position for a few years and realised that I enjoy getting to know the 'whole child' if that doesn't sound too twee. I like the idea of teaching a variety of subjects to one group of kids instead of the other way round. I have a lot more patience since I've had my own children...when I first trained I was childless and didn't think I'd cope with the demands of younger children. I like the idea of junior school children rather than littlies.

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bigTillyMincepie · 31/12/2011 16:33

I'm afraid I don't know anything about switching, but those subjects/interests would fit with the curriculum.

Is there any way you could get some experience working with KS2 children in a primary school? Maybe even doing supply in primary as a way in?

GoodQueenMsInterpret · 31/12/2011 16:37

My friend is in the process of doing this at the moment. She's now working in a private school - ironically they're not as picky re qualifications...!

AFAIK you are not allowed to do a subsequent PGCE if you already hold one. Best thing to do it try to find a primary school who will take you on, perhaps as a peripatetic drama teacher then class-based once you have built up some experience, and if you decide you still want to.

You'll probably have to do some voluntary experience first. There are tons of primary school qualified teacher without jobs so you'll have to think about how you can make yourself into an offer they cant refuse!

HTH

cornsilxkski · 31/12/2011 16:56

you could do some professional development at pg cert level

myncichips · 31/12/2011 17:05

Ring the TDA on 08003892500 which is there teaching line they'll tell you want you need to do to swap. I'm pretty sure you don't need a new qualification but they'll tell you for sure.

myncichips · 31/12/2011 17:06

*their...sorry

EBDteacher · 31/12/2011 17:18

I did a secondary science PGCE and then immediately switched to primary for my NQT year. You definitely do not need another qualification in order to change phase.

However, I did that back in the day when they were crying out for primary teachers. I think these days the main barrier would be the glut of people more experienced than you applying for every job.

I think time working as a TA (if you could afford it) would be a good way to switch or some time on supply.

I've seen that some secondary schools are starting up 'transition classes' in Y7 that operate a bit like primary in having one main teacher with the class the majority of the time. You could keep your eyes open for a job like that?

Original poster

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 17:25

Thanks so much for all the replies! I will ring the TDA after the holiday, they may have some advice. Thanksmyncichips.
Cornsilk has given me an idea with the pg cert...I have some credits towards a masters and was planning on finishing it some time...I'm going to look on the OU website later and see what MEd modules they have that may fit! My current school are supportive of professional development, so if I can engineer a project that includes some primary liaison they might just allow me some time out...giving me the ideal opportunity too spend some time in a primary classroom, with a bit of luck!

With all the funding cuts they're very keen to support any CPD that we're willing to fund ourselves!

Please keep the suggestions coming folks...I think I'm building a plan here!

OP posts:

Original poster

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 17:30

That's a great idea EBDteacher- looking for opportunities to gain relevant experience whilst still working in secondary is going to be the key, I think.

Your comment reflects exactly what I've been thinking...whilst I'm technically 'qualified' to teach primary, I'm going to need to give myself an advantage over all the experienced primary teachers somehow, or I'll just never get a job!

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sassyTHEFIRST · 31/12/2011 17:39

I tried to do this and failed. Sec English teacher for 7 years, had a career break for 2 then went back as a primary ta. Did that for 8 months then a spell of a few months doing lots of primary supply. I applied for about 15 primary jobs and didn't get one interview. My problem was a glut of primary nqts and I was pretty expensive as well.

On the plus side I am now v happily back in secondary!

missmapp · 31/12/2011 17:50

A teacher in our school has just made the switch from secondary to primary, but has found it harder than expected, i think any cpd you could do would be v.helpful, as she has found the difference in teaching styles and subjects a challenge, she started last year and is doing well now, but did doubt her decision for a while, on the flip side an older teacher did the same and was a whizz, I think your reasons for changing are key. The current teacher thought it would make a hard job easier and found it was the same job just with smaller children, the older teacher wanted to work with one class at a time and did that brilliantly.

bigTillyMincepie · 31/12/2011 18:00

Yes, the transition Y7 classes is a good idea - particularly with children who are struggling with literacy and numeracy.

Actually, looking at MEd credits to do with teaching children to read/write would probably be a good thing. Plus make sure your skills in teaching KS2 maths are up to scratch

Original poster

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 18:41

I'm thinking I could research the SATs curriculum and offer some free tuition to children of friends...that would help bring my maths up to date and reinforce my knowledge of what's required.

This is like a brainstorming session! Thank you all, this is brilliant stuff!

Sorry it didn't work out for you, Sassy- glad you're happy now though. I don't think I'll be happy for much longer in secondary...I like the challenge, and I love the day to day work with the kids...but it's repetitive, and getting dull, frankly. Sad to say it, as I've loved it until very recently.

OP posts:

Original poster

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 18:43

Oh, and thanks for all your great advice too, Tilly. Are you a primary teacher?

OP posts:

bigTillyMincepie · 31/12/2011 19:19

I am. It's a great job apart from all the paperwork in mainstream

EBDteacher · 31/12/2011 19:25

bigTillyM are you not also in SEBD? That's where the cool people are hanging out

mrz · 31/12/2011 19:34

You are qualified to teach any age group because you have QTS but the problem will be finding a school willing to employ you. Sorry but you are very expensive compared to a primary trained NQT ... and there are hundreds of them out there looking for a job which are very scarce. Have a good look at the vacancies in your area and good luck with whatever you decide but the grass isn't always greener.

Original poster

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 19:53

I know that mrz! That's my point, I need to find a way in. And I'm not under any illusions that 'the grass is greener', I just want a change of direction, that's all.

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mrz · 31/12/2011 19:59

To be honest the best way could be getting experience by volunteering if that was an option because Heads talk and pass names around when vacancies arise.

Original poster

abbierhodes · 31/12/2011 20:12

I know, the problem is that I work full time in a secondary school, so I'm not available during the school day at all. I can't afford to give up my job or even go part time...this is my main barrier I think, at the moment. I'm just going to have to be creative! There are some brilliant ideas on this thread, though, and I'm going to give lots of them a go!

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bigTillyMincepie · 01/01/2012 09:05

EBDteacher well remembered! Is there a special quiche somewhere?

abbie you sound very keen - definintely convince your Head/whoever to let you do some transition work. And maybe some experience in the SEN department would help - experience of working on basic literacy/numeracy skills?

BTW, SEN is the way to go

Original poster

abbierhodes · 01/01/2012 21:41

I love SEN Tilly, it's my strongest 'area' tbh. I'm currently in the process of creating a bank of resources to be used with EAL students in KS3, so I do have a range of skills that will transfer to primary. It's just making the 'leap' isn't it?

Thanks so much for your advice and encouragement- I am determined to make things happen this year! It's my New Year's resolution. I might not be teaching in primary by the end of the year but I'll hopefully be on my way!

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cornsilxkskiy · 01/01/2012 21:48

EAL would be a strength for sure

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