PGCE...starting September 2011

[PurpleHat2000]

I am a tad nervous, back to uni in September to start a PGCE in primary (year course)..have a 13yr old and 15yr old,... anyone else starting or finished with advice?

Good luck! I did a PGCE in 2009/2010 with a then 12 and 9. I would recommend that you speak to the children about the course - mine were supportive but hadn't realised that I would be working so much in the evenings. Teach them some basic cooking skills (if they don't have them already) - so they can make their own simple suppers when you are too tired/busy on teaching practices.
Buy an A5 size diary (the academic year ones are good) to keep track of the little assignments and things to do that keep cropping up.
Set up online grocery shopping now so you can deal with teething problems.
Get the book list and try to do as much as the reading as you can early on.
I found that having children meant that I was quite up-to-date with my science and maths for the knowledge audits that they held - whereas those with younger children struggled.
The skills tests were not too bad so you could try preparing for them over the summer and then take them as soon as possible - one less thing to do.
Buy a good calculator and lots of pens and a memory stick.
Try to timetable family time/time for yourself.
It was hard work but incredibly rewarding.