getting into primary teaching

[heelforheelandtoefortoe]

DD wants to be a primary teacher - does she need to get experience with kids or in schools? how?

I looked at the UoG widening participation option but she's not eligible.

The college option through school is for nursery teaching which I have been told is not enough as its not primary related.

Does she need experience?

She's a February baby in S3 so age might also affect her eligibility to work or volunteer (e.g. to volunteer at Brownies)

She is keen to try to get a head start though.

Any teachers got any advice?

Good on your DD for having a clear vision for what she wants to do!

Primary teaching is hugely competitive - a mix of kids applying straight from school and more mature candidates retraining, many of whom have experience of working in schools already. The applicant process includes an interview and often a group discussIon about a hot education topic too.

So yes, experience is a necessity. Can she ask her school for a work experience placement in s4? Anything where she is supporting others is good experience though. So peer mentoring, helping out at after school clubs etc.

Hope that gives you/ her a starting point, I'm sure others will be along with more ideas too.

is that for school leavers too? and is it for every degree or just at some universities? I have checked some online prospectuses and some only say Highers.

I remember applying for the PGCE and not being successful all those years ago and it was as you described but I thought the 4 year course might be different.

I do UCAS mentoring for S6 pupils and frequently support Primary Ed applicants. There are things she can do at this stage, peer mentoring, helping out at extracurricular activities are all helpful as Superjaggy says. If she's in any clubs, can she informally help out? My DD who was interested in primary teaching did her work experience at the primary she had attended, they seemed to have a link in place with the secondary to facilitate this.

As she progresses through the senior phase a good mix of subjects , covering a range of curricular areas will also help. Into S6 she can really beef up her application- Sports Leader electives usually involve sessions at a feeder primary, show commitment to Literacy and Numeracy by helping out in English and Maths. Any school show or concert be back stage helping younger pupils. By then she might be able to get work in holiday clubs too.

Thanks @Lidlfix that is helpful