Getting in to teaching -open university degree?

[17leftfeet]

Just after some advice,

Is it possible to be accepted onto a pgce with an ou degree?

I've spent the last 10 years regretting that I never went into teaching

I'm now in the position where I can do something about it but debating whether its better to carry on working and do an ou degree for entry onto pgce, or whether its better to go straight to a teaching degree?

I know that you will all probably think I'm bonkers but as long as you don't all think I'm too old (nqt at 40?) I don't mind

For Secondary, an OU degree is fine but it needs to be an appropriate subject. I'd think twice about a subject not on Gove's list of 'proper' subjects too.

I did my PGCE at 47 and had no problem getting accepted onto one of the most competitive courses in the country with an OU degree, nor in finding an NQT post at the age of 48. Definitely go for it, but as the poster below said, think carefully about what degree subject you do in terms of national curriculum subjects and do your damnedest to get a 2.1.

I was thinking maths but would I need a second subject?

Maths would be good and you wouldn't need a second subject (I'm talking about Secondary here) although some schools offer Statistics and Economics so it wouldn't hurt to think about that when choosing modules. But a good Maths degree and some school experience should get you on a PGCE and into a job. While a second subject might give you more possibilities when it comes to applying for jobs, I think most schools would prefer all Maths, especially if they want someone to teach sixth form.

On my primary PGCE there was someone (probably aged around 40) who had done an OU degree because her DH's job had posted them abroad. She came to the UK for 9 months to do her PGCE as she had to do that here. At the time she was working in an international school as an unqualified teacher, and now she's qualified she still works for them!

I'm 41 and an NQT - I have met plenty of other NQTs my age (or older). A degree is a degree and OU shows more commitment, not less! If it's what you want, go for it.