Anyone have a theology or philosophy degree and teach primary? Has it been a disadvantage?

[TrollopeDollope]

Hi, DH is seriously considering a later(ish) life career change into primary teaching. His first degree is in theology and philosophy (and he has a PhD in the philosophy of religion). It would appear that PGCE courses are either flexible about the first degree or ask for NC curriculum subjects at A Level (which is OK). However, I was wondering if it would cause problems with getting a job or getting on whilst in post. Would a HT be put off by lack of specialist knowledge of a NC subject? Presumably there is no such thing as an 'RE co-ordinator' as there would be for other subjects? I am assuming that enthusiasm, capacity for sustained hard work, imagination and a deep desire to work with the children are rather more important things, but wondered if he would nevertheless be at a disadvantage.

My undergrad degree is a combined honours, including a significant amount of philosophy. To be honest, it could have been in Golf Course Management for all my schools have cared! They're more interested that you complete your PGCE (or alternative route) and can teach.
Lack of a specific subject isn't an issue, although obviously he would have to be able to teach maths and English up to Level 6. And there usually is an RE coordinator, and quite possibly given his background he could express an interest in taking on this role (once induction's complete.)

I absolutely loved my philosophy studies - but I can't say they've had any impact on my career.

Good luck to him!

Male primary teachers are like gold dust, if he's any good he won't have any trouble.

Interesting, thanks. RE seems to have a bit of a weird position in the curriculum, being there, but sort of not there, IYSWIM.

Starballbunny, well yes, it's the being any good bit that's important! He is a qualified sports coach (minority sport) so is used to teaching children 7+ in that environment....

In Church schools RE is a biggie, with it's own inspection etc and co-ordinator is a key role. I did an even more non core subject if that is possible and it hasn't held me back. Was also a later life career changer.

I won't tell you what co-ordinator role I started with except to say it was something I am really bad at and have no interest in, but the role was going spare and no one else wanted it! thankfully it has now been taken off my hands by someone with a passion, and I have something which I am passionate for too - still nothing to do with my degree though.

My first coordinator role was PE. You have to see me to know why this was a cruel appointment!

OK, so it sounds like that's one thing not to worry about then. Just two major worries left: one, how do you cope with the expectations and pressure from parents, esp in primary where you are responsible for their little darlings for most of the day? And how does a 40+ with a mortgage manage on a starting salary that bears zero relation to current earnings! (Not expecting an answer to that one btw).

1. if you're fair, open, dedicated and genuinely give your all to your class, I've found the parents are just pleased that their children are happy and learning, and everything goes smoothly. Obviously there are exceptions to this and it's inevitable you'll encounter some with shocking attitudes. I never meet "difficult" parents alone. Good Heads will support their staff.

2)god knows! I'm near the top of the pay scale but am pushing hard to become debt free, so am invariably skint. My tip: don't discuss this with others as the response is often "huh, you're a teacher, you're loaded. And you get three months holiday a year."

Parents at my school have shockingly low expectations. I find this more distressing, tbh!
Pay .. dunno. Am single parent, we manage. It's fear that keeps people in high paid jobs they hate rather than the money per se, imo. Though of course it's nice not to worry!

LOL at PE .. mine was fairly sadistic but if they gave me PE I think I'd have to quit!

I career changed in my 40s to Primary teaching. We managed on DH's salary and some savings during my training year. I have taken an overall massive paycut, but I'm so much happier with the new role that it's been worth it.

Older entrants, especially with their own DCs, are very welcome in Primary. It's far less obvious to parents that you're the NQT! You can relate to the parents far more easily than many of the younger entrants, who can find it very hard to empathise with a parent's hopes and fears for their child. Several Heads have told me that they like mature entrants too, as they know that the newbie understands fully what a job entails, with reliability, colleagues, etc. Some who come straight through school and Uni really struggle with the transition to working life.

Your DH needs to spend some time in a classroom, seeing what the day job is like. His sports coaching experience is very useful, but does not compare to teaching maths on a Monday morning, trying to explain Science on a Tuesday afternoon, and getting them enthused about poetry on a wet Wednesday. Any PGCE provider will expect him to have spent time in classrooms. Ask your own DC's school as a first port of call.

Oh, and the role of RE co-ordinator does exist, and often gets given to the newest member of staff as no-one else wants to do it!

Good luck! :-)

YoullNeed, thanks, that's very helpful. I think being aware of the enormity of the job (or as aware as one can be when you don't do it) makes it more scary though - as in, can I really do this, will I be any good, I cannot let down the children, etc.