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Original poster

PGCE etc 2018 applications anyone?

78 replies

QuantumPixies · 20/11/2017 22:21

Anyone else applying this time around? My UCAS form is not far off going in and I’ve got a sudden panic that I’m already late applying and I won’t get any offers or interviews.

It would be great to chat with other people applying this year and share our triumphs and woes!

OP posts:
Snape · 20/11/2017 22:29

I have applied and been accepted for Primary Education with QTS, so similar, I hope it counts 😁 I found out today and am absolutely over the moon. Don't worry about submitting your application later, they have to consider your application equally with everyone else's, good luck! 🤞

Original poster
QuantumPixies · 20/11/2017 22:34

Congratulations snape. I know logically it should be fine (my top choice university still had places in May last year).

How was the interview process? I’m booked for the skills tests in a couple of weeks. It’s nailing down my references and the final choice that’s getting in the way of sending the form off. Just want it gone now.

OP posts:
Snape · 21/11/2017 21:44

My actual interview was great, I really enjoyed it. There was a group interview where we were asked our opinion on certain topics, then there was an individual interview which was basically why do you want to be a teacher. Then a presentation and a math and English test. It took 3 hours overall but I know some universities take all day. I am dreading the skills tests, especially maths 😩 Once you submit your ucas form all you have to do is check track a thousand times per day😁 Good luck with the skills tests

MsJaneAusten · 21/11/2017 21:47

Oh god. You’ve ought back memories with this. Good luck!

Original poster
QuantumPixies · 21/11/2017 21:52

Thanks both. I’m a TA at the moment so I know logically I’ve got a great chance of getting in but it’s still a bit nerve wracking.

My skills tests are booked for early December-I’ll be glad to get them out of the way!

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 24/11/2017 12:20

You need to send your form off ASAP because as far as I understand it, you can't take the sills tests until you have sent off the application form which you can't do properly until the referees have replied.

PersianCatLady · 24/11/2017 12:20

You need to send your form off ASAP because as far as I understand it, you can't take the sills tests until you have sent off the application form which you can't do properly until the referees have replied.

Snape · 24/11/2017 18:04

I think Persian lady is right, I'm sure I read somewhere you have to show proof of your application on the day of your skill test

PersianCatLady · 24/11/2017 18:16

I'm sure I read somewhere you have to show proof of your application on the day of your skill test

I read it here -
www.ucas.com/connect/blogs/professional-skills-tests

Original poster
QuantumPixies · 24/11/2017 18:22

Bugger, you’re right. I thought having started the application was enough.

I’ll reschedule them so it will definitely be submitted by the time I want to sit them.

OP posts:
Original poster
QuantumPixies · 24/11/2017 18:22

Thanks all.

OP posts:
coconutnut · 19/12/2017 19:17

Hi quantum how have you been getting on?

I only sent my application off 2 days ago (was waiting in a reference for 2 weeks!!) But, I received invitations to interview for all 3 choices today!

I have them in January so have to do the skills tests before then Confused

PersianCatLady · 20/12/2017 17:14

I have them in January so have to do the skills tests before then
Unless the PGCE provider has specifically said that you need to do your skills tests before the interview, you don't have to do them before the interview.

Most PGCE providers will give you a conditional offer of a place subject to passing the skills tests.

You need to have proof of your completed application before you can do your skills tests.

crazycatgal · 20/12/2017 17:18

I've sent off my application and have interviews on the 12th, 16th and 17th of January. I feel so stressed out about them.

PersianCatLady · 20/12/2017 18:15

What subject and age group are you hoping to teach?

Have you applied for SCITTs or university PGCE?

crazycatgal · 20/12/2017 18:22

I've applied for Primary and all 3 are Schools Direct PGCEs.

PersianCatLady · 20/12/2017 20:58

It is good that you have got the option of School Direct with primary as I don't understand how people can afford it otherwise as there is no bursary, like there is with most secondary subjects.

coconutnut · 20/12/2017 21:37

Thanks persian, I've had a look and only one wants me to have done a practice test before interview.... I've done 2 literacy ones so far and only got 63% and 79%! So I'm worried!

I would like to pass them before interview as they're not really my strong point, so to have proof of them would be such a relief!

I'm doing Geography secondary. I've applied for a pgce,scitt & a school's direct. Only because I'm restricted on location.
Ideally I'd like the SCITT as it's in the same school all year, and with 2 children and no car (I'll be getting the train in every day) it's nice to know where I'm at.

I'm nervous too crazy I've no idea what I'm going to do my mini teach on, I'm going to worry about that after Christmas and just concentrate on getting clue up on curriculum, current issues, institution specifics and subject knowledge for the next couple weeks. Then worry about interview and teaching.

coconutnut · 20/12/2017 21:38

I wondered that too persian about affordability!
I'm lucky I have my dh as I don't think I'd be able to do it otherwise!

PersianCatLady · 20/12/2017 22:26

Ideally I'd like the SCITT as it's in the same school all year, and with 2 children and no car (I'll be getting the train in every day) it's nice to know where I'm at
I really hate to burst your bubble but are you sure about only being in one school for the whole course??

Every SCITT that I looked at, nearly everything I read on the Internet and what I heard at the Train To Teach events was that you do two main placements, each at a different school.

PersianCatLady · 20/12/2017 22:28

I've had a look and only one wants me to have done a practice test before interview
That has got to be a relief, now you now you haven't got to pass the tests before the interview??

Greenshoots1 · 20/12/2017 22:28

don't do it.

run away very fast.

I've heard going into teaching right now likened to running into a burning building whilst everyone else is running out, and saying to yourself, " it can't be that hot, surely"

PersianCatLady · 20/12/2017 22:33

I wondered that too Persian about affordability!
Unless you can get on a School Direct primary course then I think that affordability is a big issue unless of course you are straight out of university and still live at home.

The same goes for secondary PE teachers.

Apparently the thinking behind it is that as the demand for primary teachers is not as great therefore there is no need to try and "bribe" (couldn't think of a better word) people to train as primary school teacher.

I don't want this to sound boasty but I am so lucky that secondary Computer Science comes with a £26,000 bursary.

Greenshoots1 · 20/12/2017 22:34

I don't want this to sound boasty but I am so lucky that secondary Computer Science comes with a £26,000 bursary.

but so many schools are dropping the subject, and won't you have to pay the bursary back if you can't get a job?

Mrscog · 20/12/2017 22:37

I work for a pgce provider - don’t worry too much about skills tests - we provide additional support for them if you select us as first choice. I’m sure lots of others do too.

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