PGCE Applications for September 2018

[PersianCatLady]

After the last thread went a bit off course and ended up dying a death, I thought that it would be nice to see where we are with our applications and to make this the go-to thread if anybody wants any help, support or just general chit-chat about their PGCE Applications for September 2018.

I am currently waiting to hear back from my UCAS application. I applied to the SCITT programmes at two local schools to do a PGCE in secondary Computer Science.

My skills tests are booked for 1 February 2018 and I am currently waiting for Amazon to deliver some books to help me prepare for the tests.

I am really looking forward to hearing how you are all getting on with your applications.

I was a youth worker. But left to do a degree.

So I'm currently a student

I used to be in the energy industry. I left last year and am now working as a lunchtime assistant.

We wanted to see if we could manage on a vastly reduced income.

Oh congratulations

Same here change now I’m on the course, I was told I wouldn’t need to do an ske as my subject knowledge was fine, but I disagree! I’ve been reading my subject recently and I’n thinking argh!

I’m 34 and a career changer too. Although I’ve worked in education for since I was 16.

Just finished my experience days! I'm feeling increasingly in awe of how they don't give up with a class full of children ignoring them! Note to self resilience is key!

I've been offered a 2nd Interview. But I think I am just going to decline and accept my first place. I feel the university route is the best way for me and my other 2 choices are schools based. And an interview is a lpt of hard work.

Well done on your offer Sofabitch and congrats to any others who recently had offers!

My last job was as a riding instructor, but before that I briefly worked in animal behaviour research and then had a more admin based job within the equine industry.

Lots of good news on here! I’ve got my last interview this week. It’s a ten minute teaching task with a group of six children which will be tricky. Such a short time. I can’t wait to get it over with now, I’m so fed up of interview preparation.

sofa well done...I’d say seriously think about going to the other interview. My last one was only supposed to be a back up but I was really surprised by how much I like it and may well be where I end up going.

Good luck quantum

I do agree that one of the places I chose as a back up, I did really like, but in the end, I chose the place that was my favourite (but I didn't think I'd get in) before I applied. But interviews are a lot of work, so if you really like somewhere then it can be worth just going there!

See thats the thing. The place i have could place me in the same school.

I have a place on the university led route. And interviews with the schools route. But in reality the placements are all in the same schools. So the difference is negligible. Although perhaps the interview in itself will be a learning curve.

I think if all the routes lead to a similar result, then it's not necessarily worth doing lots of other interviews which can be very time and preparation intensive. I do think I learned things from all my interviews though- especially about pitching things to the right level of the audience. I also learned from watching others present.

But I was genuinely invested in getting a place at all 3 interviews, and I don't think I would have gone to more if I'd felt they were all pretty similar.

Just checking back into the thread to say that I've now passed both skills tests so I'm definitely set for September.

How is everyone getting on?

@crazycatgal Me too - passed Numeracy last week! Currently trying to prepare for my training scholarship assessment day and learning to drive in case I get given a far away placement school!

Ahhh my skills test is tomorrow and i haven't found time to practise. I sense a disaster!

Yay passed the skills tests easy! So much easier than the practice ones !

@Sofabitch congrats! I worked myself into a tizz too about it, especially reading stuff on the internet. After I'd passed them both I looked on the government statistics website where it says 80% of people pass first time!

Good luck everyone!
I'm in the last 4 weeks of my secondary PGCE now, it's absolutely flown by.
I've found it busy but enjoyable. It's nowhere near as awful as many will have you believe. As long as you're organised and keep on top of everything, you'll be fine.

Thanks for posting islaand!

It is great to hear a more positive experience. I am pretty terrified about starting the course this autumn, but this definitely helps.

Hope your last few weeks go well!

Any numeracy skills books recommendations? Beginning to panic now.

Hi ladies, can I join you? I'm late to the party. I am a 36 yo mum of 6, work as a ta currently, and want to teach in primary. I only submitted my UCAS application last Thursday, got offered interviews for all 3, which I am thrilled about!
Had my first interview, and got offered a conditional place (story task, and skills test to do), and have another interview on Monday.

Hi everyone sorry to jump on your board but thought someone may know the answer without me starting a whole new thread- sorry if I am going against etiquette

I am applying for schools direct non salaried pgce but my plan was/is to apply for 2019 admittance due to financial reasons

But I was wondering for those starting training particularly schools direct this year do you know what date your first day of training is? Thanks in advance

@jumpin26 my first day is the 10th September

Thanks @Sofabitch

Mine starts the first Monday in September. Both uni led and schools direct people.

I'm feeling worried about starting my PGCE now, I have my first meeting with everyone else on the course next month.