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.

Well done :)
I phoned student finance today, they got my evidence on the 6th and said they'd have it processed by the 2nd.

Morning! I've just finished my PGCE! Just a couple of days in uni to do, and a couple of days in school to make up for time off sick.
If you want to ask me anything, feel free!

I’ve got my first interview request! Secondary Art & Design at UCL - have to deliver a 5 minutes presentation about my work. I can tell that it’s to check my technical abilities and confidence in speaking in front of a audience but I’m more nervous for the personal interview afterwards!

I applied for the scholarship and have been invited to the assessment day. Bricking it now. All my subject knowledge seems to have done a runner.

I got term dates and a timetable through today. It’s all very exciting and still a bit scary.

Has anyone found out about their placements and mentors yet? I've been put in a class with two teachers job sharing and i'm a bit worried.

@crazycatshare I was a TA in a jobshare class this year. Both teachers were fantastic, with different strengths, so it was like learning double as much!

I've been a ta in jobshare classes and it's been great.
I won't know where my placement is until two weeks before hand.

My scholarship assessment day was a total clusterfuck of a disaster. It has really knocked my confidence.

What happened?

I pretty much broke physics by missing a square off in a formula

Guess who has a scholarship?

I'm a bit late to the party...got a place on a PGCE today, starting 10 Sept!!

I'm late 30s, single mum, career change.

Wish me luck everyone, first day of my PGDE is tomorow! (Scotland).

I am totally terrified!

I'm starting my PGCE in secondary science (chemistry) this September 😊. I'm excited to start but also worried about the intensity of the course.

@ElizabethMainwaring Well Done for completing your course! Hope you don't mind if I ask a couple of questions 😊

How did you organise your time during teacher training? This is something I'm worried about because I'm generally an organised person but reading stories online makes it feel like this isn't enough.

What advice would you give in terms of preparing for the course in advance of September? I was told I didn't need to do a SKE and have only just been given a couple of pre course tasks to do. As a result I don't feel sufficiently ready in terms of the academic side of things.

TIA!

Hi Wilting! Thank you.
Regarding time management, the PGCE took up all of my time really. I don't have children so that side of things was ok. I knew it was going to be full-on, so I was prepared for that. As long as you're aware of how much hard work it will be, you'll be fine: I was shocked at how many people on my course thought it was going to be similar in work load to a degree. Lots and lots of people dropped out and deferred. Also, try to work out what is essential and what isn't. My university asked/ told us to do a lot of things which were for their benefit rather than ours. You need to be quite worldly wise and skeptical, look after yourself.
Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by SKE (Subject Knowledge..?) Are you doing Primary?
What I struggled with was the educational theory side of things. Most of the people on my course had just finished degrees in education / early childhood so had a lot of prior knowledge that I didn't. The lecturers took for granted that we knew about Vgostky, Bruner, Piaget etc. I also did my BA and MA twenty years ago and I found the expectations of essays very different.
We also had to use the PebblePad system instead of paper files, and that definitely took some getting used to.
I hope I've helped a bit, and not scared you too much. Most of what I've said will probably be irrelevant to you, as everyone comes to the course from very different routes. As long as you're prepared for hard work and let it take over your life (and that your family are prepared too) you will be fine. You also need to be very thick skinned! If i think of anything else I will add it later...

Sorry @wiltingflower just seen that you're doing secondary science.
I did Primary (but my new job is in secondary).

Thank You for replying @ElizabethMainwaring 😊

What sort of non essential things would the uni try
to make trainee teachers do?

Hello again Wilting. Things like online 'engagement trackers'. It's all ofsted related, so that the university have got data and proof of what the students are up to. PGCEs are difficult for universities because you (the student) are not there really. Trust me - the lecturers won't bend over backwards to help you. It's a teacher sausage factory. You will be astounded at the drop out rate. Be cynical, be strong, believe in yourself, and just power through it. It will be fine, but don't think that the university is your friend - they are bagging nine grand for very little input, it's your placement schools and mentors that do all the hard work.

I’m all set for starting next week. Student loan sorted, new school shoes bought, pre course work (almost!) done. It’s exciting and scary in equal measure.

Did anyone buy a planner? I’m tempted by the beautiful pirongs ones but not sure if it’s necessary and a normal diary will do.

@QuantumPixies I’ve decided not to get a ‘proper’ planner - I have a bullet journal so I can adapt it to my needs as and when I have to :)

I'm starting next week too, I made the mistake of reading my disabled students report last night and I come across as a person destined to fail it's an awful pen portrait of me.

Hello @fartyghost.
That sounds very upsetting. What measures are the university taking to help you? A lot of students on my course were classed as having extra needs (including me). In my case, the placement schools only had knowledge of your report if that was your choice. I choose not to, I just wanted to have the report as a back-up in case there were any unforeseen issues (luckily there weren't). I'm pretty sure that the report remains confidential. Give them a ring if you are concerned.
I really would try not to dwell on it. It may just be the report author's 'style' of writing (they may be 'laying it in on thick' in order to get you maximum support).The course provider evidently don't consider you destined to fail or they wouldn't have given you a place.
Hope that your preparations are going well, and wishing you all the best.

How’s everyone getting on? I’ve had a LOT of introduction and icebreakers and I’m itching to get into schools now. I’ve been pleasantly surprised that most people on my course aren’t straight out of uni so I don’t feel as ancient as I thought I might.

One thing that’s been suggested is following educational professionals on Twitter. I’m absolutely clueless since I’ve never used it. Any tips?