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.

That is annoying that they rejected you because of something they knew about before the interview. All my interviews have taken up at least a day plus preparation time!

I think it can be hard for smaller departments, such as computing to offer more than a day. If you have anyone's contact info, maybe they could put you in touch with another school (e.g. another in the same academy trust)?

Good luck tomorrow! My next interview is next week, so I'm researching for my presentation. It's my first choice uni, so I really want to impress.

Can I join you all.

I'm in the process of applying!

I think it can be hard for smaller departments, such as computing to offer more than a day
I absolutely agree with you.

It does leave people in a ridiculous situation though where the training programme staff want you to get more experience but they can't do anything to arrange that within their school.

I totally understand that a tightly run department (computing / science / anything really) doesn't really need the added hassle of arranging school experience for the benefit of potential trainees when they are already training the current year's actual trainee.

The school have suggested that I apply to be a Cover Supervisor but I am concerned that financially I would struggle financially as the pay is not spectacular.

Also, there is no guarantee that in a year's time I would not be rejected again for a training place.

I was speaking to my neighbour about it and she made two relevant points.

Firstly, as they couldn't offer me a training place and they thought that I could gain the necessary experience from spending a year as Cover Supervisor; she thought that they would have offered me the post outright rather than suggest I apply from scratch.

Secondly, that they didn't offer to give me a training place in 2019 on the condition that I spent a year doing a good job of being a Cover Supervisor.

Also, I am concerned that perhaps it was nothing to do with lack of experience at all and they just didn't want me. Maybe they thought that suggesting this idea was a kinder way to reject me???

Either way, I can't think about it any more until after I have been to my other interview tomorrow.

Hello Sofabitch How far along with your application are you? Have you got interviews or skills tests coming up? Good luck with everything.

I agree PersianCatLady. I think, in general, university admissions don't always tell the absolute truth about why they are rejecting people. It could be that there was just a stronger applicant on the day. Are you applying for a salaried route? I believe these are more competitive, so there might have just been someone better on the day.

It could be that there was just a stronger applicant on the day
Thanks for your kind words but there wasn't anybody else.

There were two applicants (me and another lady), no-one else had applied for the places and there are three places on the programme.

Are you applying for a salaried route?
No, standard SCITT place.

Definelty not that far. I'm just about to submit my UCAS application. The teaching faire advice was to not do the skills test until you have an offer. So im holding off on that for now.

Gopd luck everyone

I'm pretty sure I had to have my skills tests booked before I applied because they had to be referenced on the application. I could be wrong, but would check!

There is a fab group on fb with a guy on there who runs hour long webinars for the maths test. Honestly, it's brilliant. The group is qts maths support (I think).

I'm halfway through my ITT and just in the process of applying for my first teaching job 😱

@PersianCatLady Are you going to apply through track 2 as well?

SofaBitch The unis I've applied to have said having your skills tests before interview is an advantage. You should definitely book them before finalising your application, as I believe putting the dates on your application allows providers to see when you've passed. You can book dates a long way into the future, however! Good luck with your application.

Good luck with the application LadyLastik

Well I spoke to all 3 provider's I am applying for last night at the event. And none of them said to do do it first. In fact they all said they can help with lessons to pass the skills test once a place has been offered.

I wonder if it varies by subject?

In my feedback one provider said that completing my literacy skills test showed dedication, so I guess having at least one done goes in your favour.

Sofabitch I'm applying for a science subject, so I wonder if they expect your maths to be stronger? I think for most people literacy is the easier one. Anyway, good luck with your application!

Hi All,

Sorry for being absent from this thread for a while, I have been very busy getting ready for my second SCITT interview.

Long story short.

I went to an interview for a SCITT place at a provider in another town, locally, on Wednesday.

They phoned me back about three hours after my interview and they offered me a place, there and then.

Although I felt very rejected by a school to which I felt loyal to as I went there myself and so did my son, the more I think about it things have definitely worked out for the best.

The SCITT provider that I have got a place with is smaller than the other one and definitely has a better feel to it.

Also, there are lots of other advantages but I can't go into them as it may be revealing.

Only downside is distance but my long placement will be at a school next to a train station so it may turn out that even though it is further away, it actually means less travelling time.

Good luck to anybody else who is either still waiting or still applying!!!!!!

I'm not sure if anyone has hears but from the 15th of this month the rules regarding the skills tests are changing.

You will now be allowed unlimited attempts at the tests and resits will now be free!

Congratulations @Persiancatlady.

Bristol interview tomorrow

So I had my Bristol interview yesterday, and thought I hadn't done that well,but they've offered me a place. Warwick have also offered me an interview, which is exciting!

I went to my interview yesterday. They said I had made a really good impression on them. I haven't heard back though, so that's a bit disappointing

@Changebagsandgladrags One place took ages to get back to me but I was offered a place there. Don't be disheartened.

@changebagsandgladrags I think universities have up to two weeks to make a decision, and how quickly you hear may just depend on how quickly their admin department works! Some universities are definitely slower than others.

I recruit for teacher training at secondary, do if you have any questions that I can help with do ask 😊

Thank you SweepTheHalls What kind of course do you recruit for?

Thanks LadyLance

How is everybody getting along?

I have got a place for September, has anybody else decided on or accepted a place yet?

Who is still waiting to hear back after interview?

Anybody need any advice regarding Apply 2?

I'm secondary Science 😊

I have my first observation day tomorrow, then I can finish my personal statement and apply!