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 persian. I bet that’s a relief to have them out of the way.

I’m currently shopping for a book to form the basis of a 20 minute story and activity session with a group of year 4 pupils. I love books so this is a lot of fun!

I went back to check and i think where I booked on my phone it wasnt clear that each time slot was for different centres. The one near me doesnt seem to offer many slots. Anyway thats all sorted now.

The brief says on anything I like, a hobby skill or trick is suggested... but I'm realising I'm very boring with no real hobbies! I was thinking I might learn an interesting knot and teach that? Probably been done to death though!

I’ll pm you what I’m doing (it’s a bit outing!)

I had a very successful shopping trip and found a gorgeous book that will be perfect for my interview task. I’m actually quite looking forward to trying it out on some children now. Tomorrow I’m going to be making some resources to go with it. I wonder if I can justify buying a laminator?

Well done PersianCatLady and good luck to those with interviews.

Sofabitch I think the knot idea is a good one, but I know from experience that some people really struggle with knots, so be aware that some people will get it first time but you may have one or two who really struggle! Another option could be some simple origami?

QuantumPixies Sounds like all is going well. I've loved having excuses to buy new stationery but haven't quite stretched to a laminator yet!

I'd say a laminator is an investment for the future

I'm feeling like a huge fraud at the moment. I looked up my area's subject network leader. Feeling very inferior in comparison. Yes, I know, he's the subject expert blah blah blah. My making contact email will be along the lines of "hey, I'm doing an SKE"...

@changebagsandgladrags Is the subject network leader related to your scholarship? If so, I'm sure they will get lots of contacts from people just starting out- don't feel like a fraud!

Had a few days off for the Easter weekend, now getting back into my SKE. Working on molecular biology which is probably my least favourite bit, but after this, there's some more interesting modules coming up :)

My first PGCE interview is now done. It wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I thought, although being with a load of 21 year olds made me feel absolutely ancient! I liked the uni and it was actually quite a fun experience. I’d be surprised if I didn’t get an offer but you never know.

Roll on the next one...

Well done Quantum I hope you get an offer soon!

Apols was a bit awol due to finishing off bastard unit and Easter. My next module is only 1/6 the length of bastard unit.

My first interview was also with a bunch of 21 year olds. My second had more of a mix. That may have influenced my decision. Fingers crossed for a positive result.

On previous question. I read somewhere on the IoP website that your local subject lead may be able to point you in the direction of nqt roles. I need to get over this feeling of inadequacy. Of course a subject expert would have a PhD.

I still have not applied for the scholarship. But have started the process...

My 1st interview was too. They were still in uni in their 3rd year. Only one of the 4 could drive. I don't know if I could physically be a tewcher without being able to drive. Bit I live rurally so mist make a difference

I have my student finance forms ready to post for tomorrow! Excited

I forgot to update-I was offered a place on the PGCE course. I’m hoping to have better options but it’s always good to have a back up. I’ve got another interview next week at a provider that I think will suit better. Currently planning a presentation and some teaching activities.

@changebagsandgladrags I think you mentioned earlier in the thread about receiving a schedule for your SKE payments. I was just wondering when you received this and if you did anything to trigger it. I'm about a month into my SKE and have completed 100 hours of study but have heard nothing yet about the payments. I've also emailed my tutor to chase this up!

Well done to all with offers- I've had a weekend off for my birthday but back to the grindstone today!

Yes. I'm with Vidlearn. When I received my course books I was also sent registration forms for the attached college.

Once I'd enrolled with the college and provided bank details, they sent me a payment schedule. It comes in on the 31st of each month.

Thank you for getting back to me!

I've entered my bank details but I didn't get sent a form relating to my uni- I understood that Vidlearn would confirm my enrollment with them automatically. Anyway, I've emailed my tutor and hopefully they will get back to me! I've got some savings so I'm not desperate for the money right now, but I was sort of counting on it to help out with moving costs etc in September, so hopefully there isn't too much of an issue!

Anyone as old as me on here? 46!!

I’m mid-late thirties (depending on how tired I’m feeling!) move.

I’ve passed my skills tests and got another offer since I posted last. A successful few days I think. Just one more choice to go now.

I'll be 45 when I start the PGCE

Interview this bmorning! I'm feeling mighty nervous (way more than expected) and unprepared!!!

Good luck!!

Good luck Sofabitch

Changebagsandgladrags (great name),

What career are you leaving to do the PGCE and are you doing secondary or primary?

Thank you! It went well I think.

They said they were going to offer me a place! With an 8 or 16 week SKE.