Applying for teacher training - what do they want to know about me?

[theyprobablydontmeanmycats]

I'm career-changing and about to apply to train as a secondary teacher (not in the UK).

What's got me frazzled is this part of the application process:

"Personal handwritten statement
Tell us who you are as a person, why you wish to enter the programme(s) you are applying for and your strengths. We expect about one handwritten A4 page."

What are they actually looking for? And why do they want it handwritten? (My writing is appalling).

Do they want an emphasis on my experience with youth? An assurance that I'm committed to teaching?

Any tips? Thanks!

Spelling, punctuation, grammar. What experience you gave actually working with kids. You passion for subject.

You? Dammit, your!

I'd practice your handwriting a few times - I don't know much about secondary teaching but I do know that, as a primary teacher, I was expected to model good letter formation etc and YES to spelling, grammar and punctuation!

Thanks, SweepTheHalls and TwllBach! I never thought about it - many people can cover up grammar/punctuation etc with spelling and grammar checks, can't they, but there's less hiding it with handwriting.

Time to invest in a decent pen that writes smoothly and doesn't blotch, too.