A thread for those starting a PGCE in September 2020

[RooTheRabbit]

Hello

Is anyone else starting a PGCe in September?

I'm doing a university-based one, starting September 15th, I think.

They've said that they're moving all the academic bits to the first semester, and focusing on the practice in semester 2, whereas usually it's a bit more blended.

I wouldn't recommend Citizenship. We don't offer it at all, and even when it was on the timetable it was taught by people with gaps in their timetable.
Without an A level in English, I would have wanted to interview you rather than reject you outright - but I would definitely be concerned about putting you into top GCSE classes In your training year without the A Level, just from a subject knowledge point of view.
It's certainly not a hard no though. If there is now an SKE, that might be worth looking into.

@MrsHamlet

I wouldn't recommend Citizenship. We don't offer it at all, and even when it was on the timetable it was taught by people with gaps in their timetable. Without an A level in English, I would have wanted to interview you rather than reject you outright - but I would definitely be concerned about putting you into top GCSE classes In your training year without the A Level, just from a subject knowledge point of view. It's certainly not a hard no though. If there is now an SKE, that might be worth looking into.

Would it help if I studied English Lit at master's level?

Just popping in to say good luck to everyone! I qualified this summer. It was weird as we received an email after they announced school closures saying that we weren’t allowed to go back to placement - we could go in voluntarily in the end but they told us it wouldn’t count towards the teachers standards.

We then had to complete a load of online tasks which we used as evidence towards the TS. It wasn’t great, I think that universities will be better prepared now as they’ve had longer to plan!

Hope you all enjoy x

@MadCatEnthusiast yes!

These popped up on my FB feed. Do you think they would be useful for training year?

Link would be helpful link

My Uni still hasn't contacted me regarding my crb? I emailed them last week, and they haven't responded either! Has everyone else done theirs? I'm getting worried

@RooTheRabbit I had an email from the uni explaining how to apply. They have given me access to an online portal with instructions how to do it. It cost me £40, so far this course has cost me a fortune.

Do you all know what the dress code is for your placements? I'm wondering if I need some new clothes. What do teachers wear?

@SierraOscar check the policies on your placement schools website. There should be a dress code in there (poss under staff conduct or some such).

(Female) teachers I've known have usually worn dresses, trousers, tops. Smart but not overly formal. Something you're comfy in, can bend and stretch in and that doesn't show too much flesh.

And yes my DBS is through, as is my fit to teach note. Took a couple of weeks I think.

Thank you @namechangedyetagain

@SierraOscar do the writing on the board and the bending over a desk and the squatting my a desk test. Don't wear new shoes because you'll maim your feet. Layers. Avoid sheer fabrics.

Thank you @MrsHamlet that is excellent advise!

Also, if you're going to wear stockings and a suspender belt make sure your skirt doesn't ride up to expose them.
Happened to another trainee on my first placement. I've no idea what she was thinking!

Why on earth would someone wear stockings and suspenders. I think I'll go for the safe option of black trousers and and longish smart top.

I cannot answer that question. Suffice to say she wore trousers every day for the rest of the placement

Hey all!
I’m starting my school direct unsalaried route September too.
Can anyone recommend some good podcasts or Twitter accounts to follow for QTS/NQT teachers?

Good luck to all!

I also tend to go for the safe option of blue or black trousers and top - either a longer sleeved tunic-style blouse or shorter sleeve plus cardigan. I have a tattoo on my arm which isn't prohibited at my school but I feel self conscious about it so I tend to keep it covered. I stick to a limited colour palette to make it easier to dress for work quickly while getting two children ready!

I've been in a couple of times in the last week setting my classroom up - taken some photos to add to my evidence folder. I was a TA at the school last year which was great but feeling a bit nervous about starting my teacher training year.

Has anyone started?

I start on Monday 14th

I started on Wednesday, there has been quite a few hiccups due to the course mostly being online due to covid.

I am enjoying the learning so far though

I started on Wednesday, kids in on Friday. My TA wasn't in until break so I did the first couple of hours completely solo - didn't all go to plan but felt ok by the end of the day. University induction happens this coming week which I need to prepare for.

I've been in to my placement school for TD day, but course (online for term 1) is now online. Actually don't get into school until the 28th!

Trying to get myself organised this week before the start. Still feeling nervous.

Has anyone heard what will happen to us if the schools lock down? Or if we get COVID symptoms? My course/ Uni haven't mentioned their plans yet.

I don't know. I'm more concerned from a parent's perspective ie what if my children's schools close? Though i guess I'd be a key worker so they could still go in?
I'm off to see our tutor today to get course materials etc. I know for at least the first term all of our training is online.

I started today. Most of my lectures are pre-recorded from previous years?