What subject to teach (secondary)?

[MumofSpud]

Hi
Am thinking of retraining as a secondary school teacher but undecided about the subject!
English - degree level
History - A-levels
Geography - GCSE level (so this is out)

I believe that I could decide between English and History?

I am leaning towards History (more interesting for me / more 'facts based' / more teachers of English than other subjects have left teaching)

What would you choose? (I am also v old if that makes a difference )

There are far fewer places for History than for English.
In my school, we wouldn't let you teach A level History without a History degree.

It would be strange to teach History with an English degree. As a HoD I would favour a History graduate for a History teaching job. I certainly would want a History graduate for examination classes.

I'm not aware of providers that let aspiring trainees pick subjects based on A Levels and GCSE, other than Teach First (even then when I looked at training, they selected your subject based on what the schools needed).

It would be a hard sell to convince a training provider and school that you are a better candidate than a history graduate.
You're more likely to get a place on an English course, and then get an English job whilst offering History as a second subject if needed by the timetable.

There is quite a lot of History in English actually - I enjoy teaching the context parts.

I think you might struggle to get on to a History PGCE without a humanities based degree. History teachers are often asked to also teach Citizenship, RE etc.

There are more training places and jobs in English than History.

One of my colleagues has a history degree and teaches English. I have an MFL degree snd teach English. I don’t have A level English.
Both of did our PGCEs in our degree subjects though and then changed subject afterwards. You can easily learn a new subject on the job if you are motivated and flexible.

Thanks for your replies - will have a further think !

Not nearly as many history jobs about

I would train in English seeing as it's your degree subject. There will be more English jobs available too when the time comes to job hunt. You are very likely to get an opportunity to try your hand at a second subject in many schools anyway - There is often a couple of extra lessons in subjects that need filling and you could always let your head know you also enjoy History and would be happy to take a couple of periods.

I am a trained Music teacher but I have an A in A-level English and also did an elective module in English literature each year of my degree. I have taught quite a bit of KS3 English over the years to fill up timetable gaps and really enjoy having a bit of variety. But I just trained in my main subject area.