Hi,
I have been planning a career change for quite some time now and decided to apply for a flexible PGCE due to the fact that I am a mum (11 year old boy/girl coming up 7). Hubby works full time.
I have been offered a place on a 2 year flexible PGCE (I currently work part time in the NHS). I was under the impression that the course was over one year (as advertised) but, since the interview, they have told us that it will now be over 2 years. I turned down another offer to accept this one so feel a bit cheated!
I am hoping to leave my NHS job (due to travel/nature of job). My worry is that I won't be able to afford to re-train. It seems I will only receive a £4K bursary to last 2 years. No way can I live on that (mortgage and 2 children). Hubby doesn't earn enough (I need to bring in at least £600 a month).
Has anyone done a flexible PGCE and what funding did you receive? I am hoping that I have missed something. The course is absolutely perfect for me and I will be really upset if I have to pull out. It is distance learning with a couple of weekends on campus, 16 days in a local school for observations/reflection and two placements (5 weeks in the first year and 9 in the second).