Question for teachers

[Newsinglemum58]

Hi there,

I am considering teacher training and wondered if before I make this big decision can anyone tell me what sort of theory is involved in the QTS year.

Could anyone tell me the main elements in terms of what educational theories of teaching make up the content. How many assignments etc...
I am thinking that looking into some of this before, might help me decide if it is something I want to do.

I currently work in a secondary school doing cover, so on the classroom experience side I have quite a bit of knowledge behind me.

Many thanks in advance.

There will be a member of staff at your school who is responsible for managing student teachers on placement. They’re the best person to ask about his.

You could also try posting in The Staffroom area of mumsnet - some of the teachers there will have responsibility for trainee and newly qualified teachers and will be able to give you some info. I trained over a decade ago, so my experience is way out of date!

It'll vary depending on your chosen route. Some do QTS without PGCE, which means less academic work. But also less opportunity to study the science of learning etc., which many (including me) would say is an essential complement to the classroom-based development trainees experience

Are you thinking of a one year course which you will need a degree to do or doing the under grad route?

*undergraduate

I have a 2.1 degree, so would need to do either PCGE or school-direct route. As I am almost 40, I think an employment-based route would be better suited than becoming a student again.

Look into Teach First. Salaried and you staidly toward a PGDE, and don't pay uni fees.

It's incredibly demanding and not for the faint hearted though.

Study not staidly!

At my old school we had 2 students following class based route and they were frazzled. You have to produce lesson plans for every lesson and make all of your own resources. You get very little time free each week. You get more free time for prepping if you do the PGCE courses.

Thanks for your responses.

Not usually a fan of teach first but as you have experience already and don't want to be a student again I'd recommend looking into those kind of routes- you might even be able to secure a salaried place. I'm not overly academic to be honest but found it the easiest element of the PGCE (as the rest was so horrific haha)- worth looking at syllabuses etc to get an indication of different settings.

@Newsinglemum58 I have just completed Teach First having changed career in my late 40s. I highly recommend it. The support is excellent and the training very rigorous.

But it's demanding!

Feel free to pm if you want to know more.