Applying for Teacher Training

1. Applying for Teacher Training aim of Session: to equip you with the knowledge and understanding to make an effective application for teacher training Careers Service 2008-9 In addition to this powerpoint presentation the careers adviser will need the following: GTTR guide and other application materials to flag up Sources of information on teacher training handout AGCAS booklet on teacher training (copies) AGCAS applying for teacher training guide 2002/3(when it is published) Handbook of initial teacher training Open University Prospectus (Ref Copy) NTU post grad Prospectus(Ref Copy) SCITT INFORMATION GTP INFO Feedback on interview information Multiple copies of personal statement page for discussion Frequent interview questions or similar Points to make to students: This session focuses primarily on the application procedure for uk teaching and the issues surrounding it it will not cover Fe teaching in any depth Suggest book to see a Duty Adviser to discuss personal statement if necessary In addition to this powerpoint presentation the careers adviser will need the following: GTTR guide and other application materials to flag up Sources of information on teacher training handout AGCAS booklet on teacher training (copies) AGCAS applying for teacher training guide 2002/3(when it is published) Handbook of initial teacher training Open University Prospectus (Ref Copy) NTU post grad Prospectus(Ref Copy) SCITT INFORMATION GTP INFO Feedback on interview information Multiple copies of personal statement page for discussion Frequent interview questions or similar Points to make to students: This session focuses primarily on the application procedure for uk teaching and the issues surrounding it it will not cover Fe teaching in any depth Suggest book to see a Duty Adviser to discuss personal statement if necessary

2. 2 content of session how and when to apply basic academic and personal requirements other issues surrounding applications eg subject relevance, competition, funding, alternative routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), work experience, tactical applications and the GTTR personal statement an outline of alternative routes in to teaching other than PGCE The GTTR Guide is critical reading for all students. This session will not cover every aspect that the Guide covers Key Sources of information is a handout that will be given to all students at this session. Copies will also be available for students who are unable to attend the sessionThe GTTR Guide is critical reading for all students. This session will not cover every aspect that the Guide covers Key Sources of information is a handout that will be given to all students at this session. Copies will also be available for students who are unable to attend the session

3. 3 how to apply as a finalist, your main entry route is through the acquisition of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) offered at two levels; Professional Graduate Certificate in Education and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (includes Masters level modules) you need to make your application to your chosen institutions through the GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry) Clearing House via electronic application (unless extenuating circumstances) www.gttr.ac.uk It is worthwhile explaining the role of the referees here It is acceptable once the candidate has their candidate GTTR number to send additional information in support of their application direct to the first choice institution,quoting their number.It is worthwhile explaining the role of the referees here It is acceptable once the candidate has their candidate GTTR number to send additional information in support of their application direct to the first choice institution,quoting their number.

4. 4 when to apply applications for primary - ideally by mid October (closing date 1st December) for primary, you have a choice of two institutions only for secondary, no formal closing date but early application is advised particularly for competitive subjects e g P.E, art, history GTTR sends applications to first choices from early October no deferred entry system Point out that early application for PGCE Primary is best advised asap, particularly for NTUPoint out that early application for PGCE Primary is best advised asap, particularly for NTU

5. 5 additional points there are separate application procedures for teaching in Scotland and Northern Ireland (see relevant web sites) it is advisable to investigate the subject area you wish to teach on the National Curriculum website it is useful to do your homework on latest developments in education and around your subject (eg see TES and TDA website) Might be useful to quickly go through this handout if you have timeMight be useful to quickly go through this handout if you have time

6. 6 basic requirements for primary, a minimum GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English, maths, and a science subject for secondary, maths and English at minimum Grade C GCSE (or equivalent): no science requirement for secondary. institution qualification requirements at time of application are outlined by the GTTR some ITT providers offer equivalence tests Emphasise checking with each individual institution re subject relevance and specific requirementsEmphasise checking with each individual institution re subject relevance and specific requirements

7. 7 degree requirements (1) � Those awarded QTS must demonstrate that they have a secure knowledge and understanding of the subject they are trained to teach. For those qualifying to teach secondary pupils this knowledge and understanding should be at a standard equivalent to degree level� However �� students wishing to teach secondary maths, physics, chemistry may apply for a 26 week Enhancement Course (January start) students wishing to teach French or German may apply for a 14 week Enhancement Course (May start) To subscribe to an Enhancement Course you must have a place with an ITT provider and the course taken prior to the start of the ITT

8. 8 degree requirements (2) institutions will look at a detailed breakdown of your degree content for secondary, it is expected that at least 50% of your degree should be directly relevant to the subject you want to teach for primary, some ITT providers prefer you to have a degree in a national curriculum subject institutions must consider the full range of applicant achievement, not just their degree title or content if in doubt as to the acceptability of your degree contact the institution to check before applying

9. 9 personal skills and qualities patience, flexibility, resilience, confidence, warmth, honesty, objectivity�. listening skills, communication skills, effective time management, organisational ability, ability to multi-task facilitating, inspiring, reflective, creative, imaginative, self-disciplined, hardworking This is not a definitive list This is not a definitive list

10. 10 the issue for consideration � commitment The PGCE is not just another course, it is a year of intense professional training, with several block teaching practices in school. You will need to think carefully about whether you can give it the necessary time and commitment This is a particular important point to stress to students who are on lightly timetabled courses .Another good reason why it is necessary to get experience in schoolsThis is a particular important point to stress to students who are on lightly timetabled courses .Another good reason why it is necessary to get experience in schools

11. 11 competition/tactical applications remember some institutions have more places than others (see individual entries on the GTTR website) some subjects are more competitive than others find out if your institutions are likely to consider you if you do not put them as first choice! NTU Primary is intensely competitive. You will need to fulfil all requirements at time of application and have relevant and preferably, ongoing work experience Unfortunately noboby can make decisions for you in this area of tactical applications but you need to weigh up all the issues thoroughly before you decide on choice of Institution. You may want to consider that your choice of Institution will dictate in what locality you do your teaching practice and therefore could aid your job prospects in that area You will also need a supportive environment for your teaching practicesUnfortunately noboby can make decisions for you in this area of tactical applications but you need to weigh up all the issues thoroughly before you decide on choice of Institution. You may want to consider that your choice of Institution will dictate in what locality you do your teaching practice and therefore could aid your job prospects in that area You will also need a supportive environment for your teaching practices

12. 12 funding: primary all home and EU Students attending an accredited primary teacher training course will receive a non-repayable and non-taxable bursary of �4,000 in monthly instalments between October and June. for part-time students this would be spread over the duration of the course students pay tuition fees up to a maximum of �3,070, but the first �1230 will be paid for by their LEA you can apply for an additional means-tested grant of �1,535 monies are to be repaid in instalments once in work and earning over �15,000 There are lots of other incentives listed in Page 14 of GGTTR GUIDEThere are lots of other incentives listed in Page 14 of GGTTR GUIDE

13. 13 funding: secondary non-shortage all home and EU students attending an accredited teacher training course in a non-shortage secondary course will receive a non-repayable and non-taxable bursary of �6,000 in monthly instalments between October-June. all other points same as for primary

14. 14 funding: secondary shortage subjects shortage subject students will receive a bursary of �9,000 the fee situation is the same as for non-shortage subjects postgraduate secondary maths and science graduates will also be eligible for a �5,000 �Golden Hello� paid at the start of their second year in teaching other shortage subjects will receive �Golden Hellos� of �2,500 (Languages, D&T, ICT, Music, RE.) Please note that from 2008 entry English and Drama are no longer a shortage subject the �Golden Hello� is taxable For more information regarding funding arrangements go to www.direct.gov.uk/education and learning

15. 15 additional information: for Post-Compulsory Education (PGCE in PCE/FE) the funding situation is complicated; you need to visit www.lifelonglearninguk.org for information or email advice@lluk.org or Tel: 020 793 65798 there are some two-year conversion courses available in Maths, Chemistry Physics which do attract bursaries for BOTH years. for other two-year conversion courses such as ICT, there is no guarantee of funding for the 1st year.

16. 16 courses at NTU Primary PGCE PGCE Secondary Specialisms: Business Education Design and Technology English Engineering Mathematics Modern Languages Music Science ICT/Applied ICT 2-year secondary subject conversion:Maths/Chem/Physics PGCE Post Compulsory Education GTP

17. 17 alternative routes (1) SCITT: School Centred Initial Teacher Training - can apply to most SCITT partnerships via GTTR - gives QTS but does not necessarily award PGCE; you would need to check direct with each SCITT - application closing dates vary - often more suitable for mature candidates with relevant teaching or other experience of working with young people We have more info on Nottm Scitt and GTP if students want itWe have more info on Nottm Scitt and GTP if students want it

18. 18 alternative routes (2) Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP): - employment based with a salary paid by the school - applications are via a Designated Recommended Body (eg NTU) when you have secured an (unqualified) teaching post at a school - again, suits mature applicants with experience of working already in schools or with other extensive experience of working with young people Teach First: two year programme based in challenging secondary schools - 2:1 or above normally required - combines QTS with a business internship and mentoring www.teachfirst.org.uk

19. 19 alternative routes (3) part-time/modular PGCEs including the Open University flexible PGCE Extended PGCE/Subject Conversion courses (18-24 months); maths, science Subject Enhancement and Extension courses (26 weeks for maths and physics, 14 weeks for French and German) prior to PGCE For more information regarding alternative routes in to teaching, go to www.tda.gov.uk and search on www.gttr.ac,uk

20. 20 work experience (1) this is vital to help you: confirm your decision about your choice of teaching as a career clarify your decision regarding the age group you would like to teach gain understanding of the knowledge and skills required for teaching (curriculum, environment, teaching styles, behavioural management, pastoral care etc) shine at interview!

21. 21 work experience (2) The Progressions Partnership Scheme organises a range of schemes working in schools: www.education.ntu.ac.uk/prog_part/index.html regular ongoing experience is better regarded than a short blast! good work experience often makes the difference between success and failure in securing a place on a PGCE

22. 22 GTTR personal statement - your preparation do your homework � research improves your chances of being accepted know what teaching really involves provide evidence of commitment read the educational press talk to teachers be familiar with the curriculum of the age group you want to teach draw on your experience of working with young people/children if you think curriculum relevance may be an issue, be prepared to explain how your degree is relevant from the knowledge you have gained from the National Curriculum website and from your teaching experience If you think curriculum relevance may be an issue, explain how you believe your degree is relevant from the knowledge you have obtained from the National Curriculum website of the requirements of the subject area at various key stages and from any teaching experience you have had. Distribute photocopy of personal statement for students to look atDistribute photocopy of personal statement for students to look at

23. 23 your GTTR personal statement � tips! remember the Admissions Tutor will be interested in all your activities and interests in so far as you can relate them to teaching you have a limited amount of space - your content needs to be well written, relevant, concise and avoid any tired cliches make every sentence count be reflective and analytical regarding past experiences show how your skills and experiences are relevant to teaching � giving examples show evidence of serious research be exceptionally careful with spelling and grammar

24. 24 the interview process all offers for PGCEs are made after an interview interview activities may involve a written test, presentation, group discussion, teaching a mini-lesson, a subject-specific practical exercise interviews vary but are often an intensive half a day for PGCE language - may be conducted (in part) in the language you wish to teach for PE, it may involve taking part in a sports activity For more information regarding selection processes, see Applying for a PGCE in the Education Community section on www.prospects.ac.uk It is worth bringing feedback from past years with you List of typical primary/secondary questions Draw their attention to Agcas guide which is useful for hints on how to handle interview We can also talk through their interview with them in advance on a duty sessionIt is worth bringing feedback from past years with you List of typical primary/secondary questions Draw their attention to Agcas guide which is useful for hints on how to handle interview We can also talk through their interview with them in advance on a duty session