routes into teaching april 2013
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TRANSCRIPT
Routes into Teaching
NTU Careers and Placements
April 2013
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Content of today’s session
an outline of routes into teaching
how and when to apply
basic academic and personal requirements
funding
• other issues surrounding applications
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
To be awarded QTS by the Teaching Agency (TA) you must complete a period
of training known as initial teacher training (ITT)
The routes for gaining this include:
PGCE (university-based)
School Direct (salaried and unsalaried)
SCITT
Teach First
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PGCE – University-based
Postgraduate Certificate in Education – many offer credits at masters level
Usually a 1 year, full-time course based in a University with substantial school
placements.
Primary – a minimum of 18 weeks classroom-based training, secondary – a
minimum of 24 weeks – usually in 2 schools.
How to Apply
Via the GTTR ( Graduate Teacher Training Registry)
www.gttr.ac.uk
>>>STOP PRESS<<<
the GTTR is changing its name to UCAS – Teacher Training
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When to apply – 2013 entry only Closing date 1st December for primary BUT GTTR sends applications to first
choices early. (This year, from 1st November) Applications now closed for
2013 entry.
For primary, you have a choice of two institutions only
For secondary, you have a choice of 4 institutions. GTTR will accept
applications until 30th June, but training providers often fill their places early,
particularly for competitive subjects such as PE, Art, History.
Preference order
You must leave time for your referees to email references to GTTR, who will
attach to your form before you can submit it.
There is no deferred entry system
2014 Entry
UCAS teacher training application for School Direct as well as other courses
currently via GTTR
Applications will be submitted from 1 November, there will be no application
deadline.
Initially 3 choices (Apply 1).These will be considered in parallel by the
providers rather than in preference order as with current applications.
If unsuccessful in Apply 1, applicants will be able to make additional choices
from places still available. (Sequentially through Apply 2)
The time for decisions to be made by providers will be reduced (but has not
yet been finalised.)
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Basic requirements
for primary, a minimum GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English, maths,
and a science subject. Be aware that a grade B may be requested by some
providers.
for secondary, maths and English at minimum Grade C GCSE (or
equivalent); there is no science requirement for secondary
Individual institution qualification requirements at time of application are outlined by the GTTR
Some ITT providers offer equivalence tests
The more work experience the better, but there is often a minimum requirement.
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Degree requirements
institutions will look for 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. Examples of how degree
subjects relate to the National Curriculum can be found at Teaching Agency
– Teaching Secondary.
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
QTS skills tests
English and Maths. (If training in England)
Anyone applying for ITT courses which start after 1 July 2013 must pass the skills tests
before starting the course.
Candidates need to apply for an ITT course and then sit the skills test, though you can
book your test date before making your application. See Teaching Agency –
Professional Skills Tests
Register to take skills test. Helpline is 0845 450 8867
Email: [email protected]
Use practice tests first. (see Teaching Agency–professional skills tests –
literacy/numeracy test – practice materials)
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/professional -
Can resit twice. (If you don’t pass after 3 attempts you would then have to wait 2 years.)
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Research
It is important to investigate the subject area you wish to teach on the National Curriculum website
www.education.gov.uk/schools/teaching
And do your homework on the latest developments in education and around your subject e.g. behaviour management, phonics, literacy, SEND, national curriculum tests, assessment
Times Educational Supplement (TES) – Friday, Guardian –Tuesday, Independent –Thursday
BBC Education website www.bbc.co.uk/education
Department for Education website www.education.gov.uk/
There are separate application procedures for teaching in Scotland and Northern Ireland (see relevant web sites)
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Personal skills and qualities
enthusiasm, 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 …
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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
Is straight after degree the right time for you?
It’s not a question of now or never
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Competition and tactical applications
• Remember some institutions have more places than others (see individual entries on the GTTR/UCAS teacher training website)
• Some subjects are more competitive than others
• NTU Primary is intensely competitive. You will need to fulfil all requirements at time of application and have relevant and preferably, ongoing work experience - for Primary a 2:1 often required
• Some Secondary subjects are also particularly competitive – currently PE, English.
Bursaries and Incentives for those who train in 2013-2014
Training
bursary
2013-14
Physics 1
Chemistry 1
Maths
Modern
Languages
Primary
maths
specialist 2
Other
priority
secondary 3
and primary
Computer
science
Trainee with
first
£20,000 £20,000 £11,000 £9,000 £9,000
2:1 £15,000 £15,000 £6,000 £4,000 £4,000
2:2 £12,000 £12,000 £0 £0 £0
Scholarship
£20,000 0 0 0 £20,000
Bursaries and incentives
1 Trainee teachers in Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Computer science with a 2:1 or 1st
are able to apply for scholarships worth £20,000. Trainees will have to go through a
competitive process and successful applicants would not be eligible for the standard
DfE bursary. Those not awarded a scholarship will continue to be eligible for the
standard bursaries in 2013/14
2 Trainees with a B or better in maths ‘A’ level on the new maths primary specialist
courses would receive an extra £2,000 bursary.
3 Other priority secondary subjects - English, Geography, History, Computer science,
Latin, Greek, Music, Biology, Physical Education
Applicants with a degree from outside the UK should refer to the equivalency table on
the Teaching Agency website to see if their degree is likely to attract a bursary, or
should consult their chosen training provider.
School Direct
Largely school-based training. Schools should have ‘the intention’ of employing
the trainee but this is not a guarantee.
Available in primary and secondary and will lead to QTS and possibly PGCE
Apply through the School Direct portal on the Teaching Agency website.
www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
The application is sent to the provider who sends it to the school. Schools
can do additional advertising, so also look on school websites, press etc.
Keep checking online at Teaching Agency School Direct for up to date
information. Tel 0800 389 2500
Register –Teaching Agency - sign up. Do search of which schools still have
vacancies
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School Direct (continued)
Designed and delivered by the school and the ‘provider’(usually a University)
Schools should have the intention to employ the trainee upon completion, but
this is not a guarantee.
Schools bid to the Training agency for places and then decide which provider
they would like to work with
There are 2 separate training options:
Non–salaried – aimed at high quality graduates. May be eligible for bursary
as with other routes.
Salaried – aimed at high quality graduates with at least 3 years experience.
Earn a salary whilst training.
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SCITT – usually based at one school in a consortium while completing
placements at others
Application to most SCITT partnerships is via GTTR (but the
Nottingham City Primary SCITT is an exception)
Gives QTS but does not necessarily award a PGCE; you would need
to check direct with each SCITT
Often more suitable for candidates with relevant teaching or other
experience of working with young people
Some specifically cater for local needs
Finance is the same as for PGCE
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Teach First
Two-year leadership development programme based in challenging secondary schools
2:1 or above is normally required and 300 UCAS points (excluding General Studies)
Combines QTS with a business internship and mentoring
www.teachfirst.org.uk
Teach First is to double its size by the end of this parliament, expanding into primary
schools
Competitive salary
Candidates need to demonstrate relevant subject knowledge and the following
competencies:
– Humility, respect and empathy, interaction, knowledge, leadership, planning and organising, resilience, self-evaluation
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Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
The last entry to this programme was in 2012
Making choices
Some of the options may look similar
Schools may shape the differences
Ask questions re your support networks e.g. will there be opportunities to meet
with other chemistry trainees or will you be the only one? How many are they
training this year?
What level of support will you receive from your mentor?
Will you gain a PGCE as well as QTS?
Many will, but not all
If you intend to work abroad, some countries require a PGCE in addition to
QTS
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Work experience (1)
School experience 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!
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School experience (2)
Students in Classrooms organises a range of schemes working in
schools:
www.ntu.ac.uk/studentsinclassrooms
Good school experience often makes the difference between success and failure in securing a place on a QTS programme
NTU volunteering - Initi8 - can offer voluntary work in schools
You can set up your own placements and volunteering - easier with a CRB in place
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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 and children
If your degree is not a National Curriculum subject, be prepared to make a case as to why it is relevant from the knowledge you have gained from the National Curriculum website and from your teaching experience.
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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 clichés
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
For examples see University of Kent www.kent.ac.uk/careers
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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 in languages - may be conducted (in part) in the language(s) you wish to teach
for PE, it may involve taking part in a sports activity
may include a group interview
For more information regarding selection processes, see Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk/teaching_education_sector.htm
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Useful links
GTTR
www.gttr.ac.uk
Teaching Agency – for School Direct, National Curriculum, Skills Tests
www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
Times Educational Supplement
www.tes.co.uk
Department for Education
http://www.education.gov.uk
Your “to do” list between now and the end of October
School observations
is now a better time than September?
www.education.gov.uk/teachsep Helpline: 0800 389 2500
arrange through individual head teachers
observe actively and keep a reflective log
arrange other work with children over the summer?
Familiarise yourself with the Skills Tests
www.education.gov.uk/teachskilltests
Take the Skills Tests
Research and identify likely courses
Write your personal statement
Attend relevant Careers workshops in October
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