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Welcome !

RNV 2012 SMUC

PGCE Presentation

“Getting into teaching”Thank you for taking part today

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Issues for today’s session

• What are the choices you need to make when considering teaching as a career?

• What makes up a PGCE course?

• What do you have to do to make a successful application for teacher training?

• Your questions

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What choices?• Assuming you are a graduate (or soon will be):-Choose your phase. Assessed across 2 consecutive Key Stages for

QTS; post-compulsory (now can, but may not, lead to teaching in school)

Choose your style of course: PGCE,SD,SD(S),TF,SCITTTraining ( HEI or school) or via employment in school; full-time or flexible

Choose your subject specialism(s). Relevant degree? Degree class? (Shortage) Subject Knowledge Enhancement course?

Choose your provider GTTR application is sequential (for 2013)

Choose your timing Primary 6 Dec; Secondary 30 Jun? Defer?

Choose your referee Emailed reference; academic or line manager

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Some Myths Teaching primary children is easier than teaching secondary Teaching is just a 9-4 job Teaching has long holidays with no work to do Schools and classrooms today are unruly places If I go into teaching I will be stuck in it for life To be a good teacher you just have to know your subject Teaching in a sixth-form college or FE is just teaching A level Teachers are badly paidThe biggest myth: I know what teaching in 21st century English schools involves

from my parents/friends/schooling/tutoring/coaching/TEFL (etc.)

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A WarningThe PGCE training year course will very likely be

the toughest year of your life:-demanding intellectually, physically, emotionally … (and, now, perhaps financially?)

but possibly the most interesting, fruitful, challenging! you will make friends for life, and really learn how to learn (great for parenting, too)Every day will bring different experiences.

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For the PGCE or other ITT courseMinimum academic entry requirements: (as set down by the Teaching Agency and Department for Education)These MUST have been obtained before starting any teacher training course.

1. A recognised awarded degree (from 2012, 3rd or above, if to be eligible for fee funding; 2.2 or above to be eligible for bursary)

2. GCSEs [or recognised equivalents]– Grade C English Language & Mathematics (for everyone)

– Grade C Science (for Primary candidates) - - {[we also ask this for PE]

Some providers ask for these to have been obtained pre-application for competitive Secondary subjects and for Primary courses.

• N.B. Some ‘GCSE Equivalents’ are not recognised as sufficient for Teacher Training, only for undergraduate entry. Each provider’s Registry makes final decisions on these.

• NARIC can advise re degree and GCSE recognition, and should be consulted if in any doubt• Irish Leaving Certificate Honours D, Ordinary C are normally accepted equivalents.

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Fitness to teach• Applicants should note that there are criminal record and health (fitness to

teach) checks that will need to be carried out, the former with the Criminal Records Bureau, for which there is a charge, currently around £40. (Garda in Ireland) .

• DfE regulations will disqualify candidates with certain health conditions and convictions. Any such issues need to be raised before application, on the application form and certainly in the interview.

• You will need a new CRB for teaching even if you already possess one or more for other sensitive work.

• Anyone appointed to a post involving regular contact with children or young people must be medically fit. It is the statutory responsibility of employers (and ITT providers) to satisfy themselves that individuals have the appropriate level of physical and mental fitness before an appointment offer is confirmed. Your health “Fitness to teach” must be signalled to us from your doctor before you can register; this is a standard condition of any place offer, even if otherwise “unconditional”.

Skills tests (from Sep 2012)• Before being able to start any teacher training course in England you

must take and pass tests in Numeracy and Literacy.• The tests are computer-based and must be taken at an official

test centre, located in the UK. You’ll need to book in advance.• Some providers /courses will require you to have passed the tests

before interview; but if not then soon after. Plan to take them as soon as you have applied for teacher training, and are ready. Preparation for tests will be important. Practice tests are available online.

• The first attempt at each test is free. Two more attempts, each charged at £19.25 are allowed. Failing a test 3 times bars you from retaking, and from applying for teacher training, for 2 years.

• From Sep 2013 there will also be a reasoning test to take

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Non-cognitive tests (from Sep 2012)• The Government is encouraging providers to include

a test assessing applicants’ personality and professional competence for teaching as part of any teacher training selection process.

• For some providers this will involve an online assessment questionnaire, at an authorised test centre in the UK, likely to be taken before interview.

• This is so new that procedures and costs have yet to be determined. Check with your chosen providers.

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What do teachers do?PRIMARY TEACHERSgenerally• Teach learners aged 5-11• Teach one class for a year• Teach all National Curriculum

subjects and a broader school curriculum

• Plan, teach and assess lessons

• Contribute to management, e.g. taking responsibility for a curriculum area

SECONDARY TEACHERSgenerally• Teach learners aged 11-19• Teach a specialist subject (or

sometimes more than one)• Plan, teach and assess lessons• Have Pastoral responsibility, e.g.

as form tutor• Contribute to extra-curricular

activities

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PGCE (Full-time) STRUCTURE• General Professional Studies – at postgraduate level• Curriculum/Subject Specific Studies• Practical Teaching Experiences in 2 different schools• University teacher tutors and partner School mentors• Time in School: (normally a 36 week course, Sep - June/July)

– 24 weeks for primary ; 24 weeks for secondary• Assessment: through professional development portfolio,

assignments and school experience (no exams!)• Expectations: professionalism, punctuality and 100%

attendance; willingness to work significantly beyond ‘school hours’ and to seek Continuing Professional Development; employment in a state school in England after training

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School observation PGCE Secondary A professional prerequisite to interview at St Mary’s

Minimum 2 days for PGCE Secondary (for us) * in at least one state secondary school (preferably in England, but in British Isles)

not (just) your old school or where you were employed;

* both KS 3 and 4, i.e. across 11-16 age range; preferably (some) mixed; * focused on full days of lessons in your subject area at KS3 and KS4; * seeing a range of ability including low attainers and the more able;

* ideally also seeing post-16 in your subject specialism(s); * looking also at the pastoral, cross-curricular and extracurricular roles of

teachers (do not just sit in the staffroom during registration, breaks or assembly)

N.B. Quality of experience is more important than quantity; looking and seeingIf unsure between the phases, make an informed choice after observing in both

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School observation PGCE Primary

A professional prerequisite to interview at St Mary’s Minimum 2 weeks for PGCE Primary (for us)• at least some time in both KS1 and KS2, • in at least one state school, not just where

employed (but the more schools the better)• Shadowing teachers for full days• Seeing a range of subjects taughtN.B. Quality of experience is more important than quantity; looking and seeingIf unsure between the phases, make an informed choice after observing in both

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Getting school observation 1. DIYDirect application to schools (recommended!) Telephone schools, ask to speak to the Professional Tutor; request

observation or shadowing [not ‘work experience’]. Be ready with a CV and evidence of genuine interest in teaching and

perhaps of enquiries at providers. Some schools now will not let you in without a CRB check (needed if

‘working’ ) which you cannot currently obtain for yourself. You will likely need one if spending more than 3 days at any school.

Use friends/family with connections to help find schools to approach

Provider-led schemes for students e.g. Undergraduate Ambassador Scheme run by various universities e.g. Westminster; RHUL; Surrey

Pimlico connection www.imperial.ac.uk/pimlico - managed volunteering;

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Getting school observation 2. via SEPFollowing the expiry of the Student Associate Scheme (SAS) and other similar schemes, the DfE has launched for Sep 2011 a new, combined

School Experience Programme (SEP)•This new programme is available not just to students, but also to other people who are considering entering or re-entering teaching. •It is unclear if there will be funding or costs to participants. but some schools will ask for a deposit returnable if you attend•Up to 10 days, but for more than 3 days needs a CRB from school•This will be very popular, demand will outstrip supply, don’t rely on it!

•Apply via TIL 0800 389 2500Premier Plus - a scheme for those with a 2.1 or better in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Modern Languages. You get your own adviser!

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Getting school observation 3. via TIL Open Schools Programme

For people who have not yet applied to ITT but are considering it; one day (not enough!)

Teaching Schools and ‘School Direct’ schools These are due to come into existence some time from Sep11 onwards, and it is hoped they will be more willing to host potential teachers on school observation visits.

Taster course programme 3 day course, one day in a school; 3 categories of programmes: secondary priority subjects; men into primary; black and minority ethnic recruitment

Via Teaching Information Line 0800 389 2500 or www.dfe.gov.uk/get-into-teaching

NB 1. One day is unlikely to be sufficient for many providers’ requirements ; 2. Ensure you observe/focus on own subject teaching and also pastoral roles of teacher

3. At this stage it’s shadowing teachers, not pupil tracking or teaching you need to do4. Write up your notes ready for the personal statement and interview

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Applying for an ITT course• Prerequisites Subject Knowledge (relevant, accredited, sufficient quaiity) School observation experience (recent, appropriate, sufficient) Other core qualifications (GCSEs) Appropriate referee and reference

• Other issues to have consideredo Type of training desired; Ethos and quality of provider, Support available;o Partner school locations, (not just location of provider!) quality and age range, Training

course dates of start/finisho Finances, Fees; Transport; Accommodation, Domestic commitments/issues,

Personal physical and mental health, Criminal Record Bureau check; o Useful qualifications, interests and transferable skills Communications skills, ICT

skills, Sports, Music, Drama, Teamwork etc.

• How/where to applyGTTR, SCITT, Teach First, School Direct, School Direct (salaried),

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Essentials (at least for us)Complete and accurate personal detailsTelephone/email contact details [have answerphone]

Interview availability (or lack of) notedAppropriate choice of sequence [if not 1st , why not?]

Accurate description of qualifications ideally all in place [NARIC checked if from overseas]

Good personal statement detailing observation in 1st section; [work experience = employment, in 2nd part]

Supportive reference from appropriate referee

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Useful (for every application)Early application - closure dates, competition

Informed choice – 2013 GTTR process is sequentialDon’t mix Primary and Secondary choices or 2 subjects

Transferable skills - prior experience, interests

School community skills - music, drama, sport, pastoral

[Home or EU student fee status - raising possibility of student loans and support funding]

Readiness for interview - or clear indication if/when not

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Worried about Subject Knowledge?The DfE funds courses to develop competence and confidence in subject knowledge and understanding for those not fully qualified; currently funded up to £200/week but only

in priority shortage subjects. These are called Enhancement coursese.g. many of our student teachers have doneMathematics, Physics and Chemistry 12 units/ 24 weeks, January to Junee.g. we help run the South West London MEC, contribute to UEL’s PEC; they run CEC

French and German – 6 units/3 months, Summer term and Summer months(not run at St Mary’s, but students join our PGCE having done them elsewhere)

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics possibly 2 units /4 weeks: We run these at St Mary’s or in partnership with other organisations/providers

Conditional offers for PGCE places are necessary to be eligible for these SKE courses .We like them, many successful teachers trained with us after them! Some other providers are less keen, only considering those with appropriate degrees. SKE courses may cease being funded after 2013. We await news!

Current BURSARIES(news announced October 2012 for Sep 2013 entry)

High priority specialisms

Medium Priority specialisms

Non-priority secondary

Outstanding potential (1st)

£20 000 £ 9000* £ 0

Good potential (2.1)

£15 000 £4000* £ 0

Satisfactory potential (2.2)

£12 000 £ 0 £ 0

Examples MathematicsPhysicsChemistryModern Languages

English, Geography, History, Computer Science, Latin, Greek, Music, Biology and Physical Education; Primary* (+£2000 for Maths if qualified)

All other Secondaryincluding Religious Education; Business Education

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Other issues to considerEthos of training provider Support available

Quality of training provider Ofsted reports, student satisfaction

Training provider requirements Degree class, observation

Location of partner schools Employment prospects

Accommodation for post-graduates, if not at home

Transport convenience of access when at provider/schools

Facilities Library, ICT, catering, social, religious, access to tutors

Personal domestic circumstances(e.g. finances, childcare, full-time v. part-time, etc. )

Why St Mary’s? (1)Ofsted inspections recognise quality:-The only London provider with both phases grade 1“Outstanding” Grade 1 on every cell for PGCE

Secondary March 2011“Outstanding” Grade 1 for PGCE Primary March

2011. “The calibre of the training in the College and its schools is exceptional”

PGCE(S) Mathematics 2001

For Secondary, training over the whole 11-18 age range; ideally giving everyone some post-16 classroom experience if they wish RNV 2012 SMUC

Why St Mary’s (2)Over 150 years of experience in training teachersValuing of diversity of cultures, ages, faiths,

ethnicities & abilities of students recruitedCaring, supportive, collaborative approach from

staff and between studentsStrong links with many partner schools all over

London and SE England; Strong commitment to trainee support both while in

College and on school experienceSupport to help you become an excellent reflective

practitioner including via Master’s level assessmentRNV 2012 SMUC

Latest good news for applicants here• “St Mary’s University College, Twickenham is the

top ranked institution for Asian (33%), Black (21%) and White (47%) students within the London nucleus.”

• “St Mary’s appear in top ten in each nationally”. Professor John Howson TDA presentation Feb 2012

These data are for the conversion of applications into acceptances on PGCE Secondary courses.

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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)• QTS is necessary to teach in the compulsory maintained

sector in England:- i.e. in state schools for pupils under 16.

• QTS gets awarded at the end of a teacher training course, for those successful, but an induction year, (normally in a school and in the state sector) is necessary to confirm QTS. This enables international recognition as a teacher (and ensures a minimum salary if teaching in state schools in England).

• N.B. Many countries outside England & Wales also expect a formal academic qualification, e.g. a PGCE and some credits of a Master’s degree, for recognition in their systems. Other routes into teaching may therefore not be recognised outside this country.

• Academies are not required to employ qualified teachers or to provide induction. The same is true of Independent and Free schools.

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Which courses at St Mary’s?PGCE Secondary 11-18 (full-time)• Computer Science** (CS) • Geography** (GG)• Mathematics * (MA)• Modern Languages * (ML)

[especially French , German, but also Spanish, Italian]

• Physical Education** (PE) • Religious Education ^(RE)• Science with Biology ** (SC) • Science with Chemistry * (SC)• Science with Physics * (SC)

PGCE Secondary courses at St Mary’s are all assessed 11-16, with possible extension to 18 dependent on school experiences)

* These courses get up to £20000 bursary(for a 1st); £15000 for 2.1; £12000 for 2.2 ** These courses get up to £9000 bursary if holding 2.1 degree or above ^Currently not due to be awarded a bursary

PGCE Primary** 4-11, (full-time)

PGCE Primary** 4-11, (part-time)April-December, 18 months later For primary; £2000 extra for those holding a

grade B or better at Mathematics A level

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Current estimated DfE Targets for Sep 13 coursesPGCE Primary FT 183 PT 31We filled all our places for September 2012 (and some reserves.)

PGCE Secondary ( all FT)CS 8 GG 17 MA 47

ML 23 PE 23 RE 16

SC 32 (Biology 6; Chemistry 13; Physics 13)

These are all subject to amendment.

Target 166. We recruited 153 for Sep12 (and some reserves.)

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Writing your personal statement 1. Check: Are you “personally and academically suited to the

teaching profession”? [in 21st century English state schools]

Am I ready to apply and to be interviewed? • Qualifications and subject knowledge • Observation of the teacher role • Suitable referee• Other experiences with young people (of the right age range)• Other skills and talents• Awareness of requirements of provider choices• ?

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Writing your personal statement 2. • Key Issues for the first part (a) of the personal statement :

“Describe briefly your reasons for wanting to teach, giving the relevance of your previous education and experience , including teaching, visits to schools, and other work with young people.”

• Why do I want to teach? (Children, in this phase, this subject)

• Am I making an informed decision? (How do I know? What appropriate qualifications do I have? How familiar am I with the daily job of a teacher in my phase/subject, and on what school observation is this familiarity based? What did I learn on my observation visits?)

• What are the qualities of a good teacher? Which do I have?

Of what challenges am I aware? Am I well prepared for these? How?

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Writing your personal statement 3.If there’s room for more in the first part of the personal statement:•What do I know of the roles of teachers other than as subject specialist (pastoral and extra-curricular) roles? What can I contribute to be a member of a school community?

•In which National Curriculum (school) subjects do I have strong knowledge? What am I doing to update my subject knowledge? To which other school subjects can I make a contribution?

•Have I other relevant knowledge/skills, or recent experience with young people (even if a different age range, or abroad), or teaching adults ? Am I ready to teach (whole classes) ?•What are my numeracy and literacy skills? Are there any issues with regard to my qualifications, Criminal Record Bureau check, Health, a disability, personal circumstances, ability to take skills tests, …

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Writing your personal statement 4.• Key issues for the second part (b) of the personal statement: “Give details of work experience with job titles and dates, including any periods spent abroad and present occupation if any”

NB Interpret “work experience” here as employment…

• What other relevant work experience with young people do I have, especially in the age phase in which I wish to teach?Youth work, Summer camps, Sports coaching, Religion school, Scouts, Language school

• What transferable skills have I from other work experience (employment) ? (These should be skills gained, relevant to teaching.)communication skills, organisational skills, team work, diligence, perseverance, IT skills, presentation or managerial skills, etc.

Teaching Agency website for ITTSee this site for more details of bursaries, routes, skills tests, help with application and interviews, and information about

School Direct training (25% bonus on bursary if in a school with over 35% of pupils on free school meals; mainly for shortage subjects)

School Direct (salaried) (replaces GTP; for career changers with 3 years work experience only; possible 25% bonus as above)

Institute of Physics Scholarships

School Experience Programme

Premier Plus

http://www.dfe.gov.uk/get-into-teachingRNV 2012 SMUC

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St Mary’s University College

Any questions?PGCE Secondary: contact Bob Vertes bobv@smuc.ac.uk

PGCE Primary: contact Trish Lee leep@smuc.ac.uk

www.smuc.ac.uk www.dfe.gov.uk/get-into-teaching TIL 0800 389 2500

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THANK YOU FOR COMING TODAYLet us know if and how we can be of further help

We hope to see you on the PGCE course at St Mary’s• If you liked today’s session, please tell your friends• If you didn’t, please tell us (suggest how we could improve it)

Ambassadors now training as teachers at St Mary’s , contact themElainem142@gmail.com Elaine Maher Maths PGCE after MEC (Ireland)Laura Jackson laura@jackson4.co.uk Geography PGCE (RHUL)Guy.Shore.2009@live.rhul.ac.uk Science with Biology PGCE (RHUL) kaufmann_regula@hotmail.com Regula Kaufmann ML PGCE (Westminster)rachael_mcloughlin@yahoo.co.uk PGCE ML (Surrey)