Routes into Teaching

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Routes into Teaching

• NTU Careers and Placements
• Feb 2013

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content of session

• an outline of routes into teaching
• how and when to apply
• basic academic and personal requirements
• other issues surrounding applications

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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
• School Direct
• SCITT
• Teach First

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PGCE University-based PGCE

• 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
• Apply via the GTTR ( Graduate Teacher Training
  Registry)
• www.gttr.ac.uk

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when to apply

• closing date 1st December for primary BUT GTTR
  sends applications to first choices from early
  October. (This year, from Oct 10th)
• 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 e g P.E, art, history.
• You must leave time for your referees to email
  references to GTTR, who will attach to your form
  before you can submit it.
• no deferred entry system

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additional points

• it is advisable to investigate the subject area
  you wish to teach on the National Curriculum
  website
• www.education.gov.uk/schools/teaching
• it is useful to do your homework on latest
  developments in education and around your
  subject.(e.g.Behaviour management ,phonics,
  literacy, SEND, national curriculum tests,
  assessment
• TES Fri, Guardian Tues, Independent Thurs,
• BBC Education website.
• DfE website.
• there are separate application procedures for
  teaching in Scotland and Northern Ireland (see
  relevant web sites)

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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) no science
  requirement for secondary
• 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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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.
  (Available now for registration)
• See Teaching Agency Professional skills tests
• Register to take skills test. Skills tests
  helpline is 0845 450
• Email skillstest_at_pearson.com
• Use practice tests first. (see Teaching
  agencyprofessional skills tests
  literacy/numeracy test practice materials)

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degree requirements

• 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. Examples of how 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

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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

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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?
• Not now or never

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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 - for Primary a 21 often
  required
• Some secondary subjects are also particulary
  competitive currently PE, English.

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Bursaries/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
21 15,000 15,000 6,000 4,000 4,000
22 12,000 12,000 0 0 0
Scholarship 20,000 0 0 0 20,000
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Bursaries/Incentives

• 1 Trainee teachers in Physics, Chemistry, Maths
  and Computer sience with a 21 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
• 2Trainees 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.
• 1,2,3 see table on previous slide

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courses at NTU

• PGCE Primary
• PGCE Secondary Specialisms
• Biology,
• Business Education,
• Chemistry,
• Computer Science and ICT,
• Design and Technology,
  Engineering,
• Maths,
• Music, Physics
• School Direct Training Programme
• School Direct Training Programme(salaried) A
  wide range of subject areas.

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School Direct

• Largely school based training. Schools should
  have the intention of employing the trainee but
  this is not a guarantee.
• Available in primary/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 [phone]
  2500
• Register Teaching Agency - sign up.- Do search
  of which schools still have vacancies

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School Direct (cont)

• 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
• 2 separate training options
• Nonsalaried aimed at at high quality
  graduates. Maybe 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 from a
consortium while completing placements at others.

• - apply to most SCITT partnerships via GTTR but
  one exception is Nottingham City Primary SCITT
• - gives QTS but does not necessarily award 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 same as PGCE

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Teach First

• two year leadership development programme based
  in challenging secondary schools
• 21 or above 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 in to primary schools
• Competitive salary
• Candidates need to to demonstrate relevant
  subject knowledge and the following
  competencies-
• Humility, respect and empathy, interaction,
  knowldedge, leadership, planning and organising,
  resilience, self-evaluation

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• Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
• 2012 was the last entry to this programme

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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 for example, 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 as QTS?
• Many will, but not all.
• (If intend to work abroad, many countries require
  PGCE in addition to QTS)

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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!

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work experience (2)

• Students in Classrooms organises a range of
  schemes working in schools
• www.ntu.ac.uk/studentsinclassrooms
• good work experience often makes the difference
  between success and failure in securing a place
  on a QTS programme
• NTU volunteering section- can offer voluntary
  work in schools
• You can set up your own placements/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/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.

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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 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

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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 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 Sector
  Teaching and Education - on www.prospects.ac.uk

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websites

• www.gttr.ac.uk GTTR
• www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
• Teaching Agency for school direct, national
  curriculum, QTS tests
• www.tes.co.uk Times Educational Supplement
• http//www.education.gov.uk
• Department for Education