Routes into Teaching

NTU Careers and PlacementsFeb 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

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.

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@pearson.com

• Use practice tests first. (see Teaching agency–professional 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 2:1 often required

•Some secondary subjects are also particulary competitive – currently PE, English.

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

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/Incentives

1 Trainee teachers in Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Computer sience 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

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.

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 0800 389 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

• Non–salaried – 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

• 2:1 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

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