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

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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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