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: skillstest@pearson.com

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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