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@pearson.com
• Use practice tests first. (see Teaching agency–professional
skills tests – literacy/numeracy test – practice materials)
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.
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Bursaries/Incentives for those who train in 2013/2014
Training
bursary
Physics
(1)
Modern
Language
s
Primary
maths
specialist.
(2)
Other
priority
secondary
(3)and
primary
Computer
science
2013/14
Chemistry
(1)
£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
0
0
0
£20,000
Maths
Trainee
with
first
Scholarship
£20,000
Bursaries/Incentives
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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
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 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
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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
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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
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