General Information about Teaching

Michael Gove’s Letter Michael Gove released a letter to the TDA dated 31 January which indicates: I intend to work with the TDA over the coming year to reform and improve the teacher recruitment process Falling secondary rolls meaning we will need fewer secondary teachers

I have considered the value for money of offering bursaries to support teacher training. I believe it is right – in this time of fiscal restraint – to focus investment very rigorously where it is needed. To stop paying Golden Hellos Anyone starting PGCE teacher training from September 2012 will, in general, need to hold at least a second class first degree of a UK HEI or equivalent qualification.

PGCE Options at Canterbury Christ Church Primary (185 full-time places, 60 are Modern Foreign Languages – you need a good GCSE or AS level for MFL, final number of places for 2011 still to be confirmed) Full for Apply by December 2011 for 2012

Non Primary Programmes PGCE 7 – 14, and 14-19, up to 340 places on the full-time route Post-Compulsory (30 places) Recruitment may continue through to the early summer for some of these PGCEs but most fill by the end of the second term

How to Apply Primary, 7-14, and full- time routes apply electronically via the GTTR.

Direct Application for: PGCE Post Compulsory Primary – Part-Time and Modular PGCE Modular Access the forms via the website

GTTR Choices The form goes to each institution in order. The institution has time to make a decision - interview or reject. If you are rejected then the form is sent to the second choice - and so on.

Maths, English and Science GCSE National requirement that teachers have the equivalent of the GCSE Maths and English and Science for Primary and 7-14 age range Can take GCSE or institution test, but the Canterbury Christ Church test is not a GCSE. At Canterbury Christ Church the University Maths, English and Science tests do not give you a certificate for future use.

Content of First Degree Tutors look at this part of the form to judge if you are suitable. You need to prove that the percentage of study undertaken in the degree is sufficient. A second class degree classification is now needed

Primary PGCE The candidate has to prove that their degree is an appropriate foundation for the primary curriculum. Non-standard degrees include: Psychology, Economics, Law, Business Studies. Applicant needs to show a background in the area/specialism they want to teach.

PGCE 7-14, 11-18, We are looking for you to be able to prove that 50% of your degree is in the curriculum area that you want to teach.

Personal Statement We are looking for people who have considered why they want to be a teacher and can articulate this. Awareness of current issues in education Understand the positive values of teaching. Have had some recent relevant experience in a school – or FE College for PGCE Post Compulsory

Work Experience For Primary you need to have undertaken a few weeks work, if less than that you will struggle as you will be competing with Classroom Assistants amongst others. PGCE 7-14, and You should have been into at least one school. Post Compulsory. An understanding of how FE Colleges work.

Student Associate Scheme The scheme enables students to gain experience of teaching and learning with children before deciding if they would like to embark on a career in teaching and any professional education. The scheme combines three taught sessions, with a paid 15 day school placement (£40 a day). n/student-associate-scheme n/student-associate-scheme

Referees Your academic referee needs to know why you are applying for teaching. Second reference should be the Head teacher where you have had school experience. We would expect to see the second reference at interview.

The Interview Fail the interview and no matter how good the application form and the reference you will be rejected. The interview needs careful preparation especially for Primary PGCE and those subjects in which are very popular.

The Primary Interview Large group talk (40-50). Followed by smaller group interviews of five to nine people. No single interviews. Interviewed by a teacher (mentor) and University staff.

PGCE 7-14, and Group interview for an hour and a half (15 students) with 2/3 tutors and 2/3 school teachers. Followed by single subject interview (20 to 30 minutes).

Clearance Any offer is subject to medical clearance. All trainee teachers currently need to be checked and cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

School Experience If accepted onto a course you need to complete school experience which you arrange. Primary - two weeks PGCE 7-14, and 14-19, one week in a primary.

School Placement If you live in Canterbury the University tries to place you in, or close to the city. If you don’t live in Canterbury the University places them in a school unless a preference is stated. Wait until placement sorted until you decide where you are going to live as 2/3rds of the time is spent in school.

PGCE Post-Compulsory Subjects available: Art and Design Basic Skills Business and Administration; Sport, Leisure and Tourism; Humanities and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; Health and Care.

The Post Compulsory Sector includes all education and training following compulsory school education. Further Education and Tertiary Colleges Sixth Forms and Sixth Form Colleges Adult Education Centres

Qualified Teacher Status Those who obtain the PGCE will not be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) required for teaching in the compulsory sector. However, PGCE students may be recruited by schools and onto the graduate teacher scheme and may be subsequently granted QTS as a result of their additional learning and experience.

Entry Qualifications a degree or equivalent with a good academic record academic and/or industrial and commercial experience related to your chosen curriculum area can demonstrate involvement with young people or adults in the community