| Elaine DCE Student - I want to be a primary school teaching in the foundation but I haven’t go a science GCSE - can I still do the course? |
| Teaching consultant – You will either need to get the GCSE or you will have to ask the provider that you are going to apply to give you an equivalence test or ask them if they accept tests from equivalencytesting.com who offer the tests for a fee. |
| Elaine DCE Student - how do I do the equivalence test? |
| Teaching consultant – You need to talk to your first choice provider and ask them if they either offer an equivalence test or are willing to accept others tests eg www.equivalencytesting.com |
| Dorothy - I am thinking about becoming a science teacher - please can you tell me the starting salary? |
| Teaching consultant – From 1 September 2008 a newly qualified teacher (NQT) can expect to start on a salary of at least £20,627 (£25,000 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have crossed the threshold rises to £35,121 outside London and £42,412 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for head teachers can rise to over £100,424 depending on size of school. |
| Dorothy - I only have one weeks classroom experience - should I get some more? |
| Teaching consultant – You really do need to get some classroom experience, (voluntary or paid). For primary a couple of weeks is a good guide. For secondary a day or two may be sufficient to secure an interview. It really depends on your insights and what you say about the experience so generally there is no definitive amount. However, some course providers do specify minimum amounts required at the time of application so do check this with your chosen providers. Without the experience, depending on your subject, you may be offered an interview conditional on getting into school beforehand. |
| Dorothy - And how should I detail my classroom experience on my application? |
| Teaching consultant – Training providers want to know why you will enjoy teaching and specifically why you will enjoy teaching your subject. Emphasise the relevance of your previous studies, career and experiences to the subject/age phase you have chosen for teacher training and include examples to illustrate these. Your school experience and other experience of working with children will be included here. |
| Dorothy - Would it be too late to apply for this year? |
| Teaching consultant – This depends on your subject: for maths and science and some other secondary subjects there are still some training places available, but I would advise you to submit your application as a matter of urgency. Applications for places are accepted up until the end of August including an accelerated process from 1 July. For most primary courses and secondary history Cctizenship and other non priority subjects you will have to apply this September for a place the following Sept as they will be full. |
| Rowena - I know that for primary, providers are keen to recruit men and those from ethnic minorities. Will you be at a disadvantage if you are white British women? |
| Teaching consultant – No there is no discrimination. Candidates who are men or from ethnic minorities are encouraged but are considered against the same criteria as white women. Everyone is considered if they have sufficient well considered experience, can demonstrate good communication skills and have the required relevant degree and GCSE's. |
| Dorothy - What will my interview be like? |
| Teaching consultant – Interviews usually take place over a full day and the training provider will let you know the programme for the day. You will be asked about your experience of working with young people, your commitment to teaching and your relevant knowledge and skills. The content of the day will vary according to the training route you have chosen. It is likely to include an individual interview and possibly group tasks such as group discussions, presentations and teaching mini-lessons. For secondary courses you may be asked to bring a portfolio showing your achievements in your subject. The aim of the day is for you and the interviewers to find out if teaching is right for you. There is a section on interview. including an interactive interview, on http://www.teach.gov.uk |
| Dorothy - What is a Golden Hello? |
| Teaching consultant – Eligible secondary school teachers in England who begin a PGCE/SCITT in maths or science in September 2007 can receive a golden hello (taxable) of £5,000 at the start of their second year in teaching mainly those subjects (on successful completion of the induction year). Similarly, teachers of Modern Languages, ICT, DT, RE, Music, English can receive a Golden Hello of £2,500. There are similar arrangements in Wales. |
| Dorothy - How do I find out more information? |
| Teaching consultant – If you would like to find out more about teaching as a career please register with the Teaching Information Line online at http://www.teach.gov.uk/register. This will allow us to send out information on the best routes into teaching for you. You can also register with the Teaching Information Line over the telephone on 0845 6000 991. |
| Dorothy - I have also heard about two year courses - is there any extra funding for those? |
| Teaching consultant – Some providers run two year PGCE courses. During the first year of your course, you will develop your subject knowledge of science and in the second year, you will undertake training to QTS. A bursary of £16,000 will be paid to eligible trainees over the two years of the programme. |
| Ted - How do I apply for a GTP place? |
| Teaching consultant – Entry to the GTP is often highly competitive and places are awarded to the strongest candidates. In England applications are handled by EBITTPs (employment-based teacher training providers) sometimes known as designated recommending bodies (DRBs). EBITTPs/DRBs are usually partnerships of schools, LEAs and accredited ITT Providers. They recruit candidates from their local area and should be your first point of contact when considering this route as they each have their own application procedures and deadline dates; see http://www.tda.gov.uk/ebrcontacts for your local contacts. Usually you will need to find a school willing to employ you as an unqualified teacher whilst you train. There is a dedicated phone line for GTP information 01245 454444. |
| Charlotte81 - While I train, what funding if any will I receive? |
| Teaching consultant – PGCE/SCITT trainees in England starting a course in September 2007 who are classed as home or EU are eligible to receive a tax-free training bursary. Trainees in maths, science, DT, ICT, Modern Languages, English, RE and music receive £9,000. Primary and all other secondary subjects receive £6,000. Similar bursaries are available in Wales. |
| Ted - How do I arrange to spend time in a school? |
| Teaching consultant – You really do need to get some classroom experience, (voluntary or paid). For primary a couple of weeks is a good guide. For secondary a day or two may be sufficient to secure an interview. It really depends on your insights and what you say about the experience so generally there is no definitive amount. However, some course providers do specify minimum amounts required at the time of application so do check this with your chosen providers. Without the experience, depending on your subject, you may be offered an interview conditional on getting into school beforehand. |
| Charlotte81 - I've heard on certain subjects you will receive a golden hello, what is this? |
| Teaching consultant – Eligible secondary school teachers in England who begin a PGCE/SCITT in maths or science in September 2007 can receive a golden hello (taxable) of £5,000 at the start of their second year in teaching mainly those subjects (on successful completion of the induction year). Similarly, teachers of modern languages, ICT, DT, RE, music, English can receive a golden hello of £2,500. There are similar arrangements in Wales. |
| Charlotte81 - Could you please expand on what a PGCE actually is? |
| Teaching consultant – A PGCE is a Post Graduate Certificate of Education which you can take any time after completing your first degree It normally lasts one year and at the end of the period you will enter teaching. You gradually take more responsibility as you progress through the year and develop your skills. It is a very supported year where you are mentored by the school and the provider. |
| Ted - I am looking to get into Physics teaching - how do I get into a Physics classroom? |
| Teaching consultant – There are several options open to you. You can spend a day visiting one of 500 open schools. You will see inside a modern classroom and observe lessons. You will see how much science teaching has changed since you were at school and this may help you decide if teaching is for you. The teaching information line on 0845 6000991 can arrange this for you or you may wish to arrange your own visit or volunteer in a school in your area. |
| Charlotte81 - Ok thanks for that, are there any other post graduate training routes I could consider? |
| Teaching consultant – Entry to the GTP is often highly competitive and places are awarded to the strongest candidates. In England applications are handled by EBITTPs (employment-based teacher training providers) sometimes known as designated recommending bodies (DRBs). EBITTPs/DRBs are usually partnerships of schools, LEAs and accredited ITT Providers. They recruit candidates from their local area and should be your first point of contact when considering this route as they each have their own application procedures and deadline dates; see http://www.tda.gov.uk/ebrcontacts for your local contacts. Usually you will need to find a school willing to employ you as an unqualified teacher whilst you train. |
| Charlotte81 - Great thanks, what sort of starting salary can I expect? |
| Teaching consultant – From 1 September 2008 a newly qualified teacher (NQT) can expect to start on a salary of at least £20,627 (£25,000 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have crossed the threshold rise to £35,121 outside London and £42,412 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for head teachers can rise to over £100,424 depending on the size of school. |
| Charlotte81 - Ok, would I need classroom experience before I apply? |
| Teaching consultant – You really do need to get some classroom experience, (voluntary or paid). For primary a couple of weeks is a good guide. For secondary a day or two may be sufficient to secure an interview. It really depends on your insights and what you say about the experience so generally there is no definitive amount. However, some course providers do specify minimum amounts required at the time of application so do check this with your chosen providers. Without the experience, depending on your subject, you may be offered an interview conditional on getting into school beforehand. |
| Charlotte81 - thanks...when writing my personal statement, what sort of information is important to include? |
| Teaching consultant – Training providers want to know why you will enjoy teaching and specifically why you will enjoy teaching your subject. Emphasise the relevance of your previous studies, career and experiences to the subject/age phase you have chosen for teacher training and include examples to illustrate these Your school experience and other experience of working with children will be included here. |
| Charlotte81 - One last thing...could you give me some insight into what the interview will be like? |
| Teaching consultant – Interviews usually take place over a full day and the training provider will let you know the programme for the day. You will be asked about your experience of working with young people, your commitment to teaching and your relevant knowledge and skills. The content of the day will vary according to the training route you have chosen. It is likely to include an individual interview and possibly group tasks such as group discussions, presentations and teaching mini-lessons. For secondary courses you may be asked to bring a portfolio showing your achievements in your subject. The aim of the day is for you and the interviewers to find out if teaching is right for you. There is a section on interview. including an interactive interview, on http://www.teach.gov.uk |
| Charlotte81 - How would I go about arranging to spend time in a school? |
| Teaching consultant – There are several options open to you. You may wish to arrange your own visit or volunteer in a school in your area or the Teaching Information Line (TIL) on 0845 6000991 can help organise a one day open Shool placement for you. You will see inside a modern classroom and observe lessons. You will see how much teaching has changed since you were at school and this may help you decide if teaching is for you. |
