FORUMula1.com

[JamesD89]

What years would you be teaching?

Secondary level so from 11 years to 16, possibly 6th form too. Thankfully most schools only make you teach your specialist subject (in my case Physics) at the GCSE stage but technically you're meant to be able to teach all three sciences at that level.

The A Level stuff is where all my teachers fell down, they really knew less of it than we did. If you get a reputation for producing good A Level grades you can demand any wages you like, within reason anyway.

[racechick]

I contacted a local Catholic school last week which happens to be the best sixth form school in my area, asking if I could do some classroom observation ready for my PGCE application. I went for a visit today to organise things and was overwhelmed by the help they're offering.

They've suggest that I consider the Graduate Training Programme (GTP), meaning that I'd complete teacher training while working as an unqualified teacher at their school, so I wouldn't have to go back to university and I'd be paid. They're also suggesting that if I did this there may be a job waiting for me at the end, as one of their Physics teachers is retiring. They're going to help me with my PGCE application and personal statement, if I choose to go down that route. They've given me application forms to become a paid exam invigilator and a cover assistant. I'm allowed to go in whenever I want, for as long as I want to, observing and helping in lessons.

I only went to arrange some calssroom observation I figured I'd be out in 10 minutes but 2 hours later I left with my head spinning.

I've never been in a school like that in my life. They were the most unbelievebly helpful, enthusiastic and complementary people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. The other school I visted (my old secondary school) was very helpul to but at this school they're going out of their way for me, in every way possible. I'm a little shell shocked by it all.

Go for it Amanda!! Teaching(despite the onorous amounts of paperwork!!! )is very rewarding! Its great you've got a school supporting you and letting you get experience. Just check out that the GTP course you are considering gives you an actual PGCE qualification and not just qualified teacher status. For working in this country it probably doesnt matter too much but some countries insist on PGCE.
Im a teacher and we have PGCE students in my school. Also someone close to me is also applying to do a PGCE so ive been lookng in to the different courses.

[Gaz]

I contacted a local Catholic school last week which happens to be the best sixth form school in my area, asking if I could do some classroom observation ready for my PGCE application. I went for a visit today to organise things and was overwhelmed by the help they're offering.

They've suggest that I consider the Graduate Training Programme (GTP), meaning that I'd complete teacher training while working as an unqualified teacher at their school, so I wouldn't have to go back to university and I'd be paid. They're also suggesting that if I did this there may be a job waiting for me at the end, as one of their Physics teachers is retiring. They're going to help me with my PGCE application and personal statement, if I choose to go down that route. They've given me application forms to become a paid exam invigilator and a cover assistant. I'm allowed to go in whenever I want, for as long as I want to, observing and helping in lessons.

I only went to arrange some calssroom observation I figured I'd be out in 10 minutes but 2 hours later I left with my head spinning.

I've never been in a school like that in my life. They were the most unbelievebly helpful, enthusiastic and complementary people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. The other school I visted (my old secondary school) was very helpul to but at this school they're going out of their way for me, in every way possible. I'm a little shell shocked by it all.

You must of made a really good impression with them they sound really eager to get you working there as soon as possible.

Its good that even offered to help you with your PGCE also though.

I know its not the same but if i'd of gone to Uni to do Computer Science Degree i don't think i'd be as far down the road as a i am now with my Career than taking the path of doing on the job training and courses.

I feel I've learnt far more on the job than i would of sitting in a classroom.

Which is weird since you might find you learn far more sitting in a classroom, then you would...sitting in a classroom..

[texasmr2]

Best wishes and good luck from Texas!

[Amanda]

Best wishes and good luck from Texas!

Right back at ya. How's police academy going Captain?

[darwin dali]

Best wishes and good luck from Texas!

Right back at ya. How's police academy going Captain?

Official progress report

[texasmr2]

Best wishes and good luck from Texas!

Right back at ya. How's police academy going Captain?

It is going great other than sustaining a knee/tendor issue in my right leg but I have tripled my pushup and situp count. I must go see the doctor this week about my knee, thank god we cadets are insured through the university.

Thanks for asking,
Gregg

[7UpJordan]

Best wishes and good luck from Texas!

Right back at ya. How's police academy going Captain?

It is going great other than sustaining a knee/tendor issue in my right leg but I have tripled my pushup and situp count. I must go see the doctor this week about my knee, thank god we cadets are insured through the university.

Thanks for asking,
Gregg

Good to hear that - apart from your knee issue - everything is going well.

[Amanda]

Best wishes and good luck from Texas!

Right back at ya. How's police academy going Captain?

It is going great other than sustaining a knee/tendor issue in my right leg but I have tripled my pushup and situp count. I must go see the doctor this week about my knee, thank god we cadets are insured through the university.

Thanks for asking,
Gregg

I hope the knee recovers quickly for you but it sounds like you're keeping on top of things despite that hindrance.

[texasmr2]

Thanks for the support .

[Selcouth_Feline]

Oooh, are you physics too? My timetable at Uni was horrid, I had more lectures in a day than many people had in a week

Did you do physics at Uni? I always wanted to but didn't think I was smart enough so opted for IT & computing instead. Still wish I did more physics All the teaching stuff sounds really positive....let us know how you get on!

[Amanda]

Oooh, are you physics too? My timetable at Uni was horrid, I had more lectures in a day than many people had in a week

Did you do physics at Uni? I always wanted to but didn't think I was smart enough so opted for IT & computing instead. Still wish I did more physics All the teaching stuff sounds really positive....let us know how you get on!

Yeah, I took Physics at Uni, just graduated this year.

You could always try a Physics course on the side if you really enjoy it, don't put yourself off by thinking it's too hard. Physics has a bad reputation for being difficult and, while it isn't exactly easy, if you really enjoy it and have a knack for maths you'd be fine. Oddly enough computing was the one thing I was terrible at during my course so, to me, your degree sounds far harder than mine.

[JamesD89]

Argh, don't mention computing. Please. That is one out of place topic in a physics degree.

[Amanda]

Argh, don't mention computing. Please. That is one out of place topic in a physics degree.

My computing project destroyed me and my christmas holidays last year.

[JamesD89]

How many years of it did you have to do? It was compulsory for first and second years and that was definitely too much.

All these European guys coming in having done it all before in their IB. It really isn't fair.