Hi!
If you’re reading this, I’m presuming you’re either already training, an educator, or seriously considering teaching as a career. For the former groups, forgive me if I’m stating the obvious, but I had a bit of task with the application process, so this post is for those considering applying.
First, if you want to study for your PGCE, you need to apply through the GTTR. This is the teaching equivalent of UCAS. However, unlike UCAS, you can’t send your application to all your university courses and wait for them.
There are two things with GTTR 1) You can only choose four universities and 2) You have to prioritise your choices. GTTR will then send your application to one university at a time, in your order of preference. You then have to wait for a response from one university before the next receives your application. (This is the norm anyway. You can, of course, withdraw your application from a university at any point).
Where to apply?
Regardless of whether or not you have particular universities in mind before you begin applying, take advantage of GTTR’s course search facility. It will show you where there are vacancies, along with providing you with the course details and codes that need to be put in your application.
Alongside GTTR facilities, use course fairs and the university’s website to research the course you want, and the local area.
Be Prepared
Your actual application is crucial. You need to make it stand out from the crowd, because there will be hundreds of people applying. Before you start, this is what you’ll need:
1) The permission, and contact details of two referees. Ideally they will be your tutor or employer.
2) Results. Have your exam results (A-Level and GCSE , or equivalent). You will have to submit a lot of results.
3) Ideas. There will be a series of ‘personal statement’ type things to write. The pages for these time out after about 30 minutes, so it’s probably best to either have them pre-written, or to type them elsewhere first. Then just copy & paste.
4) This is less of a ‘before you start’ and more of a ‘take note’. Before being sent to your universities, GTTR will request a payment.
If you’re reading this, I’m presuming you’re either already training, an educator, or seriously considering teaching as a career. For the former groups, forgive me if I’m stating the obvious, but I had a bit of task with the application process, so this post is for those considering applying.
First, if you want to study for your PGCE, you need to apply through the GTTR. This is the teaching equivalent of UCAS. However, unlike UCAS, you can’t send your application to all your university courses and wait for them.
There are two things with GTTR 1) You can only choose four universities and 2) You have to prioritise your choices. GTTR will then send your application to one university at a time, in your order of preference. You then have to wait for a response from one university before the next receives your application. (This is the norm anyway. You can, of course, withdraw your application from a university at any point).
Where to apply?
Regardless of whether or not you have particular universities in mind before you begin applying, take advantage of GTTR’s course search facility. It will show you where there are vacancies, along with providing you with the course details and codes that need to be put in your application.
Alongside GTTR facilities, use course fairs and the university’s website to research the course you want, and the local area.
Be Prepared
Your actual application is crucial. You need to make it stand out from the crowd, because there will be hundreds of people applying. Before you start, this is what you’ll need:
1) The permission, and contact details of two referees. Ideally they will be your tutor or employer.
2) Results. Have your exam results (A-Level and GCSE , or equivalent). You will have to submit a lot of results.
3) Ideas. There will be a series of ‘personal statement’ type things to write. The pages for these time out after about 30 minutes, so it’s probably best to either have them pre-written, or to type them elsewhere first. Then just copy & paste.
4) This is less of a ‘before you start’ and more of a ‘take note’. Before being sent to your universities, GTTR will request a payment.
Personal Statement
This is the bit where you get to shine! This is where universities get a sense of the real you. And you get the chance to show off. This is the place for the ‘buzz words’, and your skills. You can also use this space to express your interest in teaching. Why you want to teach etc.
In addition to your personal statement, you will be asked to write about your work experience. Please don’t just list your jobs. Do, discuss you role in your previous employment, your duties and what you learnt from your time there.
Most of all: it doesn’t matter what you write if it can’t be understood. Do Do Do proof read! (See, I’m a teacher already).
What Next?
Once you’ve done your bit, your application will be sent to your first referee. You need to wait for him/her to write the reference and submit it to GTTR before you can do anything else. Once GTTR has received the reference, they will inform you and request payment from you. After you’ve paid, your application will be whizzed off to Uni #1. You can track your application through the GTTR, and they’ll inform you whenever its status changes (for example, if you’re offered an interview, a place, or declined; or if the university needs more time to make its decision).
Some Advice:
Don’t be negative. Focus on your strengths. If you have areas to work on, you can bring them up at interview.
Do submit your application early. There is a very early cut-off point for primary PGCE applications (check GTTR). Secondary PGCE have until the summer prior to their course starting. However, applications open from September, and competition is fierce! My rule is, to give your application the best chance, have it done and paid for by Christmas at the latest.
Do try to get some work experience within a school environment. Preferably before you send in your application; but before starting the course is fine. School experience is incredibly valuable. Plus, it’ll give you something else to talk about at your interview.
Best of luck with your applications. And if you do get stuck, there is an abundance of help on the GTTR website.
This is the bit where you get to shine! This is where universities get a sense of the real you. And you get the chance to show off. This is the place for the ‘buzz words’, and your skills. You can also use this space to express your interest in teaching. Why you want to teach etc.
In addition to your personal statement, you will be asked to write about your work experience. Please don’t just list your jobs. Do, discuss you role in your previous employment, your duties and what you learnt from your time there.
Most of all: it doesn’t matter what you write if it can’t be understood. Do Do Do proof read! (See, I’m a teacher already).
What Next?
Once you’ve done your bit, your application will be sent to your first referee. You need to wait for him/her to write the reference and submit it to GTTR before you can do anything else. Once GTTR has received the reference, they will inform you and request payment from you. After you’ve paid, your application will be whizzed off to Uni #1. You can track your application through the GTTR, and they’ll inform you whenever its status changes (for example, if you’re offered an interview, a place, or declined; or if the university needs more time to make its decision).
Some Advice:
Don’t be negative. Focus on your strengths. If you have areas to work on, you can bring them up at interview.
Do submit your application early. There is a very early cut-off point for primary PGCE applications (check GTTR). Secondary PGCE have until the summer prior to their course starting. However, applications open from September, and competition is fierce! My rule is, to give your application the best chance, have it done and paid for by Christmas at the latest.
Do try to get some work experience within a school environment. Preferably before you send in your application; but before starting the course is fine. School experience is incredibly valuable. Plus, it’ll give you something else to talk about at your interview.
Best of luck with your applications. And if you do get stuck, there is an abundance of help on the GTTR website.
Hey, I just read this on a break from my Gender essay.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly useful especially knowing that i have considered teaching since high school but have been put off by the competition and the application process.
Your writing style is easy to read and keeps your attention too which is always a winner :)
Can't wait for the next post
Much love
x x x
Thank you so much. If you're still considering teaching, don't let the application process put you off.
DeleteThe next post will be coming soon. It'll be all about interviews.
Hope your essay is going well.