Teachers/ PGCE/ teacher training people?

Hi there

 I've just found out that the OU are delaying the start date of my PGCE from Nov to Jan, and I'm really upset, I applied for this with plenty of time in June, and have done everything with plenty of time including finding my own placement. They say that because of the time it takes for them to do their paperwork I can't start in Nov now - which was the start date they gave me when I applied and attended interview. They also say that the average time to complete is 4 schools terms, which is longer than normal -not something I was particularly happy with but thought it was my best chance of getting qualified ASAP, (I have a lot of teaching experience from previous jobs - and a science PhD), but now I've lost faith that I'll even be "allowed" to complete it in that time. So I'm looking at other options really, does anyone know of other institutions with a Jan start date that provide the 1 year course? Any other suggestions gratefully received, as I'm very miserable about this, (especially as I left my job as it was making me so unhappy, and have no income at the moment).

Hi there, I recently completed mine but did mine through a university, I have not heard of anyone starting in Januray as the term ends in late april-june time. This has only happened a couple of times where people had already done one module and were picking up at the next which obviously started after the Christmas Trem.

Sorry I can not be of anymore help. Hope you manage to sort it out

x

Won't give you a start for this year but have you thought about the GTP? I've just started the course with the West London Partnership - although there are plenty of providers around. With previous teaching experience you might be able to complete it in 2 terms. Its on-the-job training too, so you'll be paid in school as an unqualified teacher.

PCGE SCITT courses tend to run from September to June. You might have more luck with GTP which has starts in September, January or April. You'll need to get a school to agree to taking you on but you should be able to find a ITT provider to help you in your area:  http://www.tda.gov.uk/partners/recruiting/ebr/drbs/ebittcontacts.

HTH

Thank you all. That's really helpful - I know it was a big ask. I've contacted my local EBITT so perhaps GTP will work, I have a school that I contacted and were willing to offer me a placement through the OU - so perhaps they would let me do it via a GTP (I'd even do it without the salary!)

Try your local council and ask about the GTP.  It's an employment based route and although the term has already started you may still be able to get on as your background is in a shortage subject, they may even find your school for you.  Good luck (I'm hoping to do the GTP next year)

Thanks essexmum, I was really keen on doing a GTP, but they seem to be very rare in my area. I've managed tp find a lovely school who willy (potentially - assuming they I interview ok) take me, and the OU have said if they can get the paperwork turned around in time I might still be able to start this year. So i'm really really hoping. 

I dont see why it would take you 4 terms to do it? The NA placement is only 2 weeks- if you worked full time on your modules then you could do it in 3- no problem. Ive found the modules tend to take me about half of the amount of time they say it takes (or maybe Im just a bit slapdash!).

The admin part of the ITT centre at the OU is CRAP - its taken about 2 months for me to get a letter to send to me LEA to get financial support- but once you are on the course you very rarely deal with them and just deal with your tutor and mentor at school. If the school are happy to have you then you can arrange your own timings for your placements.

The thing thats really peeing me off with the OU at the moment is that I wil finish my course in Nov and theoretically I will have completed my PGCE then. However, because the award board dosnt meet until Feb, I wont get QTS until March. Which means I am delayed in getting a job. PITA

Apart from the admin side of things, the course has been fantastic though, I couldnt recommend it enough.

magicool - thanks very much for your reply, I really appreciate that as I was losing hope in the OU. I have now (fingers crossed) found both of my placements and have my school interview next week, just hoping it goes well and then I can get on with things. Good to hear that the modules take you less time than they state - i did wonder about this, as they do seem to make a big deal of small things, and I was very over-prepared for the university interview! I have found the ITT centre to be pretty rubbish, but am really pleased with my potential schools and sooo looking forward to doing this!

I don't really have any advice to give other than good luck. I completed the GTP 4 years ago and found it amazing but any route into teaching is great because no matter how long it takes, it is the best job in the world!

Good luck Rah!

x 

Good luck with your interview this week!