Whether you’re a career changer, thinking about starting a BEd or you’re planning on taking the PGCE route you’ll find lots of advice here. Charlie Taylor will answer new topics containing "Dear Charlie" in the subject.
Hi Dan
It is very impressive to see that you have put so much thought into your career change and are already arranging the vital classroom experience. Children need role models from all walks of life and men are currently under-represented in primary schools. You would also be able to use the skills you have gained during your career in the classroom. Primary school teachers are expected to have knowledge across the curriculum and, although teachers do hold a range of different subject degrees, they would need to demonstrate how it related to the primary syllabus. If you haven't done so already, have a look at the curriculum yourself (www.education.gov.uk/curriculum) to see how the studies you have completed in your business studies HND relate to the primary syllabus. I would think that there is a lot of maths and ICT in there.
As the decision either to top up your degree or begin another degree is such an important one, it would certainly be worthwhile speaking to teacher training course providers even at this early stage to get their opinion as they make the final decision on suitability. In order to further strengthen your application, try to get as much experience as you can and it is always a good idea to note your observations in a journal so that you can use the experience in your application.
Have a look at the teacher training routes on www.teach.gov.uk. You will see that there are university-based and employment-based routes. Good luck with your application and I wish you a successful teaching career.
Stephen Hillier, TDA
I don't want to p*** on your parade, but before you do ANYTHING that involves spending money going in to teaching or giving up another job, especially when you have a young family, pop on to the job seekers forum. What the government don't tell you is that there are far more teachers than there are jobs at the moment, with potentially hundreds chasing each position.
and bear in mind that the university lecturers have to fill their course to pay their wages, so of course they will advise what a good decision you have made!
I wonder if you have actually spent anytime in a comprehensive since you left school?
All I can say is that I have been asked several times by Maths Bsc students, whether to become a teacher? Every one has received the same answer "go and take a look in a local school". In every case, the decided not to bother and went into accountancy or some other well paid profession.
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