New teachers in Scotland get together in the TES Scotland Probationers Group to discuss career options, to give jobseeking advice and to share their experiences. This is also the place to find a shoulder to cry on if you’re having a tough time.
You don't have to be Catholic to do the course, and you don't have to be Catholic to teach in a catholic school...you DO have to have the Catholic teaching certificate though. I got mine through my Post Graduate course at Glasgow uni...but I am not Catholic but get lots of supply work in Catholic schools. It's very useful x
Hi. I've also considered doing this course and signed up for it last year. The application form makes an assumption that you're catholic and asks for a reference from your local priest. As a committed christian (CoS), I got my minister to testify that I'm of good character etc. If you are a non-christian or non-religious person I would imagine that a professional person would need to testify that you're an ok person (have good morals etc) I didn't go ahead with the course as I'm not that sure that I'm that confortable the whole 'catholic school' thing. I'm still sitting on the fence even although have have worked in both types of school. I have come across people being appointed to posts as they have this certificate, which is the only reason I would wish to obtain it - this doesn't sit well with my values just how far will I go to get a permie job?
Hi guys
Just to clarify for you - you do NOT need a Catholic teaching certificate to teach in a Catholic school, as long as you are not teaching Religious Studies. What you do need is approval from whichever Diocese governs the school you plan to teach in. That is really straightforward - have a look at the Scottish Catholic Education Service website and there are guidelines and downloadable forms which you need completed and signed by a referee - this can be a representative of your own church, if appropriate, or someone like a promoted teacher who holds a Catholic teaching certificate.
The difference between the two is that the teaching certificate is an optional qualification which allows you to teach core Religious Studies in all schools, whilst Catholic approval is simply a letter stating that the Diocese approves your appointment to the position in the particular school - without which the school cannot employ you. The approval is free of charge and doesn't involve any course or extra studying - but is definitely compulsory!
Hope this helps. I should add this is from a secondary perspective, not sure about primary.
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