HDip/Post Grad Dip Offers 2009/2010?

Síle28

Hi, I applied to TCD and through the CAO (Maynooth first, then Galway) to start the Post Grad Dip in Education in Sept 09. Just wondering when CAO offers of places usually come out and when TCD get in touch about interviews as they also have an interview stage. Leaving the country in 2 weeks for 6 months or so, so having some idea of the dates would help re asking others to open my mail etc. Also, when do the TCD interviews take place and is it possible to arrange a phone interview as I will probably be abroad for when they are scheduled.

Thanks!

Sir Humphrey

PAC offers come out on 1st April usually.

I have no idea about TCD's interviews but presumably they would all occur well in advance of that date as I imagine they would be trying to have offers out at around the same time. I have heard of interviews for TCD being held as early as end January/early February in the past, so it is possible that anyone who applied could be facing an interview within 2/3 weeks if that is the case every year.

With the volume of applications that will be in for this course I'd be surprised if TCD would go down the route of a phone interview, but that's just a hunch and I wouldn't know.

laulabell

Hi all, just wondering if anyone else out there is waiting on dip offers this thursday?:eek:

delta_bravo

Yep. Hopefully April Fools day will be a happy one!

benji 09

Ya I was on the education posts website and someone on that told me the offers are out after 10 on thursday morning! Ahhh!!

I presume you get an email to check the status of our PAC account or does anyone know??

What subjects is everyone doing?:)

laulabell

Yes, if you click on the "check status" option on your PAC page that is where we will find offers..
So unbelievably nervous about this! Am I the only person??? Have ucc as 1st choice, so fingers crossed. ahhhhh.. will thursday ever come? the wait is far too long

Duffbeer

Have NUIG 1st, NUIM 2nd, UCD 3rd and last but not least UCC... My subjects are Geography and Greek & Roman Classics. Have a Masters in Health & Safety but no recognised subjects on the curriculum at the moment:(
Have an offer in Aberystwyth as a safety net but would prefer to stay on the island:D
Good luck all, its a nervy wait alright:eek:

Rosita

benji 09 wrote: »

Ya I was on the education posts website and someone on that told me the offers are out after 10 on thursday morning! Ahhh!!

I presume you get an email to check the status of our PAC account or does anyone know??

I had this (successful thankfully) wait this time last year. I was told by the PAC last year that the offers would be out after 10am but I checked around 9.15am and it was there at that stage.

Best advice I could give is just make a conscious decision not to check before a certain time as you'll drive yourself nuts. But you can be sure they'll be up quite soon after their phone lines open as they won't want to be plagued by phone calls.:)

Incidentally I got no email on the matter of change of status of the application. It was just a matter of checking.

The year absolutely flies - I find it hard to believe that the latest cohort for the PGDE is now on tenterhooks for the offers for next year!

laulabell

I have ucc 1st, ucd, nuim and nuig, actually messed up app as Dublin was last choice but I couldn't change as they are quite strict and in fairness, I would go anywhere given half the chance.. Been teaching in a school for 2 years now and its such a big step going back to college but obviously in my bests interests long term... This is my third time applying so I'm literally dying with nerves. Its nice to hear I'm not the only one

Duffbeer

Laurabell, can I ask how many points you have and what are your subjects? Hope its 3rd time lucky;)

laulabell

Not sure how many points I have, roughly around 46 I reckon which hopefully gets me in.. How about u Duffbeer?? Its funny because I don't remember ever being so concerned about something as much! I'm generally laid back but this entire process is killing me!:rolleyes:

laulabell

Also, my subjects are English and Spanish

Duffbeer

44 but its a lottery once they decide what subjects they want etc. Fingers crossed though. You have good subjects so thats a plus for you. Good luck and sure well be back here again Thursday....;)

laulabell

Yes we sure will, i'll prob be up at the crack of dawn although it makes no difference! Will log on regardless, on mid term this week so have way too much time on my hands! heres to Thursday!! Fingers and toes crossed

Avery

Waiting for this aswell. Have NUIM, UCD, NUIG and UCC as my order. Pretty nervous. Points would have got me in last year, but I feel I might get squeezed out if there is an increase in applications...ah well just have to wait and see. Best of luck to you all.

delta_bravo

I think i'm in around the 45-46 mark for points. Order is UCD, NUIM, UCC, NUIG for Geography & History. I hope the fact that this year that tp counts towards points hasnt caused an upsurge in applications. Only time will tell.

benji 09

Ya unfort my subjects are Business, Economics and Accounting I say unfortunately because there is a quota on the amount of these students they take in! For some reason I think Ive 42 points with a 2:1 Business Degree does anyone know?? and I also have a Masters which gives me 6 more points. Has anyone else those subjects? Ahhh roll on thur

Rosita

delta_bravo wrote: »

I hope the fact that this year that tp counts towards points hasnt caused an upsurge in applications. Only time will tell.

Thssi won't cause an upsurge in applications because teaching experience has always counted towards points. This will change for next year but this year is not different to any other year in this respect.

Rosita

Duffbeer wrote: »

44 but its a lottery once they decide what subjects they want etc. Fingers crossed though. You have good subjects so thats a plus for you. Good luck and sure well be back here again Thursday....;)

As someone currently doing the PGDE I have no reason to believe your subjects makes any difference to being accepted for the course once you fulfil the basic criterion of having a secondary curriculum subject to degree level.

It seems bizarre that there is no connection between intake of trainee teachers and actual on-the-ground requirements in schools but apart from the business degree quota that seems to be the case.

'Good subjects' come into play only where subsequent employability is concerned.

Plumella

I am also waiting eagerly for Thursday, and I have taken the day off work .......:rolleyes:

I am like you Benji 09, Accounting, Economics and Business Studies. I have 52 points with UCD as first choice (but regret that now as I hear its a tough location to get to...) then Maynooth.

If I do get a place I have no idea where to even start looking for placements....anyone got there letters / CVs ready?!

Does anyone know how hard it is to get teaching practice in schools?

Good luck everyone!

mariaf24

Does anyone have any idea of what the points will be for UCC?
I'm not applying but have BA... Just wanted to wish ye all luck.
What's for you won't pass you by

Dionysus

Plumella wrote: »

If I do get a place I have no idea where to even start looking for placements....anyone got there letters / CVs ready?!

Does anyone know how hard it is to get teaching practice in schools?

There is a list of all post-primary schools in Ireland on the internet - and when you are given the offer you will also be given a list of those schools. Don't wait for the post for that list - get the online version today.
Have your preferred school in mind. Call into it on Thursday morning - no later. Get the school under your belt asap. That's what I did last year and got it. I also went to a number of other schools just to cover myself. It was four weeks later that my PGDE school officially offered me the position (following a formal 40 minute interview), and on the same day another school offered me it. Keep your options open. The previous year in contrast I went looking in July and there was nothing so I ended up putting the PGDE on the long finger for a year.

I would also research the schools that you're visiting. The one I wanted to teach in I simply had the name of a former student and I got the name of the principal and vice-principal by asking one of the students on the way in. I was able to knock on the door, address the person in question and start talking. They like when you have a connection/link of some sort.

Avery

Out of interest Dionysus, what has been your experience of the teaching placement?

Do you take classes as their sole teacher for a subject, or do you "share" with another teacher? How many hours do you work in the school, and is this every day before college?

delta_bravo

Dionysus wrote: »

Have your preferred school in mind. Call into it on Thursday morning - no later. Get the school under your belt asap. That's what I did last year and got it. I also went to a number of other schools just to cover myself. It was four weeks later that my PGDE school officially offered me the position (following a formal 40 minute interview), and on the same day another school offered me it. Keep your options open. The previous year in contrast I went looking in July and there was nothing so I ended up putting the PGDE on the long finger for a year.

Thanks for the info. I always thought that if you couldnt find a school UCD or whatever college would do their best to source one for you? Are you saying if you cant find a school yourself you would have to concede the place on the pgde?

road_high

Just wondering are the points like to rise much this year? They seem to hover around the 42/3 mark?

Duffbeer

That all depends on numbers...numbers applying and the amount of points they have. Competition is tough most years from what I gather. As this is my 1st year applying it is a totally new experience for me aswell. Praying that they accept me with 44... Good luck to all of you.

Blinking_Badger

Think I have 48 points, have applied to NUIG then Cork, Dublin and finally Maynooth. Subjects are Biology & Science. Hoping to God I get an offer.

C'mon Thursday!!!!!!

Best of luck to everyone :pac:

benji 09

Plumella do you mind me asking you say you have 52 points is that from teaching practice or have you a masters etc??

Do you know what the points for business was last year i read somewhere that it was 47?!

Dreading thursday!

laulabell

So happy to hear other people are dreading this as much as me.. Remember schools are on mid term until the 12th of April so the likelihood of getting your placement before then is slim as principals etc are also on hols..
I've been teaching full time in a school and to be honest I wish I was working this week as I'm am not enjoying this wait.. Panic stations all round :eek:
I really hope everyone gets what they are hoping for, another 24 hours til we know..

Dionysus

Avery wrote: »

Out of interest Dionysus, what has been your experience of the teaching placement?

Do you take classes as their sole teacher for a subject, or do you "share" with another teacher? How many hours do you work in the school, and is this every day before college?

I have eight classes a week, covering three subjects. I am the sole teacher for all of these subjects. The students are all first years, as it's a policy in this particular school to allow PGDE students to teach 1st years alone. I set the Christmas exam for one of these subjects, while the other two set by my co-operating teachers. I grade all exams. In addition, I set and correct the monthly exams for two of the subjects, and don't bother giving a monthly exam in the third. I also attended the Parent-Teacher meeting to give feedback to parents of the 70 students whom I teach.

In addition to these classes I take supervision classes, for when other teachers do not turn up. They pay for this, and I can end up supervising classes from any year. The school is fairly cool and all PGDE students are treated like full members of staff - attending parties, functions, dinners etc - except for not being paid.


It's important to get the right school, and that means getting a placement sooner rather than later. Making sure it is near your college makes your life easier.

delta_bravo

Can any of ye get on the PAC site? I get a message saying 'You are not authorized to view this page
The Web server you are attempting to reach has a list of IP addresses that are not allowed to access the Web site, and the IP address of your browsing computer is on this list. '

Perhaps its being updated now?

Duffbeer

Saw that earlier alright. Looking like the wheels are in motion and santas little helpers are working hard all through the night to get the prezzies out tomorrow morning!:D

Looks like its being updated alright!

Dionysus

delta_bravo wrote: »

Thanks for the info. I always thought that if you couldnt find a school UCD or whatever college would do their best to source one for you? Are you saying if you cant find a school yourself you would have to concede the place on the pgde?

Yeah, that's what I was told after I had withdrawn from the course in 2008-2009. I wouldn't bank on it, although apparently that is what happens. Moreover, the sooner you go school hunting the more options you'll have of being placed in a school within walking distance of UCD. If you expect UCD to fix you up in a place it will probably be in a school far from UCD as PGDE students would naturally have gone to the ones close to the college first and its quota of PGDE students would have been reached by September.

Rosita

I remember this from last year all right. The site was inaccessible for some time before the 1st April. The only other advice I would give at this stage is that you are wasting your time checking before tomorrow morning.

Duffbeer

It's back in action now...(PAC) they must be having an early lunch!:D

awny

DOes anyone know how exactly to get the offers??? And how can you tell if your application has been processed??? i had to wait for the teaching council to access my degree before PAC get process it. Got my letter last mon and sent to in... PAC told me id receive an email to say my status had changed and thats how id know... but i actually received an email bout that on 1st March! So is there anyway i can get myself??? Im sick with nerves before tomoro!!!

awny

sorry meant to say is there anyway i can check that its been processed myself???

Duffbeer

JUST EMAILED FROM PAC!

The first round of provisional offers will now be issued on or after 06 April 2010. Apologies for the delay.

DISASTER HAVING TO WAIT!!

Avery

Got that just there aswell...pretty annoying alright. The wait continues.

benji 09

I got an email from PAC but I am unable to access it what does it say??? Or did anyone else get one!

laulabell

OH MY GOD Sickened we have to wait another week, its a joke! Do they not realise the stress! Thought I'd know my fate this time tomorrow one way or the other! There goes another weeks peaceful sleeping:mad:

laulabell

The countdown is on:eek:

peanuthead

Congrats and commiserations in advance!!

anyone looking for Maynooth?

laulabell

Maynooth is on the list alright but would be thrilled to get Cork... Scratch that, I'd be thrilled to get any offer! An awful lot depends on tomorrow. Is this your first time applying?

peanuthead

laulabell wrote: »

Maynooth is on the list alright but would be thrilled to get Cork... Scratch that, I'd be thrilled to get any offer! An awful lot depends on tomorrow. Is this your first time applying?

I applied last year, first time and got accepted to Maynooth. I'm actually sitting at the computer right now doing 5 assignments!! :eek::eek:

It's an awful workload. I'm sure you've heard that but it really is. Get as much cash together as you can (if cash is a problem for you that is) during the summer.

Any questions just ask! And good luck

laulabell

Oh your so lucky, your almost finished now! I finish up in school in June so unfortunately won't have any income during the summer but I figure a loan would be an investment!
Was Maynooth your first choice last year?

peanuthead

laulabell wrote: »

Oh your so lucky, your almost finished now! I finish up in school in June so unfortunately won't have any income during the summer but I figure a loan would be an investment!
Was Maynooth your first choice last year?

Yeah I live in Dublin so it was between NUIM, UCD or Trinity. NUIM was the best when I factored in distance, petrol, hours in school and just overall timetable.

I'm delighted I ended up in Maynooth. Was my first choice. Workload is heavier in NUIM but in my opinion it's a better standard of course (just my opinion!!!!)

You hear a lot about the workload and it is tough. But it's not said enough how enjoyable the course is, and I have to say, it's been hell and I probably wouldn't do it again, but I enjoyed it and I'm a wee bit sad it's nearly over!!

Oh and yeah this time next month we're finished lectures then just 3 exams. We are nearly finished but it seems like a month ago when we started! the time FLIES!!

laulabell

Well I hope your lucky enough to fall into a job in September. I have been extremely lucky with substitute work and haven't been out of work a day since I graduated with my degree...
Actually in a full time position now and if I had my dip I would prob have gotten the contract. Talk about timing!!!
Starting to feel jittery again now, I was gutted when I found out there would be a delay with the offers last week...

peanuthead

laulabell wrote: »

Well I hope your lucky enough to fall into a job in September. I have been extremely lucky with substitute work and haven't been out of work a day since I graduated with my degree...
Actually in a full time position now and if I had my dip I would prob have gotten the contract. Talk about timing!!!
Starting to feel jittery again now, I was gutted when I found out there would be a delay with the offers last week...

Hmmm... can they not hold onto the position for you? You could still teach some of the hours whilst doing the dip, and they could get a part-timer to fill in?? Maybe that wouldn't work.

Apparently there are supposed to be loads of jobs going in september, but I'm doubtful as to whether or not that's true.

laulabell

I might be able to keep my foot in the door if I get a place in Cork but they can't promise anything...
An awful lot of teachers are taking their retirement in the next 12 months, its all a case of right place right time really..
At least you will have your qualifications in the bag.:D
Do you know what the story is with offers, if you get offered your 3rd or 4th choice for example, is it possible u might get 1st or 2nd in the second round? and vice versa

peanuthead

laulabell wrote: »

I might be able to keep my foot in the door if I get a place in Cork but they can't promise anything...
An awful lot of teachers are taking their retirement in the next 12 months, its all a case of right place right time really..
At least you will have your qualifications in the bag.:D
Do you know what the story is with offers, if you get offered your 3rd or 4th choice for example, is it possible u might get 1st or 2nd in the second round? and vice versa

Yeah its possible.

In the first round, you are offered your 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice depending on 2 things:

1. The amount of points you have
2. The amount of people who have more points than you.

Say, for example, you have 42 points. Say its 41 for Cork and 40 for Maynooth.

In theory, you should get Cork, but if there are 150 people (saying for example that there are 150 places in Cork) ahead of you who also want Cork and have 43 points, then you miss out on a place.

You could be offered a place in Cork in 2nd round if one of those 150 doesn't take up a place.

Don't count on that not happening. Now more than ever people are reluctant to take on a year of no pay so it could happen. I personally don't know the stats of how many don't accept places though.