UCD PGDE 2010-2011

Postgrad10

Hi,
I've decided to set up a thread for the 2010-2011 PGDE similar to last years. Congratulations to everyone who got their place in UCD and school offers recently.:)

Postgrad10

Plumella

Great idea PostGrad!

Welcome all PGDE UCD 2010 - 2011 students!

Pgrad

I still am struggling with working out how to use this thing!! Anyone know how to change username?!!

Looking forward to Sept! Regards what we were talking about over in other forum its a tough one to call! Id imagine that it would be easier to live slightly closer to the school than UCD as you have to be there at 9 every morn whereas there is not as much pressure getting home from UCD in evenings because your not tied to time! Im looking for a happy medium and somewhere in between! Would be nice to be able to slip in home and change out of teaching clothers for afternoon lectures!!

Cushina

Reply to Kennnan (post on Postgrad in UCD (2009-2010)
I will be doing Maths & Physics in UCD 2010/2011

Postgrad10

Pgrad, it would be also very nice to have a nap before the afternoon lectures too if possible. Anyone though about applying for on campus?, Glenomena isnt bad. All I'll be doing is school, lectures, library, and sleeping anyway. Just a word of advice, I did another postgrad and stayed there. Was v shocked to realise there was no oven just a microwave

petejmk

Pgrad wrote: »

I still am struggling with working out how to use this thing!! Anyone know how to change username?!!

Looking forward to Sept! Regards what we were talking about over in other forum its a tough one to call! Id imagine that it would be easier to live slightly closer to the school than UCD as you have to be there at 9 every morn whereas there is not as much pressure getting home from UCD in evenings because your not tied to time! Im looking for a happy medium and somewhere in between! Would be nice to be able to slip in home and change out of teaching clothers for afternoon lectures!!

Hi Pgrad, that's what I went for. Luckily my old school said they'd take me on for the year, only about five minutes from home.
Didn't want to have the worry of battling against rush hour traffic every morning to get from Lucan to a school on the southside.
If I'm late home at night, I don't mind - it's only for nine months and I'm just delighted to have got it. Roll on September.

khan86

Hi, is anyone else taking Religious Education as they're main subject methodology?

Pgrad

Excuse my ignorance, but can someone please explain this phrase methodology that keeps propping up??!!! Has anyone filled in anything regards the actual course yet?!!

Ive been in the Glenomena apartments a good few times, even slept on a floor there for 2 weeks when I was caught up in the accomodation crisis a few years back! Yeah no ovens, amazing aint it? Then they encourage healthy eating!!! Have checked prices for campus, expensive enough. Anyone else think this? I know the likes of Merville and Belgrove are cheaper but no one wants to be caught up in first and second year parties for the year! Been there done that!!

Monotype

Pgrad wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance, but can someone please explain this phrase methodology that keeps propping up??!!! Has anyone filled in anything regards the actual course yet?!!

Your teaching subject(s).

Rosita

Pgrad wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance, but can someone please explain this phrase methodology that keeps propping up??!!!

You will do year-long modules in the subjects you are teaching for you rteaching practice, and these are called subjects methodologies. As the name implies the are concerned with teaching methods in the subjects - you are not taught the subjects themselves.

Monotype

Rosita wrote: »

You will do year-long modules in the subjects you are teaching for you rteaching practice, and these are called subjects methodologies. As the name implies the are concerned with teaching methods in the subjects - you are not taught the subjects themselves.

Yeah, that's it. Sorry for being a bit vague in my post, I was only half thinking while typing.

peanuthead

Postgrad10 wrote: »

Pgrad, it would be also very nice to have a nap before the afternoon lectures too if possible.

Hate to break it to you but you will be teaching before your afternoon lectures!! You won't have time for a nap I'm afraid!!

puddles1987

ah some people might get lucky some days and only have morning classes...depends on your timetable!

Postgrad10

Hi peanuthead. I'm fully aware that I will be teaching in the mornings and lectures at 2. But thanks for reminding me. I really meant ten minutes of relaxation/ yoga before lectures.

Did anyone see they put info up for us on the school webpage. We have to have completed a registration form and garda vetting form and send back by the 31st of May. Then teaching placement form by the 25 th if June but as soon as we get it in the better. We start on the week of the 23rd of August I think for registration.

I can't remember Glenomena prices from my postgrad but I don't think it was too bad. Was quite sure when I left that was it for me and student residences ! Might be glad of it again though.

How many subject methods lectures do we have per week? What other modules will be have? What's a typical week like?

niall3r

khan86 wrote: »

Hi, is anyone else taking Religious Education as they're main subject methodology?

You are so lucky, Caroline the RE methodology lecturer is without doubt the best. Her lectures, unlike alot of the the others (especially History) are amazing. The resources and handouts she gives are incomparable.

Unlike other lecturers who spend an inordinate amount of time on syllabus/curriculum she actually considers methodologies and pedagogy!

Sorry for gushing but the difference between my two methodologies was frightening.

Postgrad10

Hi Niall3r
What was your other methodology? Where there many others taking RE as a methodology? What were assignments like for the course? Where they weekly or end of semester assignments? Other than the methods classes, what other classes did you have ? Sorry for all the questions, just curious

khan86

niall3r wrote: »

You are so lucky, Caroline the RE methodology lecturer is without doubt the best. Her lectures, unlike alot of the the others (especially History) are amazing. The resources and handouts she gives are incomparable.

Unlike other lecturers who spend an inordinate amount of time on syllabus/curriculum she actually considers methodologies and pedagogy!

Sorry for gushing but the difference between my two methodologies was frightening.

Hi Niall3r, that's really good to know. I was sure RE would be a subject that would be largely ignored in the course so thanks for the reassurance.

How did you find teaching it in your tp? I have been offered a place from three schools but none of them do RE for the exam and I am afraid I may end up organising liturgies rather than actually get to teach the approved syllabus. Personally, I'm of the school of thought that forcing religion on students in the form of prayer and confessions should be weened out of schools and instead allow students the choice to take it as an exam subject (especially because the syllabus is very good) but obviously I realise that being a religion teacher in a school with a catholic ethos is going to involve doing the 'massy' thing which i have no objection to doing but I would like to get teaching the cirriculum too. The problem is I'm finding it near impossible to find a school close to UCD that offers it for the exams so it looks like I'll be taking one of the schools that doesn't. Will this have any drawbacks to completing the PGDE, i.e. do I have to be teaching it to students taking the exam as a requirement of the course? I rang UCD about this last week and the person I spoke to didn't really know but said it probably wouldn't be a problem. If anyone else can offer me any insight on this issue I would be greatful.

Pgrad

Just read all thats on web page! Thanks for all the help and advise everyone! 23rd Aug! Early enough!! Gonna be a long year!!

delta_bravo

I'm doing Geography and History as my two main subjects for next year. Still looking for a school but the 2 I have my best shot in dont decide till May/June so not entirely worried.............................................................yet

niall3r

Postgrad10 wrote: »

Hi Niall3r
What was your other methodology? Where there many others taking RE as a methodology? What were assignments like for the course? Where they weekly or end of semester assignments? Other than the methods classes, what other classes did you have ? Sorry for all the questions, just curious

Ok, wow.
My other methodology was history and I wont go into it but it was completely unhelpful. We didnt get any resources or ideas on how to teach history at all. It was more an extended look at the syllabus, which could have been done in one class or even done independently. Caroline gave folders of handouts every single week, we got more in a single week with RE than in the entire year of history. She also brought us on field trips to Mosque and Synagogue which helps teach the subject.

There were about 13 of us taking RE and was one of the smaller groups. English was the largest with between 90-100. History around 60-70. Im not sure of the others but think Geography was around 50ish. There was some people who attended RE and thought that it was like CSPE that it would allow them to teach it but with section 30 thats not going to be the case.

Apart from the two methodology essays there are classes on philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, professionalism, policy and more that Im now blocking out.

The assignments for the methodologies are essays on praxis/pedagogy where you basically come up with an intervention inspired by an educational theory, implement it and then analyse it.

There are a couple of essays on philosophy, sociology, history of education and exams before christmas on Special Educational Needs and Educational psychology. The exams are surprisingly easy.

In terms of the school I would actually recomend trying to get a school where RE is an exam subject as I had an easier time teaching in a school where the discipline is respected than in schools which view it as a made up subject like others in the group.

I actually have to get two buses to get out to UCD and was initially worried about this at the start of the year but I was rarely late for lectures. Mention to the pricipal when they are doing the timetable that you need to get across and they wont put you down for 12.20 classes. Alot of principals tend to give very early classes to the dips so the co-operating teacher gets extra time in bed of a morning which has the flip side of making it easier to not get late classes.

Postgrad10

Hi Niall3r
Thanks for answering all my questions. It's great to get advice from someone who has gone through it.:D It looks as though I may have to get two buses myself in the afternoons as I don't really want to be driving in Dublin. I'm actually going to go up and do a trial trip to see how it works out. Did you always have 2pm lectures?

Dionysus

niall3r wrote: »

My other methodology was history and I wont go into it but it was completely unhelpful. We didnt get any resources or ideas on how to teach history at all. It was more an extended look at the syllabus, which could have been done in one class or even done independently.

Very good call. I heard murmurings throughout the year from history students about this (history methodology classes often being contrasted with the apparently excellent geography methodology class). The best part of the history methodology in my view was Stephen Tonge's two history resources classes. That was about it for the whole year, sadly.

But, yes, I agree entirely that they should be emphasising teaching methodology in the vast majority of history methodology classes. The curriculum aspect could be done in a class or two, rather than dominating it because one of the lecturers is an authority on it.

Dionysus

niall3r wrote: »

There was some people who attended RE and thought that it was like CSPE that it would allow them to teach it but with section 30 thats not going to be the case.

Will people without politics/sociology degrees still be able to teach CSPE after Section 30 comes in (if indeed it ever does)?

niall3r

Dionysus wrote: »

Will people without politics/sociology degrees still be able to teach CSPE after Section 30 comes in (if indeed it ever does)?

Your actually entitled to teach CPSE with the methodology from the PGDE though I imagine principals would rather people with politics/sociology for when the proposed Leaving Certificate subject is introduced. AFAIK.

There are allowances for grandfathering in Section 30 as far as I know also.

Postgrad10

Can you do the methodology in CSPE then in Ucd even though you don't have sociology as a degree subject?

Postgrad10

Sorry, what's grandfathering?

Pgrad

The assignments for the methodologies are essays on praxis/pedagogy where you basically come up with an intervention inspired by an educational theory, implement it and then analyse it.

The above sounds all very complicated! Is it just a matter of getting used to the jargon??

khan86

niall3r wrote: »

In terms of the school I would actually recomend trying to get a school where RE is an exam subject as I had an easier time teaching in a school where the discipline is respected than in schools which view it as a made up subject like others in the group.

I actually have to get two buses to get out to UCD and was initially worried about this at the start of the year but I was rarely late for lectures. Mention to the pricipal when they are doing the timetable that you need to get across and they wont put you down for 12.20 classes. Alot of principals tend to give very early classes to the dips so the co-operating teacher gets extra time in bed of a morning which has the flip side of making it easier to not get late classes.

Yeah I would definitely prefer to be teaching the syllabus for the purpose of taking the exam but I haven't heard back from many other schools apart from the three that have offered me a place and a few that have turned me down and I don't really want to hold out on the hope of another school that teaches it for the exam offering me a place in case that doesn't happen and I get left with nothing.

One of the schools that have offered me a place did say during the interview that they do follow the cirriculum but they just don't have it as an exam subject. It's also a prestigious private school so the discipline will be minimum so I don't think I will have too many problems on that front so it looks like my best option at the minute. Thanks for the advise though but I'm kind of backed into a corner so I'll just have to hope for the best.

Also, Postgrad10 are you taking RE as one of your methodologies too?

khan86

Pgrad wrote: »

Just read all thats on web page! Thanks for all the help and advise everyone! 23rd Aug! Early enough!! Gonna be a long year!!

Where did you find the info on the web page cos I can't seem to find it. Could you put up a link, sorry I must be blind or looking in the wrong place!:o

Never mind, I found it!

Pgrad

Typical UCD! Was just buried under a million different links! You'd think theyd send an email to say that information is available?!!

delta_bravo

Can you post up the link? Cant seem to find it.

Finally got called for an interview today for a school in stillorgan, have it tomorrow morning so fingers crossed!

Pgrad

Think I got a call to that school too delta bravo but am already sorted! St Raphaelas? She sounded really nice.

Pgrad

http://www.ucd.ie/education/graduateprogrammes/taughtprogrammes/postgraduatediplomaineducationpgde/howtoapply,13201,en.html


For info/forms etc on pgde!!

delta_bravo

Pgrad wrote: »

Think I got a call to that school too delta bravo but am already sorted! St Raphaelas? She sounded really nice.

Yeah thats the one. Did you get a call this afternoon?

Pgrad

It was about half two but I was in class so rang her back after school about 4ish!

Plumella

Pgrad wrote: »

Think I got a call to that school too delta bravo but am already sorted! St Raphaelas? She sounded really nice.

I was called for an interview in that school too but am also sorted. I understand that they usually take 2 for TP with different subjects.

I believe that it is a lovely school and the location (depending on where you live of course) would be brill for you for UCD.

I really wish you well in the interview, to be called for an interview usually means a high chance of getting the position so let us know how you get on!

Postgrad10

Well done on getting the interview delta bravo.Good luck for tommorow.

Plumella

Just curious how many of us are planning on leaving jobs to do this course and if any of you have considered applying for grants, or some type of financial assistance?

I will be leaving my job to do this course and intend going to speak with the Citizen Advice Bureau next week to see what financial incentives (if any) are available to me.... as I am just married and my husband will continue to work I don't think I am eligible for much even though we have a large mortgage ... but I am trying not to think of that and focus on the positives of completing this course :rolleyes:

Pgrad

Hi Plumella. Im 22 and currently teaching. i will be leaving this to go back. I was in grant office last week enquiring about grant. As I will be leaving a job she said that my application will be based on my parents income for 2009 combined as I am not classed as a mature student. They will not be taking into account my earnings from 2009 which I find extremely odd. She said this is due to the fact that im leaving a job and will have a p45?? I dont really understand why they wouldnt take my wages into account! Anyhow, if my parents earn a combined income of 51000 or less then my fees are covered and i get the average grant of just over 3000 I think! Obviously, this will probably differ in your circumstances but def worth looking into!! Id imagine you would be entitled to something!

Good luck all with interviews!

Cushina

delta_bravo wrote: »

Can you post up the link? Cant seem to find it.

Finally got called for an interview today for a school in stillorgan, have it tomorrow morning so fingers crossed!

All the best with the interview - I will be doing my TP there in Sept also . The Principle is very nice ....

puddles1987

Pgrad wrote: »

Hi Plumella. Im 22 and currently teaching. i will be leaving this to go back. I was in grant office last week enquiring about grant. As I will be leaving a job she said that my application will be based on my parents income for 2009 combined as I am not classed as a mature student. They will not be taking into account my earnings from 2009 which I find extremely odd. She said this is due to the fact that im leaving a job and will have a p45?? I dont really understand why they wouldnt take my wages into account! Anyhow, if my parents earn a combined income of 51000 or less then my fees are covered and i get the average grant of just over 3000 I think! Obviously, this will probably differ in your circumstances but def worth looking into!! Id imagine you would be entitled to something!

Good luck all with interviews!

I'm in the exact same situation.Im dreading now not having the money next year though. Are you staying in the school your in this year? I am, I'm very worried how the students will react next year if they realise im a student teacher......

Pgrad

I know, great money isnt it! Back to the life of a college student counting the pennys! Nope, teaching in Waterford (from Wex) so not possible! Have placement sorted though so all good! Puddles 1987 did u enquire about grant?? I couldnt accuse the woman of lying but I just think its so odd that they dont take our earnings into account???!!! Not that I want them to or my chances of getting it will be less!

puddles1987

Awh I see. No i didn't enquire about it. I'll still be living at home next year so I doubt I would be entitled to it! I must ring up during the week and see though. Can't do any harm to check.

Pgrad

All very complicated!! My lovely daddddy usually sorts it for me!!!

chimp_88

Got a call back yesterday, teaching placement sorted. Is anyone else finishing their degree this May/June or have ye all completed postgrads?

delta_bravo

Had my interview today. Waiting to hear back by the end of the week. Thought it went well but most of ye seemed to find out if ye got the placement at the end of the interview so im not too sure.

Plumella

Pgrad wrote: »

As I will be leaving a job she said that my application will be based on my parents income for 2009 combined as I am not classed as a mature student. They will not be taking into account my earnings from 2009 which I find extremely odd. She said this is due to the fact that im leaving a job and will have a p45?? I dont really understand why they wouldnt take my wages into account! Anyhow, if my parents earn a combined income of 51000 or less then my fees are covered and i get the average grant of just over 3000 I think!

Thanks for your insight into this grey area Pgrad, it does seem strange that they wouldn't look at this years earnings.....I will get my P60 out for last year and drop in to chat to someone...will update you all with any info I get!

Plumella

delta_bravo wrote: »

Had my interview today. Waiting to hear back by the end of the week. Thought it went well but most of ye seemed to find out if ye got the placement at the end of the interview so im not too sure.

Don't worry Delta Bravo! I am sure you have done fine, and the end of the week is only a few days away. Think about it, they need to check with your Referee's and write out a letter of confirmation to you, which if posted will take you up to the end of the week....

I was not told I would be given a place at the end of my interview, but they did ask for details of Referee's to contact (as I am working I didn't want to put down any contact details of Referee's...) so I didn't know I got the place until they wrote out which took until the Thursday (interview was a Monday). So don't worry!!

Postgrad10

Hi delta bravo, I too was in a similar position and had a few interviews in which I was told, they would get back to me. That was over a week ago and I am yet to hear back from them! I since got offered a place over the phone which I gladly accepted despite it being an offer for my second subject . I actually got called for my prefered subject today for another interview this week. I dont think I could bear if they told me they'd let me know again too. :(I was especially worried when I heard that others got places based on their interviews straight away. I hope you hear something soon. It's a terrible wait. I wonder when I'll hear back from my other interviews too. Maybe they are all getting around to sorting their timetables now?
I heard from an education person today, grants are available if the PGDE is a direct progression from your degree. I'm not sure how this would work if you have an MA already. Will find out.

puddles1987

I finished my degree last year and been teaching full time for the year this year!! did u get straight in from your degree?? wow thats so lucky!!

Postgrad10

Hi Puddles1987
Was that question for me? I'm finishing my MA thesis at present and graduated the year before last. By direct progression, they mean going from a level 8 degree to level 9 or 10. Since I'm already a 9 with my MA pethaps that might not be seen as a progression? I think it should be because it qualifies me to do something.