"The Postgrad"

Blush_01

Hi All.

I've been thinking about this for the past two years or so, and have finally decided that there's no time like the near distant future, so I'm looking for as much information as possible from people who've done the PGDE in Primary teaching (preferably in Mary I as it makes the most sense geographically).

I've let my Irish lapse, but I should be able to polish that up, and I don't play a musical instrument, nor am I very fit/active, but these are things I'm willing to work on. I plan to apply in 2011 for the Jan 2012 enrollment, but would really like to hear some first-hand experience and possibly some advice on what (not) to do in terms of application/interview/oral interview etc.

I want to be fully prepared and ready to make the best possible impression - especially as Mary I is notoriously difficult to get into. I've lived in Dublin for the past 7 years, so I'm be interested in the Dublin colleges too as I'm not ruling them out. However, I'd be able to move home and live rent-free if I went for Mary I, which would be a major plus!

Any and all advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

Blush

dambarude

You'll find the answers to all your questions on educationposts.ie, http://forum.educationposts.ie/ . Create an account there and post your question.

I'm in Mary I, but doing the undergrad. It's difficult once you actually get into the place, so don't think the work will be over once the interviews are over! Some (only some) of the lecturers are quite unreasonable in what they expect for assignments/exams, but that's nothing that some hard work won't get you through. If you do get in, be ready for assessments which involve composing songs, performing group dances and making art portfolios! Good luck!

Blush_01

Thanks very much for that - I'll check it out asap.

BoozyBabe

You don't mention the postgrad with Hibernia, so you've either already ruled it out, or you don't know about it.
It would allow you to do the course from whichever location you prefer with centres located throughout the country, & you can work at the same time.

Blush_01

I considered Hibernia, however I'd have to quit my job to do TP anyway (where I work isn't exactly flexible about that kind of thing) and the cost of doing the course is approximately the same, from the research I've done anyway. I know a number of people who have done and are doing the Hibernia so i feel that I'm ok with regard to getting feedback on it, however I only vaguely know friends-of-friends in passing who have done postgrad primary teaching in either Dublin or Limerick and don't know them well enough to grill them. At least online people can choose whether to reply or not, but thank you for mentioning Hibernia - it's definitely an option!

Elley

I've just finished the Post Grad in Mary I. Get working on your Gaeilge and get some experience working with children be that volunteering at a club, or classroom observation. It is a tough course and quite intense, but once you are ready to get the head down and work hard, you'll be fine. The biggest hurdle are the interviews, so get some coaching for that. I would advise you to apply this year if simply to get experience for the following year.

ecoli

Elley wrote: »

I've just finished the Post Grad in Mary I. Get working on your Gaeilge and get some experience working with children be that volunteering at a club, or classroom observation. It is a tough course and quite intense, but once you are ready to get the head down and work hard, you'll be fine. The biggest hurdle are the interviews, so get some coaching for that. I would advise you to apply this year if simply to get experience for the following year.

How hard is it to get these places? i have my heart set on it but given the current climate with people returning to studies dunno how likely i am to get a spot

Bit of background
Just finished a degree in ARTS (2.2) did not get the irish in leaving but i passed first year irish so i have that as an equivalent amd have vastly improved since my leaving. Im male and heavily involved in sports (just starting my coaching qualifications and by the time i apply will be fully qualified to coach up to 12 yr olds in accordance to NGB standards). Play guitar and got a C1 in leaving but i am looking to start my gradings so i have something down on paper for the interview.