Honest advice for pgde

myboylollipop

I'm a UCC B.A graduate, who is graduating in september. I need some advice from people in the know. I got a 2.2 degree(one module brought me down considerably unfortunately) I know there is practically no hope of me getting into the postgraduate in education without a M.A.

While I would be interested in doing one a masters, issues such as money(applying for grant for first time, but not certain if Ill get it) are really the main problems preventing me to do so. I would love to do a pgde in england for the forthcoming new year, 2011/2012, but is it realistically possible getting in with my degree. How competitive is it?

peanuthead

Its too competitive here to probably get it with a 2.2 unfortunately.

Also please bear in mind that if money is an issue (which it was for me) if you receive a grant for a masters you will not be eligible to receive a grant for your PGDE as it is not seen as progression.

The UK is a different story however and while it is also competitive there are obviously a lot more places on offer. There are grants available also but I'm not 100% sure about what they are.

I'm not saying that it isn't worth it doing your PGCE in UK but bear in mind the issues that arise with that:

You will have learned and prepared a whole load of work for a curriculum that will be different if you choose to move back to Ireland.

Upon returning to Ireland to teach, before you are formally recognised here you will have to sit a History of Education examination and pay in the region of 200euro to have your qualification 'translated'.

I think that the UK govt has now insisted that training teachers remain in the UK for one year after they are qualified to teach.

myboylollipop

I was aware that I wouldnt get a grant for the pgde if I did the masters. I just reallly feel england is my only option for multiple reasons. It allows me a year to find some work and save money (was unable to find work this summer) I didnt know that I would have to pay 200euros however and of course I know the curriculums in Ireland and England are totally different. Is there anyone out there who has done their teaching training in england? I dont mind spending a year in england afterwards but I would eventually want to come back to Ireland

myboylollipop

Reading other posts here, alot mentioning how difficult it is for your qualification to be recognised on coming back to Ireland?

peanuthead

Its not that its difficult, its just that its a bit of extra hassle.

There are about 5 or 6 teachers in my school who did their teaching in the UK and the two main things they said about it were that:

You were supervised for almost EVERY class you teach
ICT is used a lot.

Don't know if the first one is particularly good - I think you need to be on your own a bit, but the teachers who came from the UK are definitely more capable of using the technologies than the teachers who did their PGDE here - but I am specifically talking about myself and a few others who wouldn't have a lot of technology in the schools - I know there are many teachers in Ireland who are more than capable.

Another thing, I remember when I was thinking of going to UK I called the Teaching Council and asked them if the course I was going to do would be recognised (NOT ALL COLLEGES IN THE UK WERE RECOGNISED AT THE THE TIME - not sure if that is different now) The woman on the phone told me I would have to do the course first and then they would let me know :eek::eek:

myboylollipop

God!!! :O I suppose what you are saying is to check with the Teaching Council of Ireland before you confirm to attend any course? Seems a totally different system with different universities getting different ratings on their quality of teaching. Thanks for all your advice, you've been great