Ajarn Forum - Living and Teaching In Thailand - View Single Post

khru · 11th December 2007, 02:21

Technically you need to be an EU resident for 3 years prior to starting the PGCE in order to qualify for all of the funding etc. As the applications are done online, so long as you can use someones address in the EU for any snail mail there shouldn't be any problems wherever you are at the moment. IME the unis don't really care where you are. They are more concerned with your interest in teaching and ability to pass the course (to make them look good).

If you're offering a shortage subject you'll get a 9k bursary, otherwise 6k. Fees of 3k+ can be paid in cash, or a loan taken out. There are also student grants and top-up loans available. On balance most people are better off on a PGCE course than a GTP course due to being registered as a full time student, having longer holidays to earn extra money, and not having to pay full council tax etc. Lots of GTP students are worked like dogs right from their first week, with minimal "training".

In your situation it may be worth looking into alternative ways of getting into the profession. Schools will employ you as an unqualified teacher whilst you top up your HND to a degree (2 years ft, not sure how long pt). You can then do a GTP or SCITT through them to gain QTS.

As for your overseas teaching experience getting you extra points on the pay scale.... don't count on it. It is often a major barrier to getting a job, especially if you're male . A lot of HTs are very wary of people who have only taught overseas. You may find a sympathetic head who will give you some credit, but IME they are in the minority.

"I can't say I'd be 'impressed' by a Cambridge graduate, either.
Prolly only got in there because he's a toff."

Don't knock it 'till you've tried it. Wouldn't trust an Oxford graduate tho....

11th December 2007, 02:21	#48 (permalink)
khru khru is..... New Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 76 vCash: 500 Rep Power: 0	Re: Becoming a 'real' teacher in England Technically you need to be an EU resident for 3 years prior to starting the PGCE in order to qualify for all of the funding etc. As the applications are done online, so long as you can use someones address in the EU for any snail mail there shouldn't be any problems wherever you are at the moment. IME the unis don't really care where you are. They are more concerned with your interest in teaching and ability to pass the course (to make them look good). If you're offering a shortage subject you'll get a 9k bursary, otherwise 6k. Fees of 3k+ can be paid in cash, or a loan taken out. There are also student grants and top-up loans available. On balance most people are better off on a PGCE course than a GTP course due to being registered as a full time student, having longer holidays to earn extra money, and not having to pay full council tax etc. Lots of GTP students are worked like dogs right from their first week, with minimal "training". In your situation it may be worth looking into alternative ways of getting into the profession. Schools will employ you as an unqualified teacher whilst you top up your HND to a degree (2 years ft, not sure how long pt). You can then do a GTP or SCITT through them to gain QTS. As for your overseas teaching experience getting you extra points on the pay scale.... don't count on it. It is often a major barrier to getting a job, especially if you're male . A lot of HTs are very wary of people who have only taught overseas. You may find a sympathetic head who will give you some credit, but IME they are in the minority. "I can't say I'd be 'impressed' by a Cambridge graduate, either. Prolly only got in there because he's a toff." Don't knock it 'till you've tried it. Wouldn't trust an Oxford graduate tho....