Thread: Want to advise on PGCE personal statement?

I have whipped up a personal statement that is required with the PGCE application. I'm happy to post it here where it can be scrutinised and I welcome any critical feedback...especially anything grammar related. I'd just like to get it pretty sound before submitting it, so thanks for any feedback whatsoever

Kinda giving a little too much info about myself by posting this statement... And with the lack of an English GCSE along with previous criminal convictions, I may not even be selected to sit this course. Anyway no face loss there...I ain't Thai and I'll always know that I tried.

I'm not quite sure about saying some of the things I said in it....
(mere hopeful excuse...)
(whether it is certified ICT teaching or...)
are two of the not sure statements...

Oh and it's a little cheesy and OTT but also to a certain extent quite true.

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//Describe briefly your reasons for wanting to teach giving the relevance of your previous education and details of any teaching experience, including visits to schools and other work with young people. Providers are interested to know the range of skills you will bring to the course, for example; practical experience, managing people, working with/leading a team, communication skills etc.//



When I was younger I never really understood or appreciated the importance of education. I adopted a ‘who you know, not what you got’ manner, hence, the lack of GCSE’s. As I got older, my future prospects became more apparent and the ‘who you know, not what you got’ notion was appearing to be a mere hopeful excuse of the uneducated. In response to this, I decided to quit my job and enrol on a computing foundation course as a mature student. And after the foundation course, where partial GCSE equivalence was gained, I proceeded to enrol onto a BSc degree in games development & AI.

During my period of study, I took two years out in S.E Asia, where I enrolled on TEFL and TEYL courses. Certification in these areas saw me teaching English as a foreign language for the two years spent there.

My first job was at a private school, teaching eight to twelve year olds, English reading and writing. Class management tactics, learning incentives and more so patience, are what I consider, areas of personal teaching development gained from this job.

After one year at the above school, I changed locations and took another teaching job at a high school, where I taught eleven to eighteen year olds. I met partial areas of the English curriculum in a sound lab once per fortnight and non-native English speaking teachers met all other areas of the English curriculum. Every other week, outside of the sound-lab, I was able to teach, what I considered fit to the students’ English progression. I believe this job allowed me to creatively prepare my own lessons and doing so made the needs of lesson plans, even if brief, apparent. Creatively preparing my own lessons has also enabled me to appreciate various learning needs within the classroom setting and adapt materials and resources accordingly. I feel I have gained the confidence to work on an individual and group basis, as well as developed my understanding of working with international students.

Alongside these jobs, I have taught staff members of various hotels, groups of students at private language schools, one to one private tutoring and one to one language centre tutoring. I have taught students from the ages of eight to fifty plus. Amongst many other different types, I have taught; determined, mischievous, ignorant, smart, noisy, quiet, shy, interested and uninterested students. I therefore feel I am able to engage with students of all ages, build rapport and effective working relationships with a wide variety of people within the classroom environment.

I have always been interested in computers. Even before enrolling on the said foundation-computing course. Coming back from teaching abroad, in my opinion, was a wise but unwanted choice. I had to come back to finish my studies. It wasn’t until year three of my degree that I was introduced to a particular subject that gained my full interest. I was and still am astounded by the forms and practices of evolution in genetic algorithms. The direct correlation to evolution, Darwin’s natural selection theory, the programming practices and the general newness of the subject gained my interest. This specialised topic caught my interest like no other subject has in the whole of my studying years. When I was introduced to this subject, it became apparent that I have always studied for the wrong reason. High school levels were probably studied because I had to. University levels were initially studied to accomplish a sense of future safeguard. However, I have recently found a subject that I’m interested in and would enjoyably continue studying at master and doctorial levels, if I were any younger. This recent finding has made me realise that Education probably holds an area of interest for everyone, but finding this area of interest is probably the most difficult part of learning. I want to combine my computing and teaching experience to assist and encourage students in finding their areas of interest. I want to offer guidance to all students, especially disengaged and uninterested students to help inspire and reinforce that learning is for everyone. Being able to motivate, encourage and guide any students heading ‘off-track’ I believe would also provide a sense of gratification. Teaching is my destined path, whether it is certified ICT teaching or TEFL teaching, is irrelevant. It is going to happen and I know that the next best step to take is that, which the PGCE offers. This is why I want to be a teacher.

Overall there are some good things in there. It does read as if you may run off out of England as soon as you've finished the course though. Bear in mind that, at least when I completed the course, the university doesn't receive all its money from the government until you've completed and passed your induction year. They're money making places. If you give any inclination you're going to run off and not teach in England, they'll see that as a big negative.

Remove the word "ignorant" from your description of the students you have taught, it was the only word that stood out in that list as I skimmed through and gave me the impression that you hate children! I'm not saying you do, its just a very strong word that is overbearing in the sentence.

The final sentence should be scrapped.

Try to throw in some positive experiences about your time teaching in Thailand, give some examples of the reasons you loved teaching.

Remove the sentence about retunring to England being "a wise but unwanted choice". Too negative. Include a reference to how you miss the classroom environment if you want to say how you loved teaching in Thailand.

Somewhere in there, there's the use of the verb enrol in present tense that should be the p.p.

Some of your commas are used incorrectly. However, I'm shit with commas, so I'll let another grammar Nazi deal with them.

As has been said, remove the reference to not having GCSE English. They'll know this already. To achieve QTS, English and Maths GCSE are requirements (or they were when I went though). You may need to include a sentence about how you propose to tackle this issue. Speak to the university first about this, before submitting your application.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by DaveyG

I'm no expert on grammar, but the overall content comes across as a likable, down to earth and honest which are obviously great teaching qualities. good luck, I guess as long as your previous don't involve of fences with minors than maybe they will let them slide.

Thanks and nha not offences with minors.

Originally Posted by jonniethai

Sorry but no time to fully comment on your advice needed but here was my PGCE statement:
5 Motivation for taking the programme and Experience
My motivation is to be able to see my customer (my students) and help them speak, read, listen and write English to the highest possible standard. The PGCE will help me provide the necessary skills in which to carryout this.
I began teaching English as second language in England prior to moving to Thailand.

I am currently working in an international school environment which will also facilitate the learning process. Being part of this international environment and teaching the UK curriculum is the highlight of my career.
I wish to progress within this system and ensure that a safe and secure learning environment is assured.

I found that less is more.
Contact you soon OK.

Wow Ok. That is very short eh. The main reason I have wrote so much is because the GTTR application states that there are 47 lines before truncation. Saying that, I have to make last minute changes and then possibly more changes when pasting over the statement to be sure it doesn't exceed the 47 lines limit of the browser box. Can't really see myself shortening the statement to that extent though. I have used the truncation limit as a rough guidance to what is expected. However, thank you for your input.

Originally Posted by angel

Quickly glanced over your letter, so you may have included a lot of this:
It depends where you're hoping to do PGCE, but I would relate your experience to fundamentals in the country's curriculum, perhaps teaching for the inclusion of every child, experience with teaching special needs children, differentiation in your teaching style, cross-curricular learning in your lessons, your development of schemes of work, class management style, problems you have had and how you have adressed them, and continue to address them. Alot of times they want to know your ability to self-assess and consequently your aptitude to learn and develop.
Hope this helps.

I'm pretty much at the truncation limit now, so including anything more is going to be quite difficult. Though there are certain areas that you have stated, which I think I should try and make space for. Relating my experience to my countries curriculum would be rather difficult because I have no real solid knowledge of my countries curriculum. I don't think this would be expected from an applicant. I could emphasise upon the areas of class management, problems & dealings and more so areas of self assessment and development. Maybe need to add self critical elements, where I think my experience needs improving.

Thank you for your feedback

Originally Posted by paully

Process,
...and able to relate to students and indicate that you still have have things to learn (all that 'teachers are also learners' stuff).
All I'd say is:
1. For 'political' reasons, give an indication that you want to teach in the UK rather than run off abroad as soon as the PGCE has been completed to make lots of money.
2. Delete the reference to 'lack of GCSEs' - focus on your positives, not negatives.
3. Delete this: "whether it is certified ICT teaching or TEFL teaching, is irrelevant" and insert "and I am determined to become a qualified ICT teacher", or words to that effect. You are applying for an ICT PGCE after all.

As for the other points you indicated, the lack of an English GCSE may well be a problem with some course providers. It's worthwhile trying to email and check beforehand. With respect to criminal convictions, it depends, naturally, on what the convictions were for and how long ago they were. As long as you disclose these and explain the circumstances, this may not be fatal to your application.
Good luck.

Yes, I do need to add something on still and always learning.
1/ I'm really not sure if the pgce provider would be too bothered if staying in the UK & teaching or going abroad. It doesn't effect them? but your point is well noted
2/Lack of GCSE deleted
3/Changed as you said

The missing English GCSE is my biggest worry and I have contacted the course provider and the (governing body - TGA?)

At first I thought there would be problems with maths too, but seems I did a maths numeracy module in my foundation year, which I forgot about! This along with statistics and calculus met the gcse requirement.

As for English, I went through a drop drown list of accepted equivalences and came across 'foundation starting with Arts' didn't mean much to me cause I never knew foundation courses had any prefix. The foundation course I did had a communications core module, which is the only thing I can relate to English, but I highly doubt it will be accepted. This lack of GCSE English equiv has been the problematic highlight of my application and has resulted in multiple correspondences with the course provider, leader, FE establishment and governing body.

Some institutions offer equivalence tests, some don't. The place nearest to me doesn't. FE college said that it would probably be too late to enrol part time to just sit an exam (though I'm going to get back to them) The course provider said that an English GCSE of C or above is a requirement of the TGA governing body and not the university. I contacted TGA to ask if communications core along with two years English teaching experience would meet the equivalence of a GCSE and was told the equivalence list is only a guide-line. It is really up to the course provider if they accept it or not. I contacted the course provider again and was told this information would be passed onto the dean. It ain't looking good! Anyway, I'm going to call a college up later and ask them if I can just sit an English GCSE or proficiency exam.

Thinking of adding another course provider to the application because they do the equivalence tests but this place is about an hour & half drive away. Don't know if I would relocate or attempt early morning drives if accepted. All fun & games eh.

Thank you too Paully

Originally Posted by naboo

....It does read as if you may run off out of England as soon as you've finished the course though. Bear in mind that, at least when I completed the course, the university doesn't receive all its money from the government until you've completed and passed your induction year. They're money making places. If you give any inclination you're going to run off and not teach in England, they'll see that as a big negative.

I'm in Wales and know Wales runs things a little differently to England. I recently read that Welsh domiciles can gain QTS without the need of an induction year. I will try clean up any inclinations of running away with a pgce though just in case...cheers

Originally Posted by naboo

Remove the word "ignorant" from your description of the students you have taught, it was the only word that stood out in that list as I skimmed through and gave me the impression that you hate children! I'm not saying you do, its just a very strong word that is overbearing in the sentence.

The final sentence should be scrapped.

Try to throw in some positive experiences about your time teaching in Thailand, give some examples of the reasons you loved teaching.

Remove the sentence about retunring to England being "a wise but unwanted choice". Too negative. Include a reference to how you miss the classroom environment if you want to say how you loved teaching in Thailand.

Somewhere in there, there's the use of the verb enrol in present tense that should be the p.p.

Some of your commas are used incorrectly. However, I'm shit with commas, so I'll let another grammar Nazi deal with them.

As has been said, remove the reference to not having GCSE English. They'll know this already. To achieve QTS, English and Maths GCSE are requirements (or they were when I went though). You may need to include a sentence about how you propose to tackle this issue. Speak to the university first about this, before submitting your application.

Good luck!

Ignorant - removed.
Final sentence changed to more along the lines of what Paully suggested
Will try add positives
will remove wise but unwanted
will scan for enrol in the wrong tense
commas...i'm pretty shit with them too! will give it a few more days before submission anyway so I got time to reread..
Yeah English GCSE can be a problem. Just hope the uni will waiver it on experience and/or give an equivalence test. Better yet, hope the local FE can get me in on an English exam pretty soon.

Thanks for your feedback Naboo

haha never had this before:
The text that you have entered is too long (11515 characters). Please shorten it to 10000 characters long.

Originally Posted by phuketbound

...I am unclear if the school you are applying to will look 50:50 on grades, and experience, to be accepted?

I am really unsure too. Maybe they will offer some kind of equivalence test.

Originally Posted by phuketbound

I agree, with jonnie thai, in that you may have too much here. The part where you talk about the types of students you have taught, could be simplified. What about adding what you learned about different learning styles here, and how your lessons met your students' needs and abilities. You may want to talk more about how you assessed your students in more detail. Testing and assessment are a big part of education in the U.K.

The last paragraph seems a tad too long. Could you break it down into two paragraphs for easier reading, perhaps. I also agree with the other posters, in making it sound like you may leave right after graduation. Try and gear it towards your experience, and what you learned from it, and that you are flexible and adaptable, to a number of environments. You may also want to include your own traits and what you think will make you a good teacher.

I hope I wasn't too critical. I think you have a lot of great things to say. Good Luck!

In no way too critical. Thanks for your input too. Like said i'm trying to meet the truncation limit of 47 lines or better yet using it as a guidance for what may be wanted. I do need to refine a lot and yes somethings can be....shortened. Kinda catch 22 though, if I shorten what I have said to detail other specific areas, I could again end up with a big personal statement. Matter of prioritising what is needed =/ ...

Yeah I will split that last paragraph. leaving after grad noted.... flexible and adaptable to a number of environments is win win I like it. And yes, so true, I do need to add self criticism/traits/areas of improvement what I think will make me a good teacher noted too. Thanks again.



Just a final thank you for all your feedback. A lot has been noted and it seems I got a lot of refinement to do. I know I will be unable to apply all of the suggested, but a few good points has been taken on board.

Thanks again

Originally Posted by process

I'm in Wales and know Wales runs things a little differently to England. I recently read that Welsh domiciles can gain QTS without the need of an induction year. I will try clean up any inclinations of running away with a pgce though just in case...cheers

I got it wrong, QTS comes before Induction. You get a certificate for each and my QTS is dated the year before my Induction certificate.

Also, this from the TDA:

Q: Can I begin induction if I have not yet passed the QTS skills tests?
A:

No, induction begins once a newly qualified teacher (NQT) takes up their first post after qualified teacher status (QTS) has been awarded. In England, QTS is not awarded unless trainee teachers have successfully completed all aspects of initial teacher training, including passing the skills tests.
Q: Is there a time limit by which I need to start the induction period after achieving QTS?
A: No. There can also be gaps between the three terms that make up your induction period once started, but the induction programme should normally be completed within five years.
Q: Where can I complete my induction period?
A: State-maintained schools and non-maintained special schools are able to offer the induction programme. Sixth form colleges and some maintained nursery schools and Independent schools can also offer the induction programme but there are certain requirements which must be met before the programme can go ahead. Visit Teacher induction -Teacher training and support - TDA for more information.

and with regards to English GCSE:

Q: What if I don't have the required qualifications?
A: If you don’t have the necessary GCSEs in mathematics, English or science, you may be able to take a pre-entry test set by your IT provider. Some providers may also accept skills developed through other, related work experience. If in doubt, you should contact your chosen IT provider to find out what their requirements are.

Both quotes from here on the TDA site.

Hi, don't wanna be a downer, but save yourself the application fee. If you don't have GCSE or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject, you'll be told to get them. Do a nightschool or distance course, get them and then apply. Obviously they won't mention this in the preamble 'cos they'll happily accept the application fee in order to tell you the minimum requirements. For a true PGCE course through GTTR there are no exceptions. The 'equivalent' is an O level or foreign equivalent

Originally Posted by process

1/ I'm really not sure if the pgce provider would be too bothered if staying in the UK & teaching or going abroad. It doesn't effect them?

Take it from Naboo and me - a provider might well not offer you a place on that basis alone if they suspect you'll do an immediate runner abroad.
Remember that PGCE tutors used to be school/college teachers in the UK, are still closely linked to UK schools and are committed to UK education and its needs. If they suspect that you aren't committed to UK education, your place could easily be given to another applicant who says that he is.

^ I agree. If there's any doubt you won't get on. If you don't QTS in a government school within 3 years your initial PGCE is invalid for English government schools

Originally Posted by laoshi

^ I agree. If there's any doubt you won't get on. If you don't QTS in a government school within 3 years your initial PGCE is invalid for English government schools

You're getting confused like me! If you don't begin your completion of Induction within 3 years, your PGCE technically becomes invalid, obviously depending on the situation with regards shortages of teachers in the future.

Induction is definately worthwhile. For starters, international schools want experience (2 years upwards, 5 years for the creme de la creme).

This is going off topic though......

Originally Posted by naboo

You're getting confused like me! If you don't begin your completion of Induction within 3 years, your PGCE technically becomes invalid, obviously depending on the situation with regards shortages of teachers in the future.

Induction is definately worthwhile. For starters, international schools want experience (2 years upwards, 5 years for the creme de la creme).

This is going off topic though......

Well, ok. I don't think I'm that confused, but heyho. I didn't state start, finish etc. But yeah, whatever. If the OP don't have the initial requirements, the rest of the posts are immaterial. Including mine I suppose