Professional development, Research; Ucas and ROUTES into teaching

UCAS pages on routes in to teaching

Above: "all postgraduate initial teacher education or training (ITET) programmes give you time in school.

This is something I needed clarifying as I was unsure if studying PGCE at university provided you with many hours in school. I need to look into this further to see if there is usually enough hours offered ( I feel hours in school is something very important as it gives you experience and understanding that distance would not)

Above: This image shows information provided by UCAS, on the various routes into teaching. 

These are:

University based programmes

Training programmes based in schools 

Initially, the idea of gaining qualifications through school based training seems more appealing as I believe the hands-on experienced would be more beneficial and realistic than learning from the distance of a classroom.

Teach first

Teach first is an appealing route into teaching whereby you complete a short training period of around 6 weeks. By then end of that time you should have the tools and experience necessary to work as a trainee teacher in schools across the country affiliated with teach first. in order to be eligible to apply you have to achieve at least a 2:1 degree classification and pass a series of interviews and criteria. In addition, Teach first students receive a salary equal to that of an unqualified teacher. Further opportunities arise throughout the programme such as training for masters, work placements and experience abroad and with established companies associated to your subject. 
Regarding this programme, I need to enquire as to where the schools they place you in, are situated, how intense the training aspect of the programme is and ours expected etc. due to the fact that I have a long list of other commitments and responsibilities including having a young child, training needs to fit into my life.

SCITT

SCITT courses generally last one year, and many include a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) and/or Master’s-level credits

Training as part of a SCITT gives you the opportunity to learn ‘on the job’. You will benefit from working and learning every day in a school and getting an immediate insight into what teaching involves. 

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’ll be thrown straight into teaching classes before you’ve had a chance to find your feet. You’ll receive lots of intensive support and training from experienced teachers and mentors right from the start, and throughout your course. The school you’re with won’t ask you teach classes unsupported until they think you’re ready.

School-led courses have very high rates of employment and trainee satisfaction, and many SCITTs also offer School Direct courses – so there are plenty of school-led options all over England.

Link to PROSPECTS page re: SCITT
PROSPECTS SCITT

Schools direct

School Direct courses generally last a year, and you’ll train in at least two good schools.

This course offers a brilliant option if you want to train and learn ‘on the job’ – but you shouldn’t worry about being thrown in at the deep end. You’ll be part of a team from the very start, receiving intensive support from experienced teachers and mentors. That means you won’t be teaching classes unsupported until the school thinks you’re ready.

The principles of academic rigour on School Direct are the same as on university-led courses, too. You’re also equally eligible for a training bursary (or, where appropriate, scholarship) and can apply for the same financial support, such as student loans. School Direct courses all result in qualified teacher status (QTS). Most also award you a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) and/or Master’s-level credits.

These combined factors mean that school-led courses have very high rates of employment and trainee satisfaction. And, with the expansion of School Direct, the chances to train locally are better than ever – wherever you live in England, there should be a School Direct partnership nearby.

If you have been working for around three years or more and like the idea of School Direct, but want to earn a salary, School Direct (salaried) is available exclusively for you.

What is required for the application process?

DBS
Personal statement
Summary of education and qualifications
UCAS application
Interviews
Portfolio
Experience in school

What do I want to do? ... because I don't know what age, then perhaps I look at a variety for now and apply in january or feb? ... find out if there is a deadline

What do i need to do it? hours in school? 
Would primary hours contribute to a high school PGCE application?
Do I need a portfolio?
How would the portfolio be tailored to education or show evidence that I can teach?
Research art and education or explorative practices combining student or young people and art etc