FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – APPLICATIONSHow do I apply?For more information about the Merseyside & Cheshire Graduate Teacher Programme, and to receive information about the application process, please fill in the Contact Us form, and this will be forwarded to you electronically. Can I apply on-line?Yes. All applications have to be made via the TDA GTP Application portal on their website: www.tda.gov.ukCan I submit my application electronically?Yes. All applications have to be made initially via the TDA Portal. Additional information, as part of the application process, will be required by Merseyside & Cheshire GTP. This is outlined in the 'Application Guidance Notes'. The 'Application Support Form' and copies of documentation may be returned to us electronically to applications@mandcgtp.org.uk or by post to: Merseyside & Cheshire GTP Consortium Do I need a school before I can apply?Yes. Having school support is part of the selection process. You will need the provisional support from a lead school and a letter of support to accompany your application. If I don’t have a school, how can I find one?Firstly, approach your local schools. They may be able to provide guidance on developing your experience and provide an insight into your future career. The Consortium does not produce a list of schools involved in the programme as this changes on a regular basis, but may provide contact details of a couple of local schools. If you approach a school and they are unfamiliar with the GTP programme please let us know the name of the school, and a contact person, and we will arrange to send them a schools information pack. Can I train in a Special School?Yes, this is possible, but to achieve QTS you must be able to demonstrate a minimum of 18 weeks teaching within a mainstream environment. This could mean a substantial amount of time out of your Lead School during the year, so it may be advantageous to explore an alternative Lead School. However, if you have substantial prior teaching experience that can be suitably evidenced, the period of 18 weeks may be reduced. Please note that Special Needs is not a valid subject area for QTS within a Secondary School. Is there a lower age limit?No. There used to be a minimum age limit of 24, but this was removed by the European Commission. How much experience do I need to apply for the programme?The Consortium requires upto 12 months quality classroom experience. It is difficult to be definitive on the amount of time required as the Selection Panel will look for good quality experience in a classroom, working with the Key Stages, age and ability range that you intend to teach. They will also look for knowledge of the whole-school environment. I work full-time. How am I supposed to gather this experience?Speak to your local schools / Headteachers. They will be able to guide you on how you can assist the school and thereby develop your experience. Why do I need so much experience?The requirement for experience is local. GTP Partnerships in other areas of the country may not require as much. Within the North West there are more people wishing to enter teaching than there are places, so we can impose our own criteria to restrict applications. From our experience, we have found that trainees need to be fully aware of the school environment before entering training. Rather than a restricting requirement, view it as an opportunity to explore the teaching profession before committing yourself to a twelve-months training programme. How can I check if my qualifications are valid?If your qualifications were not obtained in the UK, then you need to approach UK Naric for a statement of equivalency (www.naric.org.uk). All applicants must satisfy the basic criteria for qualifications:
Without these basic qualifications, you are unable to join the programme. See the application guidance for further details. What degree subject do I need to teach in a Secondary School?To achieve QTS within a Secondary School you must be able to demonstrate degree-level subject knowledge in the subject that you are trained to teach. This normally means that you will have a degree with a major part within this subject. You can still apply for the programme without this, but you must include a demonstration of degree-level subject knowledge with your application. The best way of doing this is by obtaining a copy of the National Curriculum and mapping a transcript of your degree alongside the NC requirements. I have an Ordinary Degree. Does this mean that I cannot apply?Yes. We have a requirement of a 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent. It is true that I can only apply once?No. Some applicants become confused by the requirements of QTS and the requirements of application. You can apply as many times and to as many programmes as you feel appropriate. It is only if you have previously failed a QTS programme that you are unlikely to be accepted onto another QTS programme. Can I apply to other partnerships / PGCE programmes?Yes. You are encouraged to maximise your chances of gaining a place within teacher training. However, once you have gained and accepted a place, you should notify other providers to remove you from their list of applicants, their list of successful candidates or from their contact database. How many starting dates do you have on the programme?That depends on the quality of applicants and funding from the TDA. For general guidance, all Primary and Secondary Other places are filled during the main recruitment period for a September start. We occasionally have a couple of Salary Grant places remaining for Secondary Shortage subjects. These may be subject to a late summer application round for a September start, or may be delayed for a January or even Easter start. We may also have Training Grant Only places remaining for Secondary Shortage subjects. The best way of finding out the current vacancy situation or closing date monitor our website. How much time will I spend at my Lead School?You will be employed by your Lead School as a full time employee. You will, however, be expected to spend some time in a Second School, and spend time visiting other schools. You will also be expected to visit other environments to develop an understanding of Every Child Matters and Remodelling. Is there a central programme?The Consortium has a programme of Taught Sessions that is central to your overall personal development. There is one full-day session per month, usually held at the Heath Conference Centre, Runcorn.
|
|
© 2012 Merseyside & Cheshire GTP Consortium |