1. I don't know whether to do an Early Years, Primary or a Secondary PGCE – what would you suggest?

We would always suggest that you should try and spend some time in both Primary and Secondary schools if you are not certain about which course to apply for. Work in these phases is quite distinctive and once you start working and talking to pupils and teachers it should help you to make your decision.

2. What qualifications do I need to be accepted onto the PGCE course?

Candidates should normally have, or expect to achieve at least a second class honours degree, or equivalent. For Secondary PGCE applicants, at least 50% of your degree needs to be related to the subject that you wish to teach. For Early Years and Primary PGCE candidates your degree content should be related to the National Curriculum.

All candidates will also need GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade C or above, or equivalent. Early Years and Primary PGCE candidates will also need GCSE Science at Grade C or above, or equivalent.

3. I do not have GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Can I still apply for the PGCE?

We expect all PGCE and PGCE (GTP) applicants to have GCSE passes of grade C or above (or equivalents) as follows:

Early Years and Primary: English, Mathematics and Science

Secondary: English and Mathematics

We offer equivalency tests in English and Mathematics for international candidates only.

More information about equivalence tests and an online booking form can be found on http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/wie/itt/equivalencetests/

4. How do I know if my degree will be acceptable?

If you are in doubt please contact the PGCE Recruitment and Admissions team via pgce@warwick.ac.uk, in the first instance, detailing the degree that you have and which course you would like to apply for, and they will be able to advise you.

5. Do I need school experience before I apply for the PGCE course?

We expect all candidates to have had some experience in schools and/or Early Years settings focusing on the key stages relevant to the PGCE course they are applying for and that they are familiar with the atmosphere of a school and demands of teaching.

Don't forget that other experiences are valuable i.e. training sessions that you have delivered to staff, extra curriculum clubs, coaching, etc.

6. How do I get some school experience?

There are a number of ways in which you can gain experience:

• You could make contact with a local school and ask if they would allow you to spend a few days working in the school.
• Taster days often provide opportunities to spend time observing lessons in school. See the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) website for further information.
• The Teaching Information Line operates an Open Schools Programme. They will help you to organise some time in a local school. Ring 0845 6000 991.
• If you are still at University, contact your student union and find out if they organise any tutoring schemes within the local community such as the Warwick Volunteers Student tutoring scheme.

7. What will happen during the interview?

Before your interview you will be asked to spend one day in a school local to you. The school will be asked to complete a simple report form to provide us with feedback on your approach and demeanour.

Details of our selection process can be found on www.go.warwick.ac.uk/pgce/applications

8. Where will my school placements be?

Your school placements will be in one of our Partnership Schools in the West Midlands region. It is possible that you may have over an hour’s travelling time either by car, public transport or university transport to your placement. It is important to remember that at least 50% of your time will be spent in school so please take this into consideration when making arrangements for childcare, accommodation etc.

9. What time commitment is involved with the PGCE?

The PGCE course is very intensive. The university based sessions will normally run from 9.00am until 5-6pm, Monday- Friday. When you are on school placements you are expected to be at the school in good time for the start of the day (8.30am at the latest) and be prepared to stay after school as and when necessary.

10. What are the TDA Skills Tests?

During your course you will also need to take the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) skills tests in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT. When you come to the University we will offer you guidance about how to register and pass the tests. In the meantime you might want to look at the content of the tests, and practise a little on the TDA Skills Tests website.

11. How much will I be charged to complete the PGCE?

Information about PGCE fees and funding can be found on the website Student Finance

12. How do I apply for the PGCE?

You need to apply through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). We encourage Early Years and Primary PGCE candidates to apply by 1 December every year as the demand for those courses is high. There is no closing date for Secondary PGCE candidates but we always recommend early application. Here is the link to GTTR's website www.gttr.ac.uk

13. What are my chances of employment?

At the University of Warwick we have an excellent employment record. Many of our trainees apply for the jobs in the schools where they were on a placement.

14. How can I find out more about the PGCE courses?

There are a number of information evenings and taster days organised by the Institute of Education. We advertise them on our website: www.go.warwick.ac.uk/education

15. How can I find out more about enhancement courses?

We are offering Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. More information will be posted on our website shortly. For information on all enhancement courses please refer to the TDA website:

http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/youroptionsinfull/pretrainingcourses.aspx