Busting the myths keeping you from your future

There are thousands of fantastic budding teachers out there, waiting to begin their journeys in education. Each and every one of them has the potential to positively change the lives of hundreds of students but many will be put off before they start by the myths that surround teacher training.

Here at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) we want to bust these myths and help you become the educator you were born to be. Our Enquiries Team have collected some of the most common queries and questions they experience in the hope that more people will realise there are no reasons not to get started.

“I no longer have to complete the professional skills test”

TRUE - In July 2019 the Department of Education announced that the skills test would no longer be a requirement for trainees starting ITT courses. Instead, providers will make their own judgement to assess candidates literacy and numeracy skills.

“BGU will find my placement schools for me”

TRUE - BGU differs from other Universities as our Placement Services Team will find your placements for you whilst you are on the course so that you don’t have to!

“PGCE courses don’t cover specialist subjects”

FALSE - BGU’s wide variety of PGCE courses cover a range of subjects including Computer Studies, Dance, and Foreign Languages meaning you specialise in an area you’re passionate about. Whichever pathway you follow you’ll still receive the same high quality level of training and support to make you a fantastic teacher.

“A PGCE course is the only way to become a qualified teacher”

FALSE - While a PGCE course is the most commonly recognised way of becoming a qualified teacher, other options are available at BGU. Our BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course is a three year undergraduate degree that, when successfully completed, provides graduates with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This means you can receive the industry recognised teaching standard a whole year earlier than normal. Alternatively, if you have completed a relevant Foundation Degree, you can take our BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies with QTS top up degree. This 15 month course will enable you to bump your FdA up to a full BA qualification and provide you with QTS as well.

“I’m worried that teacher training courses are intense and I won’t have any support”

FALSE - As BGU are teaching training specialists we have our very own dedicated collection of teaching resources located in our library (The Cornerstone Building) designed to help you whilst completing a teacher training course. The collection boasts over 20,000 physical resources for children at both Primary and Secondary level.

Our helpful Student Advice Team are also on hand both before and after you start the course to support you through your teaching training journey. They can advise you on funding eligibility, how to apply for Student Finance and talk to you about any adjustments that you may require.

Of course, our dedicated academics are also there for you throughout the course. You will meet them on your interview day and have a chance to ask them any questions you may have.

So, with all of that cleared up, what’s stopping you?

Our BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (3 year undergraduate degree), BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies with QTS (15 month top up degree), and PGCE courses are the perfect ways to begin or continue your adventure on the path to becoming a fantastic teacher! If you have any questions, our Enquiries Team are ready to help. Contact them today or visit our website to find out how to take your next steps.