10 questions all Hull teachers-in-the-making ask

You have a degree, and you want to share your passion with growing minds. But you’ve got a few questions first. Here are ten of the most frequently asked questions, and some advice from an experienced Hull teacher, to help you on your way to becoming an NQT (newly qualified teacher).

Primary school child taking part in lab on a chip activity

1. I want to teach, but should I really change careers to do it?

Matthew McGrath, 37, science teacher at Hessle Academy, graduated from the University of Hull with a Secondary Science PGCE in 2017. Before that, he spent 14 years in a different profession. He says:

"I decided to undertake a PGCE as I had always had a desire to teach, but my first occupation presented the opportunity first. Once I had decided upon a career change the natural thing was to look at teaching.

"I decided on a career change as I had lost confidence in the direction of the organisation I worked for. I could not subscribe to a way of working which was below my moral standards.

"I find one of the best things about teaching is the sense of achievement once a student understands a difficult concept, or when the light bulb moment occurs and they understand the topic you are teaching.

"I would like to hope my students like my classes, coming from a different background I feel I can relate with them more, and tend to understand their behaviour."

2. What are my prospects for getting a job after I graduate?

The University of Hull’s graduate employability record is good, both locally and nationally. Many of our students go on to get jobs in their placement schools, and you’ll be hard-pushed to find a school in the region that doesn’t employ one of our alumni.

3. What are your tips for people looking to become teachers?

"In terms of the PGCE, work hard at university and try and complete your essays ahead of time, not to leave them to last minute as demand for your time increases around submission deadlines," Matthew says.

"Utilise the help of your university tutors to discuss teaching and learning methods, as they will provide useful tools to take into your classroom.

"Be realistic with your approach, understand that it will take time to come to terms with planning and teaching, and that you are not going to get it overnight. You have to work hard.

"Students may be difficult, but find ways to utilise them to help you. Take an interest in their hobbies, try and find something out about them, so you are showing an interest. Students will like this and it will go a long way in helping you control them in the future."

4. Why should I choose a PGCE at Hull?

"Hull was the obvious choice as I have a family and I wanted to return to university to complete the PGCE as I had been out of uni for so long, I needed the extra days at uni to help me with the acquisition of knowledge," Matthew says.

"If I was to undergo a SCIIT course I felt I would not have enough time to acquire the knowledge needed to fulfil the PGCE requirement of the course. I felt I could be eased into learning again slowly."

5. I’ve got a degree. What routes into teaching does Hull offer?

We offer the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in three areas: 3-7 years, 5-11 years, and Secondary level.

The PGCE qualification is suitable for University graduates, and combines school placements with study of the theory behind learning and teaching.

You’ll earn master’s degree credits, which you can put toward a future qualification. You’ll also be recommended for qualified teacher status (QTS), and be able to teach in any state-maintained school.

Our programmes start in September and run until the following June. They include at least 120 days placement in two different schools.

We also work in partnership with a wide range of schools, academies and teaching school alliances who deliver and support School Direct provision.

Find out more

6. I want to teach a subject I don’t have a degree in. Can I do that?

For primary applicants, if you have an honours degree at 2:2 or above you’re eligible to apply for either of our programmes. There are no subject specifications.

At secondary level, it’s usually a prerequisite that you have at least 50% of your degree in the subject you want to teach. But for some subjects, you can complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course before joining your teacher training programme. Hull offers them in French and Maths.

If you don’t have a degree, there are a few you can apply for. Like the BA Primary Teaching and BSc Biology, Computer Science, Geography and Physics with Teacher Training.

7. Can you tell me a bit more about the placements in schools?

As part of both levels of PGCE, you’ll have the chance to gain significant school experience. Our primary trainees have three blocks of placements over 124 days. For secondary PGCE students, there are two blocks of school placements that form about two-thirds of the programme.

At both levels, we try to give you contrasting placement experiences: rural and urban, small and large etc. During your placements, you’re fully supported by school mentors, class teachers, and University-based tutors.

8. How will I be assessed?

In short, assessment of theory is through coursework and portfolio assignments.

Assessment of practice takes place in schools while you’re on placement, where you’ll demonstrate you’ve achieved the Teachers’ Standards.

When you’ve completed all elements, you’ll be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

9. I’ve not written an essay for a while. Will I be able to manage the workload?

Don’t worry. We offer sessions on academic writing skills, and you’ll also be assigned an Academic Support Tutor, who you can ask about getting advice and guidance.

10. I’m applying. Is there anything else I need to do before starting my course?

Yes, you need to do two things:

1. Pass the professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy
According to the Get Into Teaching website, over 80% of candidates pass both on their first go. But you do have unlimited attempts at these skills tests – the first three times are free.

The key to passing is plenty of preparation and practice.

2. Demonstrate an aptitude for teaching
Although traditional classroom experience isn’t essential, the more experience you have of working with children in the age group you want to teach, the better. This could be in a school setting, running a scout group, or helping at a kids club.

We also hold a pre-course day on campus in late spring where we'll share reading lists and assignments for the year ahead. It’s also a great opportunity to meet your course mates and start building your network for the year ahead. All the tutors will be on-hand to meet and greet you, and you’ll also get a tour of the campus.

How to apply for a PGCE

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