Qualifying to Teach
If you are thinking of a career in teaching there are many different routes available to enable you to obtain qualified teacher status. The information contained on this site will hopefully guide you to the correct route.
Teaching is a highly valued and rewarding profession. As a teacher you will be educating the next generation and few jobs are as varied and challenging. If you want to study part or full time, follow a flexible route or earn as you train, there is a course for you.
Is Teaching For Me?
You may already have an idea of whether you would like to teach at primary or secondary level and which specialist subject you would like to study. But, before you even apply for your University place we would recommend you consider a day or more observing current practice.
The role of a primary teacher is very different from that of a secondary teacher - it is important you ensure you are on the correct course. The curriculum, teaching methods and life of a school is constantly evolving, and although for some of you your school days may not be too far in the distant past, we are sure you will see some changes.
Simply contact your local school, mentioning that you are considering undertaking a teacher training course and ask if you could spend some time observing teachers in action. You may like to observe in both primary and secondary schools.
Please be aware that schools have many visitors and it may not be always be convenient to visit. You may need to contact more than one school.
An alternative to school observation is a more formal 'Taster Course'. This will give you a more in-depth understanding of what a teaching career entails.
Basic Requirements
All routes to qualified teacher status, whether primary or secondary, require you to have
- GCSE grade C Maths
- GCSE grade C English
- GCSE grade C Science, if you wish to teach primary age children and you were born after September 1979
If you do not have the basic qualifications you can take an Access course
Access Courses
Bracknell & Wokingham College offer an Access to Teaching course that is available both in the day and the evening.
It is designed for people interested in teaching and gives them the opportunity to find out more about their career options and to gain a qualification suitable for entry to teacher training.
The course includes classes on the Principles of Learning, Information Technology, plus study skills and tutorial support.
No formal qualifications are required to attend the course. The prime requirements are interest in the areas of study, enthusiasm and commitment.
All applicants will be invited for an informal discussion. Successful students receive a nationally recognised certificate enabling them to apply for an initial teacher training degree.
Bracknell & Wokingham College Tel No. 0845 330 3343 or see their web site www.bracknell.ac.uk
Teaching as a Career
Teaching in the UK is a graduate profession.
Find out more information about teaching as a career if you already have a degree.
Find out more information about teaching as a career if you do not have a degree.
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