PPD... PGCE Research

After the various PPD tasks and tutorials I have been thinking about what I really want to do after finishing this course. I've been thinking about doing a PGCE, so I've done some research on this to ensure I know what it is about.

Training and Development Agency

Graduate Teach Training Registry

Questions to ask myself:
Art + Design or Design + Technology? = Art and design
Primary, Middle or Secondary? = Secondary (14-19) College age
Where? = LJM

Things to look at:

Speak to a teacher first, gain experience in a school
School Experience Programme; teach first

Why I would want to be a teacher:

The age I would want to teach (14-19 years) is an important stage in a young persons life deciding what they should choose to study at college/university, so it would be rewarding to help them with their decision. I also think young people at this age are more eager to learn, and it would be satisfying to help them with this.

I felt at this age I was unsure about what I wanted to study, as I really enjoyed graphic design, but I hadn't been taught that well about it, so I had to teach myself, which set me back a bit, especially started at university where everybody else seemed like experts. I would like to be a good teacher to ensure others don't have this problem, and are equipped with the skills they need.

I've been a Guide leader for a few years and have also enjoyed working with young people at the Scout Jamboree I attended this year. I also previously worked as a children's party entertainer. I know young people can be hard work but it would be rewarding to help them at this important stage of their lives.

Possible Choices. . . 

Well ideally I'd like to live at home so either Manchester, Liverpool or Edge Hill would be most convenient. 

LJM - Applied Art and Design

Edge Hill - Applied Art and Design

MMU - Art and Design

I think the Liverpool John Moore's or Edge Hill's Applied Art courses sound most like what I would want to do.

Step 1: Talk to a Teacher

- Talk to friends who are studying to be teachers

- Talk to my previous teachers

- Talk to people who I know are teachers

Step 2: Experience in School

Before I start thinking about applying for anything, I need to gain some experience. In everything I've read about PGCE's a factor to ensure you are accepted is having experience. I could ask about going back to my old High School or College and giving a talk about Graphic Design, or maybe even asking for some work experience for Easter or Summer holidays next year.

I am applying for job 'Mentoring/ Classroom Support Assistant' at Leeds College of Art. I need to write a paragraph which contains information about my experience and skills to help me get a placement or mentoring job. Whether or not I get this job, even the process of applying for it will be useful.

Update... I sent off a paragraph containing my information and have an interview for the job! Again, whether or not I get it all this preparation is useful.

The interview went well, however, there weren't placements available that fitted in with my limited hours of free time. Ill keep trying for something later on in the year.

Step 3: Open Days

The open days aren't til next year now, but its important that I attend them when I can, and read up all the provided information on the internet to make sure I know which course would be right for me.