This questions has often been asked by those who are thinking about teaching once they have finished their undergraduate degree. It can be quite a tricky decision because there are a few different routes into teaching.
SCITT
A SCITT is short for school-centered initial teacher training. The SCITT programme is what I will be doing in September. It is different to a PGCE because rather than spending the majority of the year in university, you are on placement in schools for most of the time. Taught lessons about teaching theory, practice, knowledge and understanding take place in small centres and you are taught by experienced, practising teachers. I prefer the SCITT programme; I feel as though I have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a teacher because I will be on long-term placements for most of the year. As a trainee teacher, you need as much hands on experience as you can to build you up for your first year as a qualified teacher. Many, not all, SCITT programmes award you a PGCE validated by a higher education institution. My course awards a PGCE through one of the local universities. If you are interested in the SCITT programme, please check course websites to see whether they award a PGCE. In simple terms, this means that you will attend a graduation ceremony. If you prefer spending more time training in the classroom, putting theory into practice and gaining confidence through increased contact with the school environment, then a SCITT programme is a good option for you!
PGCE
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses are available at universities and colleges throughout the UK. A PGCE includes academic tuition through lectures, seminars and tutorials and teaching experience includes two placements in local schools. Although several routes exist, a PGCE is the most popular way into teaching. You will undoubtedly be juggling academic assignment deadlines with full-time lesson planning and teaching! If you prefer a good balance between university life and the school environment, then this is an ideal option.
Are there any other routes?
There are two other routes into teaching (there might be more, like research in schools). These include School Direct and Teach First. School Direct is employment-based training for exceptional graduates with at least three years experience. When I say ‘exceptional’, they usually want the best of the best because the programme will pay you a bursary of up to £20,000 to help with costs. They also offer scholarships of £25,000. So… they aren’t going to waste money on graduates with no experience and average qualifications. Teach First is a charity which offers a two-year programme and is another employment-based route. Trainees are given intensive training from day one, full teaching responsibilities (again, from day one) and a nice salary. If you are interested in either of these routes, do your research and do a lot. I have heard that these programmes can be very stressful; they are more intense than a PGCE or SCITT programme and you are expected to be the finished article from the start.
I hope this advice helps and please remember to do your research! Before I applied for teacher training, I made a Word document and looked through all the course providers I found the most ‘appealing’ on UCAS. I wrote down all the course requirements, important information, course structures, etc and based my decisions on this. I applied for various PGCE and SCITT programmes and had interviews for both. It helps to look on forums too, including The Student Room (www.thestudentroom.co.uk). Be careful not to read too much into other peoples opinions though! Remember, this is your choice and only you can decide which route is right for you.
Rachel
Becoming a Primary Teacher 