teaching

[saraschia]

i have just finished studying two years of hairdressing and have realised that it is not suited to me. i would love a career in primary school teaching. i have GCSEs in english and maths of C and above, but have no A Levels. is it still possible to train for this career without going to university? and how long should it take?

[pingping]

you can go to a teacher training college: http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/becomingateacher /basicrequirements.aspx

but before you embark on another course, would it be worth you spending time in a school as a teacher's helper first? several friends of mine re-trained as teachers, and now dislike their job, so best to try before you buy!

[Gef]

No, you need a degree.

[darth vader]

You will indeed need a degree. Which means you will firstly need A levels or equivalent (BTECS or NVQs - but universities "look down their noses" at these qualifications and A levels are best)

Suggest you follow pingping's advice before embarking on 2 years of A levels, 3 years of degree, then 1 year of PGCE to become a teacher

[oaliss]

Although true that experience would be a really good idea, course length into teaching does not have to be so drastic anymore. If you decide to do teaching, then I would recommend doing and Access to higher education course at your local college and then doing a 3yr undergraduate BEd course that allows you to qualify as a teacher without the need for Post Grad, so all in all it would take four years.

It is true that some universities do look down their noses at anything but a levels but more and more fairly reputable universities are realising that a levels are not for everyone. Its is perfectly possible to do an access to higher edu course and then do a 3yr BEd at a half decent uni.

Good luck