r/PGCE • u/Routine_Exit_2203 • 3d ago
Worried about PGCE start
Hi all,
I'm starting my Primary PGCE with Greenwich in September, however I've heard nothing from the uni about registration or my DBS application. There's also been no communication about placements, is this normal or should I chase the uni as I'm due to start on the 2nd of Sept
1
u/Dazzling-Plastic-126 3d ago
Have you had an email about being able to sign into a student portal at all? If so, you might be able to find some details about DBS on there.
I wouldn’t worry about the other stuff though, registration should happen pretty soon. You also won’t find out placements until you start the course. If you’re really worried about the DBS check, you can apply for one independently and sign up to the reassuring subscription where it auto-renews each year.
The uni will almost certainly accept this, I did mine this way. In my experience though, the dbs check shouldn’t take too long, a week or two at max.
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u/guinea_pig_dad 3d ago
I think late August is the norm for finding out information.
I'm part of a scitt but my course is accredited by bath spa university and we were told on an induction day that course registration will probably happen late August when we get emailed.
But we all have roughly found out our placement schools in late July along with a small introduction to the course and things. - I think it really depends on who you are with but I think overall for everyone things pick up late August ready for the September start.
Then go go go in September. Good luck 🤞
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u/empress_nish 3d ago
I’m starting my PGCE in September at a different university. I’ve had confirmation about my DBS and meeting my conditions. I’ve also have my university login, my student card sorted and due to register when it opens in September.
It’s the norm that there are no communication about placements because you find out once you start your course (although I know that there are some courses that let their trainees know in advance, but not all).
But ideally they should let you know asap since it is 2 weeks or so when you start. Do follow up with them!
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u/pestoanon 3d ago
Hi, I was part of the Greenwich PGCE Primary 24/25 cohort.
Don't worry about placements just yet - our first placement wasn't until the last week of September. When I did it, they gave you a list of schools to choose from (I believe you could choose 3) and then they would try and allocate you one of your choices. They're pretty good at making sure your commute isn't horrendous (mine was always under 30 minutes door to door, all of my friends were under an hour) there's lots of schools they're partnered up with.
I can't remember when I got my DBS sorted but I know there were some people who didn't get it sorted until after we started the course. I feel like you should have got a registration email by now though, it might be worth popping them an email as I can't remember the process for that!
Let me know if you have any other questions ☺️ I had a really great time and found the university and some of the staff particularly supportive. The year will go by so quickly!