STTORMM Advice for PE Applicants

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Entry Requirements for the GTP as a Teacher of Physical Education

This additional advice is offered to applicants wishing to train as teachers of Physical Education (PE). Each year the number of Non-Priority Secondary applications significantly exceeds the number of places available.

The requirements for entry to the graduate teacher programme (GTP) include both the statutory requirement for a degree, and English and Maths at GCSE Grade C or above. The requirement for degree level Subject Knowledge in PE is best evidenced by a degree in PE; other degrees are less likely to meet the requirements for degree level subject knowledge. STTORMM also requires convincing evidence of experience of working with pupils or young people.

Teaching PE requires the development of degree level subject knowledge in the six curriculum areas of Gymnastics, Dance, Games, Athletics, Swimming and Outdoor Activities. PE graduates are most likely to have appropriate subject knowledge but it would be unusual for applicants to have subject knowledge in place for all six activities. The GTP requires graduate teachers to develop, practice and secure their teaching skills over a year-long training programme and the main focus of the training programme is usually classroom practice. Therefore a good starting point for applicants is in-depth experience for two of the above activities and some experience of two others at the start of the programme.

Applicants for GTP often present with first degrees which may not fully meet the requirements for degree level subject knowledge. These include degrees in Sport and PE, Sport Development, and Sport and Coaching which are likely to require applicants to develop additional subject knowledge during the GTP. First degrees in Sports Science and Leisure Management tend to be more problematic, requiring an exceptional commitment to the development of subject knowledge which may not be compatible with the other requirements of GTP. Similarly, some applicants have a specialism in only one sport or activity and sometimes at a very high level of performance; this is likely to be seen as inadequate preparation for GTP.

For applicants who do not have first degree in PE but have one of the degrees listed above, It will be advantageous to acquire a range of coaching qualifications which evidence their ability to develop skills, tactics and fitness through these activities. In addition to the range of coaching qualifications, applicants will be advantaged when they can offer evidence of a range of:

• related A levels
• experience working with pupils or young people, and
• experience of working in a school environment

Finally, please remember that competition for Non-Priority Secondary places is intense with a significant number of applications received each year. PE applicants who are supported by schools such as Sports Colleges and where there is previous evidence of high quality support for initial teacher training are likely to be at an advantage.