John Barbour

Hello everyone
I am going to train to be primary school teacher, and have to decide where &
how to do it - the aim is to teach in Australia, Melbourne/Victoria to start
off with, maybe Queensland later.

I have a place offered to me as an International Student at La Trobe Uni
starting next year, on the 1-year Grad. Dip. Ed. course, which will cost
c.$12,500 + living expenses etc. However I'm currently back in the UK for a
few months and I've just been offered an unconditional place on a PGCE
Primary course from this September, obviously a financially preferable
option!

I've done web research but still have some queries I'd like clarified, if
anyone knows:

- Is the PGCE qualification accepted by the Victoria Education board for
teaching in schools?

- I've checked The National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
(NOOSR)[http://www.dest.gov.au/noosr/default.htm] and I presume I'd need a
validation of my qualification from them for the 'VIT' status (equivalent to
QTS as far as I can see). Do I have to work the 1 year in a UK school to get
the confirmed QTS, or will they accept me as soon as I've qualified?

Any pointers will be much appreciated - thanks!

john barbour