School Direct First Teaching Post September 2016

Three Stages Completion of application form Letter of application Interview

Application Form Usually standard but very important Highlight any gaps in employment If you’ve worked in a different sector, think about transferrable skills Spellcheck but be wary, eg ‘from’ ‘form’ and American spellings BE HONEST, they WILL check qualifications

Application Form

References Current employer Not relatives Appropriate

Which School? Be selective Do your homework Read up online Make sure it’s the kind of school for you Be prepared by making an immediate impact Visit the school before handing in your application to a get a real feel for the school Look at what the school needs

Letter of Application Your letter of application is the heart of your application for work as a newly qualified teacher and should be re-written for each role, this is what will get you shortlisted. This is your opportunity to provide evidence of how you match the needs of the specific teaching job you are applying for, and earn yourself an invitation to the next stage, which is likely to be an interview held at the school.

READ the specification, this leads to the selection criteria, some essential, others desirable https://wensley-fold-ce-primary-academy.secure- primarysite.net/nqt-person-specification/

Display your enthusiasm, but avoid general statements and clichés Some top tips Do not exceed two sides of A4, unless otherwise instructed. It should not be a list! Tailor your statement for each new application according to the nature of the school or LA and the advertised role Consider using the government’s Teachers’ Standards to structure your statement, or follow the structure of the person specification For a pool application, make sure you give a good overview of your skills and experience It is essential that you give specific examples of what you have done to back up your claims

What to cover in the letter Why you are applying for the role: Refer to any knowledge you have of the LA or the school, including any visits to the school and what you have learnt from them Mention any special circumstances, for example, your religious faith, which you think are relevant SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

What to cover in the letter Details about your course: Give an overview of your training course, including the age range and subjects covered, and any special features If you are a PGCE student, mention your first degree, your dissertation (if appropriate), any classroom-based research projects and relevant modules studied. Also mention if you have studied any masters modules SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

What to cover in the letter Your teaching experience: What year groups you have taught What subjects you have covered Any use of assessment strategies or special features of the practices, for example, multi-ethnic, team teaching SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

What to cover in the letter Your classroom management strategies: Give examples of how you planned and delivered lessons and monitored and evaluated learning outcomes, including differentiation Explain how you have managed classrooms and behaviour Detail your experience of working with assistants or parents in your class SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

What to cover in the letter Your visions and beliefs about primary/secondary education: What are your beliefs about learning and your visions for the future? You could touch on areas such as learning and teaching styles and strategies Reflect on key policies relevant to the age range you want to teach SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

What to cover in the letter Other related experience: This can include information about any previous work experience Include training activities you have carried out and ways in which your subject knowledge has been developed SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

What to cover in the letter Other related skills and interests: Give details of any particular competencies, experiences or leisure interests which will help the school to know more about you as a person Any involvement in working with children (running clubs, youth work and summer camps) is particularly useful to note What will you bring that is extra? SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

What to cover in the letter BE HONEST, don’t say you do extra things but then can’t give examples, never tell a lie – you could be sacked! Be concise, do not waste time and space Aim to end on a positive note. A conclusion which displays your enthusiasm in relation to the specific application and teaching in general will enhance your application SPELL CHECK & PROOF READ

MAKE SURE YOU KEEP A COPY!! TES Interview Tips

Preparation Know the job description inside out Research the school Visit the school Up to date with current issues – TES, Twitter Practice interviews Re-read your application, plan your journey and get a good night’s sleep

First Impressions 90% of all interviews are decided in the first 2 minutes! Look the part Articulate yourself well Be polite and friendly to all the school staff throughout the day Other staff are often canvassed so watch out for ‘informal chats’ in the staff room Social media Walks by children are common, so enjoy!

Teaching a Lesson Don’t be afraid to ask for help Stick to your normal style of teaching Be aware of how to make your lesson outstanding

Top 100 things not to say at an interview The Interview Not designed to trip you up but to highlight your skills, achievements etc Two way process The purpose is for the school to find out if you meet the criteria Who will fit best with the existing staff and contribute the best Top 100 things not to say at an interview

What not to do: the common mistakes Don’t be unprepared for your interview Make sure you have thoroughly researched the school and that you understand the job specification Don’t wear novelty clothes – dress appropriately Don’t talk too much – make sure you listen to the questions and answer them concisely Don’t be negative – you may already have had some negative experiences, but don’t focus on them Focus on the positive ones, or talk about what you have learned from the negative ones Don’t try to be a comedian – many have tried and many have failed. By all means, don’t be serious the whole time, but you’re not starring in Mock the Week Don’t make things up – you are likely to be asked to give practical examples of what you have stated on your application form Don’t fall at the finish – if all of your questions have already been answered during the interview, take the opportunity to stress how interested you are in the position rather than say you don’t have any questions.

Be prepared – questions you could be asked Why did you apply for the position? Describe a lesson that went well for you? Describe a lesson that did not go well for you and what you did about it, or would do about in the future? What would you do to develop positive relationships with pupils? Describe your classroom after two months of starting your new job?

Hugh Jackman's Teacher Interview Finally! Once you have got the job, take every opportunity you can to spend time in the school before you start officially. That way, you will feel part of the team before the hard work really begins. Hugh Jackman's Teacher Interview