1. ‘WHAT I WISH I KNEW THEN THAT I KNOW NOW…’ KIRSTY RATCLIFFE: SUBJECT TUTOR FINE ART FSFC

2. FIND SOMEONE WHO YOU CAN TALK TO: It could be someone in your department, a fellow NQT or even someone at a different college! Discuss things that are going well / not so well… Don’t be afraid to ask for help / reassurance It’s healthy to let out frustrations and reflect on strengths!

3. REFLECT: We always tell students to do it but sometimes there’s little time for a teacher to reflect on lessons taught! Start up a blog Write a reflective journal Record your lessons and watch / listen to them back Student feedback – ‘exit slips’

4. DON’T BLAME YOURSELF: A student misbehaving, not completing homework tasks, etc. isn’t always your fault. Don’t think that behavioural issues in class are solely down to you Don’t let student’s see your nerves / stress!

5. ORGANISATION IS KEY: Don’t try to do too much – use your time well… Try to plan your lessons before the term starts: You don’t want to spend all your free periods / time at home doing work! Plan for parents evening: Give parents your student friendly SOW, make notes on attendance etc. Take nights off: You have to stop working to allow some ‘you’ time… Stress/Tiredness can have a negative impact on your teaching!

6. GET TO KNOW STAFF AND YOUR STUDENTS: Make friends with the caretakers, cleaners, shop assistants, etc. They see behind the scenes and really do know everything... most have been there for years! Get to know your students and track them so that you can intervene and support when needed Give extension tasks for all so every learner has the ability to stretch and progress!

7. GET INVOLVED WITH COLLEGE LIFE: Join the staff social club (if you have one!) Make an impact - run your own enrichment Attend TeachMeets Go on college trips!

8. OBSERVATIONS: Make space in your free periods to observe other teachers / fellow NQT’s… it could be for just 30 mins! Observe lessons that aren’t in your area of teaching Get someone to informally observe you for feedback Pick something that you liked and try it out with your classes Don’t be afraid to experiment – test random things!

9. SET UP YOUR OWN PERSONAL NETWORK: Sharing / Receiving advice from other teachers online can help you develop your teaching practice!

10. ENJOY THE ‘BUZZ’ MOMENTS: The best part of the job is when a student understands what you have taught and excels in their work… Save and enjoy these moments as the next lesson you can easily forget that ‘buzz’ when things aren’t going right!

11. KEY TIPS: Don’t feel obliged to conform – stick to who you are as a teacher… it’s why you got the job in the first place! Set yourself small targets to achieve throughout the year – you can’t change the world… Demand and expect support!

12. ANY QUESTIONS?