Calling secondary teachers - need interview help

[YoniwayisHull]

I have an interview at the end of the week for a secondary teaching position in an outstanding school. I haven't been in an interview for over 6 years and need tips on what sort of questions I may be facing if i get to that stage.

TIA

[PotteringAlong]

The list above is great! I'd only add to it:

What's the worst lesson you've ever taught? Why?

The pupil interview panel can always be a bit left field! Just try to relax and be yourself!

Good luck

[YoniwayisHull]

Fantastic responses, thank you so much. Lots to think about and prepare.

I'm a science teacher. I would expect issues to include the latest changes to national curriculum, GCSE and A-level course content and structure.

[noblegiraffe]

What would you bring to our department?

[YoniwayisHull]

Just found that one on the TES website and there's a debate over whether the answer 'cake' is a suitable one. I think it's a great icebreaker :)

[PotteringAlong]

Maybe think about how you can use current advances / issues in science in the classroom?

[noblegiraffe]

I think you'd need to assess your audience carefully before announcing cake, although it would certainly be welcome in my department

[YoniwayisHull]

Agreed Noble, though it would be something I would say. No point being someone I'm not is there????? Plus, what department would refuse cake?

[MrsHerculePoirot]

Marking place - handing in an application this week possibly!

[YoniwayisHull]

Why the hesitation MrsHercule? Good luck either way.

[DanFmDorking]

Tell me about one of your lessons that went totally wrong.
What went wrong and what did you do?
Tell me about one of your lessons that went really, really well.

What do you think makes a good teacher?
If i were to walk into your classroom what would it look like?

What did you learn in your last school?
Why do you want to teach at this school?

Tell me some difficulties you have had with some students and how did you handle it?
How would you set about teaching a mixed ability class?
How do you handle classroom management issues (naughty boys!)?

What makes good teaching?
Have you seen any good teaching taking place?
Why was it effective?
How could you tell?

If you had a troublesome student:-
a) What would you do first of all?
b) At what stage would you refer the problem to your line manager (Head of Dept)?
c) At what stage would you involve the parents?

If you learn that a student is being abused, what would you do?

How would you inform a parent of a students? progress?
How would you ensure that a students? progress is maintained throughout the year?
What 'progress checks' would you use and how often?

[TheFallenMadonna]

I'm a Head of Science. And I am interviewing this week! But I am not in an outstanding school.

We don't tend to ask about current developmetns directly, but we do like you to bring them up if they are relevant. What is your specialism? Is it for a job in your specialism, or a Science job?

[MrsHerculePoirot]

yoni because I am terrified of writing application and doing interview - just not my thing hence staying in my current school 12 years!!!!

[YoniwayisHull]

Just wanted to jump back in an say thank you for help, advice and questions. It worked because I got the job (second interview of two at good school with outstanding features). Life will change enormously for the better re work-life balance and financially. Really appreciate it so thank you all again.

MsHerculePoirot - go for it if you need a change. I have a few more grey hairs but it's worth it. Sooo excited for September.

& all round.

[DanFmDorking]

So, what questions were you asked?

[YoniwayisHull]

TES questions here