Starting at new school - advice?

[ClassicHummus]

I'm starting a new job this week, and it'll be the first school I've worked in not as a trainee/NQT (just completed Teach First). Really determined to find my feet quickly and get off to a good start - what's helped you most when starting somewhere new?

[Cynderella]

Be nice to office staff and caretakers. Find out who is HoY for each year group you teach. Don't be over friendly with anyone too fast, however nice they seem.

Colour code for each year group e.g. all Y9 in green folders. Find out where stationery is kept and the system.

Don't assume you're included in all relevant email groups - check. Make email folders and use them from the beginning. Only keep what you need in your inbox.

Take your own mug. Talk to people outside your department.

Find out about behaviour systems and follow to the letter. Don't let anyone get away with anything. Firm but fair.

[physicskate]

Start new files (electronic and paper - I like paper for keeping my answers and exemplar work in). Keep up to date with filing away resources as you use them.

I tried just amending my previous files but it proved a nightmare... maybe I should transition away from paper, but I like The visual organisation! I forget I've already done things if they're tucked away...

[ClassicHummus]

Thanks so much, Cynderella and *physicskate'. I know I definitely need to work on my filing - got far too lax with that last term.

[Lowdoorinthewal1]

Do not say a bad word about ANYBODY or the way the school does things for at least the first year, however much you think you know or get on with somebody.

Spend a long time observing the social dynamics before you choose your support partners.