to be worried sick about which job I'm given?

[sweetmolly]

I'm supposed to be starting my probationary year (Scottish NQT) in August.

I didn't know that it works the way it does (my fault I suppose). You choose your top choice council and then you are allocated a school. Most people get their top choice council but some don't.

I am so worried about it all. I'm doing well on teaching practice but tbh there are no behaviour problems in this school. I could be put anywhere, and I don't think I could cope in a difficult school.

Well, I don’t think you’re BU to be worried about it - everyone worries about new jobs and new experiences. Very gently though, OP, did you honestly go into teaching assuming that you would never have to cope with behavioural issues and difficult children? If you don’t think that you could cope then is it the right career choice for you? I’m sure you’re better equipped to manage than you think.

Are you sure teaching is for you

It doesn’t sound like it.

Depends what you mean by behavioural problems. My daughter is a teacher and finds the children (and parents!) in more affluent areas just as difficult, if not more so.

Well, the likelihood of getting your first choice depends on where you're applying to. Least likely first choices are probably (a guess going on me and my friends) East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and Edinburgh City. Yes, people want to work there because the stereotype is that those are rich councils and that behaviour will be good. A warning - a 'good' area does not good behaviour make. I've seen appalling behaviour at very affluent schools. I applied to one of these three councils and luckily got my first choice. However, and I can admit this now 7 years later, I was upset to be given a school in a very challenging area in one of these councils. But I'm still there 7 years later and it has been the making of me. The children are amazing and need and appreciate you so much more than if you're working in Jordanhill, etc. Yes they are very challenging at times but I honestly wouldn't trade it. Remember that bad behaviour often isn't a slight against you, the child is telling you something. Don't be angry at them, they're small and can't help it, usually.

If you're applying first to Aberdeenshire, Fife, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar... You'll almost certainly get your first choice. Anywhere rural, really. These places are crying out.

Focus on behaviour management now. You absolutely will need it. Can you ask to go and visit another student in what might be a more challenging school in your area?

@senior and @greyhound don't seem like particularly useful or supportive people. Please ignore and work on what you can. Not your fault that you've had a school with good behaviour.

I put down NLC, then GCC and the EastD. I was swithering for so long about NLC vs GCC because I know I'm less likely to get a permanent post in NLC.

I'm just so worried about everything, having to commute, where on earth I'll be placed etc.

I do not want to work in a school where they are fighting in the classroom or swearing at me.

Is it secondary? What's your subject? Do you have a student support service you can talk to?

If there are no behaviour issues in the class that you are teaching in as a trainee then you are already doing a good job - I have seen many good as gold classes being absolute monsters for supply teachers and trainees.

I've worked in education for many years in several schools - some with a great reputation, some an awful one. I can easily think of examples of pupils fighting or swearing at teachers in all of these settings. It doesn't mean it happened every day or even every term, but I don't think you can guarantee you won't come across this kind of behaviour by getting a certain school. As this is a nerve wracking time for you it's natural to worry about how you will cope but if you've not experienced it before you may find you surprise yourself when the time comes.

When I qualified a million years ago, you applied to boroughs. I was offered five jobs in different London boroughs and since I didn’t know London, I just picked one. It was fine.

No, primary.

Hopefully it's just sheer nerves and once I know where I'm going, and I can make plans, I'll calm down.

I work in one of the richest areas of the U.K. you’d think the little darlings would be well behaved. I chose the school, did my research etc. I’ve never known behaviour like it! Been told to fuck off more than once recently, some of the students are entitled little swines. I’m sorry to say, OP, that you need to work on your behaviour management. Were you secondary, I’d tell you pace is key. Access all support and be clear that you welcome constructive criticism and formative observations.

It’s the unknown making you catastrophise. Once you know, and you know the route etc, you’ll be grand.

I remember worrying in a similar way in the first few years. I love the more challenging classes now.

From experience OP, my first year teaching was in a 'naice' area: It was awful. 36 to a class, no support for some with really severe learning difficulties, an unsupportive Head who wouldn't see that they needed support or other specialist schooling (tho 1 very brave parent took him on & got his son transferred) & 'naice' parents who were pushy nightmares. I had a 6 deep queue every 3.30 over total crap ("his £50 trainers are ruined " was usual the sort of thing). I trained in a very deprived area with real social problems & enjoyed it far more. I felt like I was appreciated & was making a difference. There was the odd discipline issue, there is wherever you teach, but taking 5mins off playtime never failed. If you're really worried re discipline etc private schools have very small classes & few discipline issues IME.

My friend has worked in posh areas with good schools and bad areas with problematic schools. She prefers the latter because it is a happier working environment and more rewarding she says.

I trained in a range of schools... my nqt year was in a school in the most deprived area of Newcastle... im still there 10 years later... i feel so passionate about making a difference and also i feel.really defensive of a lot of our parents who do a great job in shit circumstances!
In England you qualify then have to apply for jobs.. competition is such that tbh any job will do!
You'll be fine. Good luck!