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Original poster

Any teachers about? I could do with some advice ...

26 replies

TigersChick · 14/06/2009 16:41

Any suggestions or advice very gratefully received ...

I have an interview on Tuesday for a 0.4 position teaching years 5 and 6.
I have been out of full-time teaching for 4 years next month ... I have been doing a bit of supply but my CPD is woefully lacking, as is my knowledge of the 'buzz words' that are about ATM.

I had an interview for a full-time position 4 years ago which I didn't get (good thing really as I found out I was pg the day before the job would have started!) and I was told by the head that the successful candidate was more 'up to speed with where education is at the minute.'

So... any suggestions of things that are currently important? I'm thinking of things they might ask my opinion of in the formal interview; I don't want them to ask me about something that I haven't thought to read-up on!

I've got last week's TES and I've been reading through the DCSF website ... but it's a bit like swimming in treacle if you don't know what you're looking for

TIA

OP posts:
janeite · 14/06/2009 16:45

Look at the new Primary literacy framework.

Also - assessing pupil progress.

Make sure that you have some justified opinions about SATs.

Sorry - I am secondary English, so I only know about the literacy stuff.

Original poster
TigersChick · 14/06/2009 16:49

Primary literacy framework ... found it on DCFS website.

Have made some notes on SATs ... ongoing assessment, that sort of thing ...

Thanks

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infin · 14/06/2009 17:18

As Janeite says, APP is a current hot potato and essential to mention alongside SATS. Also the creative curriculum has returned with interlinked subject planning back on the scene. Not sure if independent learning/self initiated learning would be appropriate as far up as Y5/Y6? Also 'Right's Respecting Schools' a current theme in southern authorities as is BLP (building learning power).

Original poster
TigersChick · 14/06/2009 17:50

OK - am envisioning a couple of late evenings ...

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TheFallenMadonna · 14/06/2009 18:00

I was out for 5 years and I sear to God it's another language now in teaching

People kept talking at me, and I had absolutely no idea what they were going on about.

Amd I'm teaching in the same room I was in before, which when I left had a blackboard, and now has an interactive whiteboard.

So I'm going to be no practical use to you at all, but I do know what you are going through...

duckyfuzz · 14/06/2009 18:08

I am also secondary so not too sure, but agree with APP and SATs also try mugging up on recent primary curriculum reviews (Rose, Williams) and have an opinion on them (ideally an endearing one )

infin · 14/06/2009 18:34

But don't worry too much...from my experience of being on a few interview panels it is more the attitude, can do attitude, willingness to learn and personality and practicality of the applicant that get them the job. Yes make sure you are up to spped a bit but you can't know about everything!

infin · 14/06/2009 18:43

What an incoherent post, sorry...trying to field several distractions!

spula · 14/06/2009 18:53

What everyone else said and... AFL (Assessment For Learning) principles, individual learning styles (kinaesthetic, visual etc) but overall an awareness of changes, commitment and flexibility and a love of children's learning

Original poster
TigersChick · 14/06/2009 19:12

Thank you all

I'm going to read up on APP; the Primary Framework; AFL and the curriculum reviews.

I agree, infin, I'd just rather avoid (or at least limit) chances for them to catch me unawares

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infin · 14/06/2009 19:15

Good luck for Tuesday, hope all goes well for you.

Original poster
TigersChick · 14/06/2009 19:23

Thanks.
Not getting my hopes up but still ...

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trickerg · 14/06/2009 19:52

Here's some of the subjects covered at recent NQT i/v: Creative Curriculum (linking subjects), Rose Report, outdoor learning, how you deal with disruptive children (a couple of these subjects also came up for someone who had a GTP i/v recently.

trickerg · 14/06/2009 19:52

BTW Good luck!!!

Original poster
TigersChick · 16/06/2009 12:41

Thank you again ladies!

Had the interveiw ... waiting to see whether I was successful or not!

Things that came up included APP and the new Literacy Framework. I said that I had no first-hand experiece of them but ... and then went on to talk about how I imagined them working etc - 100% based on what I read after being pointed there by you lot

Behaviour and Parents also seemed to be quite interesting to them.
It's a small school so they were keen to know my feelings about that - and the fact that it's a job share.

I'll let you know when I hear ...

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infin · 16/06/2009 19:05

Fingers crossed....

Original poster
TigersChick · 16/06/2009 19:06

Didn't get it.

The head said I was a very close second ... successful candidate had up-to-date experience.
I feel like an NQT again; how can I get experience if everyone says I need experience before they'll let me get any

Anyway. Thank you for your help - they'd have laughed me out of the room without your help

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Original poster
TigersChick · 16/06/2009 19:07

Cross posts infin.
Thanks all the same

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infin · 16/06/2009 20:21

Hope you've poured a nice glass of something by now and are relaxing and deciding that it was not the right school for you anyway....don't give up! There will be a great job out there for you somewhere. Have you done any recent supply or would you consider doing some? An easy way to get a bit of up to date experience and to get known.

Original poster
TigersChick · 16/06/2009 20:26

Thanks infin.
I'm on my third glass
I'm on the books at a supply agency but they are in the process of moving and there are a lot of staff changes etc etc so have had next-to-no work.
I have been doing some supply - a day a week in the Autumn term - but really want to bump it up so have been in touch with local schools. Trouble is getting CPD when you're a supply teacher.

I will try again but the vast majority of jobs for September are already sorted so it may have to wait for now.
DD goes to school next year so I'll be more flexible then ...

OP posts:
kalo12 · 16/06/2009 20:27

'every child matters' inclusion and special needs

broccoliandchips · 16/06/2009 21:13

What is CPD? (I'm a teacher who started back in September after a six year break and I too felt like - and still do to a degree - others were talking in another language. Sooooo many acronysms (sp?) now!

janeite · 16/06/2009 22:06

CPD - continuing professional development

Original poster
TigersChick · 25/05/2010 10:48

I am ressurecting my old thread as I'm in exactly the same position now - with the same job!!

The woman they appointed resigned at Easter and they called me to see if I was still interested so I've been doing it since then ... but now I have to be interviewed to see if I can do it on a permanent basis

I've re-read this thread and, as a result of the last half-term's work, I am much more up to speed than I was last year - especially on creative curriculum and APP ... just wanted to check if there was anything else new...

Many thanks for any ideas

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Original poster
TigersChick · 26/05/2010 19:57

Just a quick, hopeful, bump

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