GTP advice please help, long sorry.

[prettypurpledaisy]

The school where I work as a cover supervisor mentioned earlier in the year that there may be a GTP next September but that both myself and another member of staff would be considered. I was told that they had applied for funding for two English GTP's but only had been given one. They asked me to submit a letter of application and I would be interviewed. I assumed that there would be two of us going for it.

In the meantime I have applied to another school and have an interview next week. I submitted my form requesting a day off.

I was told that the GTP was mine if I wanted it and was asked why I had applied elsewhere as I knew it was mine all along.

So the question is do I stay here and not go for the other interview or take my chances at the other school. I could end up with nothing and have to continue being a cover supervisor for another year.The other school has a good reputation for training and the GTP is extra to the teaching staff but I like the school I am at but hate cover.

HELP

Have to admit I don't even know what a GTP is, but there's no reason you have to make a choice over 2 posts before even 1 interview... I wouldn't believe that the one role was mine without seeing it in writing. If they're pressing you for an answer (very unfairly) then why not say you want to go to the other interview for practice?

HTH

GTP will be a hard year in lots of ways as you're in at the deep end, so you'll need an excellent mentor and lost of good support. Do you think you will get this at your present school, knowing it the way you do?

I don't think anyone would blame you for going to the interview next week - you have to choose what's best for you. The interview will at least give you a feel for the school and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the support they intend to offer for a GTP (esp as they have a good rep for training). There is no problem at all in either withdrawing from interview at some point in the day or indeed from tunring the job down if you are offered it. Schools are used to this as it comes with the territory of teaching interviews.

The only thing I'd say then is be honest and upfront with both schools, and also go with your gut feeling when you've seen the other school and you have an idea of how the GTP will pan out at either one. There is lots of competition for GTP placements and so you shouldn't feel bad if you turn one school down - I expect there will a queue to fill it! Good luck.

Forgot to say - it's a bit naughty your present school asking you why you're applying for the other post... naughty, but understandable given the money they need to invest! Be honest with them and say that you really appreciate the opportunity but you'd like to make certain it's the right decision, and so you'd like to just have a look at the other place. Ask upfront if it will jeopardise your chances of the GTP where you are.

Your current school were cheeky to ask you that, it's not their business. If they want you, they'll appoint you and then it's your choice.

A new school is potentially a good move. I am a CS too and i'm moving to a new school for GTP so I don't have to deal with changing attitudes toward me in my new role. It wouldn't be a big problem but why let myself in for the distraction??

Ok I'm a fella (dont shoo me away!!) and was searchin for some gtp interview tips myself and saw this message. i joined to give you a heads up.

I passed a GTP interview in PE yesterday.

Apply to both schools and ask THEM how they can tailor the programme to make you a good teacher.

Here's the heads up.

GTP's are funded in 2 main ways:

1 - By the LEA (school pays a little)

2 - Internally, school pays all of it

Ask this too as if it's LEA funded, there will quite possibly be a 2nd interview with them, that's what I'm going through. It's fair enough, it's their cash and reputation. LEA's get Ofsted inspected on their GTP provision.

The school who are willing to support you should prepare you for this 2nd stage as it's in their interests too.

As for interviews, you will get asked most of the following by a school.

1. Why GTP (as in why not pgce, dont mention money, explain how gtp can be personalised more and you get a bit more classroom time, it is the 'deep' end. you get to know staff better too)

1. Why THAT school, talk about their values and what matches you. take an interest.

1. What makes a good lesson. (basically, how do you know kids are happy, how do you know when they are LEARNING)

1. What makes a good teacher (dont worry too much, talk about professionalism, creativity, understanding learning and practical ways that you know to make learning happen) Mention 'Assessment for Learning' or 'Afl', it's all about assessment techniques and involving pupils in their assessment, which should be constructive and ongoing and well, look it up .

1. An example of how you have dealt with discipline (keep it focused on the classroom and making sure learning continues)

1. How do schools/parents/communities fit together. Talk about 'Every Child Matters' Policy and The Childrens Plan (google these if they are unfamiliar they are important)

1. What are your views on extra curricular activities.

1. Ask them if they have anything they now want to know about you from your answers.

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As for the LEA interview, if you have to go through it. I can't help as I've not had mine yet but your supoorting school should help.

Sorry if I have taught you to suck eggs at anypoint but wanted to cover it all.

I got this advice from successful GTP students who are on PE (it's the hardest subject to get on). It worked for me.

Good Luck

replied to your post. pls read it as its the only reason i joined lol

good luck

lol thought that was a private message. delete!!!