Secondary teachers switching to primary

[loopyloops]

Hi, I was wondering if any primary teachers here previously taught in secondary school? I am a trained and experienced secondary MFL teacher, and have experience of teaching primary (outreach) MFL. I am considering applying to primary schools as a classroom teacher, but am a little confused as to the likelihood of being employed as my training isn't KS1/2 specific. Any advice? Thanks.

I trained for Secondary Science, then taught KS2, now work with KS1 children with severe and complex EBD- so it is possible to change phase and specialism radically.

I switched to KS2 at a time when there was a shortage in Primary though. It might not be so easy these days. I've heard of people doing Primary supply or working as a TA for a while to gain experience however, being able to do those things obviously depends on your financial situation.

Why not apply for a few jobs and see if you get one/ get interviews? If not you could work on how to make yourself more attractive in terms of experience etc. To be honest I think you'd have a better chance applying to schools in difficult areas where they find it harder to attract staff but be aware that if you got a job under those circumstances it might not be an easy one! (Not that any teaching job is easy!!).

Many thanks for your help EBD. :)

I also considered transferring from secondary to primary and was advised to find a conversion course. Primary teaching is quite hard to get into these days, there always seem to be lots of applicants for posts. As a Governor I've been on selection panels and had the pick of teachers with a good breadth of KS1 and KS2 experience and so wouldn't have considered a secondary teacher. Also, a highly skilled and experienced secondary teacher friend of mine has just signed on with an agency and has been told it's highly unlikely she'll be offered primary work.

HOWEVER! Being an MFL specialist gives you a distinct advantage as it is a developing area of specialism in the primary sector. Could you not offer yourself specifically to teach MFL in maybe more than one primary school in order to gain experience? This could be a very good use of PPA time.

Good luck!