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24 replies

TwllBach · 01/09/2012 16:05

Sooooooo I am finally starting my NQT year Grin

I am terrified
I am finishing my MTPs but only have a few of the schemes of work and have had no contact with school (long story) is this likely to get my plans ripped up and told I'm useless??

Someone tell me it is all going to be ok please, I am beginning to feel a bit sick Sad

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TwllBach · 01/09/2012 16:06

My main point is that some of my MTPs are likely not to have followed the schemes of work. I know vaguely what the themes are for most subjects and have tried to google for ideas etc, but it is entirely feasible that they are nonsense.

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WofflingOn · 01/09/2012 16:25

Well, the first thing is that you have produced planning, which is good, that shows you are aware that you don't just make things up as you go along.
That you will be prepared to modify and alter it according to the school's requirements will also show you are prepared to adapt.
Odd that you have had no contact, emailed plans or whatnot from your school, or the colleagues you are working with.
What age are you teaching? Are you aware of the level descriptors for each subject, what is required for a level 3 in writing for example?
Have you been into school to set up your classroom and check resources?
The majority of teachers feel nervous at the beginning of a new year. Smile
Have you come across the Hamilton Trust? They produce detailed planning for a lot of primary areas.

WofflingOn · 01/09/2012 16:26

Do you know who your mentor is going to be? S/he should have sorted out a lot of this for you.

TwllBach · 01/09/2012 16:35

I do know who my mentor is - I only got the job three days before the end of term.

I did get to see the classroom briefly and have experience of the school, so know roughly what resources I will have and the layout of the room. I am also aware of the level descriptors have been sleeping with the NC documents

I feel largely like I am at fault, but I don't know what else I could have done realistically... I do think it is largely nerves though. I'm just desperate to make a good impression and get teaching!

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TwllBach · 01/09/2012 16:38

I do know who my mentor is - I only got the job three days before the end of term....so it was all a bit rushed and I was more than a little dazed.

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cornybootseeker · 01/09/2012 16:39

It'll be fine. Do you have any inset days next week?

WofflingOn · 01/09/2012 16:43

What year group?

onedev · 01/09/2012 16:44

All the best - I'm sure you'll do fine & it'll all work out brilliantly. Grin

janji · 01/09/2012 16:44

Click teaching is a fab website with lots of ideas, planning, resources etc!

WofflingOn · 01/09/2012 16:45

'I feel largely like I am at fault, but I don't know what else I could have done realistically'

That's your answer then, you are completely not at fault because you've done the best you could in the circumstances. It will all work out.

TwllBach · 01/09/2012 16:45

Sorry Woffling it's year 4.

I do have an inset day on Monday Smile I do realise that I am probably working myself up in to a panic over something that isn't all that bad!

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cornybootseeker · 01/09/2012 16:49

I'm sure that your mentor will make time to meet with you on Monday to go through everything. Don't be afraid to ask your other colleagues for help either. We've all been there! It is scary but you'll quickly find your feet.

TwllBach · 01/09/2012 16:53

That's what I'm hoping corny Grin
I sort of wish I could fast forward two or three weeks to skip the nasty, butterflies-in-your-stomach-because-you-don't-know-anyone-or-the-routine feeling though!

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cornybootseeker · 01/09/2012 16:55

by the end of the first day you'll feel so much better - knackered mind you, but not as terrified! Grin

juniper904 · 01/09/2012 19:03

When I started my NQT year, all the planning folders had 'mysteriously gone missing' over the summer, so I had to do everything from scratch, with no help from my parallel teacher who was a lazy bugger and a mentor who enjoyed knocking me and the other NQTs down. I was well organised and it's the only thing that got me through.

In my first half term, I nearly killed myself by being too OTT with resources and lesson plans etc. By the half term holiday, I realised that if I wanted to have any quality of life then I had to simplify my lessons and stop trying to make every lesson an all singing, all dancing experience.

Do you have a parallel teacher to work with? I would be surprised if you are expected to teach 'proper' lessons this coming week- we tend to do class rules, portraits for display, PSHE activities etc, although our children are only in for Thursday and Friday.

I think you've done the right thing by preparing plans, and at least you'll have a good understanding of where you want the topics to go. If your school has better ideas, then great, but lots of schools still use QCA and they are dry IMO, so new and interesting ideas will be gratefully received.

Good luck with your first week- it's nerve wracking, but you'll be amazed at how quickly it feels natural. My first class were year 4 too, and I really liked them and the year group.

TwllBach · 01/09/2012 19:16

I do have a parallel teacher and she was really lovely. I met her briefly and she said to plan the core subjects and she would feed me the humanities, which I thought was nice of her! Obviously I will plan all of them anyway and just go to her for guidance.

I'm not naturally organised, so really wanted to be able to do it properly for my first half term at least. I am doing a big shop tomorrow - groceries so we don't haev to go back to the supermarket this week (one of my pet hates) and also for a printer, laminator (mine died a thousand deaths last year thanks to interviews!) and folders. I just want to keep it organised

I am so excited though. I can't quite believe someone is going to finally give me a go!

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juniper904 · 01/09/2012 19:16

God, my message sounds depressing and scary! Sorry, it was meant to be inspirational... Blush

cariadlet · 02/09/2012 09:20

Congratulations on the job. I'm sure you'll do fine, especially as you get on with the parallel teacher.

Have you registered on the TES website? It's well worth doing as there are loads of good free resources on the Resource Bank, and if you have any more specific questions once you've started then you'll be able to post them in the Primary Forum - there are lots of very helpful posters in there.

TwllBach · 02/09/2012 10:54

I have done - or I did while I was training and then resurrected my login to go and panic all over the forums there Grin

Their boards aren't a patch on MN though

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juniper904 · 03/09/2012 11:44

I also like looking though Pinterest. I've 'magpied' some pretty nice ideas from there.

happierhigherstrongerwheezing · 03/09/2012 11:49

I love year 4.
Be prepared, but don't do any work that you don't need.
Don't spend too much of your own money on resources!

TwllBach · 03/09/2012 17:04

I've just had a brilliant first day Grin everyone was really lovely and I don't have to do any MTPs! I wasn't expecting that... I wish I had spent my weekend relaxing now instead of trying to do them, but I do feel like I know the SoWs like the back of my hand now Grin

I can't wait to meet my class tomorrow now!

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juniper904 · 03/09/2012 17:22

Glad you had a good first day Smile

Good luck tomorrow!

cornybootsaver · 03/09/2012 20:12

that's good news - good luck for tomorrow Smile

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