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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

Secondary NQT in Independent Sector help

9 replies

40thisisit · 06/10/2014 18:51

I'm an NQT for a small independent school who's ethos is to specialise in supporting those with extra special needs. That in itself is not a problem but due to the high number of behavioural issues I have in the class I am finding it virtually impossible to make any progress at all. I'm also faced with a high amount of pupils in this class who think that I should be treated like their slaves as their parents are paying for their education, they do not show one bit of respect to me or any-one else in the class. The types of problems I'm faced with are making animal noises, ignoring me and talking over me, not staying in their seats etc. I have tried all the behavioural management techniques I learnt from my pgce year but I can't get through to them. I am not the only teacher finding the class hard, in fact my, also new, head of dept has the same problems with them. Any ideas how to get through to them? They are making my life hell in a job I otherwise love.

OP posts:
superstarheartbreaker · 08/10/2014 23:16

Hi there. I had this problem in the private school where I worked but my management were not supportive. My solution was to move to the state sector where the students were much better behaved believe it or not and far less entitled.
In your case I'd try to get an experienced teacher to take them and observe.

MsHerodotus · 09/10/2014 16:46

Lol at the state sector being less entitled - I think you are projecting your own prejudices here. If you struggle in the indie sector, you will struggle just as much in the state sector - I have seen some horrendous NQT situations - how do you imagine mentors in state schools have more time for NQTs - I don't see them blessed with lots of free time.
By all means change sectors, but be prepared for a shock if you imagine the grass is greener.

Original poster
40thisisit · 10/10/2014 19:34

Thank you superstar, my thoughts too!! I had two very productive and enjoyable placements in the state school. MsHero, am sure we're not naïve but just speaking from personal justifiable experiences!!!

OP posts:
teacher54321 · 10/10/2014 22:18

I did my NQT year in a smallish boys boarding school that had a large proportion of students with SEN as a young female teacher... That was a long yearWink
Tips:
Consistency of consequence and behaviour management. Get someone in SLT on your side and call on them to remove the culprits immediately. Short sharp shock is often effective.
Follow behaviour policy to the letter, every single time.
Have a seating plan and learn all names as quickly as possible.
Try to volunteer or get involved with extra curricular stuff with that year group, eg school trips etc. building relationships really helps foster good behaviour.
Stick it out. My behaviour management has improved with every year in teaching. As they know you, you get a reputation and it gets easier and easier!
Good luck!

teacher54321 · 10/10/2014 22:25

Ooh and praise them whenever you can, lay it on thick when the really naughty ones do something right, no matter how trivial. They will be embarrassed but a little bit proud and it all helps Smile

teacher54321 · 10/10/2014 22:26

Ooh and don't be afraid to wait for silence. No matter how long it takes. Remove privileges if necessary, send the naughty ones out but regain the order in YOUR space.

NanaNina · 10/10/2014 22:35

I am really surprised to read this 40thisit - presumably as a secondary teacher you teach a specialist subject, but assume you are also a form teacher. Can I ask how many pupils in your form, and how many in your group for your specialist subject. Is this a co-ed independent. Do the school admit many pupils with "extra special needs" as in my experience most independents don't do this. If they do, then that may be why you are having these difficulties.

My DGD is at an ind school in yr 10 - she's been there since year 7 and there have never been more than 12 in her form (2 form entry) she is in her GCSE years now and so there are around 12/14 in the specialist subject groups. There are certainly no behaviour problems. The OFSTED report rates the school as "outstanding" as you would expect from a small ind. school (400 girls) and comments on the girls' courtesy and kindness to each other.

How is your school rated?

Do you mind if I ask why you chose to teach in an ind.school?

NanaNina · 10/10/2014 22:41

I am really surprised to read this 40thisit - presumably as a secondary teacher you teach a specialist subject, but assume you are also a form teacher. Can I ask how many pupils in your form, and how many in your group for your specialist subject. Is this a co-ed independent. Do the school admit many pupils with "extra special needs" as in my experience most independents don't do this. If they do, then that may be why you are having these difficulties.

My DGD is at an ind school in yr 10 - she's been there since year 7 and there have never been more than 12 in her form (2 form entry) she is in her GCSE years now and so there are around 12/14 in the specialist subject groups. There are certainly no behaviour problems. The OFSTED report rates the school as "outstanding" as you would expect from a small ind. school (400 girls) and comments on the girls' courtesy and kindness to each other.

How is your school rated?

Do you mind if I ask why you chose to teach in an ind.school?

NanaNina · 10/10/2014 22:41

Woops sorry for duplicate post!

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