Moving from Secondary to Middle School

[Igglepiggleisblue]

Has any-one done this? Would you recommend it and any advice for standing out on an application form??
I'm a secondary science teacher who would love to move to middle school. Previously I have had a terms supply work in a middle school and feel that I am more suited to this age group.

I'm an ex middle school teacher. Does your area intend on keeping them for long, they are being phased out in lots of areas right now.

Is the middle 5-8 or 4-7? The former is set up like a secondary so you would keep your specialism. The latter is a primary based middle so you would have to teach anything and everything!

Middles really focus on pastoral care and transition so make sure you include things like form tutoring or pastoral roles on your application. The biggest issue they face is never owning the data from KS2 or KS3 so robust assessment and analysis of baseline assessments is a key strength they'll look for.

Thanks QueenieG good advice! , middle schools are fairly well established in my area and I think they will stay for a while. The school is years 5 to 8 so I'm guessing I'd be able to stick with science if successful x

I hope they are, we thought the same until Suffolk County Council did an about turn!

Definitely promote your ability to stretch the more able due to your KS3/4/5 experience.

I did this 4 years ago left secondary and started teaching middle. Best move I ever did. I love it.
Even though I am in a area where middles are well established (think you may even be talking about my school as we have a science job going) I am under no illusion I will be there till I retire. As they will go. Just how long no one knows could be 5 years could be 25.
Almost all of the teachers where I work trained in secondary, just most of us wanted to teach not just jump though hoops. Also in the 4 years I have been there have never heard a child use bad language, or seen one with a phone.
Be prepared for a lot more parent contact though, 9 year old girls fall outs, GL test, and crying children.

Thanks both, all sounds very positive!!! I will definitely apply, I'm in Dorset are you too Kayakinggirl?

I am am a science teacher who has had most of her career in senior schools. I am now working in a prep school (Y3 - 8).

I struggle with the youngest classes (but getting better) just because it takes ages to get anything done and I need to readjust my senior school perspective.

I love teaching Year 5 as they are so keen and even the most mundane topic is exciting for them.

Being in prep, we have a big exam focus at the end of Y8 which isn't unlike GCSE.

Prep is very rewarding but always within comfort zone vs subject knowledge. The curriculum is fixed for the next decade or so - a major bonus.

Iggle I am in Bedfordshire, no where near you!
Hope the application has gone well.