How best to prepare for NQT year?

[worried23xxx]

I will be a secondary history NQT in September and I am just wondering how is best to prepare. I was going to email the head of history and ask for schemes of works but don't want to put too much pressure on her as this is obviously a stressful time. Should I start planning lessons now? Should I be buying stuff for the classroom (if we are even back in September)?

What types of things should I be doing to prepare?

[ElizabethMainwaring]

I think that you need to contact the head of history and ask her what she would like you to do.
I take it that she is your mentor?
It's absolutely not putting pressure on her.
It's part of her job to look after members of her department.
Just send an email and take it from there.

[Not2020vision]

Definitely email and ask. Your HoD will need someone who can step up a bit and will probably appreciate that you are proactive. Maybe say you appreciate this must be a busy time first and then see what she suggests. Best wishes- it's a good time to start and help to 'make a difference'. That's one good point, anyway.

[autumnkate]

Do not buy a thing! Bad habit to get into.

[Hercwasonaroll]

Buy nothing.

Plan nothing YET! Email your mentor and find out how they plan. Some depts have pre made lessons.

Have you read any books in teaching during your ITT?

If not, read Rosenshines Principles and Teach like a Champion.

Relax and get some rest in over the summer. Plan yourself a treat for half term. Don't make too many crazy weekend plans for the first term, not because you'll be working but because you'll be exhausted.

[OldKingThistle]

Hi, I am just finishing my NQT year as a secondary history teacher! I would say definitely contact your HOD to find out about what lessons are planned, what needs planning and if they have a pro forma you need to use. I would advise you get as much planning and pre-prep done now because it is a big step up in timetable so once term starts (if it starts normally) your free periods are much fewer and easily get filled up with other tasks like marking, admin for your form (that can be a LOT depending on your form group, which did take me by surprise). So planning was something I suddenly found quite difficult to fit in during the autumn term. It did get easier after that term though, as you get quicker at doing some other tasks and settle in to a new routine. Also if any subject knowledge needs brushing up on you can get some good books to read off and on over summer.

I would also recommend sorting out a good organisation method for keeping track of the little tasks that get added throughout the week. SEN reviews, parent contact, random things slt decide they want you to do!

Good luck, it’s an intense year but it does get easier as you go through it and you learn so much more about how to manage your workload and what it’s actually like being a teacher than during your training year I think

[PumpkinPie2016]

I am a 2nd in Faculty who will be mentoring an NQT next year. Definitely email and ask about schemes etc.

I have made contact with NQT and have organised a zoom meeting with him so that we can go through the timetable etc.

I wouldn't like to think I had a new member of staff unsure about what they should do.

[worried23xxx]

Thankyou everyone! I have emailed the HOD for schemes of works. I really appreciate the advice. Thankyou @OldKingThistle I hadn't considered things like form admin etc. so great advice!

[PenOrPencil]

My NQT told me today that her PGCE mentor advised her not to ask too many questions because as an NQT you should know how to teach

If you have been given that advice, too, then please forget it immediately, especially if you are starting in a new school. Ask questions, ask the same question more than once and never feel guilty for asking questions!

It’s not the most bonkers advice I’ve ever come across, but it’s up there with the worst.