Secondary TA Interview

[FurForksSake]

I have an interview for a TA job at a secondary school and part of it will be a written task. I am really nervous, any advice what I could be asked or what the task could be? I have completed a prospero safeguarding course and have taken lots of short courses in ASD, Dyslexia, supporting learners, attention and things but no real direct experience as this is a career change (I am hoping to apply for SCITT 2021 or 2022), so worried about answering competency and scenario type questions.

Working as a secondary TA will be great experience for your Pgce. I am a secondary TA and am also planning to do a Pgce (secondary maths).

Sounds like you have already done some good preparation for your interview. Your written task is quite likely to be a series of scenario based questions, things like How would you support a pupil who needs help, but won't engage with you? What would you do if an angry parent complains to you about a teacher? What would you do if you were concerned about a change in a pupil's personality? What steps you would take when a pupil tells you they don't understand the work for a project that is due in tomorrow in a subject you don't support them in.

Good luck for your interview.

Thank you for the reply!

Interview was on Wednesday, I got it! I am very nervous. I'll be supporting three named students but not allocated yet so unsure of year groups and needs.

Congratulations! It is a fab job, shame it is so poorly paid though!. It will give you some great experience ready for your PGCE. What subject will your PGCE be in?

Biology, I was previously a HCP so they are checking there is enough biology, if not I will put myself through A Level (I got a D before...) and go the long way round. I'll probably be 50 before I qualify (I am in mt 30's) but who cares?

I am really nervous about starting, but excited too. It is a shame it is so badly paid, but it's not the be all for me as DH is on good money so not a deal breaker.

You will be able to do an ske (subject knowledge enhancement) course in biology if you need to. Offers are often made on condition you complete an ske (you don't have to pay, may even get a bursary and they are available as online courses as well as face to face). Have you been in touch with Get into Teaching? They will allocate you an adviser who will give you all this info and help with the application process.

I am glad you are excited as well as nervous, it is a really rewarding job and young people are so interesting and funny.

I am 48, so will definitely be 50 by the time I qualify!