Interview panic!

[PurpleCatLady]

Morning all. I’ve just been invited to an interview on Thursday for a Reception post at a lovely school. I’m a v experienced EYFS teacher but have been out of the classroom for 3 years after maternity and moving to a new part of the country. Years of experience suddenly evaporating at the prospect of a multi-part interview! It’s 5 hours long(!), but the only parts I can prepare for are a “20 minute whole class story then a group activity to excite and engage children”, and a 5 minute “teach the panel a skill based on your hobbies or interests”. Mind has gone blank!!

For the story, thinking maybe The Disgusting Sandwich?? For follow up, make a sandwich - have a range of play dough, slime etc to create and describe a sandwich?? Or something involving a feely bag, but need a really engaging story to go with it…

For the ‘teach us a skill’, thinking of either teaching first three ballet positions (I am a dancer) or teach them to juggle, which I’m fairly confident I could do in 5 mins?

I really want this job so any help would be hugely gratefully received!! Thanks in advance x

Don't forget that the EYFS Framework has been updated this September. Take a look before Thursday.

I have already had a good look at it, but thanks for the tip!

Good luck!!

I have no tips I'm afraid, just a bit shocked at how much they want from you 🙈

As PPs, I’ve no advice, however I wish you the best of luck and please let us know how you get on! I have everything crossed for you

Thank you both! X

5 hours!! The world has gone mad. What other job would demand this? My ds works in data analyst type of work and has strenuous interviews with practical tasks but at the most 2 hours.
Good luck.
I started teaching over 30 years ago and in more than a few cases l am familiar with new staff brought a friend for a vacancy..no interview and they ended up working their full career in that school contributing massively to the whole community . Not recommending that system but this is a whole other extreme.
Sorry ..not much help to you but it all does my head in.

Couldn't agree more with pp especially cruel when you have only been dragged along to make up numbers and to help the Head be seen to be going through due process when in fact they know full well they are giving the job....to Johnny or Jane frie.

Frie....!Flaming iPad.

I once went for a post that was a five hour drive from my home (we were moving to the school’s area). During the day-long process, one of the candidates let slip that she was the wife of another teacher in the school and had been doing long term supply there. Everyone’s faces were a picture when they realised we were all there to make up the numbers, but I was furious. A ten hour round trip with accommodation for a job I was never going to get

TFMinx 💐 Just so wrong....

Thank you. It was a few years ago now, but I’ll never forget it

I didn’t get it - three of four of us were experienced teachers and they gave it to the ECT

Oh yes, that one it was always pegged for the ECT only in the event of them being a total disaster would it have been offered to someone more experienced. Cheap, keen , mouldable and flattering to the Head to have a young fresh looking team.....sorry Op hope someone sees your true worth soon.

Oh I’m sorry to read this. In what other job would experience be a negative, eh? Teaching is bonkers sometimes

Thanks both xx