NQT year - done...

...and what a year it's been!



Last summer, I accepted my first teaching role in an Early Years classroom - a year group I had never taught and one that, hopefully, I am now never going to leave.

The pressure as an NQT can be slightly overwhelming, particularly at the beginning. Glossing over social media posts, wondering what you should be planning and updating for the new year and being completely oblivious to what lies ahead. It is scary. Even as I write this now, during the first week of the holidays, I'm already wondering exactly what I should be doing in order to be the most prepared for the upcoming academic year.

If you have just accepted your first role, these are my top tips for you:

• Get to know the curriculum for your year group. I updated myself on the EYFS curriculum last year and although this CPD was ongoing for most of the year, it set me with expectations and ideas for baseline assessments, topics and classroom areas.
• Get the basics sorted first. The first thing I did was set up class lists, printed name tags for drawers and pegs and thought carefully about my classroom set-up (which changed at least every half-term!). Everything else waited and this was fine.
• Don't worry about getting into your classroom! Although I went in for 2 days last year and will probably be going in this year, it's not the end of the world if you don't. Last year, I got my displays backed and re-arranged the classroom but during your first couple of weeks, you will find your feet and find what works best for you anyway!
• Try to relax and do something you enjoy. I often find myself lost in the holidays with everyone else at work and only school work to think about. Luckily, I'm going away for 2 weeks (woo hoo!) but I will definitely make sure to get some Netflix in, read books I've been meaning to read all year and catch up with friends.

I have also learnt that it's completely okay to just do what works best for you and your class. Use resources you find online if they work and are relevant, drop a lesson if it's really not working and ask the children for their ideas.

My NQT year has been a rollercoaster of emotions but incredibly rewarding. Realising that you finally have your own class, planning lessons and topics that you enjoy and watching your class make progress is completely worth all of the hard work that comes with it.

How to survive an NQT interview

Over the last few months, I've had a few teaching interviews where the process has been completely different each time. I've had to teach groups of children and whole classes, teach two lessons back to  back, engage in formal interviews and pupil panels, as well as had a variety of written exercises to complete.

It's stressful. The minute you receive the email or phone-call to tell you about your interview, it's all you focus on. Sometimes you feel prepared, with a couple of a days notice and sometimes, you have one evening to organise your lesson and ensure that you're hitting the brief. But as long as you feel mentally prepared, you'll be absolutely fine. 

"take a moment for yourself"

My first top-tip is to make sure you feel confident with the lesson you have prepared. Don't copy someone's idea off the internet unless you can adapt it to suit your brief and yourself! I have found that organising two lessons will allow you confidently decide on which lesson flows best for you and make sure you ask for advice off those you trust - draw upon the staff in your school or other teachers that you've connected with online who genuinely care and want what's best for you.

Secondly, relax. Make sure you take a moment for yourself before going into the school just to breathe and feel confident. Ensure you take a moment before your interview lesson to hand out stickers/paper for name tags and introduce yourself to the class. Interviewer's aren't there to catch you out at all. They want you to do well and are just looking for best practice - just keep doing what you have been during your teacher training!

Finally, make sure you are true to yourself and what you believe in. Quite often, the first interview question may be something like "tell me about yourself" or "what qualities do you think you have as a teacher" - use this time to discuss what you have learnt, your strengths and what you are passionate about. Oh, and remember to make lots of eye contact and smile!

These are just some examples of questions I was asked over the 4 interviews I had:

• What are your aspirations for the next 5 years?
• Why this school?
• Tell me about a time a lesson didn't go well. What did you learn from it?
• What does 'outstanding' teaching look like?
• Why did you choose to teach primary?
• What does excellent teaching and learning look like to you?
• What qualities do you have?
• What are the strengths and challenges of being in a small school/large school?
• What does the term 'safeguarding' mean to you?
• What could you offer this school?
• What's the difference between a CofE and a Catholic school?
• How do you ensure a work/life balance?
• What would your classroom look like if you were teaching an 'outstanding' lesson?
• How do you effectively differentiate?

I've even had a couple of light hearted questions, like these:

• What is your dream holiday destination and why?
• What's your favourite sandwich filling?

The interview panel are looking for honest, enthusiastic teachers who are passionate about what they do. Make sure you take your time when answering a question and don't be afraid to extend your answer if you think of something to talk about on the spot. Take all feedback on board and reflect on your lessons! 

Just be yourself and remember... everything happens for a reason. Good luck!