Revamping my application - please help

jogr8 · #1 (**permalink**) 17-04-2006, 03:57 PM

I'm applying for some more ks1 jobs to start in Sep. Having read my letter of application I'm pretty fed up with it, it could be that I've sent so many
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
ies (slightly adapted to meet the requirements of the school/person spec etc of course) that I'm sick of the sight of it.
I've had a few people read over it including a Headteacher and they have offered some suggestions so I've
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
e some changes. I've looked at good examples of what to include on this forum as well as TES and info I got from uni but I'm still struggling.

I don't want it to be too long but don't want to cut it down too much and miss out vital selling points. I also have to send a cv and application form so feel like I'm repeating what is in them on the letter but then again some headteachers only read the letter of application and decide from there if are on the worthy/not worthy pile.

I have started by stating the post I'm applying for then thanking them for allowing me to visit the school and pointing out specifics that I liked form my visit.
I have then added a paragraph to say why I decided to go into teaching and my experience of working with children before teaching as well as some details of teacher training courses I was involved in to get a taster of teaching while I was doing my undergraduate science degree. Should I include this or are they interested in my PGCE teacher training and teaching work I've done since then?
I then go on to say what I covered/skils I required during PGCE but don't mention schools/year groups/ what I taught etc (although I do on the application form) should I briefly give some details of my placements here?
I then talk about my subject specialism and particualr areas of interest in extra curricular clubs I could help run
I then mention my experience gained from supply work. I'm also considering mentioning the half day a week with a reception class that I will be undertaking next term as they are looking for someone with experience of fs, ks1 & ks2
The rest of the letter goes on to list my qualities relevant to the person specification
Then an end paragraph to thank them for reading my application, brief recap how good I am, how I would be suited to the post and will hopefully be given the opportunity to extend my own professional development.

Nothing seems to really stand out though -AHHHHH, any suggestions?

NuttySupplier · #2 (**permalink**) 17-04-2006, 08:17 PM

Arghh! Just replied with the longest post ever, and PC forgot it... will try again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jogr8

I have started by stating the post I'm applying for then thanking them for allowing me to visit the school and pointing out specifics that I liked form my visit.

> Is this a covering letter or supporting statement? I'd not put this in a supporting statement, but it would go in the covering letter.

I have then added a paragraph to say why I decided to go into teaching and my experience of working with children before teaching as well as some details of teacher training courses I was involved in to get a taster of teaching while I was doing my undergraduate science degree. Should I include this or are they interested in my PGCE teacher training and teaching work I've done since then?

> Some evidence in there of stuff prior to PGCE, show commitment, not a fad, but more interested in during and after I'd say.

I then go on to say what I covered/skils I required during PGCE but don't mention schools/year groups/ what I taught etc (although I do on the application form) should I briefly give some details of my placements here?

> Can you give details of year groups etc. whilst writing about skills? For a bad example, I gained a valuable insight into staffroom politics whilst on placement in Y2 at Snobsville School?

I then talk about my subject specialism and particualr areas of interest in extra curricular clubs I could help run

> Great.

I then mention my experience gained from supply work. I'm also considering mentioning the half day a week with a reception class that I will be undertaking next term as they are looking for someone with experience of fs, ks1 & ks2

> Definitely mention the part-time work, if it's considered a good school you're at especially... 'if Mr X is happy to employ you, then so would we,' goes a long way!

The rest of the letter goes on to list my qualities relevant to the person specification

> Fine.

Then an end paragraph to thank them for reading my application, brief recap how good I am, how I would be suited to the post and will hopefully be given the opportunity to extend my own professional development.

> Again, covering letter or supporting statement? Don't thank them in a supporting statement...

Rushed through this time, hope it helps!

Gnomoospan · #3 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 06:40 AM

Sounds pretty good, agree with Nutty about the start and finish, try to a little of yourself too, with maybe a touch of humour somewhere, and if you have it add any experience with communication, particularly with senior management and parents.

jogr8 · #4 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 12:26 PM

Thanks for your help.

The application form states: "you are required to submit a letter of application in which you should explain why you are applying for the job Please concentrate on how your experience, training and personal qualities match the requirements of the job description and person specification."

That is what I am trying to write, so is the format I showed you earlier alright for this?

There is a box to fill in on the application form which is about a page long this asks you to add additional teaching skills and special interests relevant to the application. I'm happy with what Ive written there - I've gone in to more detail of my teaching experiences and other work with children as well as my hbiies and interests.

Gnomoospan - I have mentioned communication with children as well as other adults, parents carers etc as the person specification is looking for "someone who can communicate with pupils, staff, parents and supporting agencies - the school is in an area of socio-economic di
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
vantage so they are looking for someone who can maintain good relationships and offer concern and sensitivity for the needs of the children many of whom are experiencing emotional difficulties dispalyed as behavioural problems."

Gnomoospan · #5 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 02:20 PM

Sounds good, I know from experience that communication is always a good one to push and if you make yourself sound like a good communicator and someone who works well with EVERYONE, and is happy to accept constructive criticism, they like it. I think it works both ways and when I had my intrview they asked me what makes a good school (and I've worked in a
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
of pants places overseas) I said a good head, who communicates with the staff, listens and is unbiased, they
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
ed because he was there and the other teachers had a bit of a mick take of him, but I do think that was one of the things that swung it for me, apart from commenting on livingwith 4 men but not as big as the three interviewing me of course - dóh!!!!

NuttySupplier · #6 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 03:10 PM

(Just writing something so that it'll pick it up later as an unread post, waiting for a call and can't really concentrate!)

jogr8 · #7 (**permalink**) 21-04-2006, 08:42 AM

Thank you all so much for the advice, I've completed one application and everyone who has read it was v impressed - I've managed to include everything on the person specification so
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
. I'm going to try and hand deliver it today as I am in the area and hopefully there will be someone in school preparing for the start of the new term next week.

Just a
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
more favours with my other 2 applications, some
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
s what I can write for the following:

Applications particularly welcome from practising catholics or from those who would actively promote the catholic ethos of the school
(I am not catholic so need to prove the latter - I have worked in two catholic schools on supply but what else can I say, I'm a christain but don't go to church anymore!)

and alsoo ....

Evidence of raising standards at key stage 1 and or key stage 2 .......????

Thanks once again - have a good weekend all xx

jogr8 · #8 (**permalink**) 22-04-2006, 10:18 AM

The catholic application form asks for a supporting statement as well as a letter of application. What info goes wher to avoid repetition?

I was so pleased yesterday cos I went to hand in my other application, I was worried the school wouldn't be open but when I rang te bell the Headteacher took the application from me.

Useful Books