Looking around a school

ninnin · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 03:16 PM

Hi, I am going to have a look at a school on monday for a prospective job... haven't done this in a long time and I know the head will be showing me round with one other person. Has anyone got any top tips as to how to make a good impression? good things to ask etc? I am really nervous and haven't even got an interview yet!

NuttySupplier · #2 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 04:27 PM

Talk to the kids if given a chance! Show the HT how you interact with them, get down to their level, open questions, quick squiz at the board could tell you the learning objective of the lesson: think what the success criteria might be, and Q the kids on those main points, use key vocab, try and extend their learning... but also be a good, patient listener and smile. Good luck!

audrey · #3 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 04:35 PM

Hi Ninnin, I went to look at one this morning and one last week. I asked what reward schemes they used, whether they were looking for any particular speciality for that position. How many chn in the school were special, what after school clubs they run, how they deal with SEBD etc. To be honest it is usually when they take you in their office to begin with that they will ask how much you know about their school, so it is a good
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to find out as much about it before you go really.

As you are shown around the school they will also be giving you information, you could comment on things like the art work or other displays there. Other things they may talk about is AFL and staffs approach to it, what phonic package they may be using. They may also ask whether you've had experience with the above or critical skills etc.

Hope this is of some help, good luck with it, I bet the other person feels as nervous as you do. I felt nervous this morning but it is worth doing as they always remember those who have visited.
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Good luck.

audrey · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 04:41 PM

Some good points raised by Nutty, although I barely went inside classrooms today as in full teaching flow and ht didn't want to disturb them. I took the opportunity to chat to chn though in the reception area of the school whilst waiting and let ht know what we'd been chatting about and in classes with the little ones where the chn were interacting with each other and us.

I will certainly take on board what Nutty has said though and if given the opportunity will use it.

ninnin · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 06:16 PM

Thankyou thankyou for all your help....unfortunately there will be no children in school when I look around, I spoke to the head on the phone and he said 4pm monday, and I commented that there would be no children in school but the reply was that he is a teaching head and couldn't fit it in another time....which is a shame. I will try and remember all of the things you lovely people have mentioned, hope I don't dry up!

ninnin · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 09:15 AM

Hi all, I just thought I'd post an update on this, I went to look around yesterday afternoon, the other person I was meant to be going round with didn't show up so I was on my own with the head. I think I
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e a good impression and he said he would welcome an application from me...is that what they always say? It is a lovely school, getting ready for a 1.6 million pound build starting in september...that could be interesting, there are about 130 on
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and only one statement in the whole school?! The best thing is you could do your geography fieldwork from the windows as its right on the coast!!! Just got to prepare the best application of my life now!

audrey · #7 (**permalink**) 12-05-2009, 07:22 PM

Hi Ninnin, glad it went well (the visit) it would have looked good on your behalf because you turned up whereas the other person didn't. I
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e an appointment to look around yet another school last week but cancelled in good time because I decided I didn't want that particular job (letting them know is important).

A good sign that the HT looks forward to receiving your application, I've been for a few and one HT said something similar, whereas the other didn't.

The school sounds lovely, what a view eh. Fingers crossed for you. Are you due to look at other schools?

NuttySupplier · #8 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 04:18 PM

Sounds promising Ninnin! Fingers crossed for you...

ninnin · #9 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 10:16 PM

Thanks for your support, no there are no other jobs that would be suitable at the moment Audrey as I am looking for part time. At least I shouldn't be up against an army of NQTs! I'll let you know if I get an interview, I'll probably be looking for some more of your words of wisdom!
Catherine

Footiegirl · #10 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 10:56 AM

Ah good luck! Will keep eveything crossed for you! Keep us posted xx

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