NQT FOCUS NQT FOCUS
A steep learning curve
A smooth start
Making the right start to your first teaching year is
vital, and NQT induction tutors play a huge part in
this. Chris Parr explains this crucial role
All schools are required to provide their NQTs “Teachers at any stage in their careers can always
with adequate support, and nearly all schools have gain something from observing other teachers, so we
an induction tutor to ensure their cohort is well try to get our NQTs to observe another classroom
cared for. teacher every fortnight.”
Although the statutory government guidance on he continued: “Also, if an NQT is struggling
running a successful induction programme offers with a particular class, then a technique we’ve
some instruction on how to ensure new teachers employed in the past is to have them observe a more
get the help they need, there is no substitute for experienced teacher with the same class – this tends
experience. to give them an idea about how to handle particularly
Annmarie Wilkin, from caistor Yarborough challenging students.”
school in lincolnshire, has been involved in the At holte school in Birmingham, the NQT
mentoring of NQTs for 13 years, and she has two induction programme is organised by chokri chiha.
more under her wing this year. The school has had seven NQTs in each of the last
she told us that the mentoring process can be two years, and recruits heavily from trainee teachers
boiled down to two key principles: listening and who have spent time at the school as part of their
supporting. initial training.
“The national programme for induction offers In fact, around 30 per cent of the staff at holte
guidelines, but the most important thing is how you got their first experience of the school as part of their
adapt it and make it personal to each teacher,” she training. some of these trainees have gone on to
explained. become subject leaders.
“one way of doing this is to make sure you have Mr chiha explained: “We find that teachers who
an open-door policy: it is vital that NQTs know that have already worked in the school settle in very
they can come and see me any time they feel they quickly, and already have a good knowledge of how
need to, and that we find ways to deal with any the school operates. This can make the transition to
concerns that might have arisen.” NQT a little easier.
There are currently 10 members of staff at caistor “We now invite the former NQTs who are still on
Yarborough who have come through induction with the staff to come and talk to our current new teachers,
Ms Wilkin, so her approach certainly seems to be which gives them someone to talk to about good
working. practice, and is in addition to their full-time mentor.”
John Miller is the NQT induction tutor at Mr chiha also encourages NQTs to spend a day
lawrence sheriff school in Rugby – a job he has with another local school, in order to gain as much
been doing for nearly two years. experience as possible about what works in the
The school ensures that each year, all NQTs classroom.
attend 12 after-school meetings, and are observed he said: “We want our new teachers to feel they
in class six times. Induction programmes in schools have support whenever they need it, whether it’s from
across the UK include similar check-ups. me, their individual mentor, or another member of
But Mr Miller tells us: “The programme is not staff. Each NQT is given an individual action plan,
just about keeping tabs, and ensuring they pass the which includes their mid and long-term goals, and we
first year. It’s about developing them as teachers. try to work with them to ensure they fulfil them.”
What are your goals for after Christmas? students intend to go on to foundation or degree courses
After christmas, I would really like to find some more at well established institutions around the country.
time to get involved in extra-curricular activities. I’m
also going on some residential trips, which will be What is the most important thing you have learned?
a brilliant opportunity, not only to get to know more You have to be tolerant and patient at all times. There
students within the school, but also to gain experience is a very fine line when dealing with a difficult student
of what’s involved in organising and running a trip. that may lead to them closing down and not working or
alternatively opening up and accessing the learning you
Simon Rowley
are providing. Getting that balance is key.
Art NQT
Northampton School for Boys in Northampton
Would you do anything differently if you were
starting over?
How is your first year going? Not differently. however my advice would be not to over
The NQT year is going incredibly well, although it is a plan until you know the groups you are teaching. For
very steep learning curve. In fact, I believe I have learnt example, due to the diverse range of themes in art, one can
more in just over a term than I did on my degree. gear a scheme of work to the ability range you are teaching
This challenge, however, is something that I have more effectively. It is also good to keep schemes moving
and NQT in a school quite different from my training This would have saved me a lot of time and stress thoroughly enjoyed, and it has allowed me to expand forward, adapting them and improving all the time.
school, it’s been a challenge deciding what sort of later when looking for resources. my subject knowledge and progress quickly in terms of
teacher I want to be. hands-on experience. How was the step-up from trainee to NQT?
This seems strange, as by the end of my training – as How was the step-up from trainee to NQT? Both PGcE placement schools had quite fixed,
it is for most people I expect – I felt that I knew what Getting my very own classroom was really exciting! What has been the most challenging aspect? traditional views on artistic practice. I had a range
my teaching style was like, and felt comfortable with It was quite a daunting prospect, though. completing Most would probably say that time management is their of exciting ideas to try out, most of which were
my classroom management strategies. however, after a my PGcE last year was hard work, managing the main sticking point at this stage, but I feel that the challenge however suppressed on placement. The NQT year
long summer, and starting in a new and different school, essays for university alongside planning lessons. This is always to leave school at the end of the day feeling like at Northampton has given me the opportunity and
this all changed very quickly. year there is obviously no essay-writing, but quite you have successfully engaged with each class, and that freedom to begin realising these ideas.
a few more lessons to plan, as well as the marking they have had their day enriched by you in some way.
What’s been the most enjoyable thing? Any particular moments that stand out?
Getting involved in other aspects of school life. I took A number of memorable moments have occurred
part in the staff entry for stars in their Eyes, performing
the Michael Jackson Thriller dance. It forced me to get
out of my classroom and meet new members of staff
during rehearsals, as well as giving students a good
laugh when we finally performed.

‘
Make sure you have a good work/life balance.
already, mostly relating to the working relationships
with the individuals and class groups I teach.
A “thank you sir” from a shy, challenged or
It’s important that you work hard and take pride
problematic pupil can be a great reward, however a
letter from a parent was unexpectedly delivered one
What is the most important thing you have learned?
in what you’re doing, but for your own sanity you
Tuesday lunchtime that read: “Although I have not
met you, it seems that you are really keen to positively
There’s always lots of work to do, but also lots of new
and exciting things going on in school that I want to
need to allow yourself at least one day at the
encourage those with artistic flair to succeed – thanks
again for giving him some hope.”
get involved in – it’s important to get the balance right.
The same applies for making sure your life outside of
weekend when you don’t look at your books, or
What are your goals for after Christmas?
school doesn’t suffer (although this is more easily said To keep my exam groups motivated and buoyant as I
than done!).
your emails, and just relax
have extremely high expectations and we have a lot of
Would you do anything differently if you were
starting over?
I can think of lots of things! Mainly related to and other teaching tasks, which I was quite protected Making a break through w
organisation. Filing is not my strong point, and by
’
work to get through!
The development of daily lunchtime help groups
that run as an alternative to detentions is something
ith more difficult pupils is that is proving popular, so that instead of immediate
from during my training. It all takes a bit of getting always on the to-do list at the start of a day. detention for late work, a pupil has an option to come
half-term I had a huge pile of worksheets and lesson used to. and receive help and instruction on how to improve.
resources piled up on my desk. Among all the other It’s been a very steep learning curve which I’m still What’s been the most enjoyable thing?
things I was doing, I had not prioritised filing, but with climbing, but the most important thing to remember is coming from a Master’s in fine art, based in london, Any other thoughts?
a small amount of effort I now know that I could have that there are other massively experienced members of I have been privileged to open the minds of my 6th I was once told by an ex-teacher: “Never teach! Don’t
filed each lesson easily at the end of every day into year staff in the school who are often more than happy to form art group regarding the diversity and potential of do it.” I am wholeheartedly glad I never listened to that
group or topic files. offer advice and support. contemporary art practice worldwide. A number of these piece of advice.
SecEd • November 26 2009 21
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