Your Application
We work in partnership with our ITT provider throughout the selection process; decisions are made jointly, at every stage.
Key questions for you to consider:
- Having checked the entry requirements, have I got the relevant qualifications?
- Have I successfully completed or at least booked my skills tests (literacy and numeracy)?
- How can I demonstrate I am passionate about my subject/phase?
- Have I gained some work experience in a state school in the UK?
- What other experiences can I bring into teaching?
- How can I demonstrate I have the team-orientated, professional and organisational qualities needed?
- Am I both realistic and excited about what the job entails and the workload – do I know what I am getting into?
Our experience of shortlisting School Direct applications has prompted this advice for all our applicants:
- Firstly, ensure that all the details are correct on your application form. Check it, check it again … and then ask someone else, your critical friend, to check it.
- Think carefully about what you write in your personal statement. You only have one chance to make a first impression; make it count.
- Check your grammar and spelling; again, that critical friend can help with this.
- Secure your referees and inform them when you have submitted your application to UCAS.
Our selection days take place across the year in a range of our partner schools. They are organised and led jointly by Anglian Gateway and our ITT provider. The selection day intends to ascertain your commitment, your understanding of the demands of the teaching profession and your ability to teach and interact with adults and students. A selection day mirrors the usual recruitment process in schools.
Before the selection day:
- Read through the day’s programme and bring everything required this includes the originals and copies of the requested documents. Originals of all exam certificates will be required
- Get in touch if there is anything that you would like to clarify
- Plan your route and avoid heavy traffic spots; if in doubt, be early
- Above all, prepare for the key components of the day.
The selection day
- Formal interview: Be prepared to answer questions related to your potential to teach and your readiness to undertake the training programme. Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest education developments, keep a eye on news and articles relating to teaching. Read current educational materials eg Times Education Supplement available on Fridays or online www.tes.co.uk and go to links such as www.education.gov.uk
- Micro-teaching activity: details of this will be given to you when you are invited to the selection day.
- A written task: applicants must demonstrate an ability to communicate clearly and grammatically in spoken and written standard English.
- Primary: a presentation with a focus on teaching and learning.
- Secondary: lesson observation exercise.
Remember
- Do the research.
- Prepare.
- And …. above all – be yourself.
