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As a secondary teacher is it worth applying for a job in a prep school?

10 replies

tartiflette · 29/03/2013 08:55

Just that really. We are relocating in the summer and a (subject specialist) job has come up at the prep school I used to go to. It's the only part time job I've seen advertised and I think I would actually really like to work there. Would I even be considered do you think? Currently teach in a huge secondary although I have experience with younger children outside of teaching.
Any thoughts very welcome!

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teacher123 · 29/03/2013 12:46

I've just got a job as a part time head of dept in a prep school having worked at only secondary schools since finishing my pgce. I say go for it!

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tartiflette · 29/03/2013 13:55

Ooh that sounds great, have you started yet?

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teacher123 · 29/03/2013 14:07

Have done a few handover days-start after Easter. Three full days per week, 0.6 contract which includes quite a few free periods over the three days which I was pleasantly surprised to find! Kids seem LOVELY. Atmosphere very positive so far... Will keep you posted! Bricking it though-been off for a year on maternity leave-eek!

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YoullNeedATray · 30/03/2013 09:27

It is seen as easier to move from teaching older ones to younger ones than to move the other way. There are two former secondary teachers at my small primary. Go for it.

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tartiflette · 30/03/2013 10:38

Thanks both. I will apply in that case.

Let me know how you get on teacher - your new school sounds lovely Smile

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tartiflette · 10/04/2013 13:38

Just bumping to ask teacher123 and anyone else who has done this - how did you tackle the issue of having minimal experience of younger students/curriculum in your application letter?
Am just doing my application now but I think as a head I would look at it and think, ok she's good but she won't actually know what to teach them....
Help.
Also good luck for your start (next week?) teacher Smile

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PollyEthelEileen · 10/04/2013 15:47

Yes, it's worth applying.

You have to say why you want to work with the younger age group, and indeed, in a prep school.

If the school does Common Entrance, make sure you familiarise yourself with it. It's not unlike GCSEs in format.

Most prep schools expect their teachers to take part in the full life of the school, especially if they do Games every day. Would you be willing to coach netball, football, rounders?

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tartiflette · 10/04/2013 18:58

They do do common entrance so clearly I need to get up to speed on that.

The school doesn't seem to be particularly sporty, so hopefully I will get away with not being at all sporty myself, but I can offer various other kinds of enrichment more on the artsy side so will big those up, thanks.

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PollyEthelEileen · 10/04/2013 21:07

If you are worried about being able to support your academic side (ie the switch from 11-18 to 13+), you need to be able to promote your desire to do work outside of your subject, and to be interested in the whole child (via extra curricular activities and small class sizes) etc etc.

If you have any expertise or experience in SEN, then make sure you flag this up. If the school is non-selective, it is going to have a significant number of SEN students.

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tartiflette · 11/04/2013 20:58

Ok thanks Polly, I have added a bit about SEN experience and also former youth work etc with younger children. Fingers crossed...

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