1. Your NQT Year: how can I make life easier?Presentation by Stuart Hodson and Carly Griffin NQTs at Westleigh High School Wigan

2. Things To Consider • The highs and lows • Time management • Behaviour management • Support • Hints and tips

3. The Highs • Pupils responding well to you. • Building great relationships. • Having fun. • Don’t take observations as a negative. You often get really constructive feedback and its good to be told what you are doing well. Good confidence booster.

4. The Lows • Not every lesson will run perfectly- accept it and make alterations. • Some pupils will try to push their luck, just be consistent. • You will feel tired and run down at some point. Take a step back and give yourself some breathing space. • Doubting yourself. Ask for support and advice. Other staff can help but only if you tell them.

5. Time Management • I often get more done if I stay in school- at home there are lots of distractions. • Arrive early in the morning. Make sure everything is organised for every lesson that day. • Planning can take over if you let it! • Keep on top of marking. If it builds up it takes ages to get it all done (use self assessment). • Set yourself time to do what you want every week.

6. Behaviour Management • The pupils are like sharks, they can smell fear. • Trust your own judgement. • Breaks and dinners, the kids love them. • Follow everything through till the end! • Building relationships is crucial.

7. Support • No-one expects you to be perfect. • Other staff in your department are essential. They will help with behaviour and any subject specific problems. • The school want you to succeed remember that.

8. Hints And Tips • Meet the pupils at the door. • Don’t be afraid to speak to pupils one on one. • 90 % of the time shouting doesn’t work. • Highlight the positive behaviour rather than the negative.

9. Finally • Have confidence in your ability. • Smile. • Spend time getting to know the pupils. • Use your NQT time wisely • Enjoy it.