Newsletter
NQT Newsletter - Spring 2008
The NQT newsletter is published bi-annually.
Our Summer Brochure has Changed
As you may have noticed, our summer publication containing course details and important information for the term is now in the format of a conveniently compact wall planner. This is so you can carry it around with you - and we hope it will encourage you to book online:
Please make sure you apply early in order to guarantee a place
We hope you like our new look brochure and would welcome any and all feedback.
Second Assessment
The second summary statement must be sent no later than 20th March 2008. Your tutor will complete the form online, discuss this with you and ask you to make comments. They must then submit it online as soon as possible.
If you receive a C or D grade then the form must be printed off and signed by you, the Headteacher and your Induction Tutor.
Failure to Complete Satisfactorily
If you are experiencing problems and feel that you may fail to complete the year satisfactorily then please do not hesitate to contact us for further support and we will assist you in any way that we can. It is in all of our interests to make sure every NQT is successful.
Housing
The latest issue of the Lea Valley Homes housing brochure is now available to download from:
There are currently over 20 shared ownership schemes in Hertfordshire These are all managed by the zone agents, Aldwyck Housing Association, through their special Key Workers division Lea Valley Homes. If you are interested telephone for further information on 01582 869440. Their website is also very informative, at:
Teacherline- Confidential Counselling, Support and Advice
If you are having problems and want to discuss these with someone independent outside of your school please try Teacherline on:
08000 562 561
24 hours a day, every day
The teacherline is there to support all NQTs who are feeling, stressed, depressed etc.
We are Moving!
From Monday 9th June 2008 the NQT team will be based at Robertson House, Stevenage. This will mean that we will have a new postal address which can be found in the Summer 2008 wallplanner.
PLEASE NOTE: All CPD training will still take place at Wheathampstead until the end of the Summer term (unless otherwise specified).
Best/Worst Lesson
Below is an article taken from the TES magazine, we hope you find it useful and you are able to apply it to your own teaching
Best/Worst Lesson
A North London teacher reflects on their NQT year
Best:
During a particularly difficult NQT year, I led a “circle time” to try to address the fact the class was not working well together as a group. Each pupil (and the teacher) writes their name on a piece of paper, folds it and puts it in the middle of the circle. The papers are then shuffled and we each pick out a name and say something positive about that person. But one negative comment or smirk, I knew, could undermine the whole process.
I drew one last uneasy breath as the first child read aloud the name on his paper, it was someone he’d had an argument with that morning. To my relief, however, he talked how helpful the other child had been in school and what a good sportsman he was. The task continued around the circle and there were many positive comments. When a child picked my name and discussed lessons they had all enjoyed and joked I forgot I had made, I too felt immediately better.
By the end of the circle time, every child was smiling and the heavy atmosphere I had grown used to seemed replaced by the happy buzz of voiced as the children began their next task.
I never again doubted the power of circle time in dealing with sometimes quite difficult issues. It was amazing to see the children realize they were indeed respected by others in the class.
Worst:
For some weeks, my year 6 pupils had been looking forward to a design and technology lesson where they would make slippers.
We spent a week analyzing the footwear and the produced some quite elaborate designs (it’s amazing how children can be so creative when approaching even the simplest tasks). Over the weekend, I gathered some extra resources they had requested and got to school early on Monday to prepare the different threads and needles, overlooking one vital factor, my own complete inability to stitch.
“Sir, how do we stitch this?” came the same question over and over again.
I had already demonstrated tying a knot in the thread at one end, so it couldn’t be pulled through the fabric, but that was about the limit of my skill. The children waited in anticipation as I repeatedly tried to thread the needle. When this was eventually achieved, they all cheered and clapped in encouragement. When I had finally demonstrated sewing just a few uneven, loose stitches, they were falling over themselves to congratulate me on the beginning of the most unsuccessful slipper ever attempted.
I do remember this lesson fondly because, seeing their teacher in difficulty, they collectively offered their support and encouragement and not one child laughed. I told them that everyone needs to practice their skills if they are to become successful at something, regardless of age, and that not giving up is often the hardest part of a difficult task.
Teacher Recruitment
If you know of anyone who is looking for a post, please direct them to:
All Hertfordshire posts are now advertised on the website, they can search for jobs, apply online and also register their details so that headteachers can contact them know about vacancies in their schools.
Top Tips from NQTs!
We have compiled all the end of year evaluations filled in by previous NQTs and come up with some tops tips for you, we hope you find them useful!
“Ask all the “stupid questions” people don’t mind”
“Don’t take advice as a criticism”
“Take one day at a time”
“Keep one thing going throughout the year that is not work related
Love your job!”
And Finally…….
Well done to all of you for your hard work during the past few months, it is a daunting and by no means easy time for you.
Congratulations on your achievement so far.
Any one who would like to contribute ideas or snippets for this newsletter can contact us either by telephone or e-mail and we will endeavour to include them in the next newsletter.
The NQT Team
Lead Adviser for NQT Induction:
Stephen Lavender
Tel: 01582 830353
E-mail: stephen.lavender@hertscc.gov.uk
Primary Support Adviser for NQT Induction:
Clare Mellish
Tel: 01582 830353
E-mail: clare.mellish@hertscc.gov.uk
Administrative Support:
Anne Pearson (NQT Administration)
Rachael Mayne (NQT Inset Administration)
Tel: 01582 830353
Or: 01582 830133
E-mail: anne.pearson@hertscc.gov.uk
E-mail: rachael.mayne@hertscc.gov.uk
LA Named contact (for those with concerns about their
Induction):
Andy Cunningham
E-mail: andy.cunningham@hertscc.gov.uk
The NQT team is based at:
Hertfordshire Development Centre
Butterfield Road
Wheathampstead
Hertfordshire
AL4 8PY
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Adobe pdf 214kb/4 pages, Spring 2008, 
Word
2003, 72kb/2 pages, Spring 2006
