Induction of New Teachers
Welcome to Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre and the start of your teaching career.
The induction programme for NQTs at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is usually completed in a single school year. It is a stimulating, structured and personalised programme that both guides and supports the new teacher in successfully completing the Standards for Teaching.
Before taking up your post, we run a 3-day programme in the preceding summer term. At this stage, the aim is to familiarise yourself with the timings, structures, expectations and routines of the school, introduce you to key personnel, log - on to the Highdown Learning Platform and meet with your Induction Tutor as the first stage in your professional development.
If you are taking up your post in September you will be paid from the beginning of July. Consequently you will be expected to spend time in school and join in activities such as Enrichment week and intake day. What better way to get to know the students, your pastoral and curriculum team colleagues, the programmes of study you will be following and the location of books and equipment!
Induction programme for NQTs 2011/2012
At Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre, NQTs:
1. Attend whole school trainings as appropriate to their individual needs and keep a log in their CPD file of key learning points and how they will use them to improve student learning
2. Take a full and active part in the NQT Professional Development Programme. This is organised by the Professional tutor together with the NQT+1 team
3. Be supported by their Department mentor and record key meetings in their CPD file
4. Be open to a coaching programme with NQTs + 1
5. Look out for any external courses ( linked to exam boards/ Osiris etc) that will improve their subject knowledge/ skills as a teacher and discuss them with their Department mentor and Professional tutor
6. Attend individual scheduled review meetings with the Professional Tutor
The Assessment Details
The First Assessment period (Terms 1 and 2)
You will meet with the Induction Tutor for a timetabled session every 2 weeks to support your teaching and to continue to familiarise yourself with the working of the school. As well as having responsibility for the teaching and learning of your students, you will also be responsible for a tutor group and their overall learning. You will be observed teaching within the first month by your Induction Tutor and subsequently by your Curriculum Leader.
A formal review meeting will take place at the end of term 1 and a Formal Assessment at the end of Term 2.
You will also be engaged in professional development activities that will involve working with other NQTs and other staff.
Assessment 2 and Assessment 3
The first assessment is aimed at confirming that you are still working at QTS levels. The pattern of meetings with your Induction Tutor, reviews and assessment continue but the emphasis moves towards meeting the Induction Standards.
You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own development: build on areas of interest, expect help and guidance; aim high, both for yourself and your students.
Practical details
If you are visiting the school before September, please sign in on the ‘New Teachers’ sheet at reception.
Our NQT policy is also available.
Your induction tutor is Elizabeth Bellew. Her office is upstairs in the Stable Block; telephone extension 233, email: heb@highdown.reading.sch.uk.
If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact her in school or by email.