George Abbot School non sibi sed toti SUPPORT STAFF TRAINING MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2017 INFORMATION EVENT George Abbot School non sibi sed toti

Housekeeping Fire bell / evacuation procedures Toilets For future visits Always sign in at front desk/ must be ‘badged’ Car parking off site

Introductions Andrew Roach – GEP Director of Education Sarah Boulet - GEP/Teaching School Senior Administrator Jackie Blackwood – Teaching School Project Co-ordinator Gaby Sutton- GEP/Teaching School Administrator Kate Carriett – George Abbot Headteacher Georgina Newman – Headteacher’s PA

The Course Two weeks at George Abbot teaching school and four weeks work experience, two weeks at Primary and two weeks at Secondary.

Course Dates Start date Monday 29th January 2018 29th January – 9th February 2018 at George Abbot Half Term 12th -16th February 2018 Work Experience 19th February – 16th March 2018 Graduation w/c 26th March 2018

Course Content Extensive programme Overview of working in a school Lesson Observations Teaching and Learning Special Educational Needs Skills needed to be a good TA Application and Interview Skills

Timings 9.00am – 3.00pm daily whilst at George Abbot Timings will vary whilst on work experience Primary – approximately 9.00am – 3.00pm Secondary – approximately 8.30am – 3.15pm

Costs Enhanced DBS required by all - £70 Full Course 6 weeks - £295

Qualifications There’s no set rule, but when employing staff Most Schools want grade A – C in English and Mathematics at GSCE level or equivalent If you trained overseas you can convert your qualification via NARIC For those who would like to go on to train to be a Teacher with GAS, you are required to have a Degree with Honours at a 2:2 or above (50% of the degree topic should be the subject you would like to teach if at Secondary School level) National Academic Recognition Centre

Work Placements Four weeks in total Two weeks at Primary Two weeks at Secondary Option for a Special School if you are interested – important to consider this as an option Your preferences will be taken into account Arranged by George Abbot

Future Employment 200+ trained and many now employed locally 15+ schools involved No guarantees 80% last years cohort now locally employed 70% of this year’s course now employed

Possible Roles Learning Support Assistant – in class work with pupils with SEN Faculty Teaching Assistant – administrative support and some in class support Pastoral Support Assistant/Manager – working with pupils, staff and families Technician – science, design & technology and art departments – specialist lesson preparation

How to Apply Application form can be found via the following link: http://www.georgeabbottraining.co.uk/home-ts/ (George Abbot website, click on the Teaching School logo) Application deadline – 10.00am Friday 24th November Interview selection – Wednesday 29th November Interviews – Thursday 7th December Interview Outcomes – Tuesday 12th December DBS information and payment – 10.00am Friday 15th December

The Application Form Handwritten or Typed? References Personal Statement Interviews – what to expect? We do prefer typed because in a TA role you are very likely to use a computer and this will be a chance to show us your IT skills. But we are also happy to receive handwritten copies. The personal statement is a great opportunity for us to understand more about you. We’d like to know; What you want to get out of the course Why you want to do the course What experience can you bring? Interviews – Not a regimented formal process but an opportunity to demonstrate what you can bring to the course. Group discussion on a series of topics – i.e. safeguarding A couple of short written tests to demonstrate your knowledge of English and grammar. In order to support children in Maths and English you’ll need to have a competent knowledge of both.

2016 & 17 Course Feedback Would you recommend the course to a friend and why? “Yes absolutely. It's the perfect springboard into working in a school” “Definitely, the course is extremely useful and essential for anyone who considers any type of supporting job in a school. I am glad I took the course, because I have learned so much about the school system and TA roles in modern schools. Thank you for everything!” “I most certainly would , you just could not get a course like this anywhere else. What a privilege to have been on it ! “ “Absolutely! The course gives you so much useful knowledge to be able to fulfil your role as a TA. It builds your confidence to be able to do the job. “

2016 Course Feedback “All the presentations were really interesting and thought provoking. The course exposes you to settings you may not be familiar with e.g. secondary schools and special needs schools. It also prepares you gently for adjusting to juggling work with family” “The course was fantastic, well run, well thought out and extremely informative. The course gave me back my confidence which I had lost and helped me to believe in myself again.” I have recommended to many friends as I was so impressed. "I'm so glad to have got on the course.  It's amazingly informative.  I have learnt so much and gained so much insights that I won't be able to get anywhere else.  The work placements are one of the most valuable things I have ever done!"

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