Have you got a job description? You need to tailor your application letter to this, so that you are giving the school the information it's looking for. Write a letter & I'm sure one of us will have a look for you.
:)

ive got a letter would appreciate some advice. i think it needs to be a bit more snappy ........

I would like to apply for the post of Pupil Progress Co-ordinator. I believe I have the necessary skills and would be an asset to your team.

This is my eleventh year of teaching. During my time at St james' I was a Form tutor responsible for the pastoral welfare of a group of students that I took through from year 7 to year 11.

Since joining St Hilda's Arts College in 2001 I have been a Year 7 Form Tutor. This has given me a clear insight and understanding of the needs of pupils in the process of transferring from Primary to Secondary school. Working closely with the Heads of Year, I have gained a deeper knowledge of how cultural and social factors can influence both behaviour and learning. I have observed a range of strategies to manage this and have applied them in my work with young people.

Furthermore, working as the second in the RE department has also increased my awareness of pastoral issues in other year groups as pupils have trusted me enough to discuss emotional, behavioural and family issues with me. My ability to relate to young people in a firm but fair manner has encouraged me to apply for this post.

As second in the department I have supported non-specialist staff and implemented the ‘Buddy’ system where staff feel comfortable and confident in asking for my help and guidance.

I successfully managed the department, during a prolonged absence of my line manager; at that time the department consisted of a staff of fourteen. I was responsible for discipline and behavioural issues, promoting positive attitudes as well as the teaching and learning within the department.

As a P.G.C.E Mentor I am responsible for the induction of I.T.T RE students. This role involves advising and guiding new entrants to the profession not only in the ethos of the school but also working with outside agencies.

I have also been involved in Assessment for Learning training, which led to a coaching programme, which has involved me in participating in a training video for other teachers across the North West. Through this I have gained greater confidence in my own abilities both in the classroom with the pupils and as a support to other colleagues.

Throughout my teaching career I have always felt that it is important to take an active part in all aspects of school life. To this end I have been involved in ventures such as: Rainbows; The Talent Show; Christmas Fayres; Year 6 Induction Evenings and various productions. This involvement with pupils both in the classroom and in non curricular activities is inherent in what I believe to be the Salesian ethos in helping to develop each young person to be the best that they can be. In addition I maintain a high profile presence in the corridors and around the building in line with Don Bosco’s Preventative System.

As a prospective Pupil Progress Co-ordinator I have worked closely with Heads of Year and gained an insight into the challenges and rewards that this post brings.

It would be my aim in working with Year 8 initially to build a successful tutor team. As a team leader I see it as my role to support, encourage and monitor their work, in liaising with the pupils and their parents I would expect to maintain high standards of behaviour and enthusiasm instilled in Year 7 and move them forward to new and exciting challenges. I would work to engender a positive year spirit where all pupils feel valued and every child matters.
I see the role of Pupil progress Co-ordinator as a holistic one which works to develop the academic, emotional and social skills of the young people in my care so they can fulfill their potential and go on to be confident and successful young women.

Over the years I have developed a range of skills and qualities, which would make me a suitable candidate for this position. I have good organizational and administrative skills. I am a good communicator, I also have very good ICT skills, which I use widely. I have good interpersonal relationships with both pupils and colleagues. With pupils I have a firm but fair approach. I am flexible and will always listen to pupils whilst at the same time continue to maintain high standards of behaviour and discipline. I have the respect of my colleagues. I also have a good working relationship with parents and carers even when there is a difficult issue to be managed. Similarly I have the respect and trust of my colleagues.

Since beginning my career I have always had a strong interest in the pastoral aspects of teaching. My collective experience including my role as second in the RE department has built up many of the skills that I believe to be valuable in this role. I welcome the new opportunities and challenges offered in the post of Pupil Progress Coordinator and believe that I am now ready to take on the further responsibilities that the role offers.

I think it looks pretty good so far. You might like to consider that Year 8 is often the 'forgotten' year, between the newbies of Year 7 and the option choices/NCTs of Year 9 - more about fostering a specific year identity might be something to stress. You might also like to get to the heart of what you'd do as HoY more quickly in your letter (but ignore this if others disagree).

Maud (ex head of years 7-9, current head of years 10-11 - happy to offer any help I can!)

ooh - just noticed you're at a Salesian school. When I went for my HoY 7 and 8 job I stressed promoting Christian values in a secular world which went down well (all girls school too) - probably still have my info somewhere if you want it.

maud

that would be great Maud. i think i need a bit more vision? what do you think? the problem is the deadline is tomorrow

I like it - you've covered all the points & said what your plans are for the year group. Good luck!

HoY now :)

I would link in how RE frequently raises a lot of child protectionissues - i.e. idnetifies them through the sort of work we do, how the nature of the job invovles dealing with pupils re very sensitive adn delciate issues etc, aslo bring in ECM there too.

post your email address and I will send you a list of possible interview questions. These will NOT include the reference to christian ethos, but you may be asked how you will promote this within your year group.

Regards!

Thanks for all your help guys. Got an interview on Monday...... but, theres always a but i need some help ive got do do a 10 minute presentation on the role of the Pupil Progress co ordinator....HELP! any help with questions would be appreciated.
my email address is below:
maggiemurphy23@hotmail.com

I think you need to mention how you would use data to track students and monitor their progress. You would make use of KS2 SATs results, projected targets for KS3 SATs results and any available teacher assessment levels to try and ensure that all students make the progress they are capable of. I was told recently that as a rough guideline GOOD progress of keystage 3 should be 6 sub levels and AVERAGE progress would be 5. Obviously there has to be some allowance made for G&T students for whom GOOD progress may be more than 6 sub levels and SEN students whose progress may be less than 5 sub levels but relevant to them.

Students who arrive at secondary school on Level 4a (for example) should potentially be getting 6a at the end of KS3 which should equate to the potential for Grade A at GCSE.

Perhaps linked with data you could talk about identifying students with the POTENTIAL to achieve high SATs results but who are underperforming at present and explain strategies you may use to improve their attainment.

Good luck

so what would i do with under achievers? obviously target them but how, in what ways?

bluetack

You have mail!

For underachievers, put in a mentoring programme with older students , pupils could meet with their mentor once a fortnight to discuss progress etc. Implement the Reading and Writing challenges to support less able pupils with their literacy skills. Have your year group involved in fundraising for charity, for example, shoeboxes at Christmas. Raise the profile of your year group within the school, by having a Year Eight Noticeboard. Set up a reward system which allows pupils to collect credits which can turn into prizes etc. Organise trips to encourage team building etc in the year group

privateteacher

I am also applying for a head of year post and woould appreciate the interview questions you mentioned

thanks

dianehughs@hotmail.com

miss shoes.........you have mail

Private teacher
I'm in the process of writing an application form for assistant head of yr7/8 - i would be very greatful if you could email those interview questions to me also
Thanks
pippy69@myway.com

Hi

 I am applying for a similar job in the next week or so as well so would appreciate the questions too!

 email is paz_6002@hotmail.com

 Thanks!

Hi I am new to this forum but have been reading your helpful comments regarding HOY appliaction letters etc.

I would really appreciate the HOY interview questions that you have kindly e-mailed others as I am applying for a HOY post. Have been shadowing a HOY for 6 months in prep but have only been teaching 2 years so interview experience is lacking and I'd love the opportunity to plan thoroughly for the interview. Plus, these interview questions are like gold dust...google and ask couldn't come up with anything for me.

Anything you can offer much appreciated :-)

 Many thanks, Natasha

Hi,

 I am in a similar position but have been an assistant for 4 years now.  This is the first post that has come up and really keen to get it.  I have been searching for interview questions on here for ages now and have found a few great pointers that will really help my prep but would love to find a few suggestions as to how people answer the questons without sounding 'false'.  After all being interviewed by a team who know me really well.

 

Any tips would be great - TY