‘Will I get a job?’ This is the question most often asked at a PGCE interview. As course leader for the Drama PGCE at Bath Spa University I can say with hand on heart that the answer is yes. But being flexible is very important. There are not many permanent full time drama jobs out there for NQTs, especially if you have geographical limitations. What can you do to improve your employability? Look at part time jobs and see if you can make up more hours with cover, be prepared to teach a second subject, and even be prepared to relocate. There are more jobs in urban areas for the obvious reason that more people live there. Some of my trainees have chosen to work in different areas such as SEND and one even jumped ship to primary.
So, look at all jobs with an open mind. Schools are fast moving places and if the Drama job advertised is a 0.6fte contract, then this could increase the following academic year. I am a great believer in getting applications in even if it is not the job of your dreams. It is good experience – if you do not get called to interview, then you might need to revisit your supporting statement.
As someone who has interviewed for many drama posts, I always looked for the person, the practitioner and what motivates each applicant. You will all have met the Teaching Standards by acquiring QTS and while I would expect some mention of pedagogical approaches, try not to overdo the obvious. And be realistic. You will not be running a whole school production, drama clubs for every year group and the football team in your NQT year.
The interview
So, you have been called for interview. Do some homework on the school, look at their latest Ofsted report, find out about recent exam results and the drama department. Do they offer a BTEC or GCSE? What does KS3 look like?
On the day of the interview, turn up in good time, even if it means walking round the block for 15 minutes. In these current conditions, expect to be interviewed online and make sure your IT is up to speed well in advance.
Plan your lesson carefully and then run it past someone to get feedback. Keep resources as simple as possible. You will have been advised about interview questions as part of your training so think what your possible responses might be. You will get a ‘feel’ for the school and the drama department on the day: I think you need to trust your gut instinct here and if you think a school is really not for you, then stick with this. If you are unsuccessful on the day, always ask for feedback and be prepared to push for useful detail. You are quite likely to be up against your colleagues on your PGCE course which can be strangely reassuring!
Starting work
Congratulations – you have a job! Make contact with your new colleagues and if possible, ask to go in for a day or two to get a better idea of the department and how it works. Make a list of questions first and try and find out about the curriculum, faculty structure, extra-curricular expectations. Ask for existing schemes of work and start to tailor to your timetable if you are lucky enough to get this in advance. If you are going to teach a Y10 or 12 class, check out the specifications and see if you can get some training with the exam board. This will be an enormous boost to your confidence and planning and your school might even fund it.
Your NQT year is an extension of your training and there will be a named person in the school who will be responsible for your progress. You will have a reduced timetable to support this. It is a good idea to get a buddy in the school who you can turn to for an informal chat, someone who will explain the online payment scheme, the hierarchy in the car park and what exactly a particular acronym means.
You need to pace yourself carefully, and timing of lessons is critical. Make sure you finish your lesson with all your resources collected in and chairs in place, and then take a deep breath before you invite the next class in. This is particularly important if you are teaching in more than one space. It is a good idea to get all your resources in place at the end of the previous day so you ready to go in the morning. Support school productions, and set up a drama club when you are ready – but do not try and do too much all in one go. It is a long time from 2 September to 20 December!
Slowly you will get used to things and start to settle. Keep time for yourself, talk to people if you are overwhelmed, don't let that Y9 class get to you, and slowly get your head above the parapet. Start to get engaged in the parts of the school that interest you, ask colleagues if you can support performance exams, reach out to your local theatre and see if there is a network of drama teachers out there. Remember how hard you have worked to get here and that the profession is lucky to have you and your unique talents in their school.