Negative attitude

23rd December 2005, 12:00am

Share

Negative attitude

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/negative-attitude
Q: At the end of November, the headteacher told me that I might not pass the first term of my NQT year. This came as quite a surprise because I had not been told before that there were any concerns and my observations went quite well. When I told my mentor, she was surprised as well. I feel that the head is just looking for negatives and only pointing out where things aren’t going right. I feel like I’m sinking and I am feeling really down.

A: I’m not surprised you’re feeling low, but don’t panic. Remember that it’s not a case of pass or fail, just a warning sign which should mean you get more support and greater clarity about what to improve and how to do so.

Certainly, the recommendation shouldn’t be done on November 28 - there’s more than three weeks to go which is about a fifth of your term. Ask your headteacher what you need to improve, and what support you’ll get to do so.

Also get in touch with your “appropriate body”, such as your local education authority to put them in the picture.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Recent
Most read
Most shared