Starting Out Guide For Newly Qualified and Trainee Teachers

Looking after yourself

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Extra-curricular work and time

If you are a new teacher without a partner or children, beware of people assuming you have no out-of-work commitments and giving you all the out-of-school hours’ activities to manage.

Running extra-curricular activities can be great for:

  • Building relationships with pupils.
  • Working with and learning from colleagues.
  • Extending your knowledge and experience in the particular focus of the activity.
  • Showing your commitment and enthusiasm.
  • Contributing to the school personality and culture.

However do be aware of the following difficulties:

  • Your manager or Head of Department does not endorse the activity.
  • You are in school after hours without support and an accident or sensitive situation arises.
  • You have plenty else to do.
  • It impinges on your work-life balance.

So, before you commit:

  • Discuss the opportunity with your mentor and other appropriate members of staff. Gauge where you can expect support. Look out for clashes with other clubs or societies.
  • Be sure you know what the demands on your time will be, what your resources are, who else may help. Be realistic.
  • Find out what the rules for being in school after hours are. Know the fire and emergency procedures.
  • Make clear your expectations of pupils’ behaviour, as you would in normal school hours.
  • Be aware of expectations people may have of you when they are trying to find people to take responsibility of extra-curricular activities.

Remember, don’t be afraid to ask if you need advice or help. It takes an intelligent, committed person to know when they need support. You’re not invincible. Recognise your limitations and take time out when you need it.

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6 teachers have added to this guide



  1. Jan 6th, 2009

    clare said:

    I talk things through with a trusted colleague. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. My head feels much lighter afterwards.



  2. Jan 6th, 2009

    daffyd said:

    My pressure point is always report writing. As a PE teacher I see more children than many of my colleagues and often have to write hundreds of reports. I left it so late to start one year, that I nearly went mad trying to finish them all. Now I set myself 10 per day in the weeks leading up to the deadline, which doesn’t feel so arduous.



  3. Jan 6th, 2009

    dalveer said:

    During my interview, the head kept making a fuss about the fact I played the trumpet, which I mentioned on my application form.

    He asked me if I’d be interested in running the school orchestra, as the head of music was very busy. I said I might be. But when I was offered the job, I decided I’d needed to concentrate on my teaching for the first year.

    The head kept trying to persuade me, but I stood my ground, saying I’d be happy to do it the following year – which I did. I really enjoy running the orchestra, but it’s quite a big commitment and I still think it would have been too much in my first year.



  4. Jan 6th, 2009

    ewan said:

    In busy times, like report writing or during the SATS preparation, I try to think of ways to ease my marking load. I build some opportunities into my lessons for students to mark their own work, peer mark or set tasks that can be assessed with verbal feedback. The children benefit too, as they love getting instant feedback!



  5. Jan 6th, 2009

    james said:

    Invest in a paper shredder, then write it all down. Get everything that’s bothering you about colleagues, senior staff or even pupils down on paper, then shred it. This has the effect of shredding the bad day – very cathartic.



  6. Jan 6th, 2009

    keira said:

    I order a grande latte at my favourite café! At least twice a week, a group of us go out for coffee together after school. It’s a great opportunity to get things off your chest. It’s reassuring to know other people are having problems and we usually end up laughing about them, which helps get things into perspective.

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