Testing times

As part of your assessment to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you will be required to submit coursework and complete assessments. Balancing this with lesson planning, marking and other school work can be a challenge. Reflection or evaluation is also a crucial aspect of the teacher training process.

You will need to provide written evidence that you have reflected upon most of the lessons you teach or observe. It is worth spending 15 minutes each day on this so that it doesn’t mount up. When filing observation notes or any other work that can contribute to your final portfolio, it is useful to use a ring binder with sections for each QTS standard. This will prove invaluable when you come to create your final presentation for your QTS assessor. For more information on the QTS standards, visit the TDA website.

Many training institutions stagger deadlines across the year, so students don’t get too overloaded, but it is easy to get caught up with the demands of your training. It may sound obvious, but it is important to spend a couple of hours on your diary at the beginning of the year. Your training provider can give you a list of key dates and deadlines at the beginning of your course.

Noting these down in your diary, along with reminders about coursework and assessment deadlines, will help you plan your workload. In addition, don’t forget to be realistic; build in enough time for lesson planning. If each period or lesson lasts for one hour, it is likely that you will need at least this much preparation time.

Nevertheless, there may be times when you feel tired, stressed and overworked. If this happens, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to other trainees, your school mentor or tutor about how you are feeling. As well as providing a listening ear, they may be able to offer practical help or solutions. Studying, planning lessons or even marking with fellow trainees are great ways to share ideas and ease the load. Alternatively you can call the Teacher Support Network support line where our coaches and counsellors are there to offer to both practical and emotional support.