Skills and Values

I think I possess many qualities and skills that I would be able to contribute to
this department and this school.
Musician
confident on a range of classroom instruments and able to
demonstrate
French Horn use in class, S1 orchestra, N5/H/AH pupils
Singing use with junior classes, S3/N5/H/AH pupils, junior choir,
drama club
Piano use to support lessons, demonstrate concepts, accompany
pupils
Positive relationships

Creating positive environment in the classroom, greeting pupils at the

door, settled, aware of LI and SC, involve them in SC, regular evaluations
Work closely with dept colleagues, participate in dept meetings, regular
formal and informal professional dialogue, open communication, co-op
teaching, consistency for pupils
Whole school led school dance committee, delegated jobs, created links
in the local community, took charge of finances. Organised talent show,
co-ordinated the staff item. Member of citizenship working group, RRSA,
S2 pupil group

Passion

Passionate about the subject. Music is inclusive and I love seeing pupils
developing new skills. Able to provide a challenge for pupils as well as
support. Building social skills as well as academic achievement.

I think I have many skills that I would be able to bring to this job and I would love
to be able to bring these to St Andrews Academy.

Behaviour Management Scenario

Important to be aware of whole school and departmental behaviour

policies and make sure these are implemented in my classroom
Ensure there is communication between PT/guidance/depute and that
there is progression for behaviour management to move along the chain
of command
Manage activities to reduce opportunities for disruption. Organised, pupils
aware of routine. Use of timers.
Discuss behaviour with the pupil and create an action plan. Evaluate this
at the end of each lesson. Positive reinforcement. Merit system.

Involve whole class in evaluation, to consider everyones contribution and

everyones behaviour.
Implemented S1 points system. Each class created their own SC (Showing
respect to others, high achievement of targets, everyone trying their
best). Evaluate their success at the end of each lesson, out of 10. Collect
points. Pupils can be nominated by their peers for individual points.
I also engaged with dept colleagues to discuss our behaviour management
strategies and I took the lead in creating a series of resources for us to use
as a dept. Ensured we were all following the same steps and sanctions.
Visible in all Music rooms.

Teaching and Learning

I like to use a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of all learners.

Engage with colleagues in SFL to be aware of individual needs. Ensure

measures are in place (bigger print, different coloured paper etc). Regular
checking in with pupils who find organisation challenging.
Differentiation. Multi-level parts available for group performing, including
pupils who need a challenge. Pupils playing orchestral instruments (viola
and saxophone!), countermelody.
Personal target setting in log books, S1-S6. Create SC with the class.
Lots of peer evaluation.

There are lots of different strategies in use in my classroom and I think its
important that those strategies provide scope for achievement by pupils with all
levels of ability.

Evaluation
Evaluation is a ongoing process, particularly in my NQT year.

Use of plenary activities to assess pupil learning and identify where gaps
in knowledge are. Allows me to adapt my teaching style, try new
approaches. Catch and Throw each pupil thinks of a question and asks
another member of the class. If they get it right, they pass a question on.
If they dont, they can phone a friend. Highlights who needs further
development in their knowledge. I can use this to influence future lessons.
Results of formal assessments to show level of pupils understanding. S4
unit assessments and prelim marks, used to create content for Easter
School.
Peer observation. PT observed lessons, as well as dept colleagues, fellow
NQTs and members of Senior Leadership Team. Provide feedback. I
observed other colleagues too.
Continuous process of self evaluation. Teaching the same lesson multiple
times, I make adaptations and try new methods.

Many ways of evaluating my teaching and I feel these have a big impact
on my development as a teacher, particularly this year.
Raising Attainment
As a teacher, you have to be committed to raising attainment and Ive been able
to implement measures in my classroom.

Individual pupil targets. Use of log books to monitor their progress and
decide on their own target. Involving pupils gives them ownership of their
own learning.
Include literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing outcomes
Regular evaluation, teacher-led, peer and self. Setting new targets.
Whole class approach. One of the strategies I use came from St Andrews,
with pupils putting their names on the board. We set a whole class target
for how many people we can get signed off. Good way of evaluating
achievement and setting targets for next time.

Successful Lesson
I am continuously using self reflection to evaluate my teaching. I like to try out
different methods and see what did and didnt work, and then make
improvements. I ensure I use different methods to suit a particular individual or a
particular class.

S3 revision lesson Scottish music

Range of creative strategies to revise all areas of knowledge
Started with Pass the Parcel. Played excerpts of Scottish music while they
passed around a wrapped parcel. They had to identify the type of Scottish
dance they heard and give a reason for their answer.
The Hundred Pound Drop. Multiple choice questions, they could split or
stake their money.