TV Alert: BBC Schools Season

Here at Classroom we are all avid tv viewers like many and we wanted to highlight a string of programmes broadcasting amongst all the reality TV and Soaps which might be of interest to our fellow education professionals!

The BBC Schools season is currently underway. Some of you may have caught last nights drama "Excluded" about a newly qualified teacher and his relationship with a difficult student in a struggling school! It received rave reviews (check out the schools season link for info on its repeat schedule or watch it anytime on the BBC I Player). There looks to be some really interesting programmes coming up too.

One highlight looks to be "The Classroom Experiment" which sees education professional Dylan Wiliam take on a typical Year 8 Secondary school class and pit education theory and practice against each other as he attempts to use simple ideas to improve the quality of education and the results are meant to be pretty outstanding. It's a two part programme starting next Monday (see link for full schedule) and we'll be reviewing the programme when its finished and will be welcoming opinion!

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• General Science Teacher - Central London

A very popular and oversubscribed Secondary school in Central London are looking for a General Science teacher for a Maternity Cover post starting December 2009 or January 2010. The duration of this post will be 6 months to 1 year.

You would be required to teach general Science to KS3 and GCSE students. The school has not specified a particular specialism but have stressed that they require someone with strong classroom management skills who will be able to get started with minimal support. In return, they offer the highest rates for professional and experienced teachers.

This school also boasts excellent facilities in a brand new building. The staff are known as being very supportive and they have very good training programs in place for Overseas trained teachers and NQT’s.

• ICT and Business Studies Teacher - East London

A large, mixed comprehensive school in NE London are looking for a teacher of ICT and Business Studies to teach up to GCSE Level. They ideally require someone trained in ICT with Business Studies teaching experience as most of the timetable covers ICT. The duration of this post is 2 terms in the first instance with the possibility of a permanent post thereafter for the right candidate.

This would be a fantastic opportunity for someone who would like to work in a dynamic, forward thinking environment with supportive management. The school also has excellent facilities with a brand new building.

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SEN TEACHING VACANCIES

• MLD Teacher

We currently have a vacancy in South London at a primary MLD school starting in January. The school supports students with moderate learning difficulties at both primary and secondary levels. They are currently looking for a teacher for a year 3 class in the school. The position starts in January and is long term until the end of the academic year. The majority of students in the class will be on the autistic spectrum however other needs include dyspraxia, Down’s syndrome and other complex needs.

Experience with students with special needs is essential for this post and knowledge of PECS, Makaton and other communication techniques is desirable. Teachers must also be familiar with IEPs and annual reviews.

Please contact the SEN team on 020 7636 0600 or alternatively email us at sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Special Needs Support Assistant (East London)

Classroom Teachers are currently looking to recruit experienced Learning Support Assistants who have experience working with students who have severe learning difficulties. You will need to have worked in a school environment or as a carer with special needs adults or child.
We have been inundated with daily and long-term bookings to begin straight away so it is essential that you have a recent CRB check. You will need to also have the following:

TWO WRITTEN REFERENCES OR REFEREE DETAILS. ONE MUST BE CHILD RELATED

THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH CHILDREN OR ADULTS WHO HAVE SEVERE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

• Learning Support Assistant (South East London)

Classroom Teachers are looking to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to begin in Janaury in a mainstream primary school. The position is to work on a one-to-one basis with a boy in year 1 who has quite severe autism. The student is able to learn and communicate but boundaries need to be set to keep him focused. This position is to go through Classroom on timesheets but the school would possibly like to take the right person onto a permanent contract. Please only send your CV if you have the relevant experience and the following:

TWO WRITTEN REFERENCES - ONE CHILD RELATED

THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH AUTISM

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Reception Class Teacher

An excellent school in East London requires a Reception class teacher to start in January 2010 and teach through till July 2010. You must have foundation teaching experience and you must have experience teaching here in the UK. You'll be a committed team player who is willing to work hard. This is a very supportive school and the successful teacher will enjoy a superb environment to work in.

• Year 6 Support Teacher

You will have more than a year's experience of teaching in the UK and you must have upper KS2 teaching experience. This school requests only teachers who have taught their own class previously although this role does not involve your own class. You will be team teaching in Year 6 and taking the PPA classes in YEar 6 and also working with the Year 6 students in small groups to support them during this important academic year. You will be rewarded with an excellent rate of pay. This school is located in East London.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Teachers TV - A video for those new to Primary school supply teaching: SECONDARY teachers take note!

I have uploaded this video from Teachers TV for all those supply teachers who are currently beginning their supply teaching career in Primary schools. This video may be covering old ground for a lot of Primary teachers but I know that there are plenty of you who are newly arrived and only just setting out on your supply teaching adventure who should find this very interesting. I am also very aware that with the current slow patch in Secondary - Classroom and surely other agencies too will be supplementing Secondary school supply work with days in Primary schools. If you want to be successful in a Primary school then you will have to adopt a different approach to the one you might take in a Secondary school. Flexibility is always the key to successful supply teaching in the UK and preparation and research will only reinforce your flexibility!

Why not watch this video where you will be given plenty of hints and tips to be an effective Primary supply teacher and while your at it why not check out Teachers TV and its wealth of resources to help you be the best. I have mentioned it before but it really is a great site for teachers from every arena!

What do you think of the video? Are the presenters tips useful? Anything you would add?

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

SEN TEACHING VACANCIES

• SLD Teacher

Classroom teaching agency has a maternity cover position in a lovely SLD school in North London. The position is starting in January and is for 2 terms.

The school supports students with severe learning difficulties. Some of the children exhibit challenging behaviour and many of them are non – verbal. The school are looking for an experienced teacher who has worked in SEN schools in the past and is familiar with the needs in the school, IEP’s etc. They should be able to think on their feet and cope well in a stressful environment.

This is a long term position to work in a year 1 and 2 class so experience with this age group is beneficial but not essential.

Please contact the SEN team on 020 7636 0600 or alternatively email us at sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Special Needs Support Assistant (Bromley area)

We currently have a position to work in a mainstream primary school working with students who have special education needs. You will be working one-to-one with students who may have autism, downs syndrome and emotional and behaviour difficulties. The position requires someone that does have previous experience working with special needs children. We currently have day-to-day and block bookings to fill in this in area.

Please only send your cv if you have the following:

• Recent CRB Check
• Minimum of 3 months experience of working with children
• 2 years of references - must be child related
• The right to work in the UK

• Higher Learning Teaching Assistant (South London)

A mainstream primary school is currently looking for a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant to work in Key Stage one classes. You will be working very closely with the class teacher and working with small groups of students helping to improve their numeracy and literacy skills. The placement requires you to have an extensive amount of experience working as a Classroom Assistant with key stage one or two or have worked as a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant previously. This position is long-term to begin straightaway through till the Spring term 2010.

Please only send your CV if you have the following:

• An up to date CRB
• At least 3 months experience of working with children
• 2 years of references - child related
• The right to work in the UK

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.c.uk

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Science (Central London)

One of our Secondary mixed comprehensives in central London is looking for a Science teacher for a January long term. They are looking for someone that can ideally commit for two terms and be able to teach General Science and Biology to KS4. The school will be short listing in the next few days!

• Science (South East London)

All boys Secondary school in SE London is looking for a General Science teacher for January. You will be required to teach Science and also cover ‘general cover’ lessons where required. The school has a very good reputation and has sports status so they are inclined to offer extra coaching responsibilities to teachers that are interested.

• Music (Central London)

Large mixed comprehensive with excellent Music department seeks an enthusiastic, motivated Music teacher for January. There is potential for this job to go perm if all goes well. Woodwind and Strings experience would be beneficial!

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 5 Class Teacher

A large primary school in South East London requires a Year 5 class teacher to start in Jan 2010. You should have experience of working in upper KS2, preferably in the UK. A sound knowledge of Phonics is also very important. This position is until the summer term, July 2010.

• Reception Class teacher

A small infant school in the borough of Croydon requires an experienced Foundation stage practitioner to take on a Reception class which starts in January. You should have a clear understanding of the UK foundation curriculum and have good behaviour management skills. UK is experience is a MUST.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

That's all for this week and in fact this blog will not return until Monday 2nd November as we are breaking for half term. We hope everyone has a relaxing and rested week!

Tormented by the Under Fives....

Can children as young as 3 years old really cause chaos in the classroom? Are there really 3 year old bullies using violence in schools and intimidating teachers and other pupils?

When I first read the article published in The Times by Frank Furedi about toddlers terrorising their teachers I was shocked and more than a little sceptical. How can a very young child threaten an adult? It seems that they can.....

Frank Furedi's article looks at government figures which show that more than 1000 pupils aged 4 or below were suspended from state schools and nurseries in England last year. The figures also reveal that children of the same age group have been expelled for "racist behaviour, sexual misconduct and theft". Going further the figures reveal that 390 children were sent home from school in 2007 for a racist offence and 240 suspended for sexual misconduct.

In his article, Furedi questions if young primary pupils are turning into "sexual predators or racist zealots". One might be tempted to agree until, like Furedi you stop and think about what this means.

Perhaps this is only an opinion but surely children as young as 3 cannot be held accountable for an innapropriate comment or action? Furedi believes that the issue is more about an obsession in society to control children by means other than exercising child authority. In other words - telling children off isn't enough today and neither is explaining to a young child why their remark or action was wrong. Instead, teachers today are relying on the bureacracy of warning letters to parents and school suspensions rather than dealing with the issue directly.

Furedi is correct in pointing out that authority in British schools is struggling. Gaining respect from even very young students is tough. Many teachers can I am sure give examples of occasions where they have felt uncomfortable or even threatened and perhaps the biggest issue facing teachers is the fact that they feel helpless to deal with the situations without fearing they will be accused of stepping over the line either by parents or by colleagues. Furedi points to an example where a teaching assistant was reprimanded at her school for raising her voice and pointing a finger at a child who had just bitten her! Instead of being able to deal with the bad behaviour there and then she was expected to write a report about it. She felt helpless and resented the fact she was not trusted to do her job.

Perhaps the bad behaviour noted in Furedi's research is because of an adults changing response to a situation rather than a epidemic of bad behaviour developing amongst very young children. Furedi points to an example where a 4 year old calls a classmate "gay". Is it right for a teacher to interpret this as homophobia? Is it right to treat young children to the same moral standards as those we impose on an adult society? If we do then perhaps it is easier to understand why 3 and 4 year olds are being expelled for racism and sexual misconduct.

So if the children aren't changing but the way in which we deal with them is - where do we go from here? I for one do not feel qualified to answer this one but it is certainly food for thought.

As professionals who are here teaching in the UK Your views on Frank Furedi's article would we welcomed.

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT AND SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Experienced Learning Support Assistant to work with students who have mental health problems

We currently have two long-term positions (South and East London) to work with primary and secondary aged students who have psychological difficulties. You will need to have previous experience working with students who have depression, anorexia, anxiety, autism and behavioural difficulties. Ideally you would have a psychology background but this isn’t essential. Both positions are to start after half-term so you will need to have a recent CRB check. Please only send your CV if you have the relevant experience and the following:

• Recent CRB check
• Excellent communication skills
• At least two references covering the last 2 years of your employment. One must be child related
• Relevant experience working with psychological needs

• Special Needs Support Assistant to work with PMLD students (South East London)

We are looking to fill a position to work in a primary school which caters for students who have severe learning difficulties. This particular position is to work with a group of students who have profound and multiple learning difficulties. The students will have more than one disability and will have complex health needs. It’s essential that you have previous experience working with students who either have severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties.

This position is long-term but we are always getting similar day-to-day work so please still send your CV if you’re only looking for short-term work.

Please only send your CV if you have the relevant experience and the following:

• Recent CRB check
  Excellent communication skills
• At least two references covering the last 2 years of your employment. One must be child related
• Relevant experience working with psychological needs

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.c.uk

SECONDARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Government & Politics and Sociology – A Level – East London

A mixed comprehensive school in East London are looking for a qualified teacher to teach AS and A2 with some KS3/4 Humanities lessons. This is an ideal post for teachers who enjoy working with post-16 students. The post starts in January 2010 until July 2010 with the chance of the right candidate going on permanent contract thereafter.

• Mathematics – KS3 &GCSE – SW London

A very well run girls’ school in SW London are looking for a teacher of Mathematics to start in January 2010, perhaps sooner for the right candidate. This is a Maternity cover which would take you up till the end of the academic year in July 2010.

The school is set in a beautiful, leafy, SW London suburb with fabulous grounds and facilities. The results are above average and the staff are dynamic and very supportive of new staff members. The school has excellent training for Newly Qualified and Overseas Trained teachers in place.

• English – KS3, 4 and 5 – NE London

One of our top schools are looking for a teacher of English to start in January 2010 until the end of the academic year in July 2010. They would like a candidate with at least one terms experience teaching English to at least KS3 and 4 levels.

The school is the top Secondary school in the borough, boasting excellent results, fantastic facilities and brilliant senior management staff who are very supportive of new staff members. The students are a delight to teach – classroom management will never be an issue there!

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING VACANCIES

• SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) teachers

A small and supportive Special Needs school in South East London are looking for a confident and versatile teacher to cover in a number of classes. The school caters for Primary and Secondary students with severe learning difficulties, many of the students will have physical difficulties, may be in wheelchairs and have medical needs. The right teacher must have experience working with children with severe needs, the confidence to lead and coordinate a small team of support assistants and the ability to deliver an appropriate curriculum based on the needs of the students. The class sizes in the school are small with no more than 7 students in each, you will also benefit from experienced teaching assistants and a great team atmosphere.

• EBD (Emotional and Behavioural Learning Difficulties) teachers

Classroom's SEN division is looking for exceptional teachers who are up for a challenge! Whether you are Primary or Secondary trained we have opportunities available across London in PRU’s. Working in EBD/PRU schools with pupils with emotional or behavioural difficulties is a demanding yet rewarding role for any teaching professional. It gives teachers the opportunity to support students with a number of Educational needs in small groups of 6-8 pupils which can often be more personal and yield even greater benefits.

PRIMARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Year 2 Teacher

A top school in the area of Highgate, Islington is looking for a strong Year 2 teacher to start soon after half term. Year 2 is important as its the SATS year and you must therefore have sufficient knowledge of the UK keystage 1 curriculum. The headteacher maintains very high standards and this is a high achieving school. You must be prepared to work hard to maintain such standards. You should definitely have long term teaching experience in the UK in a relevant year group. Overseas trained teachers will be considered.

• Year 3 Teacher (Nov start)

A church of England Primary School in West London is seeking a teacher with long-term lower KS2 experience to take on a Y3 class from mid November through to July next year for a maternity cover. The ideal teacher will have a minimum of one academic year in a class teacher role and will be familiar with the curriculum at this level of KS2. This is a great opportunity for a teacher with enthusiasm and a sense of humour to take on a lovely class in a well supported school with a very positive ethos and genuinely friendly team. The school is well placed for public transport links, and is within a few minutes of Central London.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

That's all for this week and in fact this blog will not return until Monday 2nd November as we are breaking for half term. We hope everyone has a relaxing and rested week!

When should children start learning?

Nicole Morgan, Primary consultant at Classroom returns with her second blog examining the recent debate in the media about delaying the age at which Primary school children begin formal learning:

"The education columns have seen some animated debate over the last week upon the release of the Cambridge Primary Review, a document that has made some controversial suggestions about the direction in which the education of our youngsters should be heading.

Six years of research and several hundred pages of report later, the review is largely centred around the concept that our nation’s children should be starting formal schooling later than they presently are, and thus benefitting from a further year’s worth of play-based learning as currently taught in our Nurseries. This change in policy would bring us in line with many European and Antipodean countries where serious and structured education begins at age 6 or 7, not to mention our Welsh neighbours who have already extended the Foundation stage to the age of 7.

On publication of the review, opinions have been bandied around left right and centre, with the government instantly rejecting the report on several counts. In the meantime however discussion amongst journalists, parents and many currently working in education suggest that there could be many who are pro the initiative, perhaps those who place great value on the extra time children would have to learn to play, socialise and generally adapt to the way of a classroom in a Nursery setting.

Dame Gillian Pugh who acted on the advisory board for the review claims ‘If you introduce a child to too formal a curriculum before they are ready, you are not taking into account where they are in terms of their learning and their capacity to develop’. With such a push in recent years on the numeracy and literacy strategies, the review argues that where play-based learning ceases too early, formal education could actually become ‘counterproductive’.

Philip Collins, Times Online columnist suggests perhaps we should be following the example of our Scandinavian counterparts in an attempt to raise the standards of our children’s education over the long-term;-

‘Finnish kids don’t’ start until 7 either and they are the brainiest in the world at 11’

Incredibly, within a few days of the Cambridge Review being published we have also been privy to a debate that would reinforce the views of those in Government such as Chris Woodhead, former Chief Inspector of Schools who has voiced concerns that a delayed start to formal education would result in lower standards overall.

In its frightening account of the basic levels of language and communication with which some children are entering school, the Times outlines a grave situation that Ms Gross, former director of the Primary National Strategy calls a ‘ticking timebomb’. With some students beginning their education with a speaking age of just 18 months and 18 % of children aged 5 failing to meet the anticipated level of speech for their age, a further delay in formally educating our little ones would surely only exacerbate this issue?

So, what do you think? For many of you who were educated and trained overseas, does a later start in Primary education make for a positive or a negative effect on a child’s education? Does that extra year allow for important development both short and long-term, or should our focus lie on pushing the levels of language and communication forward, so that Foundation stage children start their formal education with solid bricks on which to build"?

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

SECONDARY TEACHING POSITIONS

• Drama Teacher

One of our regular clients is soon to be looking for a Drama teacher for a two month cover booking. This school is centrally located in the borough of Camden and will need a Drama specialist to start with them after the half term break. They would like to look at CV’s ASAP so if you are a drama specialist looking for a long term role (could be for a month or possibly extend to two months) forward your CV as soon as possible.

• Head of Maths in fantastic independent school

We have supplied teachers to this school for over five years now and can honestly say that this is a fantastic teaching environment in which to work. Teachers love working there it can be a very rewarding experience. Students are well behaved and work to a very high standard. Emphasis will be on keeping achievement levels high and keeping the children actively involved. If you are a teacher with lots of energy and a passion for teaching then this is the ideal job for you. They require a new Head of Maths to start in January. There is a strong possibility that it will be a perm post and this will be discussed at interview stage. Although the start is in January they would like to see CV’s as soon as possible. You will need to be a fully qualified Secondary Maths teacher with head of department experience in order to apply for this job. Experience within the independent sector would be beneficial but it's by no means essential.

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING POSITIONS

• Home Tuition

We are looking for people who are interested in becoming home tutors; to work with children in South-East London who are not able to receive education in school. These pupils have varying needs and circumstances. Some pupils may have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and present challenging behaviour. Other pupils may have Learning Difficulties or be on the Autistic Spectrum. We need teachers who can help these pupil’s re-build their confidence, allowing them to take a positive attitude towards the educational environment. For this role we are looking for people who are compassionate, flexible and self-motivated.

• SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) Teaching post

This East London School supports students at Primary level with Special needs. Many of the children in the school are non verbal, exhibit challenging behaviour and also have medical needs. The successful candidate will have experience working with students with severe learning difficulties and be familiar with many of the techniques used to support them. They should have knowledge of PECS, Makaton and other forms of communication used with SEN students and also have a working knowledge of P levels.

Please contact the Special Needs team on 020 7636 0600 or email: sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY TEACHING POSITIONS

• Year 3 post - November start

A church of England Primary School in West London is seeking a teacher with long-term lower KS2 experience to take on a Y3 class from mid November through to July next year for a maternity cover. The ideal teacher will have a minimum of one academic year in a class teacher role and will be familiar with the curriculum at this level of KS2. This is a great opportunity for a teacher with enthusiasm and a sense of humour to take on a lovely class in a well supported school with a very positive ethos and genuinely friendly team. The school is well placed for public transport links, and is within a few minutes of Central London. Trial days to take place next week.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• One to One Suppost Assistant

We currently have long-term and block bookings in South London Primary Schools working one-to-one with students who may have autism, emotional and behavioural difficulties or mental health difficulties. The positions require someone with a patient and calm disposition with previous experience working with students who have special educational needs. You will need to be able to work using your own initiative as well as responding to instructions and guidance.

• Experienced Support Assistant for Pupil Referral Unit (PRU)

A Secondary PRU in East London requires an experienced support assistant to work with students who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The position is to work with a group of boys in Key stage 3 supporting them with sporting activities. It would be an advantage to have a sporting background but this isn’t essential. However, you do need to have previous experience either in a Pupil Referral Unit or working with students who have Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. The school needs someone who can be flexible as you may be working as a general Learning Support Assistant but also doing some one-to-one work with students.

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.c.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Guest Blog: Is it all in the name?

Our second guest blogger is Nicole Morgan, a consultant here at Classroom who works in the Primary team. She is taking a look at whether you can judge a student by his or her name! Read on:

New term, new class, new names to learn. September each year inevitably brings with it a fresh bunch of ‘darlings’ still bubbling with the excitement of the summer, some fresh faced and ready to learn, others less so perhaps. So, as you cast your experienced eye over the register of this year’s cohort what images spring to mind? Will you need to watch out for Connor clobbering Callum at morning break? Will this year’s Brandon be as brutal as last years and will Elisabeth be the one educating YOU in Science this afternoon?

A recent online survey by parenting organisation Bounty.com explored the dialogue surrounding school children’s names. Of the 3000 teachers surveyed, nearly half admitted to possessing pre-conceived ideas of the characteristics and behaviour of a student based on their name alone, prior to their stepping foot into the classroom.

Topping the list of the ‘naughty’ names are both Callum and Connor for the boys coupled with Chelsea and Courtney for the girls, whilst the teachers surveyed seem to have agreed that the Alexanders, Adams and Elisabeths of the class tend to exhibit signs of being the brightest students. Of course, as Faye Mingo of Bounty stresses, ‘Teachers are only human and make assumptions like the rest of us’. One teacher, whose thoughts are cited in McDonagh’s times article, Names that mean trouble, reinforces these thoughts; ‘I went through my new class list and mentally circled the ones I thought would be most difficult. I reckon I have a 75% hit rate’

Top Ten Naughtiest Boys & Girls Names

1. Callum & Chelsea
2. Connor & Courtney
3. Jack & Chardonnay
4. Daniel & Aleisha
5. Brandon & Casey
6. Charlie & Crystal
7. Kyle & Jessica
8. Liam & Brooke
9. Jake & Demi
10. Brooklyn & Aisha

There are also perhaps some parallels to the adult world to be drawn here? The caddish characteristics of Callum Best and the wild ways of Courtney Love seem, if past press coverage is anything to go by, to have extended way beyond their childhood classrooms?!

It is perhaps noteworthy that another result of Bounty’s survey shows the overlap between the naughty and the popular; Jack, Daniel, Brooke and Courtney all feature on both top ten lists respectively. 57% of the teachers involved in research confirmed these findings by adding that the naughty children often find it easier to make friends and gain popularity than the their well behaved counterparts.

McDonagh, also notes in her recent Times article, ‘children who are called after places, or characters and actors in soaps and American sitcoms are likely to come from families who not only watch soaps but terrifyingly model themselves on them. Their children behave accordingly.’ A broad statement to make indeed, but could there be some socially founded link between the namers, the names and the behaviours exhibited? Food for thought perhaps…

As those teaching in this years classrooms, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this discussion; does a cheeky Charlie or a brainy Becky feature on your register?

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday already and time for Classroom to post a selection of some of their best or more immediate vacancies. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 1 teacher

A school in Wandsworth requires a Year 1 teacher for a 4 days per week position starting in December and continuing right through to July 2010. This school is seeking a teacher ideally with a minimum of two years long-term teaching experience in the UK, preferably in a KS1 setting. There is a high concentration of EAL children so experience or working with children with EAL is also essential. You should have good classroom management and strong planning skills.

• Early Years teacher

A children's centre in Lewisham requires an Early years teacher to start as soon as possible. You must have at least 3 years experience teaching in Early years with a firm knowledge of the UK foundation stage curriculum. This post is for one term initially with the possibility that it may continue. You should be an excellent team player who has a real dedication to early years teaching.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Girls PE teacher

Classroom are currently recruiting female PE teachers for a FANTASTIC school in East London. This mixed comprehensive school has been awarded Beacon Status, with excellent facilities, supportive staff and lovely students who behave beautifully! They need female PE teachers to teach Girls' PE with some Swimming. They have insisted on teachers having formal PE training and a certificate for swimming coaching/lifesaving.

The booking commences in October 2009 and the duration is one month in the first instance.

• Maths/Science Float teacher

One of our favorite boys' schools in SE London are looking for a Floating Teacher for their Maths and Science Departments. This is an ideal post for teachers who want to have more time after school to ENJOY LONDON and not plan lessons! They ideally want candidates who can teach either Maths or Science (or both!) and can coach any sport. You could also be asked to cover PE lessons if your timetable is light on certain days.

The post starts ASAP and the duration is at least one term, taking you up to Christmas in the first instance.

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SEN SCHOOL VACANCIES

• 2 SLD (Severe learning difficulties) post

We have two SLD schools (In East and West London) currently looking for maternity cover. Both schools have a very friendly atmosphere, excellent management and extensive facilities. They are looking for enthusiastic and caring teachers to work with children who have a range of special needs including severe autism, sensory impairments, physical disabilities and medical conditions.

• Maths Post

A very supportive PRU in Havering require an experienced Maths teacher with an excellent knowledge of the KS3 and KS4 curriculum. The right teacher must have good behaviour management and experience working with challenging behaviour. The class sizes are small with excellent support. This position has the potential to go perm for the right teacher.

Please contact the Special Needs team on 020 7636 0600 or email: sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Long term Teaching Assistant

If you are looking to take the exciting step of studying for your PGCE or GTP then read on.
One of our schools in Lambeth is looking for a long term teaching assistant who is flexible, reliable and proactive. If you have relevant experience in the last two years and have an up to date CRB then we would love to hear from you!

• Teaching Assistants with English or Science degrees

One of our secondary schools based in North London is looking for experienced teaching assistants with either an English or Science degree to cover day to day and long term positions. You must have relevant experience working with children within the last two years. Having an up to date CRB would be a definite advantage.

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.c.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday - which means its Classroom's day to post a selection of its best or most immediate job vacancies. It is our intention to post job alerts every Friday - though obviously certain times of the year will have more vacancies than others.

For September - a lot of positions are already filled - however we are still looking for excellent teachers and teaching assistants and below are a selection of jobs which may interest you. Please note that for ALL teaching vacancies you MUST have a valid teaching qualification recognised in the UK:

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Science and Maths Teachers - Good School

2 Science teachers and 1 Maths teacher required for a well run mixed comprehensive school in East London. All the posts are Maternity cover, the duration being months to a full academic year.

The Science candidates would be expected to teach General Science to KS3 and focus on their Science specialism (Chemistry, Biology or Physics) at KS4 Level. The Maths post requires a teacher experienced in teaching KS3 and 4 (GCSE) classes.

The start date for the Science and Maths posts is November 2009 (after the 1/2 term break)

• ICT Vacancies

We are recruiting ICT teachers for 2 excellent London schools. One is based in Central London and the other based in West London. Both schools ideally require candidates with A Level experience but would also be willing to look at candidates with GCSE experience if they are willing to take the challenge of taking on more responsibility with A Level teaching.

The start date for both schools is November 2009 - after the 1/2 term break.

Please contact the Secondary division on 020 7636 0600 or email: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 3 Teacher

A small one form entry Primary school in Lewisham seeks an experienced teacher to take on a class of 22 children with immediate effect. The school are inviting applications from teachers who have taught specifically in lower KS2 in a London Primary school on a long-term basis; ideally you will have a thorough working curriculum knowledge coupled with an imaginative teaching style that will genuinely engage the class and motivate them to learn. Enthusiasm, character and a sense of independence are a must!

The school is a very multicultural environment with a high proportion of children with English as their second language. Experience in teaching in a similar environment would also be beneficial. The post will commence within the next week and will be for the duration of this academic year.

• Year 6 Job Share

A small one form entry school in the borough of Merton are seeking an experienced KS2 teacher for this 3 day Yr 6 job share. The position will run Mondays through to Wednesdays.

Ideally this school is looking for a teacher with KS2 experience in a London school setting on a long-term basis. If you have Yr6 and Yr6 SATS experience then we would especially like to hear from you. This position requires a teacher with superb planning schools and strong classroom management skills.

Please contact the Primary division on 020 7636 0600 or email: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING VACANCIES

• ICT and English Position

A well-run Pupil Referral Unit in Bexley is looking for an ICT and English teacher. If you have one or both of these as your specialist subjects then this could be the job for you! The position will initially be daily with the possibility of becoming long-term. Working with emotional and behavioural difficulties is challenging and rewarding. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged teenagers.

• Maths Post

A very supportive PRU in Havering require an experienced Maths teacher with an excellent knowledge of the KS3 and KS4 curriculum. The right teacher must have good behaviour management and experience working with challenging behaviour. The class sizes are small with excellent support. This position has the potential to go perm for the right teacher.

• Teacher of EBD (Emotional and behavioural difficulties)

We require an experienced EBD teacher to work in the borough of Bromley. The position requires the teacher to work 2 days in an intervention Centre supporting 2 members of staff; and 3 days visiting schools in the area assessing the needs of EBD students and offering support and guidance on the best course of action to take. You must be confident and articulate with an excellent working knowledge of EBD, the role requires contact with heads of department and senior management. A fantastic opportunity for an ambitious EBD teacher.

• Year 3 and 4 Teacher

A lovely Special needs school in Lambeth is looking for a qualified teacher until the summer term 2010. The position is to work with a year 3 and 4 class with a mix of severe learning difficulties and medical needs. Some of the children will be in wheelchairs and require special medical equipment while others may be non verbal and use PECs and Makaton communication techniques. This is a really nice group of students; however the role does require a teacher who has had prior experience with these needs. This is a long term position with the possibility of being taken on permanently by the school after 2 terms.

Please contact the SEN division on 020 7636 0600 or email: sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Qualified Nursery Nurses

Our division are always looking for qualified Nursery Nurses (NVQ Level 3) for day to day and long term bookings across London. If you have experience within the last two years and have an up to date CRB we would love to hear from you.

• Classroom Assistants with Special Needs Experience

Our SEN schools based in Lambeth, Southwark and Ealing are looking for day to day and long term teaching assistants with special needs experience. You must have experience within the last two years along with the patience, passion and flexibility for day to day and long term cover.
If you hold an up to date CRB and have the relevant experience then send your CV as soon as possible.

Please send your CV to: support@classroomteachers.co.uk

*Please note that due to the volume of applications for support roles we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you have not heard from us within 7 days please note that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.