Choosing a UK base

It may not be rocket science – or even GCSE physics – but deciding where to live in the UK can be a tricky decision to make.

Whether you’re looking to build solid career foundations, or take advantage of travel opportunities in the UK and Europe, you’ll need to do your research before committing to anything.   

Where do you want to be?

Location is a good starting point. If you have friends or family in the UK, they can provide a valuable support network as you start work in the UK. On the other hand, being on your own could be a liberating start to the next phase in your life, and might be just what you need.

If you’re in a large town or a small village, your location will have a direct impact on the demographic of a school. It will also have a bearing on your daily experience. Think about what your commute will be like, is there suitable accommodation close by?

Can you see yourself fitting in?

Perhaps most importantly, you will need to find somewhere that is affordable. One of our overseas workers found that the neighbourhood she had set her heart on was out of reach financially. This meant a quick shift to ‘plan b’ and a longer commute. You should be able to do some simple online research to make sure you’re not caught out in the same way. If you’re not sure, your Hourglass consultant will almost certainly be able to help.

‘Inner city’ schools often make headlines. These days the stories are as likely to be about successful leadership, life-changing teaching and rich cultural experience rather than bad behaviour and poor results. For some education professionals, these schools offer a stimulating, structured and rewarding environment and an excellent teaching experience.

Which school?

When it comes to choosing a school itself, you can tell a lot about a school from its local reputation. It’s sensible to start with the most recent Ofsted report and what it has to say about the area of the curriculum you’re most interested in. Googling the school is also a good idea.

The coverage was colourful at times

One of our teachers discovered that a new head caused a stir when he imposed new school uniform standards. A particularly vocal group of parents made their objections very well known locally. Whilst the coverage was colourful at times, it allowed the teacher to get a flavour of the school, its values and behaviour management. Whether you agree with the issues or not, when you’re choosing a school, knowledge is power, and the more you know about what you’re getting into the better.

Transparency

Before you set foot in the school, the chances are that the information you can gather is second hand. You should take every opportunity to speak to staff members – even if it’s during a Zoom interview. Ask the questions not covered by Ofsted: How do teachers view their workload? What support they expect? How are students assessed? What are the marking policies in the department? It might even be worth knowing if members of the department socialise together at all.

Tip: Have a list of your questions handy during your interview. That way, when the opportunity arises, you’re fully prepared to make the most of it.

Keeping an open mind

There’s no doubt that international relocation can seem daunting. Remember to take a deep breath and use the self-knowledge and experience you’ve already developed. Keeping your original motivation in mind, backed up by good research and common sense means you’ll be able to focus on what’s important to you.            

Don’t forget, Hourglass will be able to guide you through this process. We have spent years getting to know our schools and their people.

Most importantly, we know which schools are best for overseas teachers. 

And we’re here to help

Hourglass is part of Pertemps Education and focuses on permanent roles, overseas candidates and leadership. Pertemps Education provides schools with agile, energetic and reliable temporary teachers and support staff. When you register with us, we may suggest you speak to a Pertemps Education consultant.

What does good teaching look like in English classrooms?

Teachers can often find themselves in a ‘catch22’ situation when it comes to lesson planning. Delivering high-quality lessons requires careful preparation and detailed planning especially if you’re adjusting to the curriculum. However, while managing international relocation as well as a challenging workload, teachers might find planning to be time-consuming and burdensome.

For the past few years Ofsted, the English regulator, and the Department for Education have taken the view that school staff should focus on what matters most in their jobs, and continue to be passionate about giving students the best start in life. They agree that the best teachers don’t spend too much of their  time and energy planning. They suggest that the key to a successful lesson is the way it responds to student need, and how the teacher fills the gaps in their learning.

Starting with the basics, breaking the lesson down into manageable portions is a must. Set the scene with an entry task to introduce your topic and establish the correct tone for the lesson.

Pacing the lesson correctly is also crucial. Every teacher must take into account the needs of the most able in contrast with those who struggle to grasp the concepts.

Some teachers prepare too much content – they aim to occupy and challenge students constantly. It can be a mistake, though, to leap from one activity to the next. You may think your students are engaged and productive, but without time to think and reflect, you may actually restrict their progression.

Fortunately, many teachers in the UK have been using ‘The 5 Minute Lesson Plan’ since 2007. The universally relevant, A4 plan, complete with graphic prompts, was developed by Ross Morrison McGill, an education blogger with more than 4 million readers. 

The helpful plan provides context by asking how does the lesson fit into the scheme of work and taking into account what knowledge pupils have already. It also highlights the importance of an engaging ‘hook’ to draw pupils in – luring them into the lesson. 

There’s space to jot down Assessment for Learning strategies which, used properly will allow students to see progress.  @TeacherToolkit introduces a Winnie the Pooh-inspired strategy – ‘pose, pause, pounce, bounce’ as a discussion starter and resource for open questions.

Since the initial 5 Minute Lesson Plan, Morrison McGill has made regular amendments. In 2016, literacy and numeracy prompts were added, to reflect their importance. In 2019 it was relaunched with a focus on desktop or handheld devices in order to speed up the process.

Morrison McGill, Hourglass and Pertemps Education, invite you to join the thousands of teachers in over 140 countries who have given his plan a go.  

At the forefront of a classroom teacher’s mind is the need to prevent disruption and maintain good discipline to facilitate students’ education. There are rumours, though, that not everyone in the classroom shares this objective all the time…  Read on to make sure you’re in the best shape to encourage good behaviour in the children and young people around you. 

First of all, schools and academies must have behaviour policies in place, and must make them known to staff, parents, and pupils at least once a year, in writing. See the government guidance  for more information.

As a member of the school’s staff, you’ll be expected to comply with the behaviour policy. Your headteacher is ultimately responsible for the policy, but there should also be a dedicated coordinator who is responsible for providing guidance and support on behaviour issues, as well as regularly reviewing and updating the policy.

Once you’re familiar with your own school’s policy, and become established in your role, you’ll be able to use your own influence to set standards and demonstrate what is acceptable, and where you need to draw the line.

Leading by example 

There is a natural hierarchy in a school which, when used positively, is a potential force for good. Teachers at any stage in their career can take advantage of this. However, with rights come responsibilities, and successful teachers take this seriously. Looking the part – smart and professional should be the image you’re aiming for – is important.  You want everyone to know you mean business. Whether you’re in the classroom or out and about in school every interaction is an opportunity to manage and reinforce good behaviour and maintain discipline. Giving students the opportunity to get to know you can be hugely beneficial. Through less formal conversation they will get to know what is acceptable within the school context and with the adults in their lives. This is your responsibility, though, and a proactive exercise. You might not feel like having lunch alongside the students every day, but it will pay off in the long term.   

Trust and responsibility 

Year 7 can often seem to have transformative powers. Primary school children arriving in September often come on in leaps and bounds (sometimes literally!) and emerge in various shades of adolescence. However, becoming small fish in the big secondary school pond might not be straightforward. Many of them will have enjoyed the responsibility they had at primary level. There may not be the same opportunities to get involved in classroom management in year 7, but if you can share tasks and responsibilities with your students it will encourage a culture of mutual trust, and lead to a sense of shared ownership of success in the classroom. 

Attention! 

There are times when a teacher simply must be the centre of attention in their own classroom and understanding this makes life more comfortable for everyone. If you wait until you have the attention of everyone in the room, you underline this principle in a powerful and meaningful way. Some of our teachers find a countdown technique useful. By counting down from 5 or 10, with positive but targeted prompting throughout, students are given advance notice of what’s coming, and it is more realistic than demanding an instant response. If you back up the countdown with praise and reward and use it regularly this really can be an effective way to settle a class and get ready to move on.   

Rules and boundaries 

Schools are all about nurturing students and giving them the information they need to succeed in life. Teachers obviously play an enormous part in this and can have a massive impact on their students. By establishing a secure environment where rules and boundaries are expected and positive reinforcement (for genuinely good behaviour) teachers can set their own standards and focus on the lesson plan rather than crowd control.  

Challenge and reward 

You have worked hard to get this far and your first years as a teacher will be challenging and should also be rewarding. You will learn yet more about yourself and how you can positively impact the lives of others – it’s genuinely exciting!   

Hourglass can help you take the first steps in your career. Not only can we give practical advice about your CV and applications, but we will make sure you are seen by the right schools.   

We know our schools and take time to understand which ones will suit you best. Don’t forget, our job is your job!  Making sure you’re in the right school at the right stage of your career is what we’re all about. 

After a long year of planning lessons, teaching classes, and marking who knows how many assignments, the summer holidays have arrived and it’s time to relax.

Caring for your wellbeing is essential to every person, and teachers are no different. Here are five ways to rest and recharge your batteries during the summer holidays before going back to school in September:

1. Switch off your alarm clock and make the most of lazy mornings. It’s important to catch up on your sleep, and you’ll need to give both your body and mind a well-earned rest. Take the opportunity to eat breakfast in bed and spend the day in your pyjamas. ‘Wear what works’ is what the summer is all about, and there’s no dress code at home!
2. The subject of school holidays has to be one of the most misunderstood by non-teachers. On paper they look pretty cushy, but anyone who works in schools knows that every minute of down-time is hard-won and well deserved!

Summer offers a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family. A hint of sunshine? Spending time outside is good for your physical health, and your mental health too. Leaving the classroom for the great outdoors – especially with your loved ones – will help you feel calmer and stress free.

3. How about stepping out of your comfort zone? Trying something new during the summer is a great use of your free time. Learning a new language or taking up a musical instrument will keep your brain active and stave off boredom. Even pottery or knitting. The possibilities are endless!

Don’t forget physical activity, too. If you’ve never tried yoga, now’s the perfect time. If that feels a little too much, you could do a lot worse than increasing your steps. Don’t restrict it to a walk round the block, but explore your local park or canal route – fresh air and vitamin D are hard to beat.

4. Are you one of those people who likes to take stock during summer? If you’re working on personal development, take inspiration from our very own Chapters magazine. Learn how self-knowledge can lead to bigger and better things. If you can’t get rid of that ‘itchy feet’ feeling, there are ideas about how to make meaningful change, too.
   
5. Summer is the time to make new memories! If you can, go on that holiday you’ve always been talking about. You don’t need to spend a fortune, though:

• Challenge yourself to find something new to do in your home town.
• Feeling peckish? Check out our “Foodies’ guide to London.” There’s definitely something for everyone in the capital, and even the fussiest of eaters will be spoilt for choice!

What’s different about senior leadership candidates? Take a look at our best insider advice for senior leadership candidates.

First things first:

Spend some time dusting off your CV and tweaking it for the particular roles you’re interested in. You can afford to go to three or four pages as you make sure it’s 100% up to date, with laser-sharp focus on leadership roles.

Bear in mind that the first half page is what is going to hook your reader in. It’s useful to begin with a profile – your ‘elevator pitch’ which will explain who you are and what you’re about.

When it comes to listing your experience, make sure to include concrete examples of your expertise, and quantify your achievements with numbers where possible. Measurable information such as the size of the multi-academy trust, or the school where you have worked, and data about the number of staff in your team, budgets, etc. is really useful.

Beyond your CV:

Are you active on LinkedIn? Don’t just cut and paste from your CV, but use it as a useful way to promote yourself and your application. Be selective about what you include there; it doesn’t need to list every role you’ve ever had, instead make sure you add in strong recommendations from influential education leaders to add weight to your track record and future potential.

Video interviewing is now common practise, but like any interview, it’s worth preparing for. Take a few moments to plan where you’ll be when it’s time for your interview. You don’t want to be distracted by people coming and going, and a straightforward, bland background will help ensure your interviewer focuses on you, rather than something going on over your shoulder!

Although it’s an efficient way to start the recruitment process, there are limitations to video interviewing. It’s harder to pick up on the subtle, non-verbal cues so it’s worth making sure your positivity and emotional warmth comes through in order to help build rapport.

At Hourglass, we use a blend of traditional search and selection methodologies. We always approach senior leadership assignments by taking the time to get to know each client’s specific requirements, timeframes and strategic objectives.  

There’s a rumour that Cambridgeshire can get a bit nippy in the winter months.

It’s said that there’s nothing to stop the wind blowing in from Siberia. Whether that’s true or not, Cambridgeshire definitely has its wild side. When the Romans were roaming the fens, it was a remote and inaccessible region. The tufts of solid ground rising above shallow water provided a mysterious habitat well suited to willo-the-wisps with their dancing lights and the dead hand which would emerge from the water and pull a man to his death. Nice.

Cities in Cambridgeshire

The county is now characterised by sophisticated cities and market towns. Peterborough is the largest city in the region. It is best known for its gothic Cathedral and rail links on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh. With a population of around 202,259, Peterborough is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities.

Travelling from Peterborough by train or by car, you can be in Cambridge in around an hour. Of course, there’s all that this prestigious University has to offer, but with free outdoor film screenings in the Market Square, and an eclectic mix of music, art and drama venues, there’s much more to the town than the colleges and punting on the Cam! It’s also home to Christ’s Pieces, the oddly named parkland adjacent to Christ’s College. It first appeared on a 1574 map as the site of a cereal crop, but today offers open green space immediately behind the bus station.

Adventures in the fens

If you’re longing for some fresh air, there’s adventure for everyone in the wild fenland countryside. The conditions have to be just right for skating, when the meadows flood and then freeze over. It’s safe to skate because the ice is very shallow, and it’s not a new idea – bone skates have been found in the area, dating back to the medieval period. 

If you want to go for a run, let the dog blow off some steam, or have a leisurely family stroll, there are plenty of stunning walks in and around the market towns and villages scattered around the area. And for those who find walking thirsty work, pit stops are possible at some highly recommended watering holes.

The Carpenters Arms has been serving the village of Great Wilbrahim for 250 years. It has been recently refurbished “with its historical interiors sympathetically, but spectacularly refreshed”. It has a new restaurant with the wow factor – built from glass, wrapping itself around the rear of the building, filling the colourful, vibrant interiors with light and air.

A 20 minute drive will take you into the horse racing country, around Newmarket, and a 17th Century village pub in Woodditton. The Three Blackbirds has literally risen from the ashes of a devastating fire in 2018 and is now the perfect place to kick off your wellies and enjoy great pub classics. The menu changes regularly and features local meats, award winning cheeses and the best veg the fenlands can offer.

Cambridgeshire is also home to a wide range of schools and academies. We’re proud to be supporting some of the best as they search for vice principals and other senior leaders. 

London has to be a foodie’s dream! Being the capital of England there is so much food to try that there’s bound to be something for everyone. 

Savour delicious traditional dishes, from a simple Tesco’s £3 meal deal to a classic ‘Fish & Chips’ on a Friday evening, and not forgetting to save room for a classic roast dinner in a traditional English pub on a Sunday. 

Food markets in London are a must. There are so many, and you can literally find food from all over the world. Start in Camden for the legendary Lulu Schnitzel. Delicious fried chicken either on its own or in a burger, served with chips and dipping sauces. Follow up by getting the tube to Whitechapel for some of the best sheng jian bao in London at the Dumpling Shack in Old Spitalfields Market. If you’re still peckish, you could do worse than getting the number 15 bus over to Borough Market to get the famous, delicious Bread Ahead filled donuts. 

It’s fair to say that we love good value for money in the UK. Enter the bottomless brunch!

This is a meal that has quickly become embedded in British culture. Don’t limit your ideas to bacon and eggs – here are some of our favourites:

• Gaucho’s – great for lovers of steak and cocktails
• 100 Wardour Street for pasta and prosecco fans 
• ROKA is hard to beat for sushi and wine!
  

If you’re looking to explore London on a budget, planning a market day and/or a bottomless brunch should definitely be part of your plan! 

Unfortunately many people report feelings of anxiety. Lots of things can affect your wellbeing, including pressures at work, personal life and the whole range of life events. The rising cost of living has also added to daily stress as people worry about not being able to meet their basic needs.

Whether you’re experiencing the ‘Sunday Scaries’ or just can’t keep the sense of being overwhelmed at bay, it’s easy to feel powerless when anxiety starts to take hold, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are three really simple things you can do to reduce stress:

First, at the start of a day, take a moment to think about how the day might go. Make a point of listing the important things that you want to achieve. It’s good to include personal things too, whether it’s a WhatsApp message to a friend, or reaching out to a neighbour you see from time to time.

Decide which ‘tasks’ are most important, and list them in the right order. Tick items off as you go through the day and get ready for the boost from the sense of achievement!

Second: If you do start to feel anxious, breathing can help. We can often end up holding our breath – especially when under stress. Using exercises to focus on cardiac muscles has a calming influence on body and mind. It can make the difference between panic or calm.

The best thing about these exercises? You can do them anywhere. Here’s how:

• Breathe deeply through your mouth, make sure the breath reaches into your diaphragm
• Hold for four seconds
• Breathe out, count to six seconds as you do
• Hold for two or three seconds and then repeat

Third, finally at the end of the day, go back to your list. Celebrate your achievements and think of three things that went well. Don’t think about what other people might think – anything positive is worth noting. Reflecting on day-to-day triumphs, no matter how small, helps you take charge.

These actions help because positive action is a reminder that you can make a difference to your state of mind.  If you are feeling overwhelmed at any point, they help regain focus let you rebalance.

Stress can get to everyone – make sure you take stock of your own situation, and keep an eye out for the people around you. Be a mental health champion and reap the benefits!

Someone once said that if you take care of the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves

It’s not the most exciting advice, but if you haven’t already done so, this is the perfect time to develop really good habits that will help you look after your finances throughout your career.

If this is your first experience of the working world, welcome!

A word of warning, it’s not always easy and can take some getting used to – especially if you don’t feel as well off as you did as a student.

It’s not all bad though, and there are ways you can ease the transition and make sure the decisions you make are good ones.

Move on

Before you draw a line under your student existence, ensure your slate is clean. Have you paid your final bills? Outstanding balances can harm your credit rating and cause problems in the future.

On a more positive note, have you reclaimed the deposit you paid your landlord?

Now that you’re a graduate, you should find out what will happen to your current account. Some banks will change your account automatically. It’s important to find out what’s what – particularly if you’re used to taking advantage of your student overdraft. As a graduate, the amount you can borrow may not be the same, and you’ll need to understand what the new limit will be, when it will come into effect, and when you’ll be charged interest.

This change isn’t the end of the world! Graduate accounts still offer decent overdrafts. You’ll need to keep an eye on it, though, as the interest-free overdraft limit on graduate accounts tends to decrease as the years tick by.

Put down roots

When you move into new accommodation, one of the first things you should do is inform your local authority of your new address. Not only will you have the chance to vote, but you’ll also be in a better position regarding your credit score – also known as your ‘credit rating’. This is important because it may affect your ability to take out a loan or finance agreement – and subsequently what you furnish your house with, or the car you drive.

Factors such as your age, employment status and existing financial commitments are used to formulate your score, and lenders will use this information when they assess your suitability for phone contracts, car finance, etc.

It’s free to check your credit rating with one of the reporting agencies:

Experian

Equifax

Life can seem easier with a decent credit rating: give yourself the best chance by ensuring you’re on the electoral register and keeping up to date with bills.

If you don’t have a credit history, or if what you do have is less than ideal, it might be worth considering a ‘credit builder’ card. Although you’ll pay a higher rate of interest than with regular credit cards, by paying off your bill on a credit builder card each month, you can prove your ability to handle credit and your rating will improve.

Student loans don’t feature in your credit score. Lenders only know about them if they ask the question on application forms: This is mainly restricted to major transactions e.g. mortgages.

Live within your means

So – the countdown to the first payday has begun. Do you celebrate with an extravagant shopping trip, or a meal at a swanky restaurant?

The answer, of course, is no – you’ll do what the smart earners do and take control with a budget!

First, you need to make a note of your outgoings. Work out how much you spend on household bills, living costs, regular travel costs, presents for family and friends and leisure.

Pen and paper work fine for this, but you might find a spreadsheet or a budgeting app is better. Check to see if your bank has an app that works in real time and links directly to your account.

Budgeting might seem like hard work, but there are major benefits. You’ll be able to set money aside for holidays or a new car, and you’ll be improving your credit rating at the same time.

Make sure you’re paying into a pension scheme as soon as you can. Starting early will make a massive difference to the amount of money you have when you retire.

Understand your payslip

Your payslip will show:

• The amount you have been paid before tax and other deductions – your gross pay,
• Deductions – what has been removed
• Net pay – what’s left!

You’ll also see that you have been allocated a tax code, usually starting with a number and ending with a letter. It is worth checking that you are on the correct tax code as it has a direct bearing on your net pay.

1250L is the tax code currently used for most people who have one job or pension.

Paying back student loans

Higher education can seem expensive – some graduates accumulate more than £30,000 of debt from loans and credit cards – and recent media estimates are closer to £50,000. If you’re worried about managing your debts, there are lots of sources of advice and help available.

The Money Advice Service is a good starting point, and Martin Lewis has a really positive approach to dealing with student debt. He’s keen to point out that when you start earning, you repay 9% of everything earned above £26,575 . If you earn less than that, you don’t repay – AND – after 30 years (yes, that seems like a lifetime!) any remaining debt is wiped.

For more information about looking after your finances, take a look online:

The Money Advice Service

Gov.UK

Money Saving Expert