netts03

I got a job with a provisional VIT registration. Then I asked my school they said the only thing that mattered was that I had it. Good luck!

Special Educational Needs.

It was for a SEN job in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Regarding the similarities and differences: I spoke to Australian friends that are also teachers. That was clearly invaluable. I also researched online, for example I looked at the similarities between VELS and the National curriculum.. From the school website I found out that they also use P levels, just like my old school in the UK. More broadly I stressed that what made 'outstanding' lessons was the same no matter what end of the planet you lived. For example: Inclusive learning environment in which lessons have been designed to meet the needs of each pupil, differentiated activities and resources, assessment for learning etc.... All of the things that we do in our classrooms back in the UK. I am sure there are people reading this that have far more insight into the similarities / differences between the two education systems than me, in the interview I never tried to pretend to be an expert on it only that I had taken the time to try and learn.

I got the first teaching job I applied for. Firstly I was VERY VERY lucky. So to all the people who are job searching out there please do not feel as though I am being rude, I am certainly not intending to be! But I thought my story might help others. Firstly be optimistic, it is easy to read all the stories about people who came over and it was a disaster etc... Just remember how awesome you are. Yes it is a difficult thing to do, leaving family, friends, job security and travel to the other side of the world, I know I did it. But think of it this way, you have done well in the UK because you are smart, hardworking, skilled etc... - you will still be that when you arrive here. I have found that a targeted research into your area (in my case teaching), really helped. Especially at the interview stage. You must do your homework, I made a list of all the similarities between the UK and Australian education system so any time they asked me anything about being from the UK I had a positive example to give them. Although it is not the custom here call the school and visit them before you apply. My new school said they really liked that I had came for a pre-application visit (I was the only candidate to do so). It is a great opportunity to sell yourself. In teaching they are obsessed with 'key selection criteria' (basically questions related to the role you are applying for)- when answering give really detailed answers. I wrote a page per question. Use the 'situation - action - result' method for structuring your answer. I am sure this is obvious to most people, but it was all new to me. I hope this helps someone, as there have been SO many people on this site that have helped me. Good Luck and go for it!