On the morning of the interview, I had more adrenaline than if I were about to perform in a show, the analogy is actually pretty close, I was on show for an entire day. The good news was that after an initial bought of nerves I relaxed enough to really enjoy the day, the Headmasters and all members of staff I met were disarmingly charming. I took a few deep breaths before my maths lesson and thought as my Mum had told me, there is nothing more I can do, so just relax and be myself.
The 35 minute numeracy lesson whizzed by in a flash, the children were extremely well behaved, I got there attention immediately by introducing them to my monkey puppet, then was impressed by their mental maths and ability to explain how they worked things out, I think I challenged them, which was part of the audit. I left feeling like it had gone well all be it that my timings were out.
The senior school was incredibly impressive, there is a wood panelled hall, with high ceilings, arched windows, wooden benches and notable dates around the 4 sides, there was a great buzz in the lunch hall as the seniors, juniors and teachers all lunched together, surrounded by very impressive art work by the sixth formers.
My year 6 drama lesson was next, I felt confident with my choice of material, and it was comforting that I kept seeing the odd familiar face, past students from West Jesmond, some with little recognition and a few with glimpses of familiarity in their eyes. Rolly Craig the Junior Head master and a very likeable chap had already said at the beginning of the day that we could thank him for not giving us a particular year 6 form, whilst waiting for my class to arrive, he commented that he could always get this particular class, I replied bring it on, which he laughed at and said it probably wouldn't be a problem as I've taught in a women's prison.
The children were very quick in the drama lesson, we played a game were children have to reach a certain target by bouncing a ball across a circle, only one bounce is allowed, its a game I picked up in clown doctor training. The cohort wanted to set their target at 55. I asked for further suggestions and persuaded them to come up with 20, no group of children I have taught has reached a target of 20 straight off. The RGS kids reached 55! I actually stopped them there and congratulated them because I wanted to ensure we got through all the material I had prepared.
Formal interviews next. Walnut wood panelled office of the senior head, who was lovely. Felt like it had gone well, there are always a few more things I think of to say in retrospect but I got into the conversation lots of the things I had wanted to and felt they had seen who I am.
Second interview Rolly the dude headmaster, (what an amazing name is Rolly!) All went well, he asked me to explain various forms of theatre and I established that it would be possible to teach some drama with the seniors. I got a lovely moment with Rolly when he saw me out and said, the senior Headmaster would call me, he wished it was his final decision but it wasn't and he hoped I got the right response. I waited feeling sick and fuelled with adrenaline for 3 hours.
I didn't get the job, another more experienced candidate who had 10 years experience in the independent sector got it. She totally knew her stuff, and I singled her out as my highest competition within an hour. It was an inspiring experience. These children really do have a phenomenal education. It also raising questions to me about how fair a system such as RGS is.There is an entrance exam to be worthy of attending, no SEN children! The children have the most incredible facilities, including a theatre which seats 450, and the opportunity to compete nationally in every sport imaginable. Parents want the best for their children ans at over 9 grand fees they certainly pay a premium to do so. I would of loved to work somewhere where all my drama and performance work would of been equal importance to my role as class teacher, but maybe there is a job out there where the kids are less privileged and need me more.
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