Making ourselves clear
The Mathematics Teacher Training Scholarships looks for inspirational teachers – those who are going to be remembered for all the right reasons. As a scheme, we know that assessments are stressful – they are not a natural environment, and we understand the internal pressures candidates put themselves under to show us their potential.
This means that as a Team, we are always looking for new ways to ensure that the candidates who attend the assessment are as informed and, as much as possible, put at ease. Our website has a specific section on preparing for the Assessment, including the policies we have in place, and here potential candidates can find out the policies we have in place to accommodate and adjust for any disabilities they may have.
Of course, there is no requirement to disclose any disability, and that is entirely right. Many of the procedures we have can be put in place on the day if needed and others are just part of how we run the assessments – starting with the fact you can request all the information in large print. We also know that for some people, the timing of the assessment is important. If you’d rather not be assessed in the morning let us know and we’ll give you an afternoon session. On that note, if a morning session is preferable for whatever reason – let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
If you have made a request in your application form for reasonable adjustments, if invited to an assessment and when you have confirmed that you will be attending, the Maths Scholarships Team will then contact you to discuss your requirements or advise what has been put in place for you.
When you are at an Assessment...
When you have your assessment, did you know that to help everyone feel at ease all our assessors have their name displayed online and will introduce themselves before the assessment begins? Don’t forget to have some water with you throughout the assessment as you’ll be talking quite a lot. If at any point you think you need a moment to compose yourself, just ask we there is time built into the schedule to allow for this. Importantly, don’t forget it’s perfectly fine to bring along notes for use in all the different aspects of the assessment.
To make sure everyone attending the assessment can show us their full potential, we have designed the flow of activities to help people gather their thoughts, formulate answers and tell us their opinions, views and answers.
The assessment comprises three different activities. During the assessment, if there is something specific, we can do to help you such as making sure the assessors faces well lit, or ensuring only one person speaks at once then either let us know in advance or mention it on the day.
Throughout the assessment, the assessors and facilitators will be only too happy to answer any questions you may have – if you’re not sure ask for clarification. Equally, we will do our best to make sure you understand what is required of you and will communicate any changes to the schedule as quickly as possible should something unexpected occur.
Lastly, don’t forget that this brief overview isn’t an exhaustive list. If there is something in particular, we can do to help then please let us know – we want you to shine!