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Worksheet: 'Choose your own teacher!'
Pupils at City School, Sheffield, have been actively involved in
selecting new teachers since 1990.
How does it work?
Candidates are invited to the school for a full day which runs
as follows:
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Informal discussions with staff on arrival
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A guided tour around the school by pupils
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A formal interview by pupils
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Pupils feedback to recruitment staff at lunch time
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An interview by recruitment staff in the afternoon.
A teacher’s view
‘Every single time the student panel has interviewed, without
exception, the kids have got it right. On several occasions the
teachers’ instincts said "No, the kids are wrong,"
but when it came to the afternoon interviews with staff we could
see what the kids meant.’ Andrew Swift, Head of English.
A pupil’s view
‘I think it’s a good thing for the students to have an
input into choosing teachers. I think in some cases some of the
teachers have made their minds up about who they want to get the
job before we interview them. But they are open and willing to change
their minds.’ Claire Wardly, Year 10, who sat on a panel for
an English teacher post.
What qualities do pupils look for when selecting a new teacher?
‘We look for someone with enthusiasm for their subject and
someone who is positive about what they can do within the school.
We also look at a teacher’s body language, the way they talk
to us, and the tone of their voice. We chose a teacher who spoke
to us as they would speak to an adult. It was a matter of choosing
the person who we thought communicated best and who had the better
ideas.’ Claire Wardly
What sort of questions do pupils ask?
‘We asked teachers a few questions like what methods they
use in teaching, how they treat children, what they use for punishments.’
David Campbell, Year 11.
‘We gave teachers an imaginary situation. We asked them what
they would do if a pupil was naughty persistently; talking when
the teacher was talking, messing about, and not concentrating or
listening. We wanted to find out how the teacher would handle it.’
Katie Hill, Year 11.
‘We asked teachers what they would do if someone was injured
or worried. For example, if a child was panicking because they had
fallen down and hurt themselves, or if something had happened at
home. Most teachers said that they would reassure the child, which
is what we were looking for.’ David Hayworth, Year 11.
Lesson Plan: Choose your own teacher!
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