TIPS FOR PERSONAL STATEMENT
How to Write an Effective Personal Statement
Please take time to read the following information which is designed to help you to write your personal statement effectively.
• Remember, the function of the personal statement is to secure an interview
• Wring value out of every sentence you put in, cut the waffle
• Be clear – don’t make assumptions about the reader’s knowledge
• Use concrete examples. If you did something, say exactly what you did (e.g. As a TA I have supported children to develop a range of skills in mathematics. I used a cookery lesson to teach my Y5 pupils about weighing and measuring and have taught volume and capacity to Y1 pupils as part of a topic on looking after our fish)
• Say what you learned (e.g. Whilst observing in a Y3 class, I was impressed at the way the pupils responded to the Learning Objectives. I understand how important it is to make these explicit as it helps the children to …)
Broadly, the statement should cover these areas:
• Why you want to become a teacher
• your transferable skills, knowledge and experience relevant to teaching and what they will enable you to offer a school
• your philosophy of education – what it’s all about (and this might be where you want to include your thoughts on things like inclusion);
• what other transferable skills, knowledge and experience you can offer, including extra-curricular.
• Try to include something ‘desirable’ – that little something which will make your application stand out e.g. Willing and able to coach the school football or netball team.
Final Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t:
Go over the character limit – the form will just cut you off mid-sentence.
Do:
• Keep a copy of your application form – you will be asked questions based on it at interview
• Draft your statement on Word first then cut and paste.
• Proof read very carefully – errors in written English are frowned upon
• Get someone else to read over your form before you press send
Good Luck!
“LDBS SCITT was genuinely the best year of my life.” – Jade Corrick