Hong Kong NET scheme

[parisjetaime]

Against some odds it seems, I have an interview at the end of the month for the Hong Kong PNET scheme (primary school NET scheme).

I say "against some odds" as I fall into category 4 - I don't have a degree in English, I don't have a PGCE / PGDE and I don't have any teaching experience. (I do have a CELTA - or will by March - and a degree in another subject.)

As someone brand new to TEFL I have no experience in TEFL teaching interviews and little idea of what to expect. Can anyone help with the things they're looking for? I've heard that the interview mainly focuses on your inter-personal skills (basically assessing how well you would work with other teaching staff) and your commitment to moving to Hong Kong. I have no idea what the 20-minute written test will cover - I don't know if this is a test of my English competency or something else.

Any help gratefully received!

[Susan]

I'd be surprised if they don't ask about teaching as well as inter-personal and commitment stuff. At primary level, teachers don't teach complex language and grammar. I suggest you pick up a book on teaching primary and have a quick read through it.

[parisjetaime]

Thanks Susan - that makes total sense and I'll definitely do that.

Anyone actually been through these interviews and have any tips?

[HKthe]

They invite you to complete and pass a written test before inviting you to interview, do they not?

I'm highly surprised they interviewed you, with such a background.
Most NETs have at least a B.Ed / DELTA / PGDE, and teaching experience.
Anyway, getting on the scheme itself does not mean you will get a job, and even if you do, it may probably be in one of the schools that nobody wants to go to...for good reasons.

In the previous cycle, there was actually an over-supply of NETs, people on the scheme, who ended up essentially jobless at the end.

[parisjetaime]

Hi HKthe,

Yes, I was surprised too. I did make an effort to include anything remotely relevant on my CV, e.g. I taught undergraduate students one-on-one for a while (not TEFL though), my degree included languages etc. But I suspect that it was my university and degree class that stood out - I can't really think of why else they decided to interview me.

The interview was actually yesterday, and for the benefit of others, it was not too daunting. The written test before the interview itself was a choice of 3 essay questions and I had 20 minutes to answer one of them. The interview focused on teaching methods and I would recommend reading about the HK school system and curriculum, and if you haven't taught primary school children before (as I haven't), you will need to research teaching methods for them - these are not covered by the CELTA. I read some books on general primary school teaching and one on teaching English to young learners, and I talked to some primary school teacher friends. This isn't a substitute for experience but it's the best I could do!

I'm not really expecting to get onto the scheme (although if I do... great!) and certainly not expecting to get a PNET job this year (although if I do... great again!). My current plan is to get experience in Hong Kong, probably in a kindergarten (as tutorial college experience doesn't count in the eyes of EDB) and then reapply next year.

[jimkou]

I had my interview just yesterday. Not too confident though. I screwed up in the written part. Which question did you pick?

[parisjetaime]

I chose the third question, about skills and abilities. It's been a long time since I've written intensively by hand so I found it pretty difficult to write quickly and legibly! I also had a bit of a mind blank about the question, even though I'd anticipated it and prepared for it.

Which question did you try?

[parisjetaime]

I got in!! Just found out today. Hope you also did jimkou!

[Susan]

great news, well done

[skyseandca]

Hi Parisjetaime

I am waiting to be assess. Have they placed you in a school yet? I am curious about the contract negotiation process.