[jo1966]

H, hoping someone can advise me. I am in the process of filling in the NZQA forms to have my PGCE degree etc. assessed and wanted to know did anyone do this without a reference from their head teacher?
I don't want to say anything yet at school as our move is subject to selling the house so maybe 2 years away.
Thanks in advance.
Jo

[icemaiden]

I have done it. They don't actually ask you for a reference although they do ask you to confirm on headed paper your l ength of service, etc. Perhaps you could supply payslips as an alternative and a covering letter stating that you don't want any contact made with your current school. I know how tricky this is because it leaves you in a horrible position.

[lockstock]

I used a payslip and my letter of appointment/job description and a covering letter because I didn't want anyone to know. It's not a reference. But you do have to have letters from previous employers stating your job, hours (full/parttime) and when you worked there. It's to verify relevant work experience if you're claiming PR etc on LTSS.

[tea drinker]

In addition to the above I also sent copies of any contract I had for teaching positions. I didn't have a reference for the then current job. Mine came back OK

[batgirl1001]

Our experience was quite different. We certainly don't know why others don't need references or went through quite the scrutiny that we did.

My husband had to supply references- so he got his from his principal and his HOD. In addition, they had to write 2 short testimonials about him. To top it off, NZQA called his principal up and spoke to him for about 5 mins or so to confirm that my husband really did work for the school. He knew about this because the principal told him.

Thankfully for us, he has a great relationship with the school management and they were supportive of his decision to teach in NZ. But I can imagine what an experience it will be should it be otherwise.

I suppose what I am saying is that many people seem to have an easier experience with NZQA but don't be too surprise if your's doesn't turn out quite the same.