3 Weeks

I have started a countdown- mostly it's in terms of "number of lessons left with worst class"- after Wednesday we'll be down to single figures!! I think like that, but I'm still trying approaches to get them to behave and do some work/learning, especially as I'm being observed with them.

That is why I can't quite see the end of the tunnel: The Uni Observation.

I've not actually met the tutor doing the observation, but apparently he's lovely. I am worried about the class though. I take the advice I'm given. I apply it exactly as suggested, but the students still completely ignore me. I'm still really shocked at their behaviour- and the school's lack of support. 

I'm sensing another issue arising, and I had a bit of moan about it earlier; but as it's still unfolding, and I'm still in the school, I guess I'll keep my blogger mouth closed for a bit to see how it unfolds...

Anyway, on a cheerier note. I got all of my marking done over the holiday, and I'm pleased with the observation lesson which I've planned- let's just hope it works out on the day. But I do need to sort my folders.

Top Tip for budding trainees: File as you go.I did this during TP1 and it made life so much easier, but it's something which I've let slip in my second school. So, a busy few days of printing and evidencing lay ahead!

Once this observation's out of the way, the end will be in sight. This year has absolutely flown by, particularly this second placement. Need to get a wriggle on with sorting things for my new job in September, such as somewhere to live!

Let's get this blog back on the road

Goodness, I got back from the Netherlands and haven't had a chance to stop.

I've been run-down with the ill (still don't know what it is, but I'm on the mend) and thrown into the fray with the teaching and Ofsted visited, so I was pulled away from the teaching and applying for jobs and booking skills tests and assignments and..well yes, the 'to do' list is still fairly long, but I feel that I have a bit of time to breathe this weekend.

So, new school. Been there two weeks now. Two very very different weeks.

Week one I met my y9 class properly when I started teaching them. I requested no host teacher so I could make my stamp on the class. I was met by a wall of defiance from the class. After our first two lessons together I was feeling fairly exasperated. My mindset changed from 'going to plan fun lessons and get these kids through their assessments' to 'I will break them'.

Well, it's changed again now to 'challenge accepted'. I've persisted with the kids and I feel as though I'm making progress. Our last lesson this week was almost pleasant. If anyone had been formally observing, I'm sure I would've failed. The kids had one earphone in for most of the lesson. However, this kept them seated and quiet, which meant they weren't distracting the minority of students who wanted to work. They were on-task for most of the lesson too. I think music is the way forward with these guys. Plus, I've learnt to laugh at them. There's no point me standing at the front, shouting. The kids aren't interested. I will need more long-term, observation-acceptable strategies for this class though.

Been getting to grips with a fairly difficult unit (Medieval poetry) to teach to Y7. The class have made it clear that they don't like poetry, so trying to teach it in a way that's entertaining is the challenge. I got it drastically wrong for all concerned last week. But this week, I think I've cracked it. We'll see.

The O-bomb dropping was not helpful. I had just created plans for my units, which all had to change because I wasn't allowed to teach for two days. The impact of their visit means my plans may well yet change again. Seeing the effect of them on the department was horrific though. I am not looking forward to the visits once I'm an NQT/teacher.

So, I feel as though I'm settling in this school. It was a horrible shock after the Dutch school, but I'm certainly less stressed here than I was at TP1 (currently). The English department is lovely, and people have started speaking to me now that they know I'll be kicking about for a while.

Now I just need to complete two assignments, revise and pass my skills tests, book lessons and pass my driving test, and get a job. Preferably all before the end of July. #nopressure

The Next Phase

Well, what a week this has been.

Monday we cracked on with our assignment work, after a talk from a local Head teacher about interviews. Monday afternoon I did a trial run to my TP2 school.

Tuesday, we created lessons to deliver at the English Language Workshop in two weeks.

Wednesday was my birthday. I took cake to uni. We had a drink at lunch. I went home and wished I was surrounded by friends. Then- being a whole year older- I had a nap.

Thursday was the start of TP2. I had developed some kind of idea of what the school would be like,  based on wandering around the local area, its website and word of mouth. I'm getting a surprise. Going into the details on this blog would be unprofessional, but it's safe to say that the school is not what I thought it'd be. Saying that, the staff are lovely and the kids (from the minimal interaction I've had with them over the last two days) are very helpful.

While I'm looking forward to going back next Thursday, and to the challenges which my new timetable will throw at me, and I know I have to give this school a fair chance; I do find myself missing my first placement school. This is strange to me because whilst there, I felt that I didn't quite fit. It could be that I'm just feeling like a fish out of water because TP2 is so different from TP1, so I'll give it some time; but I do really miss TP1- it's staff and pupils.

The middle

This must be about the halfway point.

Yesterday, I finished TP1. This weekend is one of reflection and tidying the flat.

I have learnt so much during my time at school. I've finally landed on the side of 'I'm not ready to leave', although I can see quite clearly the areas I need to focus on in my second school.

I can't believe how much I've learnt in the time I've been there: planning lessons in a sequence; differentiating resources; developing relationships with classes and colleagues; relaxing around my classes and having a bit of fun; a variety of behaviour management techniques; that I sound like a complete tit when I shout, but tapping a pencil against a mug works wonders for bringing a class to order; mark schemes and how difficult they are to understand; how easy it is to be ridiculously tired on a Monday and how Tuesday drags on and on and on and on- no matter how much cake is available!

I don't quite know how I've managed to plan and resource all my lessons on time and write two decent assignments, or how I've upped my game to be succeeding at Masters level, but I'm doing it!

In my head, real questions about teaching (which I'll save for another post) have arisen. I am so pleased that I'm questioning and not just blindly accepting that this is the way. I've always been a bit rubbish at questioning.

I'm pleased that I'm naturally evaluating lessons, and in terms of 'what could I have done to make that better/work/smoother?' I'm really pleased that when things don't work out, I go into evaluation mode rather than get upset about making mistakes.

I am incredibly grateful to all the staff at my first school. It's been great to sit and voice my confusion about something and have someone there to offer a different angle of looking at it.

I love that not only have I been learning to be a teacher, but also I've been expanding my knowledge about texts and structures. I've been thrown into teaching areas which I'd identified as weaknesses and texts I'd never read, and it's been fantastic. My confidence has definitely increased.

I am going to miss the people and the kids. However, I have to move on; and I know at my next school I'll  be doing more teaching and I'll be expecting myself to step-it-up a notch.



And now, I'm going to use this in-between time to do some reading, some writing, and take a deep breath.

My Top Tips for TP1:

1. Create weekly targets and plan your lessons to try to meet these.

2. You have to laugh.

3 weeks

Only three weeks left on this placement. Eek!

So, this week. I started by getting ahead, but by the end of the week everything had caught up with me again! I've had some very long days in school this week.

I taught my first ever y10 lesson. Cripes! I was so nervous. I don't think it was my best lesson, but a good start. The evaluation came from the kids themselves, which was terrifying and insightful at the same time. They are very observant.

My y7 lessons are getting better. They feel more structured and purposeful, and I can see what direction they're heading. I know what the final goal is, I just need to get them there. In only 8 lessons. I lose tomorrow's lesson due to a visiting guest speaker.

My y8s are testing me. They don't respond well to a change of routine, so me walking in and taking their lessons for a new unit is not going down so well. I'm trying to maintain their established routines, in terms of how lessons begin, discipline and reward strategies; but they are definitely my biggest challenge at the moment.

I feel as though I am making progress with y9. I introduced team posters, which they created with their friends. They can then earn stars for their teams during the lessons. The team with the most points at half term gets a prize (actual prize to be negotiated). This is proving an incentive.

Started searching for jobs now. I think I've found one I want to apply for- even if just for the interview experience. I don't expect to land a job before easter, if I'm honest. I definitely need the experience of second placement to be able to offer a more complete answer to any question at interview.

Need to get these flippin QTS tests out of the way. Need some hard core revision and then book 'em. They're becoming an annoyance, just nagging at me.

Hopefully there'll be no more snow. The students get way too distracted by the weather. I've resorted to closing the blinds in some classes. I hope it all melts- as distracting as it is, I'd sooner have the snow than the ice.

Time to make these last three weeks really count. It's going to be weird going back into university.

Dropping back into things

Well the Christmas break is well and truly over.

Happy New Year everyone.

The first week back was approached with dread. I'd had nothing but problems in the last week of the holidays- so I've been playing catch up since then. Got pretty injured too so been a bit slow and delicate wandering around school.

The big essay was due on Tuesday and my first official observation was also due to happen on Tuesday. And I had lessons to create for this week.

Thank god it all worked out.

The essay was submitted on Monday night. I hope it's good enough for a pass.

Tuesday, I was very nervous. My university mentor had chosen to observe my difficult y8 class. And I'd planned to do drama. Oh.My.God.

To their credit, the kids were brilliant (not that I told them that I was being observed); and they seemed to really enjoy the activity. Yesterday's lesson showed me that they actually learnt something from it.

I got some fantastic feedback from my mentor. And when I ran the same activity with the other half of the class on Thursday, although the lesson seemed to be a disaster and the kids behaved badly, I did get some lovely comments from a passing member of staff. He said it was great to see someone doing something different with the kids; taking advantage of all the open spaces in the school, and experimenting with approaches. This was lovely to hear, although I'm never quite sure how to react to compliments.

I also feel as though I've made real progress with my other classes this week. My organisation has improved and, although I haven't made the resources yet, I've been ready for what I'm going to do next week, and have been able to create this week's lessons to lead into next week's lessons.

I think I've had some of my best lessons this week. The pupils are seeing me as their teacher now. Things feel good, more comfortable. And I'm getting a Y10 lesson next week. I'm very excited, I just hope I don't mess it up. The class is lovely though, and I've been in their lessons since the beginning of December so they know me.

Overall, a brilliant first week back. Someone's created a countdown of working days until the next half term, which is when I leave this school. I cannot believe there are only 20 working days left! Too soon. I'm not sure that I want to leave.

Merry Christmas

Survived the first half of the placement.

Having a lovely Christmas break. We finished on 21st December, and I was well and truly ready for a break.

I've done no work since then.

Tomorrow work on the essay and the lesson planning begins.

My first formal observation by my mentor from the University is on the first Tuesday back.

Normal service shall resume on this blog once the essay is finished and submitted (also the first Tuesday back).

I've switched off my alarm for the holidays and I'm finding it terribly easy to stay in bed for ages.

Only five weeks left in this placement school. Mixed feelings about that. I feel as though I'm learning, and I get along well with the department, but I'm also really looking forward to seeing how a different school works.

I shan't think on that for now. It is the Christmas break.

Merry Christmas all.

Pants and more Pants

This has been a bad week in terms of professional relationships.


Obviously I won't go into too much detail on this public blog. In brief: a misunderstanding between Person X and myself has been blown out of proportion and now I feel incredibly awkward in the department.

Thank goodness I have a mentor and an ITT co-ordinator in school to reassure me that I haven't done anything wrong.

Still, I feel rubbish and unwanted by Person X - who has acted unprofessionally towards me, and who believes I'm at fault, but refuses to discuss things.

Seriously questioning my placement, which is a shame because I love the other members of staff.

At least this week's teaching hasn't been a complete disaster.


Hopefully next week will be better- although part of me is dreading going into school, which makes me even more sad.

Top Tips:

1. Use your mentor for support, if you can. That's what s/he is there for.
2. Regardless of the situation, remain professional and civil. That way you've done everything you can.

Back to School

I've completed one full week in school and now it's December and freezing! Where did November go?

It's been a mixed week.


Good points: Delivered some starters which weren't complete disasters. I have things to evaluate and have begun identifying (and working on) my biggest weaknesses. I planned a 'sketch' (it's slightly more detailed than a medium-term plan, but not to the extent of actual lesson plans) of what I want to do with y7 when I take them. Their host teacher seems impressed with my ideas. I feel more like a part of the department now- being there everyday helps.


Grumbles: Haven't begun my next essay, which is due early January. I only have a couple of lessons that I'm teaching with Y9 before xmas. I hope I'm not going to be at a loss for when I move to the second placement. Hopefully I'll get more after xmas. The y9 host teacher is lovely so I don't feel awkward approaching her to request stuff.


Still quite surprised by how little time we have on-placement.

My first 'profile review' is in two weeks- eek!

Pretty much finished my xmas shopping this weekend! WOW! So prepared.

And now to plan starters on paragraphs and apostrophes...

Busy Week/Next Phase

Last weekend I went to London for the London Festival of Education. I was fantastic. A great chance to catch up with an old friend; and to listen to interesting ideas about education and different approaches and what should happen in the future.

I was a little late, so I missed most of what Michael Gove was saying. Although I saw some of his interview that was being broadcast to a small TV. He looked every bit the politician.

I went to talk from the head of Swiss Cottage school. The approach there intrigues me. If I lived in London, I'd try so hard to spend some time there. Then I caught the end of a talk called 'Should we use the curriculum to impart values?' while I was waiting for the talk between John Hattie and Pasi Sahlberg on 'What makes great teaching- the global view'. Initially John Hattie was the reason I went to the entire Festival; however I found Sahlberg to be far engaging and on topic. I don't think some glitches with Hattie's mic helped matters.

I listened to Andrew Adonis and Christine Gilbert talk about the value of Academies. However, Gilbert barely got a word in edgeways.

And finally- Michael Rosen and Anthony Horowitz "How can we stop killing the love of reading". Absolutely fantastic. By far the best talk of the day. Rosen issued a call to arms basically, and Horowitz was on topic, understandable, clear and full of great ideas with possible ways to implement them, rather than just spouting unrealistic ideals. This talk was also absolutely hilarious in places- especially Horowitz laying-in to Dan Brown's writing.

Very pleased I went.

Aside from that, this week saw the end of University until February- eek!

I start full-time in TP1 on Monday. Thankfully, my mentor has reassured me that I won't be thrown in at the deep end with all full-time lessons and planning straight away; but that they'd be doing me a disservice if I didn't get anything to do. So I'm getting a y7 class, I have two weeks to crack on with the planning for their module. I'll have a Y8 class, which is the same class I used for my assignment lessons. I'm really getting to know this class. They're a tricky bunch, but lovely really. And I'll have a y9 class. We're doing Macbeth! I'm sitting down with their current teacher on Monday to plan; but I'm not sure when I'll be taking them full-time.

It really isn't long that I get there. Only 4 weeks until Christmas, and only 5 weeks there after Christmas. Quite a lot to learn in not a lot of time.

The first assignment was due in yesterday. I submitted it, but titled it wrong, and as a .docx instead of .doc GAH! I've emailed to explain to my mistake and offer my apologies and sent a correct copy; but I've not heard back from anyone. Will just have to wait and see.

The lessons I taught for it though weren't too bad. The first was better than the second- surprisingly. Still, I took loads of things from it; what worked, what didn't, and ways to avoid the same kind of scenarios.

So now it's time to crack on with the planning - not today, obviously. Tomorrow. Today, I tidy the general post-essay debris, and then pop to the shops for much-needed food.

Week 8

I feel as though I've actually made some progress this week.

In uni we've been looking at exam boards. We had to give presentations on WJEC and a local teacher visited to talk about AQA. Apparently they're the main exam boards for this area.  My school's chosen OCR.

We also looked at many many ways of teaching Cormier's Heroes. We had a play at some of the activities ourselves- it's nice to feel like you're in school again. University's been great this week.

For some reason I was dreading going to school this week. I still don't fully know why. I'm thinking it was a combination of not having been in school for so long because of half term, and of not really knowing what I'll be doing when I'm there full time, which is only about 2 weeks away- eek!

Thursday in school is my busy day. I have four lessons (just observations at the moment). Being busy really helped dispel the dread. I was also invited to attend parents' evening on Thursday night. This made for a very long day, and a very tired Lotte; however, parents' evening was a fantastic experience. I am very pleased that I've seen one.

Friday was the weekly meeting with my mentor. I used this opportunity to ask my mentor to check over my lesson plans, for the lessons I'll be teaching next Thursday and Friday. These lessons make up part of my first assignment, so I'm desperate to get them vaguely on track. Her feedback was positive. She said it was clear that I'd thought carefully about the activities and levelled them well for the ability of the group. BOOM! Massive confidence boost. I am well chuffed with that. It's nice to have some kind of reassurance that I'm  not completely missing the mark. I'm nervous about teaching them, but I have spent quite a bit of time with the class, so I know which characters to watch out for, which are shy, cheeky or general boundary pushers. Just got to get my resources ready.

I used the meeting to ask the questions which had been worrying me. Can't believe I worried and worried when it was just so simple to ask. Sometimes I think I try to do too much myself- and I have to tell myself that I'm not expected to be able to do everything right now. I've been training for less than two months. Anyway, now I'm far more relaxed about things, and have some idea as to which direction I'm going. I'm really looking forward to starting full time.

This week's top tip is:
  Do not be afraid to ask questions. If you're nervous about asking in front of everyone (for fear of looking stupid or something) just take someone to one side to ask, or wait until your mentor meeting.


And now, back to the assignment.

Week 5

Sorry blogosphere, I've been very quiet this week. I've caught a cold that's turned into a chesty cough, so I'm spending most of my 'free' time sleeping in the hope that I'll be cured soon.

I have a routine. I am fairly over-organised. I find it helps me deal with things when they go wrong, so having routine...and a plan...settles my mind and me.

I'm really happy in our PGCE group. We've gelled really well. We had a group night out last week (on a school night!- big mistake, but a fantastic night out). We're all sharing ideas and asking each other for help; and there are no major cliques forming. It's a comfortable group to be in and around.

My placement's going well. I was only in one day last week due to the school closing on Friday - not illness. I refuse to let sniffles keep me away from placement. And there will be only one teaching day this week because of half term. I'm quite looking forward to going on my first ever Inset day though. I've no idea what to expect.

I'm getting to know the department, and the dynamics of the classes I'll be taking. I'm also beginning to get the chances to apply my university learning to the practice I see in school. It adds so much clarity.

Last week's focus was on communication. Thankfully, I was able to witness a fantastic lesson which left me with a million and one ideas about communicating with pupils, classroom management, lesson structure...the list goes on.

I'm getting quite excited about being able to teach some of the classes myself. I think I'll be given the opportunity to do some starters or plenaries after half term. In the meantime I've got one eye on my assignments and the other on the here and now. But I'm actually not panicking. Good sign.

Next post should be slightly more exciting because I should be slightly more healthy and, therefore, engaging.

Week 4

This post is an amalgamation of the last two weeks really.

I’ve completed my observation week. It was nice to see so many different subjects and teaching styles, to meet different members of school, and learn how the different departments function. I doubt I’ll see much of the other departments now as each has its own staffroom. Shame.

 

From now until the end of November I’m only in two days a week, which feels a bit weird, but I’m also grateful for the university time. I like the other members on the course and Uni is the only time that we really get to see other.

My first day this week did leave me feeling like a spare part (which I suppose, in a way, I am). Things improved on Friday though. I have been assigned a new mentor, who is lovely, and I have a provisional timetable for observations and for the classes I’ll be teaching when I’m there full time. I was flicking through the calendar yesterday and I really do not have a lot of time before I’ll be teaching classes. Exciting and terrifying.

Had a bit of a moment on Thursday when I sat there and stared at the pile of paperwork and assignments and planning that’s going to be required. Foolishly, I let it completely overwhelm me. Panic! Since then, I’ve broken it down. A lot of my initial planning will be to meet my first deadline (as the assignment involves planning, teaching and evaluating some lessons), so that’s manageable. At the moment, I quite like planning. Well, I like the ideas; I just need to refine them in accordance with specific foci, objectives and abilities.

While I say I don’t have a lot of time before I’m taking classes, the school I’m in also seems to be understanding enough to let me take things at my own pace. They’re not going to force me to take a class if we don’t think I’m ready. I think I’ll be ready though. Plus, this week has made me realise that, really, I don’t need (and am not expected) to be able to do everything at the moment.

Otherwise, I quite like the school (I was undecided at the end of last week). The kids are brilliant. I’m still a bit of a novelty to them, so they’re fairly well behaved around me. I intend to drag that out as much as possible. They are really funny though, and the department I’m in is full of friendly- and incredibly helpful- people.

Top Tip for this week: Don’t run before you can walk. Everything will come in good time. Just take it step by step.

And now it’s pouring with rain, which is a grim end to a blog, so instead I’ll leave you with this: it is, quite literally, a cup cake!

Week Two

It may only be the end of week two but it feels as though I've been on this course for three months already. I think this is down to the vast amount of information and tasks we've been given.

So, what have I done this week? Monday we delivered our lesson plans. Ours went quite well (no thanks to the internet disappearing, thus ruining the effects my lovely links would've had). Then we were given our first assignment task. It involves planning a bunch of lessons, delivering two of them and then writing an assignment about them. However, it has to be in conjunction with our placement school - based on what classes they let me teach, and what the pupils already know. So, while I have ideas floating around, I can't put pen to paper until I've been in school.

School is on Monday! Eek. A lot of this week has been preparing for that. Yet I still feel completely unprepared. We've been given a list of important things to find out, such as the name and contact details of our school mentor; a stack of things to ensure the school gets; and about 4 million things to observe; whilst maintaining a reflective journal and our Standards checklist. Of course, it's only an observation week. I'm quite pleased that the pressure isn't on me to do any teaching. I feel there's so much I don't know. But, I don't want to be sitting at the back of the class either- I think I'd be more of a distraction if I did. So, my plan is, get the administrative stuff sorted, and then relax and just enjoy the week.

Yesterday we met the people from other subjects going to our school. There are four of us, I'm the only one with the English department. I also bought a bike yesterday. Apparently there are a lot of roadworks around the school so I think a bike is the best option. Plus, I'll get fit and it's cheaper than the bus. I think I'll do a practice ride this afternoon.

We've also been asked to create a Novel Box. The idea is you fill a box with objects relevant to the text that will be the class reader, without actually revealing the text. This box will be the students' first introduction to the class reader. The plan is to get them interested in the text before they start reading it. It's quite exciting. We're presenting to our fellow PGCE-ers, so I can't reveal it yet in case any of them are reading this. But, there will be a blog about the Novel Box (with pictures).

Anyway, I'm going to enjoy my day-off, probably by planning what to do tomorrow. Maybe I'll go shopping too. Get some school & bike suitable clothing.

Politics

The general advice we've been given with regards to politics in schools/within education is to be aware of the issues, but to not get involved.


I see the reasoning behind this: we're at the very bottom of the ladder; we're just training, we should remember that we still have our whole careers ahead of us and to focus on that, during this year. We can make our political statements/allegiances known once we've secured a job.

Now, I imagine it's fairly easy to avoid getting embroiled in staff room politics. A nice smile and polite comment about not wishing to get involved. However, being aware of the broader issues (and hearing snide comments about Michael Gove -almost daily- from the faculty in University) makes it very difficult not to form an opinion/ keep that opinion to myself; especially when I see articles such as this from the Independent   and the regular "brainwaves" of Mr. Gove.

While I'll try to keep my mouth shut, politically, in the staff room; I'm interested to see what will happen when the subject of Gove/ the coalition's handling of education comes up.

Week One

I have survived the first week!

My fears of the university’s expectations vs. my expectations were allayed within 30 seconds of the first lecture. The course director started the class by stating that the university has high standards and expectations of all of us, and expects us to have high expectations of ourselves. This was music to my ears.

This has been less of an ‘introductory week’ and more of a ‘chuck you in head first’ week. It’s brilliant though. Our Professional Development lectures instruct us on the legal ins and outs of the profession; the value and purpose of teachers’ unions; the M level aspect of the course, among other things. The main tutor for these is a technology whizz kid; and also highly entertaining. He manages to convey the messages – at times serious- without scaring/boring/patronising the room. (Saying that, I’ve already noticed the numbers falling: there are fewer and fewer people each lecture).

We’ve also had a fair few subject classes too. The individual workload began from day one, and I think we’re all learning that leaving it, even one night, is going to be such a stupid idea. We’ve got a chunk of reading to do (handouts and online documents ranging from 10-243 pages!); we’ve had small individual tasks and larger group tasks to complete.

On Monday we’ll be delivering (in groups) our first KS3 lesson; although it is to our class pretending to be y9s. I’m quite proud of our lesson plan: I think it’s flexible enough not to fall to pieces in the event of a hiccup.

Quite a bit of this week has been reflective/evaluative work. We’ve all been discussing where we think our strengths and weaknesses are, what we think makes a good teacher, what kind of teacher we want to be, and trying to bond as a group. We’ve also been hearing about the necessary outlook for a teacher: cynicism = bad; sense of humour and bit of sarcasm = good.

There are some lovely people on the course (of course, I don’t know all of them yet). Within English, there are 13 trainees of a range of ages and backgrounds; and taking different routes into teaching. Some, like me, are doing a PGCE, others are doing Schools Direct. There’s not a lot of socialising as a group outside of class (admittedly, there’s not a lot of time outside of class), although it is quite difficult as the majority of the group commute into the city. It’s only the end of week one though.

We’ve already been told our first placement school. Mine’s about a 40 minute walk from my house. I’ve been researching the bus routes. Might have a practice run before I start there: I don’t want to be late on my first day. From its website, the school looks fantastic (of course that is the purpose of a website); however, it has been supported by word of mouth from mature students on the course. I’m really looking forward to starting there. I have an induction/observation week there in October.

From the start, I’ve designated Saturday as my day off from the course. Today is the first Saturday since the course started proper, and I’m finding it difficult not to do some reading, or a knowledge audit. However, at the same time, I know if I don’t take the day off, by the middle of the week I’ll regret it.  I know the workload’s set to increase. The family visited today (including the small child). The child has wrecked my room! There are cups and scraps of paper everywhere now. How a small thing can cause so much mess is beyond me. At least tidying up will take up some time.

After seeing a vague, semi-complete timetable; I did begin to worry – a lot –about my time management. But I’m pleased to say that I have begun to establish some kind of routine, especially in the evenings.

Tips:

My two tips for week one are:

1.       Establish a routine as soon as possible.

It’s helping me to stay on task, instead of drifting off to watch something, or tidy, or indulge in general procrastination. And,

2.       Smile.

A nice smile and a hello has helped me loads this week. It’s helped me meet people on the course (studying a range of subjects); it’s helped to break the ice in general; it’s helped me relax. I think being open (which a smile suggests) really helps to break the barrier when you’re in a new situation.

Next stop: week two. It’s going to be fun!

Inspirational

Here is the post-placement blog.

What the hell was I so worried about?  I have had a FANTASTIC week. I’m going to break it down into some kind of order otherwise I’ll just splurge everything as and when I remember it, and produce something scrappy rather than something vaguely coherent.


On Monday I arrived nice and early, armed with all my valid CRBs, a notebook (plus notes on the Cambridge Primary Review), the handbook from my university, and (of course) a packed lunch. Aside from lunch, I didn’t need any of these things. I met the head who asked a few questions about what I needed, and then he introduced me to the class teacher, who was fantastic. Honestly. He basically gave me free reign- access to anything I wanted in the class, including his laptop; the option to use the school’s PPA room for any note taking I needed; and even the chance to teach a lesson, should I wish! What he did highlight though was that this week wasn’t going to be a typical week because the kids had just done their SATS, so they were having a relaxing week and focussing on their school production, rather than individual subjects. This wasn’t a problem as most of my observation was to be focussed on classroom management, rather than how each subject was being taught.

Then I met the kids! I was introduced and told them a bit about myself. They didn’t seem even remotely phased. It was very much a case of ‘new person, we don’t need to change what we’re doing. No big deal’. Brilliant. Everyone: staff, support staff and pupils were so relaxed around me – and really helpful – it definitely helped me to relax.

Once the production rehearsal got started, I had been allocated/part volunteered to be involved with props- my prop being backdrop. So I spent most of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday designing, drawing and painting a Greek street. Some of the kids really admired it; others said my (frankly awesome) Greek houses looked like tables (until they were painted, that is). Having a role in the production enabled me to integrate – and feel less like a lemon – while observe how the staff managed the pupils. I had the best of both worlds.

By Thursday and Friday the kids and staff had truly relaxed around me, and I around them. The pupils were happy to tell me stories in the morning, or talk about what they were reading, their favourite subjects, secondary school hopes and the like. It was really great. The staff were also chattier in the staffroom. I think it helped that I live in the same village as the school, so local concerns could be talked about. It was also great to hear what primary teachers thought about secondary schools – the teaching, the use of displays, and the workload. I would never have had that insight without this placement.

This blog seems slightly sparse given that I spent a truly wonderful week on placement; and I didn’t only make props, I did quite a bit. However, I don’t want to divulge too much out of respect for the school’s privacy and confidentiality etc.  What I can explore are my feelings towards the whole experience. Obviously, my feelings are positive; especially compared to how I was feeling this time last week about the whole situation. If you’re reading this and are planning to teach in a secondary school, I would strongly recommend going into a primary school. I have found it incredibly valuable to see where the pupils are coming from, and to see primary teaching with fresh eyes (at least, not as a pupil, or as a 16year old work-experience kid). This week has been so rewarding, and a real eye-opener. I actually am going to miss being in school next week. It was such a fantastic atmosphere.

So, I guess, if you’re going on a placement such as this, my advice would be: don’t worry overly. Do some research on the school.  And when you get there, try to help out as much as possible- fetching, carrying, holding doors, people appreciate it. Oh, and saying hello and smiling to people helps dispel that awkwardness of being ‘the new guy’. But most of all: be yourself.

A small warning though: I only spent a week in school, but it was so brilliant that, at one point, I genuinely considered swapping my PGCE Secondary for Primary. Then I remembered how much I appreciate English, and really want to teach Secondary English, rather than Primary science or PE. But, when you’re in a great school, the enthusiasm and atmosphere is highly infectious.

Ps, on Monday, in assembly, the head teacher announced that his word for the week would be ‘Inspirational’. This week has been truly inspirational for me. I am ready to get stuck into this PGCE.

Primary Issue

Tomorrow I begin what is, technically, the first placement of the course. I really am looking forward to spending time in a primary school.  After my week in school, I’ll be writing a report about what I’ve observed. I have to take this with me to registration, although I’m not sure what role it’ll play in my assessment. I’m thinking the placement is to gain some experience of what the pupils are learning/their learning environment immediately before starting secondary; and that the report is to enable the university to establish my ‘base line’. That seems logical to me, anyway. I could be completely wrong.

The university sent me a list as long as my arm (quite literally) of observation points/areas to include in the report. I have, therefore, spent the last week researching educational reviews and factual details about my placement school. I quite enjoyed reading up on the Cambridge Primary Review: it makes valid points. I’m looking forward to seeing how its findings have been incorporated in school.

Thanks to the list from the university, I’m not too concerned about what I’m going to do when I get there. And I know my role there is as an observer. What I am concerned about is how the teacher is going to feel about my presence in his/her classroom. Without meaning to be, I will be a distraction: I’ll be a new thing in the room. My intention is to help around the class as much as I can, to get involved without losing the observation focus. I know I mentioned some of this in my last post, but it’s been preying on my mind the closer I get to tomorrow. Primary school teachers, tell me if you would, how do you feel when you have an observer in your class? Would you prefer him/her to sit at the back and just observe? Or, would you rather they get involved: help you set up, interact with the pupils?

In other news: exactly two months today I will be moving to my university city. Two months and two days until the course starts. I hope I receive a book list soon. I would love to get cracking on the selected texts.