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!

Busy

On any other uni course this would be the time of year to be worrying about exams/ beginning the wind down for summer. Not this one.

It's been a very busy fortnight and the next four weeks look like much of the same.

In the last two weeks I've bumbled across to the West Coast for an interview (didn't get the job, but it was a good experience), completed my final university essay, fixed a date for my formal observation from the university, passed both skills tests, applied for more jobs, and did lots of teaching. I cannot believe how quickly this placement is going. Only four weeks left in school! Eeek.

Before the end of the course, I need to organise my folders, book driving lessons, get a job, sort a quick trip to London, make some big leaps in teaching- prove to myself that I can do this, produce a cracking observation lesson for the university mentor, produce a different observation lesson for the ITT coordinator, and finally, finally, finally make some headway with y9

But tonight, I stop worrying about all of that and watch Eurovision!

Focus

This week has been a mess and, unfortunately, it's set to continue. However, it has revealed that my new university mentor is fantastic. So, I've decided to leave my issues in his capable hands for the weekend and focus on what I need to do to be the best I can be.

I had my first formal observation at this school on Friday. Last lesson. Year 7. I requested that the focus be behaviour management. I have no strategies in place for this class, except running through the rules at the beginning of the lesson and insisted on silence (they're a chatty class) so I wasn't expecting a high grade. But this is precisely the reason I asked for that to be the focus.

I didn't get a high grade, but I did get excellent feedback with so many tips. I've connected well with this class. They're keen to please me, so I feel quite confident in attempting a range of these strategies with them. My favourite tip is teaching from the back of the class, then sneaking up on the children who are talking, or turning around or clicking their pens. I can be a sneaky teacher I'm sure. This weekend I'll be buying a clicker so I don't need to be near the computer to change the slide.

Behaviour management was something I developed quite a bit in my first placement. However, the kids at this school are very very different, with very different needs so at least I have a long-term focus to achieve with all of my classes.

I was quite pleased when my observer did mention the content of the lesson, and that it was great and the kids loved it and responded well. So, at least I'm doing something right.

Now to write an assignment, send some job applications and plan some lessons. Roll on the long weekend!

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.

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!

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.

After the Slumber of Half Term...

... It's Go! Go! Go!

I had a wonderful email today offering me a place to conduct my observations. Phew! I guess all that letter writing does pay-off, eventually.  

It's going to be happening in July, which is fantastic because it gives me lots of time to prepare all the questions I may have. (I don't want to bombard the school with questions, obviously, but I do have a report to write at the end of it all). The booklet I was sent names a few reports too, so I'll set about researching them. I waited until I had a place confirmed before researching because I was fairly sure I'd forget everything I read between reading and getting into a school.

I am so excited to be going back into school in a 'teacher' role- even if it is just observing. I don't want be a distraction at the back of the class, so I'll offer to help wherever I can. I figure it'll help the children to relax around me too. You should see my grin right now. I'm so happy! What a fantastic start to the week.

In book related news: The Fault In Our Stars has been read. It's beautiful. So well written. Hilarious in parts, absolutely devastating in others. I did cry. I recommend it to everyone- not just teenagers- to read. It was a welcome read after Naked too.

As with before, I'll post from my Goodreads review:

The book tells the story of Hazel, her family and the people she meets at her cancer support group: mainly Isaac and Augustus. It's based in Indianapolis, but travels to Amsterdam to meet Hazel's idol, author Peter Van Houten.

It's the first time I've read John Green, and I was not disappointed. His writing style is perfect: his characterisation is subtle, his descriptions are enough without being overpowering. I'm impressed at his choice of having a teenage girl as the narrator. He captures a female teenage voice so well

(There is some more to the review, but I've already said it in this post).

It really is a wonderful book.

Hurdles

[This title is me getting into the spirit of the Olympics].

This week saw the arrival of the paperwork. Gosh, I do love paperwork, especially filling out forms… I guess I should probably get used to it as I’m going to be doing lots of paperwork after September. Actually, I’m not complaining: I’ve been waiting for the paperwork for a while. I like it. It shows me that this is actually happening. I’m finally getting to train as a teacher. Plus, this came with a little surprise.

I opened this hulk of an envelope to find a bunch of forms and a letter- apparently of explanation, but it just raised more questions. Anyway, I’ve had to fill out a form and pay for another CRB (despite me currently having two valid CRB checks); complete a health check –this raised a few issues, such as ‘who actually is my GP?...Oh really?...I’ve never met him’, and the like. All things that I should probably know already. Thank goodness for parents.  And, finally, I have to sort out a bunch of exam certificates and identification. Turns out I have to send the originals, not photocopies. My original ID documents. In the hands of the postal service. I’m worried.

Actually, that wasn’t all. The surprise! I have now been requested to spend five days observing in a primary school, about which I must write a short report. Now, I’m fine with this. It’s been a while since I’ve been in a primary school. I’m looking forward to it. My problem is with the schools themselves. Here follows a short rant.

What is with institutions and their unwillingness to help anyone at the moment? Before my first interview on this round of PGCE applications, I was requested to spend one day- One Day- in a local secondary school, observing the subject I wanted to teach. After contacting all my local secondary schools I was met with requests of “just drop in a letter and the Head will get back to you” and “If you leave your details someone will call you back”. They didn’t get back to me. I contacted them repeatedly- by phone and in person- and was just fobbed off with more of the same. Finally, the day before my interview, one school’s receptionist said “I’ll say ‘no’ on behalf of the Head then, shall I. Is that ok?”…Well, no, not really. It’s not ok.  And another school still hasn’t replied to me!

With this in mind I’ve now visited my local primary schools; and once again I’ve been met with “Just drop in a letter” and “we’ll take your details”- despite my visiting each school in person. I don’t understand what the problem is with helping a prospective teacher? I have a valid CRB check for their district. I have experience of working with the age-group.­ I don’t need paying! I just want to observe and ask some questions. Is that too much to ask? I’m only trying to check all the boxes that I have to check before starting the course.

Rant over.

I’d apologise, but I feel as though every step of my PGCE application has been met with hurdles, some of which would be completely avoidable if institutions took the time to listen. Of course, I’m not their priority, but they are a part of the community, of which I am a member, so a little bit of respect wouldn’t go amiss.  I wonder if anyone else has been met with the wall of silence with regards to observation, when a simple yes or no would’ve been more appropriate, or if I’m just cursed.