Sunday March 21st
Very relaxed day as Ellen was off on her D of E walk all day. Went for a run and then gathered myself for my final week at More House. I will be sad to go and would have no problem staying on there for a few weeks.
The pace seems to be more benign there. Maybe it's because I'm only there for a short time. Maybe it's because I don't have the A Level classes and tutor group. On reflection, I think it's the size of the school - the sheer numbers at Kings' mean that you are constantly on the go, there's a frenetic energy to the place that picks you up and spins you around from 8.30 to 3.30 every day. The boys at More House may have more need for individual attention but it's manageable because you can take the time and space to plan and reflect.
Showing posts with label More House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label More House. Show all posts
Day 326 - Baptism Of Fire
Monday March 8th
First day at More House and it was a baptism of fire - 4 lessons straight off completely solo. Given that all the boys have some kind of learning difficulty this was both brave and foolish. Having only 8-10 boys in the class make a huge difference and I was so much more relaxed than at Kings' - more time to think on my feet without questions firing in from all directions.
My lesson plans are much simpler - hand written with a start, main and plenary. I am based out of one classroom so I don't have to lug a plastic box and my lap top around with me. No IWB so I had to use basic resources rather than trying to juggle lots of different things.
Looking back, it was a good first day. I survived. No-one threw a chair at me.
First day at More House and it was a baptism of fire - 4 lessons straight off completely solo. Given that all the boys have some kind of learning difficulty this was both brave and foolish. Having only 8-10 boys in the class make a huge difference and I was so much more relaxed than at Kings' - more time to think on my feet without questions firing in from all directions.
My lesson plans are much simpler - hand written with a start, main and plenary. I am based out of one classroom so I don't have to lug a plastic box and my lap top around with me. No IWB so I had to use basic resources rather than trying to juggle lots of different things.
Looking back, it was a good first day. I survived. No-one threw a chair at me.
Day 325 - Should Be A Breeze
Sunday March 7th
Tomorrow I start at More House School. I have to teach 4 lessons to classes I don't know on subjects I haven't planned. Should be a breeze. I had a very relaxing day and then drove up to Horsley to pick up Charles' car. I then sat with Frances for an hour, swapping lives.
It hit me at about 8pm and then I panicked.
Tomorrow I start at More House School. I have to teach 4 lessons to classes I don't know on subjects I haven't planned. Should be a breeze. I had a very relaxing day and then drove up to Horsley to pick up Charles' car. I then sat with Frances for an hour, swapping lives.
It hit me at about 8pm and then I panicked.
Day 299 - Job Karma
Tuesday February 9th
The reason I am not in my second school today is that Kings' failed to send off for my CRB check. This is to ensure that I do not have a prior record of interfering with children. Fair enough and fair enough that More House won't let me be in a classroom alone with children until they see the document. A few red faces in the admin office this morning.
I also turned down the Perin's job which they were not happy about. Late on Friday, Kings' decided they were going to advertise a teacher role for a Maths and Business Studies teacher from September. My karma has kicked in again. When will it run out? This explains my two minds on the Perin's job.
In hindsight, Perin's seems a great school with much less pressure than Kings', driven by smaller numbers (1100 v 1650) and a less strict uniform and behaviour code. The latter definitely results in a less tense atmosphere around the school. However, I can't see myself moving to a job outside Winchester where, once again, I would lead a completely separate life to the rest of my family. I like what I have at Kings' and want to keep it.
The reason I am not in my second school today is that Kings' failed to send off for my CRB check. This is to ensure that I do not have a prior record of interfering with children. Fair enough and fair enough that More House won't let me be in a classroom alone with children until they see the document. A few red faces in the admin office this morning.
I also turned down the Perin's job which they were not happy about. Late on Friday, Kings' decided they were going to advertise a teacher role for a Maths and Business Studies teacher from September. My karma has kicked in again. When will it run out? This explains my two minds on the Perin's job.
In hindsight, Perin's seems a great school with much less pressure than Kings', driven by smaller numbers (1100 v 1650) and a less strict uniform and behaviour code. The latter definitely results in a less tense atmosphere around the school. However, I can't see myself moving to a job outside Winchester where, once again, I would lead a completely separate life to the rest of my family. I like what I have at Kings' and want to keep it.
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