Epilogue - Qualified Teacher Status

June 16th 2010.

Today I qualified as a teacher. I was observed teaching and then had a one hour interview with the observer about my portfolio of evidence. He finished by saying he would recommend me for qualified status. That was it. A bit of an anti-climax after everything but I am so relieved.

I am pretty worn out by the relentless observation and feedback so it is nice to get this part done. Now the real work starts.

Day 194 - 3 For 3

Tuesday October 27th

Caught the bus into Southampton and sat my QTS Skills Tests one after the other. These are tests to check that we have the basic numeracy, literacy and ICT skills to become teachers. I got through them in 2 hours and passed them all. Tick that one off.

Got home feeling a little tired but then finished off the skirting boards in the dining room. Made a few minor errors on measurement (I blame the apprentice I used to measure everything up) but then Mrs N used her considerable spackling expertise and they look brilliant. Another tick.

Off to track and some speedwork before going out for a pint and bite to eat with my new running buddy, Neil. He works in the wine business and offered me some reasonably priced damaged goods. This is how karma works - we are running out of wine from our stash and boom, some cheap wine turns up.