Day 329 - 14 Lessons In 4 Days

Thursday March 12th

I was mightily relieved to get through my first week of teaching and discovered some necessary survival short cuts along the way. I have taught 14 lessons in 4 days. I normally teach 12 in 5. I haven't felt as rushed as I do at Kings' and being more pragmatic in my lesson planning has helped - beginning, middle and end is what I need.

I haven't been as adventurous as I would like nor has everything worked but would definitely give myself a B for week 1. I need to take a few more risks next week as there's no point being safe with the short time I have. I have adapted remarkably quickly given that I was thrown in the deep end. Self congratulatory pat on the back.

They have now asked about 5 times if I want a job there. It is tempting as I could see myself enjoying it but the travel would be onerous and I suspect, given it is a boarding school, I would get sucked more into life after the school day ends than I or Mrs N would want.

Day 237 - Teacher On Fire

Wednesday December 9th

Today was my external observation by the Head of Maths at another school. I wasn't that nervous but didn't feel like I was that well prepared. When the time came, I was pretty much flawless. It all went according to my plan, the class responded and the observer was very very complimentary. My first "Very Good" rating. One specific thing he said has stayed with me - "the children wanted to do well for YOU". I was on cloud nine for the rest of the day.

I was invited to the Christmas Tea at the boarding house so popped down there for a mince pie. It's a very small boarding house with about 30 kids in it. I got a guided tour and it didn't seem that different from my own experience of boarding for 10 years. I will offer to help there as I have an inkling of what it's like for them.