I Love Phonics (that's not the Stereophonics, though Kelly Jones is a bit *thud*)

OK, I have been dismissive of Phonics for a (long) while, but it turns out I was doing so from a position of ignorance.

Today I started teaching teenagers with emotional and behavioural difficulties on a one to one basis, and found they responded well to the very basics of Phonics.  I also found I really have learned how to go with the flow whilst teaching, changing tack and picking up on opportunities as they present themselves.

I don't particularly like the DfES materials, but they do present a basic framework, and I have pretty much a free rein to use whatever I like.

The only way this could be better would be if I was getting paid!!

I'm an unemployed teacher, get me out of here!

I seem to have become obsessed with Reality Shows - including Strictly Come Dancing, I'm a Celebrity, and The Apprentice.  Perhaps I can disguise this obsession by claiming it is research for Media Studies?  No, you aren't buying that, are you?

My school placement is over *sobs*, and I am having a couple of days off before launching into full-scale job-seeking mode.  I have one more day at University, then I am officially an unemployed teacher.

I was talking to my mother yesterday, and she and I both said we had always considered that I am, and always have been, a teacher.

It's all a bit scary, to be honest! I haven't been to a proper job interview (except as the interviewer) for about 10 years, and I am not sure the ego is ready for the knockbacks!

Oh well, it is better than eating Kangaroo bits!

'All right Mr. De Mille, I'm ready for my close-up' - Norma Desmond

'Do I have to?' - Me!

BBC White City, 10:30 hours, lights, camera, ACTION!

Myself and several of the PGCE students attended a workshop during half term week on using film in teaching.  We learned experientially (with more guidance, I suspect, than 17 year olds might need) by 'scripting', filming and editing our own short programme.  Our keepers host and tutors for the day were Becky, Xav and Riz (spelling of names unknown, but guessed).

The group I was in, Sam Claire and Lauren, had a hysterical day filming a ridiculous satellite channel film piece about Hagrid's 'beard double'.  We also made a stop frame animation as the title sequence.  I never want to see it again but we had fun making it and learned a lot about using camera, microphone and editing technique.

It was part of a BBC initiative called 21CC - check it out -  http://www.bbc.co.uk/21cc/

Half-Term....and the Osborne Effect

I have been into my placement school to do some observation this week.  Of course, because half-term is upon us, it is a week of 'finishing stuff', and this led to the teachers apologising for dull or 'messy' lessons.  Really, there was no need!

I saw some very engaged pupils in the 'lower school' (some a bit fidgetty, but what else is new?) and some rather un-engaged 'Sixth Form' pupils, which I found unexpected and rather extraordinary.  I was thinking about it, and perhaps the national obsession with going on to Higher Education is responsible.  Young people who would by inclination be at work are engaged in A level study - to what end?

If places at Universities are reduced, what will this mean for the size of a sixth form, or the courses studied therein?  I fervently hope that it will result in an increase in the number of vocational courses being offered, and perhaps more realistic targets and expectations.

An A* is only worth anything when it is a rarity.....

My Twitter contribution to National Poetry Day

'Tweet Sweet'


Talk to the world in 140 characters.
                                       Characters, like those in a book?
More than letters and numbers,
                                       Tweeters!

A film wot I made.....

Despite the fact that I couldn't see what the heck I was being shown, I managed to work this out .............

The Sick Rose, by William Blake

Stuff I am learning.....

I have been in a classroom, observing lessons for years 7,8, 10,11 and 13.  I have learned a lot from this, not least about the importance of maintaining pace and forward movement.  I have also met some fantastic people in the school's teachers and pupils.

As I will be spending a further 10 days within this learning community, this is a positive start.

At University, I am also learning a lot from my Returner peers, and the PGCE students, whose youth and enthusiasm is inspiring. 

Philippa, our subject tutor, is a force of nature.  She has a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts, and I am enjoying basking in it!

So it begins....

After several months of decision-making, heart-searching, and wading through the many pages of the TDA website, I found a Return to Teaching course at Roehampton University.

Oddly enough, this was an institution to which I had applied when choosing somewhere to study for my first degree.  In fact, I had been offered a place there!  I am not superstitious, but it seemed like some kind of good omen.

I started there last week, and am finding the journey the most 'trying' aspect of the course.  Yes, I should have known!  However, the course is proving interesting and motivating, although it is making me feel very old.

I have a placement at a local school, obtained by me rather than being organised by the University.  This afternoon I am popping in to see the Head of English, who I hope will be my mentor.  Usual mixed feelings about placements - excited but scared at the same time!