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!