Bex Trex is moving on - Click here to visit the new site.
A fresh start for a new chapter.
Now I'm no longer reflecting on my ITT and NQT years and the process of studying for my Masters I feel it's time for Bex Trex to move on.
I'll still be blogging, but hopefully with more teaching and learning content and potentially resources.
The new link is: http://bex-trex2teaching.weebly.com/
Wednesday, 31 August 2016
Teaching and Learning Missions. Mission 1
Inspired by @MrsHumanities I am going to be introducing something new to the MFL department tomorrow. Taking her idea of teaching and learning mission cards I am going to be challenging the department to try new ideas each week.
My plan is to send a mission to the department on a Friday afternoon, they apply it to their teaching, give me a quick bit of feedback (email, post-it note on my desk, chat at lunch - however they like) and I will share the feedback around when I send out the next mission. This year we are trying much harder to share as a department, motivate students for MFL learning beyond what's compulsory and adapt teaching to the new specification. I'm hoping that this will be a way of doing it.
As well as serving the aims set out above, preparing the missions is also really helping me. I'm reading lots of interesting blogs and articles and getting back into reading about pedagogy in a more informal way again after my dissertation.
This week I have taken inspiration from Gianfranco Conti and his 6 things he always does in lessons (https://gianfrancoconti.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/six-useful-things-foreign-language-teachers-should-do-more-of/). I have asked colleagues to try to 'Prevent the so-what? effect'. Starting the year with students knowing exactly why what we are teaching is worth learning is really important, but will only be effective if we continue throughout the year.
My intention is to start by showing year 7 the importance of learning languages, remind other year groups and put their current learning into context.
I'll let you know how we get on and what we're going to focus on the next week.
My plan is to send a mission to the department on a Friday afternoon, they apply it to their teaching, give me a quick bit of feedback (email, post-it note on my desk, chat at lunch - however they like) and I will share the feedback around when I send out the next mission. This year we are trying much harder to share as a department, motivate students for MFL learning beyond what's compulsory and adapt teaching to the new specification. I'm hoping that this will be a way of doing it.
As well as serving the aims set out above, preparing the missions is also really helping me. I'm reading lots of interesting blogs and articles and getting back into reading about pedagogy in a more informal way again after my dissertation.
This week I have taken inspiration from Gianfranco Conti and his 6 things he always does in lessons (https://gianfrancoconti.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/six-useful-things-foreign-language-teachers-should-do-more-of/). I have asked colleagues to try to 'Prevent the so-what? effect'. Starting the year with students knowing exactly why what we are teaching is worth learning is really important, but will only be effective if we continue throughout the year.
My intention is to start by showing year 7 the importance of learning languages, remind other year groups and put their current learning into context.
I'll let you know how we get on and what we're going to focus on the next week.
Monday, 29 August 2016
Ride the coaster
Joining in with NQT Chat last week, I suggested that teaching was like riding a rollercoaster. I'm going to stretch that analogy a bit far now when I tell you how it maps onto my story so far. Stick with it trainees and NQTs, you'll get there.
The start of my ITT felt very much like climbing a very long hill, knowing there was only going to be one way down. I felt like I was waiting a long time, others had overtaken me and I was still hanging around, wanting to be given more responsibility. I was enjoying the view and gradually getting higher as I picked up more teaching hours. I guess a lot of the year went that way. Then a member of the department went on maternity leave earlier than expected, I reached the top and started flying downwards. Lots more teaching hours, more marking and planning and everything else that came with it. I enjoyed it, for the challenge I guess. In September I started at my new school, everything drifted along ok, there were some ups and downs as I got used to things, but the ride was good. Then in the October of my NQT year I got stuck in a big loop-the-loop, I was stuck and I wanted to get off. I started to think about other rides I could be on, ones that would be better, even bought tickets for these other rides (yes, I told you I'd take the analogy too far...). But I didn't get off, I came out of the loop, worked out what was going wrong and fixed the problem. Soon enough I was enjoying myself again, the ride had changed and things were better. It was worth the loop-the-loop to get to this point. In January I went to a different theme park, its very different to the last and I've just had an upgrade. I think my upgrade has probably given me a queue jump to the bigger, scarier rollercoasters, but I won't get stuck in the loop-the-loop again, and if I do, I know how to get out without getting off of the ride.
I think that what I'm trying to say, is that for anyone starting their ITT or NQT this year, you should expect it to be a rocky ride, and that's actually nothing to be scared of. You just have to go with it, make changes when you need to, but don't scream to be let off of the ride. Not just yet, it'll get better and you'll be pleased you did!
The start of my ITT felt very much like climbing a very long hill, knowing there was only going to be one way down. I felt like I was waiting a long time, others had overtaken me and I was still hanging around, wanting to be given more responsibility. I was enjoying the view and gradually getting higher as I picked up more teaching hours. I guess a lot of the year went that way. Then a member of the department went on maternity leave earlier than expected, I reached the top and started flying downwards. Lots more teaching hours, more marking and planning and everything else that came with it. I enjoyed it, for the challenge I guess. In September I started at my new school, everything drifted along ok, there were some ups and downs as I got used to things, but the ride was good. Then in the October of my NQT year I got stuck in a big loop-the-loop, I was stuck and I wanted to get off. I started to think about other rides I could be on, ones that would be better, even bought tickets for these other rides (yes, I told you I'd take the analogy too far...). But I didn't get off, I came out of the loop, worked out what was going wrong and fixed the problem. Soon enough I was enjoying myself again, the ride had changed and things were better. It was worth the loop-the-loop to get to this point. In January I went to a different theme park, its very different to the last and I've just had an upgrade. I think my upgrade has probably given me a queue jump to the bigger, scarier rollercoasters, but I won't get stuck in the loop-the-loop again, and if I do, I know how to get out without getting off of the ride.
I think that what I'm trying to say, is that for anyone starting their ITT or NQT this year, you should expect it to be a rocky ride, and that's actually nothing to be scared of. You just have to go with it, make changes when you need to, but don't scream to be let off of the ride. Not just yet, it'll get better and you'll be pleased you did!
Tuesday, 23 August 2016
Ambitions for 2016-17
Inspired by a photo someone posted earlier (although I must now admit that I can't actually find it again) I jotted down my ambitions for the new school year. This year is different to previous ones I think because I'm at a different stage in my teaching
2013-14 --> Get through ITT
2014-15 --> Complete NQT
2015-16 --> Manage on full timetable, settle into new school, finish MA.
So what does 2016-17 bring? The first thing I have to do is finish my MA, the dissertation is due in on 1st October so that doesn't really count as a huge part of my year (unless it fails of course...) so there are other things for me to think about this year. I reckon that this year is going to be more about (and excuse how cheesy this is going to sound) finding who I am as a teacher.
What I mean by that is that ITT was about ticking boxes, learning all things that you need for the PGCE, NQT was about learning what parts of the ITT training were worth keeping and what was mumbo-jumbo to be ignored and then getting used to things. I suppose last year could've been about me, if I hadn't taken on an MA and moved schools, so last year was still about the academic and getting used to things. This year is, as I've said before, a bit different. Or at least I intend it to be.
This year I intend to vary my teaching a bit more, step out of some of the safe teaching I've let myself get into. I'm hoping this is something the new GCSE specification will help me to do, I'm also introducing something to my department to help us with this that I'll explain later. I intend to set myself a marking timetable and stick to it properly as well as making sure I'm setting more worthwhile homework. I want to make the most of form time, with a year 12-13 group I'm not quite sure how I'm going to do that yet, but I'll find something... I want to work on all the exciting plans I've talked about with my head of department for raising the profile of languages in school. I hope to be a good NQT mentor, a slightly scary responsibility that I hope I will be able to do well in, I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait to get blogging again, although what form this will take I'm still not sure, I enjoy the space blogging gives me for reflecting on things but the opportunities aren't quite so frequent as they were in ITT/NQT so maybe I need a new focus. Finally, I want to take part in #teacher5aday again, I started a couple of times and failed, I think this may be my chance, but I'll need a push to do it.
Going back to what I'm introducing with my department to vary teaching - I'm taking the idea of Teaching and Learning Missions from @MrsHumanities and adapting it. I have been compiling a list of 'missions' or challenges that members of the department could complete that week (it's not compulsory). The challenges will be linked to varying our teaching and coming up with new ideas to fulfill the requirements of the new specification for GCSE and A Level and transferring this down to KS3. Each week I'll send out a mission, at the end of the week I will ask for feedback and will share what I get with the department. Hopefully it will be good for us not only as individuals but for sharing best practice across the department.
The exciting plans I mentioned are ongoing, with the aim of raising the profile of MFL within the school. We're looking at a range of extra curricular activities to motivate students to study MFL (the subject of my dissertation, which is why I'm so keen to get on and do it!). We've talked about our use of display boards in corridors, the way we praise and reward students, the activities we do in class, the activities we provide at lunch times and the way we are going to celebrate European Day of Languages. There is so much buzzing around that I can't blog about it yet, I will do once we get things going!
2013-14 --> Get through ITT
2014-15 --> Complete NQT
2015-16 --> Manage on full timetable, settle into new school, finish MA.
So what does 2016-17 bring? The first thing I have to do is finish my MA, the dissertation is due in on 1st October so that doesn't really count as a huge part of my year (unless it fails of course...) so there are other things for me to think about this year. I reckon that this year is going to be more about (and excuse how cheesy this is going to sound) finding who I am as a teacher.
What I mean by that is that ITT was about ticking boxes, learning all things that you need for the PGCE, NQT was about learning what parts of the ITT training were worth keeping and what was mumbo-jumbo to be ignored and then getting used to things. I suppose last year could've been about me, if I hadn't taken on an MA and moved schools, so last year was still about the academic and getting used to things. This year is, as I've said before, a bit different. Or at least I intend it to be.
This year I intend to vary my teaching a bit more, step out of some of the safe teaching I've let myself get into. I'm hoping this is something the new GCSE specification will help me to do, I'm also introducing something to my department to help us with this that I'll explain later. I intend to set myself a marking timetable and stick to it properly as well as making sure I'm setting more worthwhile homework. I want to make the most of form time, with a year 12-13 group I'm not quite sure how I'm going to do that yet, but I'll find something... I want to work on all the exciting plans I've talked about with my head of department for raising the profile of languages in school. I hope to be a good NQT mentor, a slightly scary responsibility that I hope I will be able to do well in, I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait to get blogging again, although what form this will take I'm still not sure, I enjoy the space blogging gives me for reflecting on things but the opportunities aren't quite so frequent as they were in ITT/NQT so maybe I need a new focus. Finally, I want to take part in #teacher5aday again, I started a couple of times and failed, I think this may be my chance, but I'll need a push to do it.
Going back to what I'm introducing with my department to vary teaching - I'm taking the idea of Teaching and Learning Missions from @MrsHumanities and adapting it. I have been compiling a list of 'missions' or challenges that members of the department could complete that week (it's not compulsory). The challenges will be linked to varying our teaching and coming up with new ideas to fulfill the requirements of the new specification for GCSE and A Level and transferring this down to KS3. Each week I'll send out a mission, at the end of the week I will ask for feedback and will share what I get with the department. Hopefully it will be good for us not only as individuals but for sharing best practice across the department.
The exciting plans I mentioned are ongoing, with the aim of raising the profile of MFL within the school. We're looking at a range of extra curricular activities to motivate students to study MFL (the subject of my dissertation, which is why I'm so keen to get on and do it!). We've talked about our use of display boards in corridors, the way we praise and reward students, the activities we do in class, the activities we provide at lunch times and the way we are going to celebrate European Day of Languages. There is so much buzzing around that I can't blog about it yet, I will do once we get things going!
Wednesday, 17 August 2016
Motivated for MFL study?
As most who follow me will know, because of my frequent moaning, I am currently writing my dissertation for my MA in Education. What you may not know is that I have been looking into how the extended curriculum (including trips in the UK, trips abroad, lunch and after school activities, contact with native speakers etc) affects student motivation to study MFL.
In the course of my research I have surveyed students and teachers about the various activities on offer at their schools and how they think it has influenced their motivation to study MFL. I'll post something more detailed at a later date once the data is analysed, the dissertation is all sent off and it has been marked but it's got me thinking about what I might do differently in September and the sorts of things we could introduce as a department.
I'm going to blog my ideas soon but I'd like to gather together some information on what you all do in your schools. This won't be used at all for the dissertation but will be used in a blog to share the best of what we all have going on. (This is nothing official and please do not take this as a reflection of my approach to my dissertation, this is not linked to my dissertation, just inspired by it).
If you wouldn't mind taking part I'd really appreciate it, I think we can all get something useful from sharing what we have planned.
Sunday, 3 July 2016
Dissertation, trips and new opportunities.
Yet again it's been ages since I last posted, every time this happens I promise myself that I'll write more often but I think I'll face facts now that it's not going to happen. It's not that I'm not interested any more, that couldn't be further from the truth. I've bought my ticket for the ResearchEd national conference in September, had exciting talks with colleagues following CPD from Tom Sherrington and still have a list of books I want to read that is as long as my arm! It's just that blogging isn't the first thing that I leap to do anymore. That said I still want to keep it up, maybe I'll get more regular again one day...
There has been a lot going on of late, not least of all my dissertation. The ideas and things seem to be coming together now, thank goodness, and I've got enough survey responses to work with from both heads of department and students. I've still got a long way to go with it, that's for sure, but things are looking up.
Last weekend I went on my fist residential trip abroad, taking 72 year 7s to France. Wow, I've never looked forward to a weekend so much as this one. The trip was great but exhausting so I was ready for Friday night. It was a really good first trip to go on and I have another coming up in 2 weeks time, this time with less children and a wider age range as it's the music department tour. Paris here we come! I'm seeing both of these as great practice as come October I'll be leading my own trip with 30 year 11s to Andalucia, Spain.
My most exciting piece of news though, is that as of September I will be Second in MFL and Curriculum Leader for Spanish. I can't wait to get started and have loads of things that I'd like to see happen to raise the profile of languages at the school. The great thing is that I get on really well with the Head of Department and I think we're more or less on the same wavelength with most things. The question is just which idea to start with first...
The last thing to mention is the one that I think is probably the most important. We have a new member of staff starting this week, she's an NQT and I'm going to be her mentor. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity, but it's such a responsibility that I'm starting reading up already. If we get on as well as I did with my NQT mentor then I'm sure we'll be just fine.
This post seems to have turned into a news update as opposed to a comment on any issues this time but I'm sure the things I've mentioned are each going to throw out their own issues for discussing soon!
There has been a lot going on of late, not least of all my dissertation. The ideas and things seem to be coming together now, thank goodness, and I've got enough survey responses to work with from both heads of department and students. I've still got a long way to go with it, that's for sure, but things are looking up.
Last weekend I went on my fist residential trip abroad, taking 72 year 7s to France. Wow, I've never looked forward to a weekend so much as this one. The trip was great but exhausting so I was ready for Friday night. It was a really good first trip to go on and I have another coming up in 2 weeks time, this time with less children and a wider age range as it's the music department tour. Paris here we come! I'm seeing both of these as great practice as come October I'll be leading my own trip with 30 year 11s to Andalucia, Spain.
My most exciting piece of news though, is that as of September I will be Second in MFL and Curriculum Leader for Spanish. I can't wait to get started and have loads of things that I'd like to see happen to raise the profile of languages at the school. The great thing is that I get on really well with the Head of Department and I think we're more or less on the same wavelength with most things. The question is just which idea to start with first...
The last thing to mention is the one that I think is probably the most important. We have a new member of staff starting this week, she's an NQT and I'm going to be her mentor. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity, but it's such a responsibility that I'm starting reading up already. If we get on as well as I did with my NQT mentor then I'm sure we'll be just fine.
This post seems to have turned into a news update as opposed to a comment on any issues this time but I'm sure the things I've mentioned are each going to throw out their own issues for discussing soon!
Monday, 4 April 2016
Note from a Recently Qualified Teacher
'The worst time to be in teaching' it has been said to me,
Things are dark and dismal, 'no time to drink our tea'
The piles of books are growing, more data sheets to fill,
There's progress to be made, resilience to instill.
We're working longer hours and our performance manages our pay,
And that MP on the tele wants to extend the school day?!
The arts are disappearing with that Ebacc on the scene,
Do they think that rigorous studies suit each and every teen?
The answers that we're searching for, no one really knows,
We're all quite frankly in the dark, and honestly, it shows.
But I think we're forgetting something, a concept that is key,
This isn't only happening to teachers, can't you see?
Time changes things for everyone, not always for the best,
And no, we didn't come into the profession to teach them to the test.
Performance management is rubbish, but it was only a matter of time,
With other professions we've been brought into line.
I'm not saying it's all fine and dandy, I acknowledge it's not ideal,
And yes, some of these reforms are like reinventing the wheel.
But maybe it's the future and we have to make things work,
Don't forget the holidays, they must remain a perk.
It's a time of opportunity, a time to influence change,
Even if some new ways may at first seem strange.
Eventually things will be better,
We'll get there one of these days.
I know this view's not popular, and I know that things aren't fair,
Just think of us newer teachers, we cannot stand and despair.
This is the profession we're entering, however it may be,
Even if it's not quite the one that you used to see.
We'll have to make the best of it, we'll do whatever we can,
And don't worry, we'll stick up for ourselves, we'll come up with a plan.
But don't stand there and tell me how bad it is, how my career will turn out,
I'm already nervous of what is ahead without you shedding doubt.
Please keep fighting for what is right, and make your opinions known,
But let's not give the impression, that all we do is moan.
It doesn't do us favours, it will not help our cause,
So when times are getting hard, maybe we should pause.
Remember teachers, you're not alone working late tonight,
Keep the faith, that moving on, things will be alright.
The road ahead is long and rough, that I won't deny,
Things though, they can get better, as the months go by.
Things are dark and dismal, 'no time to drink our tea'
The piles of books are growing, more data sheets to fill,
There's progress to be made, resilience to instill.
We're working longer hours and our performance manages our pay,
And that MP on the tele wants to extend the school day?!
The arts are disappearing with that Ebacc on the scene,
Do they think that rigorous studies suit each and every teen?
The answers that we're searching for, no one really knows,
We're all quite frankly in the dark, and honestly, it shows.
But I think we're forgetting something, a concept that is key,
This isn't only happening to teachers, can't you see?
Time changes things for everyone, not always for the best,
And no, we didn't come into the profession to teach them to the test.
Performance management is rubbish, but it was only a matter of time,
With other professions we've been brought into line.
I'm not saying it's all fine and dandy, I acknowledge it's not ideal,
And yes, some of these reforms are like reinventing the wheel.
But maybe it's the future and we have to make things work,
Don't forget the holidays, they must remain a perk.
It's a time of opportunity, a time to influence change,
Even if some new ways may at first seem strange.
Eventually things will be better,
We'll get there one of these days.
I know this view's not popular, and I know that things aren't fair,
Just think of us newer teachers, we cannot stand and despair.
This is the profession we're entering, however it may be,
Even if it's not quite the one that you used to see.
We'll have to make the best of it, we'll do whatever we can,
And don't worry, we'll stick up for ourselves, we'll come up with a plan.
But don't stand there and tell me how bad it is, how my career will turn out,
I'm already nervous of what is ahead without you shedding doubt.
Please keep fighting for what is right, and make your opinions known,
But let's not give the impression, that all we do is moan.
It doesn't do us favours, it will not help our cause,
So when times are getting hard, maybe we should pause.
Remember teachers, you're not alone working late tonight,
Keep the faith, that moving on, things will be alright.
The road ahead is long and rough, that I won't deny,
Things though, they can get better, as the months go by.
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Saying yes to everything
The first 6 weeks at my new school have flown past, I could've blinked and missed it. At the moment it seems a little like I've imagined it, was that just a placement? Am I returning to my 'normal' school after half term? I'm pleased to say I'm not. That's no reflection on my previous school I must add. I've had a good first 6 weeks, it's been a whirlwind really, but I've really had to embrace saying yes to everything that has come my way.
'Could you come on the year 7 French trip?' - Yes.
'Will you be a joint form tutor for this year 11 group?' - Yes.
'The music tour in the summer holiday needs more female staff, as you're a female, French-speaking musician will you go?'- Yes.
'Will you go to the outdoor activity centre with year 11 in the first week back?' - Yes (although goodness knows what I've got myself into with that one!)
'Will you help out with the trainee when she comes back from her second placement?' - Yes.
I'm pretty sure there are people that think I've gone a bit mad, I've not long moved out of my parents house, bought a cat and am still trying to get through my MA and yet I'm saying yes to everything. The way I see it, and I know this is something a lot of teachers will empathise with, is the more I say yes to the more experience I'm going to get. A course I went on at the end of my NQT year about career progression made this exact point and I can really see it now. If you want to progress, and I do, then you have to get noticed by the right people for the right things - and anyway, it's enjoyable too! If there is ever a time for me to get involved with anything and everything it's probably now. Now just isn't the time for standing still.
Something else that is on my list is to really start thinking about my teaching more, sharing online and sharing more with my colleagues. I've started a bit this half term but I think it needs more, when I was training I always liked doing new things and of late I think I've got a bit boring. It's time to get creative again and see where it gets me...
'Could you come on the year 7 French trip?' - Yes.
'Will you be a joint form tutor for this year 11 group?' - Yes.
'The music tour in the summer holiday needs more female staff, as you're a female, French-speaking musician will you go?'- Yes.
'Will you go to the outdoor activity centre with year 11 in the first week back?' - Yes (although goodness knows what I've got myself into with that one!)
'Will you help out with the trainee when she comes back from her second placement?' - Yes.
I'm pretty sure there are people that think I've gone a bit mad, I've not long moved out of my parents house, bought a cat and am still trying to get through my MA and yet I'm saying yes to everything. The way I see it, and I know this is something a lot of teachers will empathise with, is the more I say yes to the more experience I'm going to get. A course I went on at the end of my NQT year about career progression made this exact point and I can really see it now. If you want to progress, and I do, then you have to get noticed by the right people for the right things - and anyway, it's enjoyable too! If there is ever a time for me to get involved with anything and everything it's probably now. Now just isn't the time for standing still.
Something else that is on my list is to really start thinking about my teaching more, sharing online and sharing more with my colleagues. I've started a bit this half term but I think it needs more, when I was training I always liked doing new things and of late I think I've got a bit boring. It's time to get creative again and see where it gets me...
Wednesday, 20 January 2016
Starting a new school in January.
January, a time for fresh starts, resolutions and all things new. But not usually for teachers, January is an odd time of year to be changing schools. Just one term into the year but not into the manic term that is the summer. Students have got used to their teachers and settled into their ways of working,they know what's what and who is who. Even the year 7 aren't really new anymore. Then you walk in, the newbie in the school, in fact, the only new teacher starting in January. What should you expect?
1) As the only new member of staff there may well be no formal induction. You will have to glean what information you can from your department and the computer system, if you're lucky enough to be able to get onto the relevant parts and have all the right logins.
2) There will be all sorts of things going on that you will be expected to know about and deal with like mock exams and assessments. These will stop you getting to know your classes as quickly as you would've liked and mean you may get off to an odd start with some.
3) You'll need to pick up where someone else has started, this might entail a few cries of 'Miss, we did this last term' but if you're lucky these won't be too frequent.
4) You'll have so many names to learn and there will be a fair few people giving you strange looks as they try to work out who you are and what you're doing there. When you teach 4 classes of year 8 girls they will all start to look the same and the names will roll into one... You'll get there.
5) You'll need to slot yourself into a department that has probably learned to cope being understaffed or has been left at an odd time of year. It might be hard but they'll really appreciate it.
As you will have gathered, I started a new school this month. The school is quite a contrast from my last, an all girls grammar school, and I've got a little journey in the mornings but it's not too bad. I'm getting used to different expectations from the students, different ways of planning, getting more efficient at my marking and generally taking every day as it comes. Every day I'm finding out something new, being given another document I need to take in or meeting another student that has been absent for whatever reason.
I've been very lucky to have landed myself in a department with lovely staff who are so helpful and kids who are (on the most part, as ever) happy and enthusiastic to learn. I've got a way to go until I work the place out and really know what I'm doing, who knows if we ever really manage that?! But, so far, so good!
Next challenge: work out what on earth I'm doing this dissertation on and get on with it!
1) As the only new member of staff there may well be no formal induction. You will have to glean what information you can from your department and the computer system, if you're lucky enough to be able to get onto the relevant parts and have all the right logins.
2) There will be all sorts of things going on that you will be expected to know about and deal with like mock exams and assessments. These will stop you getting to know your classes as quickly as you would've liked and mean you may get off to an odd start with some.
3) You'll need to pick up where someone else has started, this might entail a few cries of 'Miss, we did this last term' but if you're lucky these won't be too frequent.
4) You'll have so many names to learn and there will be a fair few people giving you strange looks as they try to work out who you are and what you're doing there. When you teach 4 classes of year 8 girls they will all start to look the same and the names will roll into one... You'll get there.
5) You'll need to slot yourself into a department that has probably learned to cope being understaffed or has been left at an odd time of year. It might be hard but they'll really appreciate it.
As you will have gathered, I started a new school this month. The school is quite a contrast from my last, an all girls grammar school, and I've got a little journey in the mornings but it's not too bad. I'm getting used to different expectations from the students, different ways of planning, getting more efficient at my marking and generally taking every day as it comes. Every day I'm finding out something new, being given another document I need to take in or meeting another student that has been absent for whatever reason.
I've been very lucky to have landed myself in a department with lovely staff who are so helpful and kids who are (on the most part, as ever) happy and enthusiastic to learn. I've got a way to go until I work the place out and really know what I'm doing, who knows if we ever really manage that?! But, so far, so good!
Next challenge: work out what on earth I'm doing this dissertation on and get on with it!
Sunday, 3 January 2016
#teacher5aday 2016
When I started #happyNQT100 - which I totally forgot to mention on my #nurture1516 post earlier on this weekend, I dropped the ball when it came to #teacher5aday. Now that #happyNQT100 is over and the new year is with us it seems like a perfect time to start #teacher5aday again and make my pledges to #connect, #exercise, #notice, #learn and #volunteer again.
So, on the eve of starting at my new school my 2016 #teacher5aday pledges are as follows:
#connect
My connect pledge is to get to know the other staff in my new school better than I did in my previous. With MFL being in a different block and having my own classroom to be based in, socialising with other staff was more of an effort and so I didn't do it. In my new school I'll be sharing an office with my department and will make myself get out and about more. Make the effort to get to know people in different areas of the school, you never know when you'll need to be on the right side of the reprographics lady!
#exercise
Oh dear... exercise is not something I've been good at in a very long time. I have a wii and various fitness programmes for it including cardio and yoga which I have been recommended a lot now. The next task is to actually use them! I know I need to though so I'll have to make that conscious effort.
#notice
Running along the theme of my #happyNQT100 I aim to notice the positive things every day. I'm going to think of a hashtag and post a tweet or a picture every day of something positive. If anyone wants to join me feel free. I think I'll go with #postitiveteacher or #positivetweacher maybe?
#learn
My #learn is the same as last year, not because I failed at it but because it continues. I started my MA Education back in July and need to get to the end of it! I have an assignment due soon and then onto the dissertation - I seriously need some inspiration on that front!
#volunteer
Although I'm going to hold back and not #volunteer straight away I plan to get involved at school. Whether that is running some MFL related activity or joining in with the music department (who I am already due to support for a few hours a week) I don't know yet.
So, on the eve of starting at my new school my 2016 #teacher5aday pledges are as follows:
#connect
My connect pledge is to get to know the other staff in my new school better than I did in my previous. With MFL being in a different block and having my own classroom to be based in, socialising with other staff was more of an effort and so I didn't do it. In my new school I'll be sharing an office with my department and will make myself get out and about more. Make the effort to get to know people in different areas of the school, you never know when you'll need to be on the right side of the reprographics lady!
#exercise
Oh dear... exercise is not something I've been good at in a very long time. I have a wii and various fitness programmes for it including cardio and yoga which I have been recommended a lot now. The next task is to actually use them! I know I need to though so I'll have to make that conscious effort.
#notice
Running along the theme of my #happyNQT100 I aim to notice the positive things every day. I'm going to think of a hashtag and post a tweet or a picture every day of something positive. If anyone wants to join me feel free. I think I'll go with #postitiveteacher or #positivetweacher maybe?
#learn
My #learn is the same as last year, not because I failed at it but because it continues. I started my MA Education back in July and need to get to the end of it! I have an assignment due soon and then onto the dissertation - I seriously need some inspiration on that front!
#volunteer
Although I'm going to hold back and not #volunteer straight away I plan to get involved at school. Whether that is running some MFL related activity or joining in with the music department (who I am already due to support for a few hours a week) I don't know yet.
Friday, 1 January 2016
#Nurture1516
I ought to start this with a big apology really, I've not blogged in an age - something I intend to rectify asap. It's been a very busy few months, I think what follows will go someway to explaining why!
If I've understood correctly then the #Nurture1516 posts are about reflecting on 2015 and looking into 2016. I'm going to attempt to reflect on 5 things and list 6 for this year...
2015
1) The main reason for my lack of posting in quite sometime - I bought a flat.
It took it's time, I made my offer back in July and finally completed at the end of the October half term break. This meant that every spare bit of time I had running up to just before Christmas was spent shopping, decorating and moving in. I moved in just a couple of weeks before Christmas. I had a lot of help from my parents, grandparents and boyfriend, I couldn't have done it without them. I'm so pleased with it - and will be even happier next week when I have a real sofa!
2) I passed my NQT year! Wow, well that seems like a long time ago now, but that happened in 2015. Anyone that has read my blogs for a while now will know that my year had its ups and downs just the same as any NQT does, but I got out of it in one piece in the end!
3) I've met and connected with lots of new people. 2015 has been a year of new people for me. From new twitter friends, to fellow MA students, to my boyfriend and his family and friends, to new colleagues. There have been new people in pretty much all aspects of my life. That said, it's not just about the new people. Walking into ResearchEd and bumping straight into my secondary school English teacher and catching up with him or being able to go to sessions led and attended by faces I recognise from twitter was also quite an experience.
4) I started my masters
In July I started my MA Education at the Institute of Education. I've done the first module called 'What is Education?' and I'm onto the second compulsory module (for which I should be writing an essay not this blog) Understanding Research. I had some credits from my PGCE so they're the only modules I need to do other than the dissertation.
5) I got myself a new job.
This fits more into the things I'm looking forward to really but it's kind of an overlap. Back in October I saw an advert for a Spanish teacher that must teach up to Key Stage 5. With the sixth form numbers dwindling at the school I've been teaching in, to the point where we had no year 12 this year, I thought it was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I applied, interviewed with three others and came away with the job! I was sad to be leaving of course, I've left my first school where I completed my NQT year and where I had my first tutor group and a class of year 13s who I am really going to miss. Despite this, I know this is totally the right decision for me though.
2016
Ok, so I acknowledge now there is going to be quite an overlap between last year and this year...
1) I start the new job.
On Monday I'll start at my new school. It's going to be a total contrast to where I've been as I'm moving to an all girls grammar school. I've met my department, had the low down on who's who, got my timetable and planned a weeks worth of lessons which will go out the window when I've pitched the whole lot wrong I'm sure! There are going to be lots of different things for me to be getting used to, where behaviour was a challenge before I anticipate the intelligence of these girls is going to be my challenge here. The marking workload is higher so I'm going to have to work smarter when it comes to how I manage it. I've been on a really light timetable recently due to the lack of year 12 so having a real timetable again might be a shock, that said I'm doing a number of hours of support in GCSE classes and some KS3 music so it's a little less planning.
2) I should complete my masters.
I'll jinx it if I say I will complete my masters, but all going to plan then that's what will happen. Small issue being that I currently haven't got a clue what I want to do my dissertation on and I really need to start my reading soon...
3) I'll meet even more new people.
I intend to try my best to get to know even more new people. I'll start with my new colleagues on Monday and see where to go from there!
4) I'll figure out a bit more about my teaching
Changing schools to one that is so different is bound to make me realise where some of my strengths and weaknesses lie that's for sure. Beyond that, I want to keep trying new things, seeing what works for me and what doesn't, reading blogs, writing blogs and generally changing the way I do things. I don't have the pressure of the NQT year any more, but equally I don't have the structure it provided either, now is when I find out more about my teaching than I have in a while. In February I'm going to be working with the PGCE trainee when she comes back from her second placement and I'm sure that will make me think about my teaching again.
5) I'll settle into my new home.
Things have been so manic of late with Christmas etc I've not really had a chance to appreciate my new flat. I'm looking forward to getting into a routine again and getting used to things. Have I mentioned that I'll finally have a sofa on Wednesday?!
6) and just as I finish all of the things that have made my life manic? I'll find something else to keep me busy and fill up the time I don't have!
I don't know what it is yet, but you can bet your bottom dollar that once I'm used to the new job, settled in the new flat and submitted the dissertation, I'll find something else to fill my time rather than letting me relax, spend time with people, get out with the camera or even play the sax like I keep saying I will!
2015
1) The main reason for my lack of posting in quite sometime - I bought a flat.
It took it's time, I made my offer back in July and finally completed at the end of the October half term break. This meant that every spare bit of time I had running up to just before Christmas was spent shopping, decorating and moving in. I moved in just a couple of weeks before Christmas. I had a lot of help from my parents, grandparents and boyfriend, I couldn't have done it without them. I'm so pleased with it - and will be even happier next week when I have a real sofa!
2) I passed my NQT year! Wow, well that seems like a long time ago now, but that happened in 2015. Anyone that has read my blogs for a while now will know that my year had its ups and downs just the same as any NQT does, but I got out of it in one piece in the end!
3) I've met and connected with lots of new people. 2015 has been a year of new people for me. From new twitter friends, to fellow MA students, to my boyfriend and his family and friends, to new colleagues. There have been new people in pretty much all aspects of my life. That said, it's not just about the new people. Walking into ResearchEd and bumping straight into my secondary school English teacher and catching up with him or being able to go to sessions led and attended by faces I recognise from twitter was also quite an experience.
4) I started my masters
In July I started my MA Education at the Institute of Education. I've done the first module called 'What is Education?' and I'm onto the second compulsory module (for which I should be writing an essay not this blog) Understanding Research. I had some credits from my PGCE so they're the only modules I need to do other than the dissertation.
5) I got myself a new job.
This fits more into the things I'm looking forward to really but it's kind of an overlap. Back in October I saw an advert for a Spanish teacher that must teach up to Key Stage 5. With the sixth form numbers dwindling at the school I've been teaching in, to the point where we had no year 12 this year, I thought it was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I applied, interviewed with three others and came away with the job! I was sad to be leaving of course, I've left my first school where I completed my NQT year and where I had my first tutor group and a class of year 13s who I am really going to miss. Despite this, I know this is totally the right decision for me though.
2016
Ok, so I acknowledge now there is going to be quite an overlap between last year and this year...
1) I start the new job.
On Monday I'll start at my new school. It's going to be a total contrast to where I've been as I'm moving to an all girls grammar school. I've met my department, had the low down on who's who, got my timetable and planned a weeks worth of lessons which will go out the window when I've pitched the whole lot wrong I'm sure! There are going to be lots of different things for me to be getting used to, where behaviour was a challenge before I anticipate the intelligence of these girls is going to be my challenge here. The marking workload is higher so I'm going to have to work smarter when it comes to how I manage it. I've been on a really light timetable recently due to the lack of year 12 so having a real timetable again might be a shock, that said I'm doing a number of hours of support in GCSE classes and some KS3 music so it's a little less planning.
2) I should complete my masters.
I'll jinx it if I say I will complete my masters, but all going to plan then that's what will happen. Small issue being that I currently haven't got a clue what I want to do my dissertation on and I really need to start my reading soon...
3) I'll meet even more new people.
I intend to try my best to get to know even more new people. I'll start with my new colleagues on Monday and see where to go from there!
4) I'll figure out a bit more about my teaching
Changing schools to one that is so different is bound to make me realise where some of my strengths and weaknesses lie that's for sure. Beyond that, I want to keep trying new things, seeing what works for me and what doesn't, reading blogs, writing blogs and generally changing the way I do things. I don't have the pressure of the NQT year any more, but equally I don't have the structure it provided either, now is when I find out more about my teaching than I have in a while. In February I'm going to be working with the PGCE trainee when she comes back from her second placement and I'm sure that will make me think about my teaching again.
5) I'll settle into my new home.
Things have been so manic of late with Christmas etc I've not really had a chance to appreciate my new flat. I'm looking forward to getting into a routine again and getting used to things. Have I mentioned that I'll finally have a sofa on Wednesday?!
6) and just as I finish all of the things that have made my life manic? I'll find something else to keep me busy and fill up the time I don't have!
I don't know what it is yet, but you can bet your bottom dollar that once I'm used to the new job, settled in the new flat and submitted the dissertation, I'll find something else to fill my time rather than letting me relax, spend time with people, get out with the camera or even play the sax like I keep saying I will!
Monday, 26 October 2015
Questions for music teachers.
As some already know, I may well be teaching a few hours of KS3 Music from January. It's not confirmed yet but music is the closest to a second subject outside of MFL I have got and it's something I'm keen to try - with the right support of course. Of course Twitter is the first place I turn to for these sorts of things, so the following are things I would like to find out from music teachers. If I get enough responses I'll write up a summary blog.
To give you some background about me. I am in my second year of teaching Spanish and French but my interest in music comes from my involvement in music at school. I studied music up to A level and took grades in Saxophone and music theory. I have some keyboard skills but they are not fantastic! I've had involvement in school bands and choirs, both participating and leading but not for some years now!
The questions are listed below, please comment or tweet me with your responses to some/all of the questions. They can also be found at the following address if you find that easier: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iqzAwGuLuFtfcfUHKPtsisgOGKGtA1fpzHHcIUW2Gwg/viewform?usp=send_form
1) What would be your top tip for someone teaching KS3 music for the first time?
2) What would you say are the unique points about teaching music in comparison to other subjects?
3)What would you describe as the biggest challenges in teaching KS3 music?
4)What do you find most enjoyable about KS3 music?
5) What preparation would you recommend I do between now and January?
To give you some background about me. I am in my second year of teaching Spanish and French but my interest in music comes from my involvement in music at school. I studied music up to A level and took grades in Saxophone and music theory. I have some keyboard skills but they are not fantastic! I've had involvement in school bands and choirs, both participating and leading but not for some years now!
The questions are listed below, please comment or tweet me with your responses to some/all of the questions. They can also be found at the following address if you find that easier: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iqzAwGuLuFtfcfUHKPtsisgOGKGtA1fpzHHcIUW2Gwg/viewform?usp=send_form
1) What would be your top tip for someone teaching KS3 music for the first time?
2) What would you say are the unique points about teaching music in comparison to other subjects?
3)What would you describe as the biggest challenges in teaching KS3 music?
4)What do you find most enjoyable about KS3 music?
5) What preparation would you recommend I do between now and January?
Sunday, 23 August 2015
#happyNQT100 2015 Launch (#HappyTeacher100)
After so many people joined in with #happyNQT100 this year I have decided to keep promoting it, despite the fact that I'll no longer be an NQT myself. For anyone that has not heard about #happyNQT100 yet, fear not, I am about to explain all.
During the Easter holidays this year I decided to start the #100happydays challenge, something I had done during university and never completed. The #100happydays challenge is about finding something that has made you happy every day. I took this idea and came up with #happyNQT100. This project allowed NQTs on twitter to not only share the high points from every day but to support each other through the harder times. I blogged here at the end of the summer term to showcase a selection of tweets from 2014/15 participants.
Who is #happyNQT100 relevant to?
#happyNQT100 is of course aimed at NQTs but there is no reason that teachers from all levels shouldn't join in. May I suggest #HappyTeacher100 ?
Why should I join in?
Last year participants remarked that taking part in #happyNQT100 made them look much more positively on their day and felt better as a result. It also gave them a great chance to build a network of both new and experienced teachers for support.
How do I join in?
Follow @HappyNQT so we can retweet your comments and pictures and get tweeting with the tag #happyNQT100 or for non-NQTs #happyteacher100.
No need to spend too much time on your tweets and photos - just show everyone something that has made you happy that day. The aim is 100 days, but can you do longer?
I'll be dropping in to host #NQTChat and #UKEdchat at the start of the year and returning to #NQTChat during the year to check in on how things are going.
Please, pass on the word, bring some NQTs to twitter and let's see if we can have 100 happy days (or longer) together.
During the Easter holidays this year I decided to start the #100happydays challenge, something I had done during university and never completed. The #100happydays challenge is about finding something that has made you happy every day. I took this idea and came up with #happyNQT100. This project allowed NQTs on twitter to not only share the high points from every day but to support each other through the harder times. I blogged here at the end of the summer term to showcase a selection of tweets from 2014/15 participants.
Who is #happyNQT100 relevant to?
#happyNQT100 is of course aimed at NQTs but there is no reason that teachers from all levels shouldn't join in. May I suggest #HappyTeacher100 ?
Why should I join in?
Last year participants remarked that taking part in #happyNQT100 made them look much more positively on their day and felt better as a result. It also gave them a great chance to build a network of both new and experienced teachers for support.
How do I join in?
Follow @HappyNQT so we can retweet your comments and pictures and get tweeting with the tag #happyNQT100 or for non-NQTs #happyteacher100.
No need to spend too much time on your tweets and photos - just show everyone something that has made you happy that day. The aim is 100 days, but can you do longer?
I'll be dropping in to host #NQTChat and #UKEdchat at the start of the year and returning to #NQTChat during the year to check in on how things are going.
Thursday, 6 August 2015
Books, books, books.
For some reason I decided it was a good idea to pick up all my education books from their various shelves and put them on the floor. I think it was in the name of organisation (failed)... or finding a book I wanted for my essay? I'm not totally sure if I'm honest, but either way they're still right there on the floor where I put them a few days ago.
Looking at them has made me think about how the books I have bought have changed since the start of my PGCE, through my NQT until now the start of my MA. The books I have could probably be grouped into four or five categories, and that is how I am going to talk about them.
Books from my PGCE reading list
1) Learning and Teaching in Secondary Schools - Viv Ellis
2) Issues in Modern Foreign Languages Teaching - Ed. Kit Field
3) Teaching Modern Foreign Languages at Advanced Level- Ed. Norbert Pachler
4) Learning to Teach in the Secondary School - Capel, Leask and Turner
5) Learning to Teach Modern Foreign Languages in the Secondary School
Did I read all of these? Not a chance! As far as I remember I read number 1, glanced at 2 and 3 once or twice and used 4 and 5 for my assignments. Worth buying? Nope, I'm not adding up what I paid for them...
Books I was given
2) The Dyslexia Friendly Teachers' Toolkit - Pavey, Meehan and Davis
3)Reflective Practice for Teachers - Sellars.
I was sent these three by Sage before I started my NQT year and asked to review number 1. I did that and I had the intention of reading the other two but I never did. I think at the end of my PGCE I was fed up of the word reflection anyway!
Books I bought during my PGCE and early in my NQT
1) Getting the Buggers into Languages - Amanda Barton
2) 100 Ideas for Secondary Teachers, Outstanding Lessons - Ross Morrison McGill
3) 100+ Ideas for Teaching Languages - Nia Griffith
4) Getting the Buggers to Behave - Sue Cowley
5) 100 Things Awesome Teachers Do - William Emeny
6) How to Survive your First Year in Teaching - Sue Cowley
7) How to Teach - Phil Beadle
These books were good references for ideas, suggestions and that boost from time to time when I felt like I didn't know what I was doing or why I was doing it! One or two of them I'd consider useful to refer to again but they're not the sort of thing I see filling my shelves in the future. I get most of this sort of support from twitter these days.
Books I am buying now
2) Don't Change the Lightbulbs - Rachel Jones
3) Teacher Proof - Tom Bennett
4) Why Don't Students Like School - Daniel Willingham
5) What if everything you knew about education was wrong - David Didau
I will admit that I haven't got round to finishing all of these yet, 4 I have had a glance at and then things got in the way and 5 I bought just as I needed to start my MA reading so all I have managed is the foreword! These are much more like the sort of thing I am reading now, especially the latter three. More critical, really thinking about teaching and education as opposed to just my classroom practice. That said I needed a refresher and so have really enjoyed the first two books on the list.
Books recommended for MA lectures or for my assignment:
2) The Expert Learner - Gordon Stobart
3) Knowledge and the Future School - Michael Young and David Lambert
Number one on the list could easily be in the previous category, I've been wanting it for a while and the fact that it was required reading for a lecture was just a great excuse! The other two are by lecturers at IoE and being used towards my essay - which I don't intend to talk about until it's done. All I will say is the module is called 'What is Education?' broad enough for a title?!
Then until now....
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
#HappyNQT100 - 100 days later.
Just over 100 days ago I started the hashtag #HappyNQT100, I blogged about it here. When I began I thought I'd be the only one, or that I'd have a couple of people join me if I was lucky. I was not expecting the response that came my way. Quickly I had messages from between 20 and 30 NQTs in support of the idea and saying they'd join in. Of course, many of these dropped along the way but a core group stuck it out until the end.
Before I reflect on #happyNQT100 and where it goes next, here are a selection of our 100 days:
There were many many more to choose from but there would be far too many to put them all here! Sorry if your tweet didn't make it or if some people feature heavily - I've just picked a few of the best.
What #happyNQT100 has appeared to do is to help NQTs find the positives in every day, even on the days where it wasn't obvious. Here are some of the comments:
Some people even said they intend to carry on as it so was so positive. I'm so pleased that I could start something like this and see it grow and affect so many people. Wellbeing/work-life balance/stress relief - whatever you want to call it, is so important for teachers at all stages of their career, so why not start as you mean to go on?
So where does #HappyNQT100 go next? Despite not being an NQT myself any more I will be promoting #HappyNQT100 throughout the year and hoping to get lots of new NQTs on board, starting at whatever point they wish. I really believe that it's just the sort of boost NQTs need and helps you to build your support network. I'll also be speaking about it at PedagooHamps in September.
Take a look at #HappyNQT100 on twitter yourself if you need any more evidence!
Looks like we already have our next participant!
Before I reflect on #happyNQT100 and where it goes next, here are a selection of our 100 days:
I'm starting my #HappyNQT100 on the 1st day of my summer term (20th Apr) as that'll take me right up to the last day! pic.twitter.com/NrWrEMC3A1
— Miss RQT (@Miss_RQT) April 12, 2015
@BexNobes Looking forward to sharing my #HappyNQT100 with you all! :-D
— Miss Sleet (@ManicSleetTeach) April 12, 2015
Just seen #happyNQT100, lovely! Might do it with a spin of #happyPGCE100. So near yet so far!
— Miss EP (@eplepa) April 12, 2015
Email I received today, student who couldn't wait until my lesson to tell me the news.. #100happydays #HappyNQT100 pic.twitter.com/F4neuwPdRK
— Miss Popat (@KPsychteacher) April 13, 2015
#HappyNQT100 had a walk around northumberlandia and made a start on some new display resources #100happydays #nqt pic.twitter.com/tVvKTOVlxn
— hldNQT (@hldNQT) April 13, 2015
— Stephen Mitchell (@Ste_A_Mitchell) April 13, 2015
Day 1 - NEARLY all my year 7s brought their homework back on time and completed! Small gains! #happyNQT100
— Mr M (@cumbrianmaths) April 13, 2015
Taking part in #HappyNQT100 and not on my list? Let me know! Planning to blog on it! pic.twitter.com/qRGUOIrJl0
— Bex N (@BexN91) April 16, 2015
'Teacher friends' from my PGCE are visiting, cannot wait to offload some stress and share our progress over some cocktails #HappyNQT100
— History NQT (@historynqt2014) April 17, 2015
@helenapelagia @BexNobes love how many of the #happyNQT100 today involve feet up and pjs!
— Natalie (@natdia89) April 17, 2015
Day 5 - great to be able to give children the experience of seeing a ballet. They were mesmerised! #HappyNQT100 pic.twitter.com/rWr2sTPuT1
— Miss Sleet (@ManicSleetTeach) April 17, 2015
@KrnWrd oh no! I hope you're okay. And you still managed to do a #HappyNQT100. You trooper
— Miss RQT (@Miss_RQT) April 19, 2015
— Samantha Keen (@SamSpencerKeen) April 20, 2015
Send all the motivational quotes my way today please...need the #happynqt100 mindset back...
— Claire (@clrsmith23) April 27, 2015
Day 7: Just wrote my first plan for supply teacher covering my class tomorrow. Only a few weeks ago that would have been me. #HappyNQT100
— Jenny Dixon (@Primarytales) April 28, 2015
Planned for HT obs next week and done lots of other planning and notes for the following week. busy non-working weekends ahead #HappyNQT100
— Bex N (@BexN91) April 28, 2015
A bit late to the party but #HappyNQT100 Day 1: being asked to be in charge of Summer School this year.
— Miss MadreLingua (@MissMadreLingua) May 6, 2015
Day 50 - I have acquired a bike ready for summer evening bike rides and de-stress! #HappyNQT100
— Miss Sleet (@ManicSleetTeach) June 1, 2015
#HappyNQT100 almost half way through the week, some nice news after school tonight and trying to get on top of work.
— Miss J (@MissJ_2015) June 16, 2015
Finishing the last few reports whilst watching St. Trinian's. Would love to work there!! #HappyNQT100 #JollyHockeySticks
— Alice McEnnerney (@Miss_McEnnerney) June 22, 2015
Day 71 - Great CPD on irresistible assessment. Thought it wasn't possible came back convinced it is! Thanks @greatergadsby! #HappyNQT100
— Miss Sleet (@ManicSleetTeach) June 22, 2015
Growth Mindset Project with some Yr 8s! #growthmindset @growthmindset1 @chrishildrew @cijane02 #HappyNQT100 pic.twitter.com/7n3zR5d74s
— Miss Popat (@KPsychteacher) June 22, 2015
#HappyNQT100 first time I'm really struggling with this. I'm ready for summer and so are the kids. So I ate a pack of biscuits :)
— Sam Chandler (@samchandler711) June 22, 2015
Day 65 - I don't do my job for presents but getting these made me smile :) Tuesday #HappyNQT100 pic.twitter.com/3p6f1dDqFE
— vicky (@ClementsVicky) June 23, 2015
#HappyNQT100 Too many things to list in one tweet! ☺️☺️☺️☺️
— Miss S. (@MissShawNQT) June 24, 2015
A student I don't teach said to me today: "Miss you're so young and you're a teacher - You've made it" 😂 Highlight of my day! #HappyNQT100
— Miss Popat (@KPsychteacher) June 24, 2015
#HappyNQT100 Day 41... finished my last NQT observation with a cheeky outstanding! What a year :) #nqt
— Mr Caunt (@MrCaunt) June 25, 2015
Day 83 - when a child passes you a crumpled litter note with this message on. #HappyNQT100 pic.twitter.com/C9ZXpSvbGd
— Miss Sleet (@ManicSleetTeach) July 6, 2015
Planning my office for next year with an architecture was a great distraction from my every growing to do list #HappyNQT100 #Doesiteverend?
— History NQT (@historynqt2014) July 7, 2015
Last set of exercise books marked for 2014/15!! 😃 #HappyNQT100 pic.twitter.com/4WH7Wym8Db
— Alice McEnnerney (@Miss_McEnnerney) July 8, 2015
Last day at @UplandsManor today! Thank you to all the staff and kids for the wonderful gifts! 😍 #HappyNQT100 pic.twitter.com/vM77GgtWNx
— HaplessQuilt (@MissECDavies) July 16, 2015
There were many many more to choose from but there would be far too many to put them all here! Sorry if your tweet didn't make it or if some people feature heavily - I've just picked a few of the best.
What #happyNQT100 has appeared to do is to help NQTs find the positives in every day, even on the days where it wasn't obvious. Here are some of the comments:
#HappyNQT100 was also great to see other people's achievements and daily highlights, a fab addition to the NQT community and support!
— History NQT (@historynqt2014) July 27, 2015
Going to blog my NQT highlights later but #HappyNQT100 is on the list - Rewarding to find a happy moment in a miserable teaching day!
— History NQT (@historynqt2014) July 27, 2015
#HappyNQT100 helped me focused on the +ve on a bad day, but also sometimes realise there are loads of +ves & I don't know which to choose!
— Alice McEnnerney (@Miss_McEnnerney) July 28, 2015
Some people even said they intend to carry on as it so was so positive. I'm so pleased that I could start something like this and see it grow and affect so many people. Wellbeing/work-life balance/stress relief - whatever you want to call it, is so important for teachers at all stages of their career, so why not start as you mean to go on?
So where does #HappyNQT100 go next? Despite not being an NQT myself any more I will be promoting #HappyNQT100 throughout the year and hoping to get lots of new NQTs on board, starting at whatever point they wish. I really believe that it's just the sort of boost NQTs need and helps you to build your support network. I'll also be speaking about it at PedagooHamps in September.
Take a look at #HappyNQT100 on twitter yourself if you need any more evidence!
Looks like we already have our next participant!
I've signed up, how many will join me and stick to it? HOME http://t.co/mrdzQCYExa #100happydays #happyNQT100
— MisterE_Teacher (@MisterE_Teacher) July 26, 2015
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
My #summer10
So I hadn't blogged for ages and now I'm writing again less than a week after last time. This evening browsing on Twitter tonight I read this blog by Rachel Jones. Having just finished reading her latest book I decided I'd join in too. I won't explain it here, you can read the post yourself. Without further ado, here's my #summer10
1) Enjoy being a student again! No, I don't mean the nights out, lie ins and takeaways... I want to get really stuck into my masters, especially these next two weeks of lectures. I'm looking forward to learning again and getting back into studying education.
2) Read a book. I know most of the reading I will be doing over these next 6 weeks or so will be to do with the Masters, but I would like to try and read something else just for myself. Ideally I'll go for something not education related but I'll not promise that one!
3) Get clued up on Growth Mindset. Having heard it mentioned loads at a conference last week I mentioned Growth Mindset to the assistant head for Teaching and Learning. She's really interested and wants to meet me about it in September so I need to know what I'm talking about!
4) Do some exercise. A while back I bought a collection of exercise activities for the Wii - dancing, yoga, cardio etc. I've used them... once?
5) Learn more about photography. I invested in a new camera last month, a step up from the last, but I don't feel I know enough about photography to get the most from it.
6) Get out and about with the camera. I'll need to put the knowledge to good use!
7) I'll try and get more adventurous with my cooking. Of late we're getting much better at the sorts of things we cook but I'd like to get better with ingredients and knowing how to do things.
8) Catch up with friends. With so much going on I know I've not stayed in touch with my friends very regularly. It's easier with some than with others but I'll be able to be a bit more flexible with my time for a few weeks.
9) Enjoy my holiday and explore. I'm going on a cruise with my parents and we're stopping in a lot of Spanish cities. Being able to speak the language gives me more confidence to explore and I should make the most of it.
10) Don't spend the whole summer thinking about September. Obviously there are all sorts of bits and pieces that I will need to make sure I have ready for September, especially with the Masters and other things I'm getting involved in, but I need to make sure I don't spend my time worrying about or planning for September.
I'll blog again just before term starts to update you. Please, if you blog - and if you don't then it's not too late to start, maybe try @staffrm - please join in with #summer10 !
1) Enjoy being a student again! No, I don't mean the nights out, lie ins and takeaways... I want to get really stuck into my masters, especially these next two weeks of lectures. I'm looking forward to learning again and getting back into studying education.
2) Read a book. I know most of the reading I will be doing over these next 6 weeks or so will be to do with the Masters, but I would like to try and read something else just for myself. Ideally I'll go for something not education related but I'll not promise that one!
3) Get clued up on Growth Mindset. Having heard it mentioned loads at a conference last week I mentioned Growth Mindset to the assistant head for Teaching and Learning. She's really interested and wants to meet me about it in September so I need to know what I'm talking about!
4) Do some exercise. A while back I bought a collection of exercise activities for the Wii - dancing, yoga, cardio etc. I've used them... once?
5) Learn more about photography. I invested in a new camera last month, a step up from the last, but I don't feel I know enough about photography to get the most from it.
6) Get out and about with the camera. I'll need to put the knowledge to good use!
7) I'll try and get more adventurous with my cooking. Of late we're getting much better at the sorts of things we cook but I'd like to get better with ingredients and knowing how to do things.
8) Catch up with friends. With so much going on I know I've not stayed in touch with my friends very regularly. It's easier with some than with others but I'll be able to be a bit more flexible with my time for a few weeks.
9) Enjoy my holiday and explore. I'm going on a cruise with my parents and we're stopping in a lot of Spanish cities. Being able to speak the language gives me more confidence to explore and I should make the most of it.
10) Don't spend the whole summer thinking about September. Obviously there are all sorts of bits and pieces that I will need to make sure I have ready for September, especially with the Masters and other things I'm getting involved in, but I need to make sure I don't spend my time worrying about or planning for September.
I'll blog again just before term starts to update you. Please, if you blog - and if you don't then it's not too late to start, maybe try @staffrm - please join in with #summer10 !
Sunday, 12 July 2015
The NQT year is over, but it doesn't stop here. Reflections on Career Planning CPD
Last week my mentor wrote my final report and signed me off for my NQT year. I expected it to be more exciting to be honest, instead I just put a tick in a digital box, added my comments and off it went. I'm not going to write one of those posts talking about everything I have done this year, I've already used this blog as a way of reflecting on those things anyway. I don't want to draw this blog to a close as it is something I enjoy and truly think helps me to improve. Instead, I am going to write about my plans as I move into my career post-induction.
On Friday I attended a conference on Career Planning for teachers in their first 3 years of teaching. It has left me with a lot of food for thought, some of which I am going to share now. There were a range of sessions to choose from and I attended talks on Moving to Department Head; Getting Noticed for the Right Reasons; and Progression through the Pastoral Route. The first keynote speaker was Jackie Beere who I found to be particularly inspirational and a great way to start the day. From her speech I have started to read into growth mindset, learning to learn and metacognition. These are all things I have heard about before but never really looked into. In fact, I've got so interested in this area that I've emailed my headteacher to discuss how it could be brought to our school. My push for contacting him also came from Jackie and the other speakers. Each one of them emphasised how important it is to volunteer for things and put yourself out there, I'll come back to that in a bit. Jackie told us all about her career and how she has got to where she is today, she's a very impressive lady and really interesting to listen to, in fact I was disappointed when she had to cut off her speech as she was over running. I could've listened to her for much longer.
The other keynote was by Alex Reppold, billed as NQT of the year 2008 and the youngest head teacher in the country, a tagline he was very keen to correct. He was indeed NQT of the year, in Hull, and is no longer the youngest head having just been knocked off the spot by a 27 year old. Regardless of all that I found his speech equally motivational. Alex stressed a point also mentioned by some of the other speakers about 'getting to good and then working out what you want to be outstanding in'. Alex talked about his personal experience of getting 'in the know' about a particular topic or issue and then sharing it with teaching colleagues and SLT. He said that before you know it, you're known for doing that and become the go-to person. Over time if a role opens up that is related, you're likely to be the one considered for it. 'Do something, share it and people will notice'. Finally Alex talked about not being 'a mood hoover'. He admits that this is not a concept he came up with but I really liked it and it's definitely worth a mention. We all know a mood hoover. They're the person that dismisses all the new ideas, finds obstacles to everything and is resistant to change. Alex stressed the importance of not being a mood hoover. That's not to say you can't question change, in fact you should. Ask questions, give suggestions and always try things out rather than just saying no!
The key points that I've taken away from the day are:
On Friday I attended a conference on Career Planning for teachers in their first 3 years of teaching. It has left me with a lot of food for thought, some of which I am going to share now. There were a range of sessions to choose from and I attended talks on Moving to Department Head; Getting Noticed for the Right Reasons; and Progression through the Pastoral Route. The first keynote speaker was Jackie Beere who I found to be particularly inspirational and a great way to start the day. From her speech I have started to read into growth mindset, learning to learn and metacognition. These are all things I have heard about before but never really looked into. In fact, I've got so interested in this area that I've emailed my headteacher to discuss how it could be brought to our school. My push for contacting him also came from Jackie and the other speakers. Each one of them emphasised how important it is to volunteer for things and put yourself out there, I'll come back to that in a bit. Jackie told us all about her career and how she has got to where she is today, she's a very impressive lady and really interesting to listen to, in fact I was disappointed when she had to cut off her speech as she was over running. I could've listened to her for much longer.
The other keynote was by Alex Reppold, billed as NQT of the year 2008 and the youngest head teacher in the country, a tagline he was very keen to correct. He was indeed NQT of the year, in Hull, and is no longer the youngest head having just been knocked off the spot by a 27 year old. Regardless of all that I found his speech equally motivational. Alex stressed a point also mentioned by some of the other speakers about 'getting to good and then working out what you want to be outstanding in'. Alex talked about his personal experience of getting 'in the know' about a particular topic or issue and then sharing it with teaching colleagues and SLT. He said that before you know it, you're known for doing that and become the go-to person. Over time if a role opens up that is related, you're likely to be the one considered for it. 'Do something, share it and people will notice'. Finally Alex talked about not being 'a mood hoover'. He admits that this is not a concept he came up with but I really liked it and it's definitely worth a mention. We all know a mood hoover. They're the person that dismisses all the new ideas, finds obstacles to everything and is resistant to change. Alex stressed the importance of not being a mood hoover. That's not to say you can't question change, in fact you should. Ask questions, give suggestions and always try things out rather than just saying no!
The key points that I've taken away from the day are:
- Volunteer and just say yes.
- Find what you're interested in and become an expert in it.
- Do something and share it.
- Focus your vision, work out what you're aiming for and the experience you need to get there.
- Experience does not need to come in the form of a paid role, find something relevant to what you want to do. Can't find it? Start it yourself.
- Get involved with the good bits - especially with the students you don't teach.
- Keep up to date with everything that is changing, make yourself the person in the know.
So now it's the end of my NQT year! Slowing down and relaxing sounds like a good idea, right? Nah, not for me thanks. My Ma Education starts next week and I have loads of reading to do, I have a copy of David Didau's #wrongbook next to me that I'm itching to read and I've got lots of exciting things going on at home. I'll slow down next summer. Maybe.
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Keeping up the momentum? Starting the new academic year in June.
On Monday, most students and teachers in the UK will return for the last 7 weeks of the school year. We won't though, we're starting our new academic year. New timetables, new classes and new courses for some students. It's exciting, and as an NQT coming to the end of my first year I'm looking forward to the change. Starting with new classes is just what I need around now. I've learned plenty over this year and I'm ready to have the chance to start afresh and establish some of the routines that I've not been able to so far. However, I'm still in two minds about the change at this time of year.
I believe that the logic behind the change is to keep the momentum going throughout the year rather than allowing things to drop off during the summer term. It certainly has it's advantages. With no year 7 or year 12 I am gaining a lot of time over the next 7 weeks that I can use to plan and prepare. I didn't have any year 11 and only a few hours of year 13 so I didn't stand to gain much time on the previous timetable. I hope this gained time will mean I can cut down the amount of work I need to do over the summer break. With 2 weeks taken up with lectures for my first Masters module and sometime needed after that for my first assignment I want to be as prepared as I can be for September. So from a personal point of view, this year the change should be really positive.
That said, I know that it will be strange for any new staff starting in September. Taking over classes that have had 7 weeks with someone else. They will have settled into ways of working that suited the last teacher and already have books with their names on. I know this happens to an extent anyway, but certainly as a new teacher last September I felt like I was stepping into someone else's shoes mid-year rather than starting anew.
So, what does it mean for the students? It means that year 9 students moving into 10 are getting started on their GCSE courses earlier and in theory getting into new habits and routines before September. It won't make much difference for 12 into 13 as starting the A2 course after the AS exam is pretty common practice. The 7s are excited about becoming year 8 even though academically speaking I'm not convinced of the difference they'll notice and the same goes for 8s into 9. For the 10s into 11 does that mean the pressure of their final year is going to start earlier and last longer? Will it give them extra drive or will it have the opposite effect?
I'm not sure what differences I'm expecting to see, will we still have the 'end of the year' feeling or will it be overshadowed? We still have Sports day, Sponsor day, trips planned and year 7 induction days, so it is bound to feel like the summer term still.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else that starts their new year next week or anyone that has a comment to share on this practice.
I believe that the logic behind the change is to keep the momentum going throughout the year rather than allowing things to drop off during the summer term. It certainly has it's advantages. With no year 7 or year 12 I am gaining a lot of time over the next 7 weeks that I can use to plan and prepare. I didn't have any year 11 and only a few hours of year 13 so I didn't stand to gain much time on the previous timetable. I hope this gained time will mean I can cut down the amount of work I need to do over the summer break. With 2 weeks taken up with lectures for my first Masters module and sometime needed after that for my first assignment I want to be as prepared as I can be for September. So from a personal point of view, this year the change should be really positive.
That said, I know that it will be strange for any new staff starting in September. Taking over classes that have had 7 weeks with someone else. They will have settled into ways of working that suited the last teacher and already have books with their names on. I know this happens to an extent anyway, but certainly as a new teacher last September I felt like I was stepping into someone else's shoes mid-year rather than starting anew.
So, what does it mean for the students? It means that year 9 students moving into 10 are getting started on their GCSE courses earlier and in theory getting into new habits and routines before September. It won't make much difference for 12 into 13 as starting the A2 course after the AS exam is pretty common practice. The 7s are excited about becoming year 8 even though academically speaking I'm not convinced of the difference they'll notice and the same goes for 8s into 9. For the 10s into 11 does that mean the pressure of their final year is going to start earlier and last longer? Will it give them extra drive or will it have the opposite effect?
I'm not sure what differences I'm expecting to see, will we still have the 'end of the year' feeling or will it be overshadowed? We still have Sports day, Sponsor day, trips planned and year 7 induction days, so it is bound to feel like the summer term still.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else that starts their new year next week or anyone that has a comment to share on this practice.
Saturday, 23 May 2015
NQT- Not Quite There - but only 7 weeks to go!
I can't quite believe I'm already at the point in the year where the end of my induction is in my sights. The finish line is so close now I can almost touch it. In some ways I'll be glad to see the back of the NQT year and the half termly observations, standards tracking, target setting and report writing but in other ways the NQT status serves as both a safety net and a comfort blanket. I know that in September I will still have great support from my department and I'm not being pushed out to sea to get by alone, I have no doubts about that, but there is still something significant about not being an NQT anymore. Gone is the 'I'm an NQT, I didn't know that' safety net, I've not had to use it very much but much like a real safety net, it's reassuring to know it's there. Gone is my 10% extra time, although I'm lucky to be a bit under allocation on our new timetable (we start in June, more on that in a minute). Finally, gone are the NQT meetings where we can compare notes and share ideas.
Something that comes along with the end of my NQT year is the start of my Masters. At the same time as I take on a greater teaching load and take off the NQT stabilisers I am taking on a new challenge. As soon as term is over I start two weeks of lectures at the Institute of Education for the first module of my Masters in Education. I'm really looking forward to it, but I'm aware of how tough it is going to be. This year more than ever I'm going to have to keep totally on top of my planning and marking in school because my time at home will need to be dedicated to reading and assignment writing. There are a number of people that think I'm mad but I firmly believe that if I don't do it now I never will, no time like the present. As I've already got some masters credits from my PGCE this course should only take me a year, if it goes as fast as the last few have it'll be over and done with before I know it!
As I mentioned earlier we start our new school year in June. I believe the idea is that we're cutting out some of the 'dead time' at the end of the summer time and keeping momentum going. This means that for the next 7 weeks we have no year 7 or year 12, excellent for me as it means I have loads of gained time for planning for September. I'm looking forward to the change, I think it's just what I need this year to propel me through to the end. I have mostly new classes so I've got the chance to start a clean slate with students that don't know me. I can apply all the things I've learned over the year to get new routines that I'd not established early enough on as I'd have liked with my old classes. I can keep on top of marking and behaviour and have more of an idea of what is ahead of me. At least that's the dream, let's see how reality turns out!
So to all the other NQTs out there, we have 7 school weeks left, good luck!
Something that comes along with the end of my NQT year is the start of my Masters. At the same time as I take on a greater teaching load and take off the NQT stabilisers I am taking on a new challenge. As soon as term is over I start two weeks of lectures at the Institute of Education for the first module of my Masters in Education. I'm really looking forward to it, but I'm aware of how tough it is going to be. This year more than ever I'm going to have to keep totally on top of my planning and marking in school because my time at home will need to be dedicated to reading and assignment writing. There are a number of people that think I'm mad but I firmly believe that if I don't do it now I never will, no time like the present. As I've already got some masters credits from my PGCE this course should only take me a year, if it goes as fast as the last few have it'll be over and done with before I know it!
As I mentioned earlier we start our new school year in June. I believe the idea is that we're cutting out some of the 'dead time' at the end of the summer time and keeping momentum going. This means that for the next 7 weeks we have no year 7 or year 12, excellent for me as it means I have loads of gained time for planning for September. I'm looking forward to the change, I think it's just what I need this year to propel me through to the end. I have mostly new classes so I've got the chance to start a clean slate with students that don't know me. I can apply all the things I've learned over the year to get new routines that I'd not established early enough on as I'd have liked with my old classes. I can keep on top of marking and behaviour and have more of an idea of what is ahead of me. At least that's the dream, let's see how reality turns out!
So to all the other NQTs out there, we have 7 school weeks left, good luck!
Sunday, 12 April 2015
#100happydays take two! #happyNQT100
With term starting tomorrow I've decided to take another hit at #100happydays. For anyone that doesn't know, the #100happydays challenge aims to make people take more notice of the things that make them happy in their lives. When this challenge was launched 71% of people failed stating lack of time for their reason, I was one of those people. Well, lack of time and just forgetting to do it. I found my pictures to be repetitive and fairly mundane. This time around I am intending to make more of an effort.
What I'd like though is for more people to join me, 100 days from now takes us right up to the end of term, seems a perfect time to do it doesn't it? As for many of us we're on the home run to the end of the NQT year (and the point where I may need to reword my blog tag I realise!) I thought this would be a great way to do it. I'll try and keep track of them through the #happyNQT100 and retweet them.
Obviously the more the merrier, this is open to anyone and everyone so let me know if you're taking part - NQT or otherwise.
You can register that you're taking part at www.100happydays.com but you don't have to.
What I'd like though is for more people to join me, 100 days from now takes us right up to the end of term, seems a perfect time to do it doesn't it? As for many of us we're on the home run to the end of the NQT year (and the point where I may need to reword my blog tag I realise!) I thought this would be a great way to do it. I'll try and keep track of them through the #happyNQT100 and retweet them.
Obviously the more the merrier, this is open to anyone and everyone so let me know if you're taking part - NQT or otherwise.
You can register that you're taking part at www.100happydays.com but you don't have to.
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