The Star Thrower

In my 10 years of teaching, I have been called upon to do many last minute assemblies. You always need a few stories up your sleeve, and this one has been a trusty companion, weaving it's way into many different assemblies on many different themes.

It is adapted from an essay by Loren Eiseley (1969), but is often found without attribution and in various different forms. He is one such version:

“While wandering a deserted beach at dawn, stagnant in my work, I saw a man in the distance bending and throwing as he walked the endless stretch toward me. As he came near, I could see that he was throwing starfish, abandoned on the sand by the tide, back into the sea. When he was close enough I asked him why he was working so hard at this strange task. He said that the sun would dry the starfish and they would die. I said to him that I thought he was foolish. There were thousands of starfish on miles and miles of beach. One man alone could never make a difference. He smiled as he picked up the next starfish. Hurling it far into the sea he said, "It makes a difference for this one." I abandoned my writing and spent the morning throwing starfish.”

I think it is also a useful reflection for weary teachers, wondering why they are doing the things they do. 

Watch a version here:

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

A Great Week - Thank You!

The last week has been surreal. Great, humbling, but odd.

It began on Tuesday with the arrival of the proof of my textbook. This has been a labour of love over the last year. Dozens of Word documents that had become very untidy with edits, redrafts and amendments all of a sudden became a textbook. The designers have done an amazing job and it is something that I feel really proud to be have been involved in. Now I need to get reading, with my red pen, to really make it as good as it can possibly be. Read more about it <here>.

On Wednesday, I then got an email to say I was shortlisted in the TES Teacher blogger of the year. I was initially pleased enough that Andrew Old recommended me as potential nominee on his blog (see <here>), but to be shortlisted was a very pleasant surprise. There has been a lot of Twitter conversations about tickets, prices etc. I'm going to make an effort to go, as to be honest, I doubt I'll get invited again any time soon! See more <here>

Saturday was then the second London RE Hub conference. Using the power of social media, we had an event attended by around 120 people. There was a great buzz in the hall of the London Muslim Centre / East London Mosque as we discussed key subject knowledge. I'm genuinely amazed that people would give up their Saturday, and some pay out of their own pocket, to come to an event I've organised! None of it would be possible without such a great team; huge thanks to [L to R] Claire, Deborah, Kate and Julia. We were still smiling at the end of the day:

While I was at the conference, post arrived, which I only opened on Sunday - my invite to Buckingham Palace! The CES nominated me for my work in Catholic education and I was put forward by the DfE too attend. Mobile phones need to be switched off, so no live tweeting the event or selfies with Liz!

I think as teachers, when recognition and praise comes your way, it can feel a little awkward.

I know I am not the greatest of teachers, although I'd hope that most of my lessons are informative and useful for my students. I know there are areas I still need to work on, and improve on. I also know my priorities have shifted somewhat since becoming a dad last October. I also know there are lots of teachers working at capacity who never get a word of thanks or recognition on a daily basis; that's not right.

I'd like to say a big thank you to all those who put faith in me or put me forward for these things; it means more than you could ever imagine - teachers thrive on praise just as much as students do! Thank you.

Mr Tony Ward RIP

On Tuesday 22nd March, I was contacted by various former colleagues asking for prayers for Tony Ward, Head of Geography at my former school, St John Payne. The day before, he had been leading a Y12 field trip in Wales before suffering a stroke. The students acted immediately and Tony was taken to a nearby hospital. Over the following days, there were various updates... one minute good news, the next a turn for the worst. I think we all believed that if anyone would pull through it would be Tony. Sadly on April 5th 2016, after various complications, Tony passed away.

As well as a colleague, it was a pleasure to call Tony a friend. I joined St John Payne, as a fresh faced 22 year old in the summer of 2006. The RE department were situated in Middle School, alongside the Geography department. As such, this meant not only invites to Fionnuala Long's room for break, but also the school ski trip and meals to Prezzo. The expertise and experience shared over a cup of tea was invaluable to my professional development and at times the best CPD you could get!

The thing that will always remain with me about Tony, was his absolute love of his teaching subject. For him, it was one of the most important things about the job. Indeed, his room (more like his own annex!) was one of the best resourced and stocked teaching spaces you could ever dream of. Most of this was down to Tony's hard work, relentless recording of relevant TV programs and collection of maps, posters and diagrams. It must have been an inspiring place for students to work; I'm still jealous now!

The way the students admired him, loved him and fought loyally for him clearly demonstrated what an amazing teacher he was. If you spoke to former students, they would frequently ask, "How's Wardy?". Hearing some of their stories about the things Tony did for them while in his class or tutor group show exactly the kind of teacher, and man, he was.

Perhaps foolishly, he never said no to a student wanting to do his subject at A-Level, even if it meant taking a class of 40. He would work long into the night ensuring their work was marked, this after being the last one to leave the school building each night. Up and down the country, and probably beyond, there is an army of Geography teachers inspired by Tony. Each one of them will carry on his legacy. 

He would sometimes ask me what my career ambitions were. At that stage, I didn't really know where I wanted to end up (not sure I do now!). He was always sure to remind me that there was nothing wrong with staying in the classroom for your whole career; "THAT is success", he would tell me. He would laugh as he told stories of being asked to apply for SLT jobs and how he always politely but firmly always said "no way!".

Tony warned me to watch out for the "bullsh*t" and "sh*te" that would keep coming at me for my whole career, he told me to ignore it and only do what was best for the students. I think only now I am realising what sense he spoke, and I am grateful that it has stuck with me. In a world of education that only gets crazier, he was always that voice of reason. Crucially, it always involved putting students first.

His high expectations for students were something for everyone to aspire to. He was uncompromising, in the best possible way. It was just unacceptable to not try your best at all times. This related to academic work, standards of behaviour and uniform. He would always give of his best, and expected nothing less of those around him. 

I am also grateful that Tony took the time, two full days in fact, to teach me to ski. He noticed that I was struggling in ski school with the kids and took me out to give me some one to one. His trips were always amazing, and so many great memories were formed with colleagues who became friends. I got to go skiing five times at SJP, and sadly not since; I doubt I could organise a trip that could measure up to his! Piancavallo will always be a special place.

Prezzo in Chelmsford was our favourite meeting place where Tony would organise meals for all the staff of Middle School past and present. He used to remember everyone, and ensure to invite them on each occasion - even trusting us to pay our £20 deposit on the night! Christmas meals, end of the year meals... and of course his 60th birthday meal.

If I ever come even close to being remembered as fondly as Tony is by students, parents and colleagues, I will have done well. His family describe him as "the special one", and indeed he was. Phrases such as inspiration and legendary can be overused, but somehow don't seem adequate for Tony. He will live on in corridors and classrooms, not only at SJP, but up and down the country. Thank you for everything Tony, you will be sorely missed. I doubt there will be another teacher quite like 'Wardy' along anytime soon...

• Some of Tony's former students have set up a page which will be used by the family to commemorate and remember his life. Reading the comments demonstrates how much Tony meant to his students: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Tonyward 
• Further details of events commorating Tony's life are being posted on the school website: www.sjp.essex.sch.uk 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, 

and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

May he rest in peace.

Amen

Image courtesy of Paul Williams 

#Nurture1516 - A Professional 6 & 6

My personal life has been dominated by the arrival of my first child, Tommy. He arrived in October, but we had spent from mid-January knowing he was on his way... this explains why I was not last man standing (with Stephen Lockyer) at the pub after #TMBett15. 'Life changing' seems totally inadequate, and is so often the case, there are others who can better explain fatherhood, it's joys and it's fears; check out: <this> [FB link] and <this>.

Already it's changed my outlook to work. I can't do as many TeachMeets, nor writing commitments for example (unless they pay - that's different, as babies are not cheap!). I also need to shift my working day... sometimes I can get in early and get some tasks completed, on other days Tommy is already up and so I go in later. I try to leave by 4pm at the latest (we thankfully live 5 minutes drive from school), or I get very little time with Tommy. This sometimes means getting everything sorted and sitting down at 9/10pm to start work. Family time is really, really important and compromises must be made, and stuck to, to balance work.

We are only 3 months in, and only time will tell how things pan out. I may not be blogging as much, tweeting as much, attending Carl's 'salons' or Andrew's curries... but I am still here! Priorities have just changed.

Professional Highlights of 2015 (in no particular order)

• Head of Year - Surviving my first year as HoY 10 and already one term of HoY 11. It's been incredibly hard work, but a lot of fun. I think every member of senior management should have a shot at pastoral leadership to understand exactly what the job demands; it helps. Read more <here>.
• Blogger Curries & Salons - Andrew and Carl have facilitated various socials around London. It's good to put faces to avatars and realise that the education world is a friendly and supportive one... looking outside your school, having your ideas challenged over a pint or popadom is always a pleasure. There are many in the edu-Twitter/Blogger world who I genuinely consider friends. Some sent cards and gifts when Tommy was born; that's not just someone you 'follow'. Oh and Leeds after #NRocks15... that was a lot of fun with the Staffrm gang!
• The London RE Hub Conference 2015 - Somehow I organised (with the help of a truly amazing team), and seemingly pulled off, a pretty impressive conference in London for over 100 delegates. We did something that no-one else was doing, focusing on subject knowledge in RE and ensured a lasting legacy through the use of digital media. See what we did <here>. 
• The RE Echo Chamber - After trying to get more RE teachers blogging rather than just arguing on Save RE, with the help of Andrew, this place was born. I try to organise monthly #BlogSyncRE topics (when time allows). It seems like a success so far; there has been some great writing and reflection about RE... and boy is it needed! See <here>
• TM London 2015 - It was great to be part of the a team that put on possibly London's biggest (non-fringe) TeachMeet event. It was informative, fun and a great success. Read about it <here>. I've not been able to get any TM Havering events off the ground (looking for help if anyone is keen to take over?), so this was my curer.
• "Catholic Stuff" - There is so much to mention here. Being asked to write a GCSE textbook, working with the CES, speaking at Porta Fidei (a national conference on Catholic education), looking at projects with St Mary's. It has been such a privilege and an honour.

Plus on top of this I got to speak at, and attend, various TeachMeets, conferences and events, write guest blogs plus upset the RE world on Twitter and Save RE, work nationally on the future of RE with Culham St Gabriel's plus much more (most of my presentations are <here>). Thank you to each and every person who gave me opportunities to become a better teacher. Thank you also to those who follow me on Twitter and read my blogs. It means a lot.

Looking Forward to 2016 (again, in no particular order)

• Textbook Publication - Writing a textbook for OUP over the last 6 months+ has been hard work, yet brilliant. We've already had over 30 schools order our book. If you are considering studying Edexcel GCSE Catholic Christianity, please check it out <here>. The moment I hold this book, will be one of overwhelming joy, especially knowing the influence it will have on the classroom - where it matters most!
• The Queen's Garden Party - I have been invited to attend one of the Queen's Summer Garden Parties by the DfE, via the CES, for my contributions to Catholic Education. I am genuinely amazed and overwhelmed by this. Being recognised in this way feels like one of the highest accolades possible... plus tea and cake are involved!
• CatholicResource.co.uk - Having now taught myself to build websites through WordPress, an all new, far more professional site is in the pipe line, hopefully with some HEI support. It's focus will be supporting teachers for the new GCSE and A-Level but there are some far grander plans for the future! Watch this space (and join the mailing list <here>).
• The London RE Hub Conference 2016 - April will see the second major conference organised by this project, focusing on the needs of secondary teachers for the new GCSE. Having people repeatedly ask when it is happening and when can they buy tickets is quite amazing. Info will go up <here> as soon as it can be announced.
• TM London 2016 - Few people could do "bigger and better" than last time. However, if anyone can, it's probably Ross. I'm not sure what my role will be, but free, teacher-lead CPD has given me so much, it is nice to give something back.
• TeachFirst RE Conference, St Alban's #RE - Am I Bothered? Conference..? - Continuing to be asked to speak, lead and present at various teaching and RE events never gets tiresome. I am glad people think I have something worth sharing. Thank you again for continuing to ask me!

2016 is already shaping up to be an amazing year with babies on the way (not us just yet!), weddings, family holidays, Thank you to Emily for putting up with me and all my 'teacher stuff', and I am determined to be not only the best teacher I can be, but the best husband and dad to Tommy too.

Photos taken by: kirstenmavric.co.uk

My Top 5 Posts of 2015

2015 was a full year of professional blogging for me. Some posts seem to get quite wide readership and were shared by some of the 'big names' in education. I try to not get too bogged down with stats... at the end of the day, I write for me. I don't deliberately write things to get views - even the stuff on BAD RE which always seems popular (but oddly didn't make the Top 5!). 

Anyway, these were the Top 5 for the year:

1. Education Inspirations [November 2015] - A blog about who I read
2. RE: Radicalism and Extremism [July 2015] - A blog about Prevent and RE
3. Metacognition for KS4 & KS5 [January 2015] - A 'work in progress' of how I am building in some metacognition to my teaching
4. Why can't we talk about intelligence and genetics? (#rED15) [September 2015] - My ResearchEd post on IQ
5. BlogSyncRE Special: A New Settlement? A RC View [June 2015] - A blog about the future of RE in a RC context

My favourite posts? Maybe these...

• Pontifex: An Etended Metaphor [September 2015] - Reflections on a year of pastoral leadership
• Faith Schools [RC] #GE2015 [May 2015] - Thoughts on the place of faith schools
• Outlaw RE [Think Bomb] [April 2015] - Some things that should be banned in RE...
• Servant Leadership [March 2015] - The best way to lead?

Image courtesy of Free Stock Photos

A Term of Pastoral Leadership

I

Image courtesy of Jason Rodgers

Last year at school, I was seriously considering my options. Career progression is often a little slower in the RE Departments of Catholic schools, but it's a sacrifice I am willing to make. I work in a good school, where the majority of the students are amazing and lovely. I also have always had in my head that I wanted to 'walk before I could run' having seen inexperienced staff in positions of responsibility and been somewhat out of their depth. However after 8 years of teaching, including 3 as Assistant Subject Leader in RE (significant in a RC school, thankfully with a sizable TLR payment), I wondered what my next move would be. A few Head of Department jobs came up and I was seriously tempted to start the application process...

Then two of the PDCs (Pupil Development Coordinator; known as Heads of Year in most schools) handed in their notice and a third retired. The general expectation from all is that I would apply, get the job and do it well. No pressure whatsoever!

I did apply, I did get one of the jobs and I was given the PDC role for Y10; a tough and daunting prospect given that I had never even been a KS4 form tutor! However it was in plenty of time for a good handover, plus plenty of planning and reflection time before the 1st of September.

In my research, one of the first things I came across was Andrew Old's blogs from 2010 entitled Good Year Heads, see <here>. I had mixed emotions when reading it... (and it is best if you read Andrew's post before reading on with mine!)

Experience

Did I have enough? It would be my 9th year teaching, 10 if you include my PGCE. Year heads always have to have an authority as well as wisdom; often you don't get second chances to get things right. I also didn't know if this was final aspiration or not, and I still don't. However I have always considered myself as having interest in a pastoral role and so it was simply 'taking whats there' in terms of career progression. 

Focus

Thankfully I am known for enforcing rules, sometimes I've even been called mean. Behaviour management is so important to all teachers, and as a HoY, this extends beyond the classroom and into other peoples classrooms too. I knew I would have high expectations and, despite the hassle it causes me, I have enforced these. I have returned to basics, outlining my exact expectations for form times, uniform et cetera and put in all form rooms as a point of reference for students and tutors. I have an ever growing collection of 'diamonte' earrings on my desk too. 

Pro-Teacher Sympathies

I totally agree with Andrew on this, no one appreciates a HoY as an appeaser who becomes 'a friend' to the students. I back up every single member of teaching staff when dealing with students. You do pick up a lot of behaviour issues, some that you perhaps shouldn't have to, but the message always has to be the same, you must behave, no excuses. This does not mean you cannot also be a listening ear and champion to the students in your year group. 

Helpfulness with Workload

As HoY, I've realised that you need systems that are simple and effective. I do remember what it is like being a form tutor, and it can be a nightmare! Our school now has a duel tutor system, so there is more time to do the admin tasks but I do always try to alleviate unnecessary pressure where possible. Our CP (Citizenship and PHSE) programme has often been an issue, but this year I have tried to produce the lessons by Tuesday at the latest, ready for the Thursday lessons. I have also organised a number of whole year sessions allowing them to sign planners thoroughly and without distraction.

Thoroughness

I try my very best to do everything I say I will, follow up with every one I say I will and keep every promise I make! I think it is for others to comment on how well I do this, but again I have lots of systems in place to help me. If someone stops me on the corridor, I ask them to email me or write it down too, I have a to do list prominently on my desk, I have various filing systems with my email and various trays and files, plus two diaries. It seems to be working reasonably well... It is easy to receive 30+ emails a day, with a significant number needing some kind of response. However I've also learnt how to assertively say "no", or "That's an issue for the Head of Department", or "What sanctions have been put in place so far?". 

Andrew concludes by pointing out, "...year heads can make such a difference, more than other middle managers, more than most SMT...". Already I've realised the reach and responsibility of the Year Head, and in particular the way in which many staff look to you to solve problems (from the really big stuff to the trivial stuff). However I've also realised that actually, when you can find the time, you can solve many of these by having the bigger school-wide picture, access to various agencies and better understanding of the whole child and their situation.

As I reached my first half term, I then read John Dexter's blog about Heads of Year (see <here>), who points out, "If middle leader subject staff are the engine room of a school the HoY role is the engine oil keeping the school running smoothly." . John goes on to explain the reasons why some may consider the job of HoY and there is no point in me simply repeating what he already articulates well. He highlights the depth of complexity involved in the job and dealing with students and their problems. It really is key reading for all Year Heads and aspiring Year Heads, and perhaps SLT to remember what their pastoral team are having to deal with!

I'm just going to highlight two bits from his post:

"Be prepared – some colleagues will think you are too soft, that cup of tea in your office after Rudolph did that; others will be the opposite and think you were ridiculously harsh to force the detention over that so-called trivial event. So sure sometimes you can’t win but you are the reality of loco parentis and tough love needs mixing up with the bridge back."

This absolutely sums up what I have found so far. Sometimes I worry what people think about my decisions, but then I remember that I can't please everyone and not many would be willing to take up the position purely for this reason; it is hard work!

"Ultimately the success of a number of pupils is definitely down to the pastoral system of which they HoY is in a critical position. Knowing your pupils and families is the key. This job is about: relationships, relationships, relationships and a frequent stepping stone into more senior roles in school."

I do think that coping with the pressures and workload as Head of Year can only be good preparation for any future roles. I frequently struggle with my marking at the moment and I am pleased that my teaching is secure enough to cope with the new interruptions to my day. The relationships side is so key, with your year group, your form tutor team, your line manager, SLT, the head. Relationships take time, they allow for odd slips up, but ultimately everyone needs to know you are committed to the task and work hard to achieve the best for everyone. 

First Day Back

Image courtesy of SadMag

A friend of mine once wrote on Facebook that it upset her that teachers were writing end-of-holiday status' about how they dreaded going back, hated their marking pile and were in despair about lesson planning. This was as she had a son and didn't want to think about those who taught him thinking and writing these things on social media.

I have a lot of teachers on my Facebook, but also a lot of non-teachers. Teachers do sometimes give themselves incredibly bad press as the martyr profession all too often displaying their stigmata for the social media world to see (pictures of their marking pile, "Keep Calm and..." pictures, 'only 6 weeks until our next holidays' announcements). Lots of people work really hard, lots of people work really long hours, lots of people don't earn banker wages (most probably the bankers) and lots of people have a lot of stress in their job. A trainee doctor friend of mine once said, "at least if you mess up a lesson no-one dies"; a sobering thought.

Teaching is stressful, hard work, demanding, long hours... it would be hard to disagree with that. However certainly on my personal social media I try to keep it to:

• Funny stories
• Promotion and positivity of the teaching profession / RE
• The odd political venture (Gove was always fair game)

This weekend I managed to 'squeeze in' 6 hours to watch the Lonesome Dove miniseries which I got for Christmas (Amazing for all your Western-lovers). I have also not done any school work whatsoever during the break, nor have I checked my @iteachre or @talkingdonkeyre  Twitter accounts with any regularity, and then only for notifications - what has been going on in the Edu-Twitter world? It felt good and the break was well needed; last term was long and this term will be equally hectic.

The 'first day back' is always a shock to the system; early alarm, no chocolate for breakfast, no long walk in the countryside, no meeting up with old friends, no bottle of red wine for dinner... however that return to routine is always welcome. Having spent a number of days working at Crisis over the holidays (see <here> for what a privilege that is), it is great to firstly have a job, secondly one that pays reasonably well, and thirdly one I love! (Perhaps take a moment to think about those temporary Christmas staff now without work, or City Link drivers). I also think I am a better human being, who achieves a lot more, by getting up and having a busy day.

However, we had another of our too frequent 'No Tech Days' (see <here>), compiled by a broken photocopier. Our email had been down since 28th Dec 2014, my iPhone helpfully told me, but I didn't think whole system would be down. At least I could crack on with some marking... These days don't fluster me too much, but I appreciate I am fortunate with my established status and relationships with my students. However lots of admin / pastoral jobs that needed doing didn't get done.

A five period day did wear me out, but I left smiling. Good to be back.

I did have a thought today though, that there should be a whole day at the start of each term where teachers are free to do PPA (and the Network Dept can fix the PCs!). It would have an incredible effect on work life balance. So many people told me they didn't sleep properly last night as they were either consciously or subconsciously worrying about school. I always have the 'Can I actually still teach?' feelings, plus I start making 'to-do lists' in my head. If everyone knew they could come in at 9am, have a whole day to meet with their departments, mark any work you were to exhausted to at the end of last term, plan this weeks lessons, and perhaps crucially not face 6 x 32 chatty / excitable students, there would be a lot less stress.

I wonder if any heads can or do make that happen? If not, why not? For the teachers on the ground, facing a 5 or 6 period day is stressful, and in my (perhaps naive) opinion, this could easily be alleviated.

Perhaps it would reduce the Facebook postings annoying the non-teachers too?

Marcus Owen posted this image today; a bit tongue in cheek and not something I'd post on Facebook, but a few words of truth hidden in jest perhaps:

No Time, Too Busy...

Image courtesy of Nomindsvision

I really do love to blog, especially about recent CPD I've attended, ideas I've had and read and generally my life as teacher. It helps to take stock, to reflect, to see who agrees and who will do battle with me via Twtiter.

However, I am really struggling for time at the moment and I suspect I am not alone. I write this reluctantly knowing I should still be powering on with my Y11 mock marking. I've decided to treat myself as I am half way through... yet my classes return on Monday after two weeks and really my 'half way' point should have been last weekend. Ah there's the guilt.

A few things I've done and not really had time to write about:

• SLT Camp - A really, fun inspiring weekend in the middle of Cambridgeshire. Amazing hosts, great food, excellent company, interesting content... I am not SLT and I think it may be a few years off yet, but I'm learning and getting ready for when the day comes. I've always said that "I'll walk before I run" and if/when I make the transition, I want to do it well.
• NATRE: Improving RE through coaching and mentoring course - A fantastic day in Canary Wharf with some exceptional RE teachers learning the basics of coaching and mentoring. Plus discussing the merits of 'Save RE' Facebook group and eating amazing cake.
• TM Havering 3 - Me and Martin (ICT Magic) pulled this off in an afternoon after Andy (aknill) was sadly taken ill. It was a brilliant evening; thanks so much to all who came and made it happen. Any takers for TM Havering 4? I really can't do a 4th...
• CatholicREsource - This site feels like a strange thorn in my side. I passionately believe in it and the feedback I have had has been truly humbling. However, it seems to be hard to get off the ground without the time and resources. I really believe in teachers helping teachers, yet it's hard to get the word out, and hard to get people to contribute. I guess everyone is just as busy as me... A slow burner maybe.
• The London RE Hub - This project is going to be amazing. Even without publishing any speakers, we have sold nearly 20% of the tickets for the March conference. It's going to be focussed on subject knowledge and improving RE in the London area. It has to be good, and the RE people I am getting to work with are truly brilliant.
• Staffrm - I have finally blogged! This site is a really nice addition to the blog circuit and I think that it will compliment, my sometimes long, sometimes project promoting, sometimes 'not really contributing anything to the blogging community' posts on here. Stephen (MrLockyer) says he can post during a break time?
• #REconsult - The new GCSE and A-Level RE consultation has been crazy and I set up a blog to try and share views. Plus try and keep up on Twitter. RE teachers care a LOT.
• UKEdMag - I've written an article on teaching the Nativity. The December Issue will be published very soon... 

I have also frequently struggled in my role as Head of Year 10. There has been laughter, tears, impossible situations and yet so much joy and reward. I'm also a busy 2nd in RE, and the charity initiatives and events in this term are never ending. I have realised that my time in school is not my own, and my marking and planning is hard to fit in. I get in to school at 7am and leave (when kicked out) at 5.45pm and I am now doing more work than ever at home.

Would I change any of this?

I don't think so. In all the projects I work on outside of school, I am fortunate to be working with amazing people. They keep me going and make me a better teacher. Could I do with a bit more sleep? Sure! A little less stress? Naturally.

You just may have to wait a little longer between blog posts.

Dying for Half Term?

First I was dying to finish high school and start college.

And then I was dying to finish college and start working.

And then I was dying to marry and have children.

And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough

 for school so I could return to work.

And then I was dying to retire.

And now, I am dying... and suddenly I realise I forgot to live.

Anon

This powerful reflection reminds me of the John Lennon quote, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.". I am one of countless teachers desperate for that bell to go at 3.30pm today. We're low on energy, patience and enthusiasm.

I love my job, I really do and I can't imagine doing any thing else. The young people I work with are incredible, wonderful and amazing. However, like many other teachers, I find myself wishing away the term; when's the next holiday?

The last ten years of teaching have gone past very quickly. I remember graduating in 2005 and starting my great teaching adventure with a PGCE and my first job in July 2006. I remember exactly how badly I did some things, and the horrific mistakes I made with classes I taught and colleagues I worked with. If I am honest, I still do some things badly now, and I still make plenty of mistakes... I just can't hide behind my NQT folder!

However, is it really possible to live for the moment in schools? I'm pretty sure we do at times. Sometimes I stand back in my classroom and remind myself how lucky I am and what a great job it is. I even allow a smug smile and an imaginary self pat on the back.

Yet too often we don't. We are rushing, missing deadlines, wishing we had more time, thinking 'if only?'. Then all of a sudden the next half term holiday comes, the summer arrives and it's another year of teaching chalked up. I used to keep all my old planners and diaries as a stark reminder of how many years had passed. Then I got my pension slip and saw SIXTY SEVEN; that'd be 45 planners. I'm sure those years will still go surprisingly quickly.

Finding time to live as a teacher is hard. However the classroom does still makes me feel alive (apart from maybe p6 on a Friday) in a  way that I struggle to see how an office would; I know I would find it hard to give up.


It seems workload is going to be the new teacher vote winner (the irony of spending time filling in more paperwork to air your views on this does not escape me) as Morgan, Hunt and Clegg announce they will reduce it if elected.




Some stuff we do is crap, but a lot of the extra stuff we do does make us better teachers. Maybe I'm lucky in my school and its not as bad as in others? I'm pretty sure some of my teachers at school didn't have clue what grades I was supposed to get, and it didn't make a blind bit of difference what my final results were. They cared, but did they get the best out of everyone? Do we get the best out of more students now? I really hope so, or it really is in vain.




So how to live and not spend our lives counting down to the next holidays? I'm not sure. I'm just glad that there always is another holiday as that means in the not too distant future there will be another new term and we can start afresh again with renewed energy, enthusiasm and patience for the weeks ahead.