Today was my first day as a 'teacher' at my new school. This is a big deal for me as not only is it my first job after finishing my PGCE course, but I am also moving to Swindon to be nearer my job. It was an early start to get there but well worth it. I was so excited and was able to meet Hannah, fellow English NQT, at the train station.
Interview
When we came for interview there were four candidates and Hannah and I were put together for our tour of the school and other activities throughout the day. I felt bad that only one of us would get a job at this school as I really wanted to work here but also felt that Hannah and I had become quite good friends and I hoped we would stay friends even after the interview. At the end of the day, and teaching interviews are long, we were both offered a job at the school, I couldn't believe it this would be perfect.
Schemes of Work
So today I was very excited to finally be going to school to meet the team and get as many schemes of work as possible so I can start planning throughout the holidays. I am a creative person at heart and want this to be reflected in the way that I teach, however my last lecture at university was more concerned with keeping your head down and fitting in. At first it seemed this would be the case at the school as we were told the classes we were given and I was little dissappointed to not have A Level or double award GCSE. But, in reflection I guess this will give me the chance to find my bearings and figure out what I'm doing.
Inside Story
The members of the team seem lovely and after another crash course in pupil data I feel that I finally understand how to spot pupils who are underachieving. Theresa reminds me so much of my PGCE mentor and I can see we are going to get on very well she was very good at giving us the 'inside story' and I told her my concerns about the schemes of work. I am so glad that I talked to her and didn't just keep my head down as she was so lovely and understood my concerns and I am glad to report that they are only a guide and I can adapt them.
Fitting In
After a full day at school, we had a team meeting and I was able to see how I can fit into this department. As Gabbie is leaving to work at Wotton Bassett there is a great opportunity to use my media expertise to enhance the curriculum here. Using Pinterest and Twitter in the classroom really caught my attention and there are opportunities for me to use my knowledge of film production and podcasting to create extra curricular clubs.
End of the Day
Evening finished with a meal at Pizza Express, I forgot how much I love that place, and Anya drove me around the town to show me places that I could potentially move. I am so ready to get stuck in and the next week is going to be full of teaching experiences. This weekend I am going to the National Conference for Teaching English and then back to school next week to meet my Y7 tutor group.
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