Year 6
Hell on earth. simple as that. The thing that shocked me most was the lack of respect. I thought it was just for me as a supply teacher, but no they had no respect for the Deputy Head when she came in. The sad thing about it all is that there were some nice kids there, it's them I feel for.
Glad I've been there even more glad if I don't return.
Friday, 27 November 2009
Milton Infant School. Newport
Year 2
Attached to the junior school, they have nothing to do with one another. It is a staff full of women which became clear when I went to the male toilet which had no toilet paper and no soap. I guess they don't get used much. Still it was lucky it doubles as the disabled room and after a bit of serching I found some hand wipes.
The school itself was nice enough, but the thing I enjoyed best was doing reading groups. it was nice to be trusted to do some proper reading.
That said given my choice I definitly would prefer to head back to the Junior School.
Attached to the junior school, they have nothing to do with one another. It is a staff full of women which became clear when I went to the male toilet which had no toilet paper and no soap. I guess they don't get used much. Still it was lucky it doubles as the disabled room and after a bit of serching I found some hand wipes.
The school itself was nice enough, but the thing I enjoyed best was doing reading groups. it was nice to be trusted to do some proper reading.
That said given my choice I definitly would prefer to head back to the Junior School.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Maendy Primary School, Cwmbran
Minor Learning Behaviour Unit
More cancellations but at least again they found me work. This time it was as one of three teachers, four adults in the learning behaviour unit. Lots of problem children aged 5 and 6. Actually by a lot I mean 10.
I spent the morning working 1 on 4 with a group that they are trying to intergrate into the mainstream and my afternoon weaving fish one on one. No planning, no marking, seriously tiring.
It was another new experience to work in Cwmbran with the added bonus of a bus straight to the end of the lane.
In the staffroom they laughed at me when they found out I'd been to Duffryn the day before. I wonder why.
More cancellations but at least again they found me work. This time it was as one of three teachers, four adults in the learning behaviour unit. Lots of problem children aged 5 and 6. Actually by a lot I mean 10.
I spent the morning working 1 on 4 with a group that they are trying to intergrate into the mainstream and my afternoon weaving fish one on one. No planning, no marking, seriously tiring.
It was another new experience to work in Cwmbran with the added bonus of a bus straight to the end of the lane.
In the staffroom they laughed at me when they found out I'd been to Duffryn the day before. I wonder why.
Duffryn Primary School, Newport
Year 5 & 6
For the first time since I've been here I had a booked day cancel, that happened at 6 30 on the Tuesday night, but luckily they had a replacement arranged already. They must have seen me coming because it was in Duffryn. None the wiser well neither was I so I said yes. Actually I say yes to all days so this wasn't strange. After finding my way there I had a chat with the head. "we're a sharing school and if you need help and don't ask for it you won't be back" fair enough I thought. Till lunch was fine but it was a wet day so the kids didn't get a chance to go outside, humm that could be a problem. Couple that with the fact there was a pantomine after lunch and the anticipation got too much. The actors were half an hour late and in that time I had two students removed to the deputy heads room. After that I enjoyed my first pantomine a interesting rendition of Cinderella. The conclusion of the panto shocked me most as the deputy got up and thanked the class and then told the students if Prince Charming hadn't got Cinderella he would have gone there becasue she was a bit of alright and he was single.
Anyway that was the day, after school I was told I must have had an ok day with only two removed and also that I was the third supply teacher that week.
On another note I have since found out about Duffryn. It was a muffty day and they all dressed as street criminals and drug dealers. Apparently this was not special dress, but normal dress.
For the first time since I've been here I had a booked day cancel, that happened at 6 30 on the Tuesday night, but luckily they had a replacement arranged already. They must have seen me coming because it was in Duffryn. None the wiser well neither was I so I said yes. Actually I say yes to all days so this wasn't strange. After finding my way there I had a chat with the head. "we're a sharing school and if you need help and don't ask for it you won't be back" fair enough I thought. Till lunch was fine but it was a wet day so the kids didn't get a chance to go outside, humm that could be a problem. Couple that with the fact there was a pantomine after lunch and the anticipation got too much. The actors were half an hour late and in that time I had two students removed to the deputy heads room. After that I enjoyed my first pantomine a interesting rendition of Cinderella. The conclusion of the panto shocked me most as the deputy got up and thanked the class and then told the students if Prince Charming hadn't got Cinderella he would have gone there becasue she was a bit of alright and he was single.
Anyway that was the day, after school I was told I must have had an ok day with only two removed and also that I was the third supply teacher that week.
On another note I have since found out about Duffryn. It was a muffty day and they all dressed as street criminals and drug dealers. Apparently this was not special dress, but normal dress.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Gilwen School, Gilwen
Year 5
What a treat to get out of the city and further up the vallies. Gilwen is as far north as I've travelled so far and is a country school. I loved my day and we got a lot done in an interesting class. Beautiful place to be teaching at the edge of the Breacon Beacons National Park.
Really hope to get back there, although I hope it will be less stressful as the car stalled it's way there this morning leaving me uncertain about if I'd make it home at all. Luckily there was a teacher (it was her class I was in) who lived in Pontypool who brought me home. I also enjoyed a great conversation with the head who is a lovely bloke.
What a treat to get out of the city and further up the vallies. Gilwen is as far north as I've travelled so far and is a country school. I loved my day and we got a lot done in an interesting class. Beautiful place to be teaching at the edge of the Breacon Beacons National Park.
Really hope to get back there, although I hope it will be less stressful as the car stalled it's way there this morning leaving me uncertain about if I'd make it home at all. Luckily there was a teacher (it was her class I was in) who lived in Pontypool who brought me home. I also enjoyed a great conversation with the head who is a lovely bloke.
Alway School, Newport
Year 3 & 4
This was a last minute assignment, which had the potential to be horrible as the school had just finished an inspection the day before. That turned out to be a long way from the truth. Three kids who had created merry hell the day before were well behaved and it was a fun day. The other happy bonus was that the kids were rewarded for their good work during the inspection and we watched Ice Age all afternoon. It's a hard life.
This was a last minute assignment, which had the potential to be horrible as the school had just finished an inspection the day before. That turned out to be a long way from the truth. Three kids who had created merry hell the day before were well behaved and it was a fun day. The other happy bonus was that the kids were rewarded for their good work during the inspection and we watched Ice Age all afternoon. It's a hard life.
Crindau School, Newport
Year 3 & 4
This was an interesting oppurtunity, to teach in the school that my grandmother had attended some 70 to 80 years earlier.
I'm sure the school has changed in that time and although it seemed a nice enough school it wasn't a great day. It was typical of inner city children street wise and full of attitude. Some of the kids were lovely but others were not interested in being there.
For the first time I found that there was no planning left which seemed odd considering the booking was made three weeks ago. Apparently the teacher whose class it is, is merticulous and well organised. My initial view was anal retentive, masking over inadequacies.
I will get a fuller opinion when I return for three days next week with the same class.
This was an interesting oppurtunity, to teach in the school that my grandmother had attended some 70 to 80 years earlier.
I'm sure the school has changed in that time and although it seemed a nice enough school it wasn't a great day. It was typical of inner city children street wise and full of attitude. Some of the kids were lovely but others were not interested in being there.
For the first time I found that there was no planning left which seemed odd considering the booking was made three weeks ago. Apparently the teacher whose class it is, is merticulous and well organised. My initial view was anal retentive, masking over inadequacies.
I will get a fuller opinion when I return for three days next week with the same class.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Wasted class time
This comment is a genral one not attributed to anyone school because they're all guilty. UK class time is often wasted time. The sheer number of assemblies and the amount of time spent changing for P.E. cuts so far into the school day that work doesn't get done. One school I've been at had 4 assemblies in two days, and it is not uncommon for more time to be spent changing before and after P.E. than at P.E.
Add to that the time spent celebrating religous holidays, regardless of the schools religon and it's a wonder anything gets done. That said planning is a breeze becasue it's all in the book, creativity is a no go zone in British schools.
Add to that the time spent celebrating religous holidays, regardless of the schools religon and it's a wonder anything gets done. That said planning is a breeze becasue it's all in the book, creativity is a no go zone in British schools.
Rogerstone School, Newport
Year 2 & 5
I had a week at Rogerstone School which was a pleasure to work in one school for a period of more than a couple of days. I had 4 days with the same year 2 class so I got to know a whole class by the time I left, something I'd only been able to do at Govilon when I had a class of six.
The school itself has an interesting history. Six years ago the school was burnt to the ground by arsonists. The newly remodelled school is fantastic but it must have been crushing for those at the school.
Saw a fantastic puppet show called Jingle Jangle Jungle put on by the Wales Puppet Society. Also had the pleasure of experiencing a lunchtime fire drill. Not planned but caused by the dinner lady burning dessert. You'd think a school with their history would be more careful in the kitchen.
I had a week at Rogerstone School which was a pleasure to work in one school for a period of more than a couple of days. I had 4 days with the same year 2 class so I got to know a whole class by the time I left, something I'd only been able to do at Govilon when I had a class of six.
The school itself has an interesting history. Six years ago the school was burnt to the ground by arsonists. The newly remodelled school is fantastic but it must have been crushing for those at the school.
Saw a fantastic puppet show called Jingle Jangle Jungle put on by the Wales Puppet Society. Also had the pleasure of experiencing a lunchtime fire drill. Not planned but caused by the dinner lady burning dessert. You'd think a school with their history would be more careful in the kitchen.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Lliswerry Primary School, Newport
Year 2
Lliswerry (pronounced Liz werry) is a school from the wrong side of the tracks. Over two days I got to know my class very well but didn't even get to know where the staff room is. After days filled with assemblies (all UK schools are full of assemblies) I had no doubt as to who was the head teacher, although as per usual I didn't meet her.
Anyway the class was full of interesting and challenging students and left me in little doubt that Year 2's are not for me. Still I must have done alright because I'm back in a couple of weeks with the same class. Hopefully then I'll get a better feel for the school as a whole.
It was my first experience of working with a full time class room assistant and she was brilliant. I'm sure not all are as good as her but she was fantastic, as was the rugby mad reading recovery lady.
Lliswerry (pronounced Liz werry) is a school from the wrong side of the tracks. Over two days I got to know my class very well but didn't even get to know where the staff room is. After days filled with assemblies (all UK schools are full of assemblies) I had no doubt as to who was the head teacher, although as per usual I didn't meet her.
Anyway the class was full of interesting and challenging students and left me in little doubt that Year 2's are not for me. Still I must have done alright because I'm back in a couple of weeks with the same class. Hopefully then I'll get a better feel for the school as a whole.
It was my first experience of working with a full time class room assistant and she was brilliant. I'm sure not all are as good as her but she was fantastic, as was the rugby mad reading recovery lady.
Lleswerry Primary School, Newport
Year 2
First things first, Year 2 are not for me. 6 year olds nah!
That aside I had a good couple of days at Lliswerry School and must have done o.k. because I'm back in a couple of weeks in the same class. My two days here made it apparent that the schools on the UK are obsessed with assemblies. There seems to be at least one a day and this is no exception. The other thing is all schools pray even though they have no religious denomination attached to the school.
The assemblies at Lliswerry (pronounced liz werry) left me in no doubt about who was the head teacher, although as per usual I didn't meet her while here.
That wasn't the only thing, I had to ask where the toilets were and I still have no idea where the staffroom is. It was also my first experience of having a full time teaching assistant and she was worth her weight in gold. I occassionally felt she was doing the work while I was being paid but she knew the school, the room and most importantly the kids. Believe me that makes a difference.
I'm glad to be returning as I still don't feel that I know the school. Some you get into and know what kind of school it is but this was not the case here.
Still don't know the school as I was back in the same class, so nice to be remembered but apart from that still clueless about most aspects of the school.
There was one event that left quite an impression. Today is the anniversary of world war one finishing. So at 11 am the whole nation is silent for two minutes. At Lleswerry that means, another assembly. Also it means a chance for the deputy head to promote her world views about why Afganastan should have British troops there, not quite the place and definitly not the time because she talked right through 11 o'clock and we missed the 2 minutes and instead did it a few minutes later.
Then the icing on the cake was playing a song to celebrate, I'll stand by you by Girls Aloud. Enough Said!
First things first, Year 2 are not for me. 6 year olds nah!
That aside I had a good couple of days at Lliswerry School and must have done o.k. because I'm back in a couple of weeks in the same class. My two days here made it apparent that the schools on the UK are obsessed with assemblies. There seems to be at least one a day and this is no exception. The other thing is all schools pray even though they have no religious denomination attached to the school.
The assemblies at Lliswerry (pronounced liz werry) left me in no doubt about who was the head teacher, although as per usual I didn't meet her while here.
That wasn't the only thing, I had to ask where the toilets were and I still have no idea where the staffroom is. It was also my first experience of having a full time teaching assistant and she was worth her weight in gold. I occassionally felt she was doing the work while I was being paid but she knew the school, the room and most importantly the kids. Believe me that makes a difference.
I'm glad to be returning as I still don't feel that I know the school. Some you get into and know what kind of school it is but this was not the case here.
Still don't know the school as I was back in the same class, so nice to be remembered but apart from that still clueless about most aspects of the school.
There was one event that left quite an impression. Today is the anniversary of world war one finishing. So at 11 am the whole nation is silent for two minutes. At Lleswerry that means, another assembly. Also it means a chance for the deputy head to promote her world views about why Afganastan should have British troops there, not quite the place and definitly not the time because she talked right through 11 o'clock and we missed the 2 minutes and instead did it a few minutes later.
Then the icing on the cake was playing a song to celebrate, I'll stand by you by Girls Aloud. Enough Said!
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Govilon School, Govilon
This is a tragic tale of a super school. Govilon is situated to the west of the Head of the Valley's Highway just out of Abergavenny. That means this is a village school not a city school. Exciting!
But it's so sad, this school is fantastic, I really loved it and felt so welcomed by the kids and staff ( one even made me a card ) but this is probably the last year the school will be open. Monmouthshire Local Authority made the decision last year to close it and although the locals are fighting it parents have got cold feet and the roll has dropped from 80 to just 28. My class had just 6 students in it, I've never taught less than 30 in New Zealand so to be in a school smaller than that was a treat I won't forget.
Because of the drop of numbers the school is almost certainly condemed to being closed, especially because teachers are looked after by the council in this situation, but head teachers are not , So Rob ( I've met him making it 2 headteachers I've met now) has made the hard decision to move on in January. Nobody holds it against him, how can they but it's another nail in the coffin of Govilon School.
Anyway the kids there are fantastic and so happy, I went on a school trip with them to the pools in Abergavenny and as it's Harvest I popped up to the local chapel with them. I got to meet the village priest who was a top bloke also. The kids seemed genuinly sad to see me go and again I hope to get back there if I get the chance. One year 3 introduced me to his Mum because he was desperate for me to meet her (she doubles as his mum and the school dinner lady).
But it's so sad, this school is fantastic, I really loved it and felt so welcomed by the kids and staff ( one even made me a card ) but this is probably the last year the school will be open. Monmouthshire Local Authority made the decision last year to close it and although the locals are fighting it parents have got cold feet and the roll has dropped from 80 to just 28. My class had just 6 students in it, I've never taught less than 30 in New Zealand so to be in a school smaller than that was a treat I won't forget.
Because of the drop of numbers the school is almost certainly condemed to being closed, especially because teachers are looked after by the council in this situation, but head teachers are not , So Rob ( I've met him making it 2 headteachers I've met now) has made the hard decision to move on in January. Nobody holds it against him, how can they but it's another nail in the coffin of Govilon School.
Anyway the kids there are fantastic and so happy, I went on a school trip with them to the pools in Abergavenny and as it's Harvest I popped up to the local chapel with them. I got to meet the village priest who was a top bloke also. The kids seemed genuinly sad to see me go and again I hope to get back there if I get the chance. One year 3 introduced me to his Mum because he was desperate for me to meet her (she doubles as his mum and the school dinner lady).
Eveswell School, Newport
Year 1, 4 & 6
What a great school and I did the haka. The kids here are great and the school is housed in lovely buildings. I learnt about a fascinating man Paul Robeson whom the class were studying and generally had a great day. This is a school I certainly hope to get back to because I've only had the one day so far and it's not long enough to get a feel for a school like this.
Well, I got back to Eveswell and got a chance to know the school a little better. I was paid to teach dance all day, well I can cope with that. It's a hard situation teaching four different classes in a day but it gave me a chance to see four more classes so it was good. Got a lot of recognition from the class I had taught previously ( about a month ago) so it was nice to know I made an impact with them. Sounds like a positive one as well.
What a great school and I did the haka. The kids here are great and the school is housed in lovely buildings. I learnt about a fascinating man Paul Robeson whom the class were studying and generally had a great day. This is a school I certainly hope to get back to because I've only had the one day so far and it's not long enough to get a feel for a school like this.
Well, I got back to Eveswell and got a chance to know the school a little better. I was paid to teach dance all day, well I can cope with that. It's a hard situation teaching four different classes in a day but it gave me a chance to see four more classes so it was good. Got a lot of recognition from the class I had taught previously ( about a month ago) so it was nice to know I made an impact with them. Sounds like a positive one as well.
Milton Junior School, Newport
Year 3 & 5
I should point out that I have repeat work here so I may add to this post in the near future. My first school in Wales, thank god for that. Weston was great and Bristol was work but the travel was a big bugger.
Anyway, this is the first school in which I met the head teacher. This seems very odd to me as in New Zealand you always meet the headteacher as a relief teacher. Great school coming up on 50 years, and now they've been blessed with my presence. The staff room was an inviting place not because of the decour but because of the warm Welsh staff ( just don't mention Andy Haden in 1978 at Cardiff Arms Park, I did and I baerly made it out alive)
The kids are so respectful and although the constant chirping of sir can become annoying you have to admire their respect for teachers. Milton Junior School is situated in Ringland which is a rough estate (one of the most notorious in Newport, a city notorious anyway), but you'd not know it at the school. One teacher there described it to me as the diamond in the rough and that will do me.
I should point out that I have repeat work here so I may add to this post in the near future. My first school in Wales, thank god for that. Weston was great and Bristol was work but the travel was a big bugger.
Anyway, this is the first school in which I met the head teacher. This seems very odd to me as in New Zealand you always meet the headteacher as a relief teacher. Great school coming up on 50 years, and now they've been blessed with my presence. The staff room was an inviting place not because of the decour but because of the warm Welsh staff ( just don't mention Andy Haden in 1978 at Cardiff Arms Park, I did and I baerly made it out alive)
The kids are so respectful and although the constant chirping of sir can become annoying you have to admire their respect for teachers. Milton Junior School is situated in Ringland which is a rough estate (one of the most notorious in Newport, a city notorious anyway), but you'd not know it at the school. One teacher there described it to me as the diamond in the rough and that will do me.
Herons' Moor Community School, Weston Super - Mare
Years 5 & 6
First thing to note about this school is that it is in Weston Super - Mare. Look on a map it's a fair way away. Secondly it is the most amazing set up. The campus (that's what it's called) houses two schools and the local library. Heron's Moor is an awesome little school which has only been open for 5 years. The kids are so friendly and it's a busy school with new resources. Because it's so busy with groups at lunch and a shared staffroom I only met a few of the staff, but the ones I did meet were nice and suprisingly one lives in Chainbridge just off the lane we are on which is handy if I have more work out there because he's going to give me rides.
First thing to note about this school is that it is in Weston Super - Mare. Look on a map it's a fair way away. Secondly it is the most amazing set up. The campus (that's what it's called) houses two schools and the local library. Heron's Moor is an awesome little school which has only been open for 5 years. The kids are so friendly and it's a busy school with new resources. Because it's so busy with groups at lunch and a shared staffroom I only met a few of the staff, but the ones I did meet were nice and suprisingly one lives in Chainbridge just off the lane we are on which is handy if I have more work out there because he's going to give me rides.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Easton Church of England Primary School, Bristol
Years taught: Year 1, 2, 3, and 6
The first school I experienced in the UK and what an introduction. We headed off to the swimming pool and I sat back to relax, next thing you know this school with its 90% Muslim population are sitting down for Eid to celebrate the end of Ramadam. A real hard first day. I got to say though as a school I find it cold. The staff bar a couple were not interested in conversations and the kids are genrally a law unto themselves. The Headteacher is never seen and keeps herself in her office doing whatever it is she does, not checking on her school that's for sure. The thing that sums up the school for me is the situation that arose as I was in a Year 1 class. We released the first half of the kids to their parents before a ten minute break. The reason for this break, parents couldn't get into the school because of the punch up going on at the school gate, not between the kids but between parents. The shame of it is the kids were great and I could see why some teachers loved it, but for me the coldness of the staff make it a school I have little affection for.
The first school I experienced in the UK and what an introduction. We headed off to the swimming pool and I sat back to relax, next thing you know this school with its 90% Muslim population are sitting down for Eid to celebrate the end of Ramadam. A real hard first day. I got to say though as a school I find it cold. The staff bar a couple were not interested in conversations and the kids are genrally a law unto themselves. The Headteacher is never seen and keeps herself in her office doing whatever it is she does, not checking on her school that's for sure. The thing that sums up the school for me is the situation that arose as I was in a Year 1 class. We released the first half of the kids to their parents before a ten minute break. The reason for this break, parents couldn't get into the school because of the punch up going on at the school gate, not between the kids but between parents. The shame of it is the kids were great and I could see why some teachers loved it, but for me the coldness of the staff make it a school I have little affection for.
School Dayz
This blog is a reminder for myself about the different schools that I have experienced while working as a supply teacher in the UK. This wasn't how I'd planned it to be as the plan was to find a job for 6 months and work in one school. I thought this would be great as I like to get involved in the place and just visiting day to day doesn't suit my personality. It didn't quite fall into place before I left New Zealand but I did get a job two days a week working at Little stanmore First, Junior and Middle School in the suburb of Cannons Park in London. It is with regret that I didn't get a day there because living in London just wasn't going to work for us. So on to Wales it was for us and work in the South West of England and the South East of Wales for me. As I mentioned at the start of this entry this is just a record for me, but feel free to read it.
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