This is what we mean when we say that school is completely different here -- curriculum, everything. You have to experience it to know what that sentence means, but it's volumes (the differences). I'd always chuckle inwardly when new teachers would ask what the differences are -- not that the questions was funny, but that it's too big to explain in a post, or at least for me. Completely different.
Behaviour is appalling. I cracked the whip the first day, and don't let up an inch -- the minute they do anything, I put up names, set detentions, call home, and write office referrals. It sets the tone the first day. And if they don't listen to me, I send for Senior Management, who will definitely get their attention. (Like that old expression in America for first year yteachers: Don't smile 'til Christmas.)
Best of luck, all! A lot of work, but worth it when you 'make it' through that first year! The time will fly, and you'll learn lots. |
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oh pat, you're such a jokster... :-)
with regards to discipline, this teacher is not only going to be cracking the whip, but going fist to cuff with some year 9s.. oh, the joys of private school kids with no vice principal... |
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It is weird how the same, but at the same time completely different school is. I can't decide if I enjoy having more lessons to plan for and seeing the students less frequently, or if I'd rather see less groups more often. I kind of like the variety, but at the beginning it is rather overwhelming. I tried to figure out how to get these differences and overwhelmingness acrossed to my cooperating teacher from student teaching and I just don't think I did it any justice.
I think one fo the hardest things is knowing what is and isn't acceptable, not knowing local slang I have a feeling some students are getting away with some minor inappropriateness in class. I find it helpful that my school leaves mixed ability groups rather small and doesn't give you a truly full class unless they are a top set. The top sets aren't angels by any means, but they have a bit more of something that makes the larger group easier to manage.
Another aspect that I think makes it more difficult is that as an OTT you have no concept of the tests and having never taken them you aren't good at giving those little hints about what might make a better way to approach answers and what not. For example I have one year 12 class, I like them and the material (though its not my strongest point) but when talking about a test they will be taking in January I just honestly have never taken it, I've seen an example, and we are doing work that is helping lead them to ways of tackeling the task, but it doesn't feel like I'm doing enough or have a firm grasp on what comes next and what kind of culminating events we are working towards.
The nice thing at KS3 here is that there are lots of schemes of work for them to complete that are outlines of work and you just supplement and take away things you know won't work for you. Do next year I can envision things running a lot smoother. You've taught the lessons once, seen what hasn't worked and adjusted for that. I used to prefer the older students but here I think years 7-9 are what I'd rather be teaching as a beginning teacher. I find the GCSE work difficult and ever more confusing than A levels.
How is everyone else doing with their mixture of classes? I hope all is well, keep updating!
This is what we mean when we say that school is completely different here -- curriculum, everything. You have to experience it to know what that sentence means, but it's volumes (the differences). I'd always chuckle inwardly when new teachers would ask what the
differences are -- not that the questions was funny, but that it's too big to explain in a post, or at least for me. Completely different.
Behaviour is appalling. I cracked the whip the first day, and don't let up an inch -- the minute they do anything, I put up names, set detentions, call home, and write office referrals. It sets the tone the first day. And if they don't listen to me, I send for Senior Management, who will definitely get their attention. (Like that old expression in America for first year yteachers: Don't smile 'til Christmas.)
Best of luck, all! A lot of work, but worth it when you 'make it' through that first year! The time will fly, and you'll learn lots. |
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