Day 5 - The Twilight Zone

Cue spooky Twilight Zone music, or Halloween theme, or the Amityville Horror theme. Any one would do.

I was asked to cover my first lesson today. In my old classroom. With my former Year 10 class.

I knew the layout of the room had been changed by the new teacher in my room. Still, it was jolly odd, teaching in a space that had been, for the last 3 years at least, so familiar to me.The tables were arranged so that there was very little room for manoeuvre and the teacher's desk was in a totally alien (to me, anyway) place. However, the pupils I would be supervising, and with any luck, teaching, were essentially the same. My last year's Year 10, now this year's Year 11. A little bit older, and perhaps a little bit wiser? They were friendly and enthusiastic and keen to get on. Pleased that I was teaching them; eager to know whether I would be teaching them every Friday - but I had to put them straight. They took it well. There were no disparaging comments about their new teacher. I have taught them good manners at least!

Work I had begun with them last year was carrying on, albeit with a different approach. All I had to do was implement the new teacher's instructions. Easy enough. They responded well, with sensible contributions and a dedication which I know they learnt last year during the course of my lessons. When I took them on, they were a rowdy, disaffected, rude rabble and we worked hard together to ensure that the expectations of good manners, self-control and concentration were met.

Consequently, I realise I will miss this particular class when I leave. I will miss only one other class as a whole. Individual pupils will be missed too, but only two whole classes have won a place in my affections.

But however pleased I was to be teaching a familiar class in a familiar room with familiar work - I was still glad when the buzzer sounded and I could get back to the task I was set yesterday. There's a little devil on my shoulder and she's getting ready to poke me with her fork...

Continue your chosen Horror music till fade....

Day 3 - The Timetable Takes Shape

This was supposed to be the perfect end to a fantastic career at a well-respected school. Instead, I am sitting in a room which has, over the years, become a dumping ground for OPC (Other People's Crap), wondering how on earth I managed to slide back down the ladder - again! I have filled two bins, wiped down every surface with industrial strength lemon zest antibacterial cloths and cleaned the small fridge that I found lurking under the teetering pile of the Class of 2003 ICT Coursework Portfolios. Ah well, at least there's somewhere to put my beetroot salad.

Today I have sorted out my timetable. 5 lessons supporting another member of my former department. At all other times, I will be covering teachers who are ill or away taking a course.

Now I will see how the other half lives...