I am making a concerted effort to catch up with Sam's tags. I have a backlog of three to do, so here is installment one. For this one I have to tell you 6 random things about myself and then tag 3 more people.
1. I love watching Formula One racing but sadly that pastime has been killed off somewhat since I became a mother. It's hard to keep up with tyre and fuel strategies and who is where and doing what with a constant little voice piping up "Is that Michael Schumacher?". The stock answer has of course changed from "in that red car with a number one on it, miles in front of everyone else" to "Michael Schumacher isn't in it any more". I did get around the problem by videoing the race and making painstaking efforts not to inadvertently find out the result before watching it, but I have failed to learn how to record on the new video.
This is difficult...I am really not that interesting a person....
2. I have always lived in odd numbered houses. I find this interesting even if no one else does.
3. I have never been on an aeroplane. This is not through fear but just because I haven't got round to it! I have been abroad three times but always by land/sea.
4. This year it will be 14 years since I met Andy and 10 years since we got married.
5. I have busked outside Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford. A group of us from my A-level music course (ok, it was a few years ago) went along one sunny spring day and sang English Madrigals which went down a storm with the tourists and earned us enough money for a couple of pints in the pub for us all afterwards :)
6. I have been photographed for a newspaper on a miniature railway with Cheggers!
Right, now I have to find three people to tag....(please don't hate me!)
Elly
Liz
Amanda
My Girls
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mostly work
I am having a great deal of trouble keeping up with life in general, mainly because I am trying to get my head round the fact that as of September I will be expected to jump through the government hoops like everyone else working in the public sector does. I know I can teach maths to children, plan lessons, create resources (see me moving into educational jargon in a pre-emption of future form filling), stand in the rain with a cup of coffee (break duty), write reports, talk to parents, mark exams, find something to say in staff meetings, and all the million and one other things that teachers do. The bit I have trouble with is filling in forms and providing EVIDENCE for it. This is vaguely titled 'Performance Management' and means that I don't just have to do my job, I have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that I am doing it.
So, sadly I spent two hours reviewing the Key Stage 3 (11-14 year olds, for those blissfully unaware of Key Stages) National Strategy for Maths last night. What is more worrying is that I found it interesting, but I digress. It's a good document - it clearly lays out the pedagogy of the subject (in other words how one bit builds on another bit) across that age range and provides lots of helpful examples and snappy targets. There are lots of ideas for structuring well paced lessons. It's a great resource. I'm sure you can sense a 'but' coming and I won't disappoint. The fact the the framework is a mandatory requirement rather than a recommended aid to teaching spoils it for me. And it just doesn't ever seem to mention having fun............
Apologies to Sam; she has sent me two things where I have been tigged (Is that the word? We used to say that at school, but maybe I mean tagged?) to respond and I still haven't. Keep nagging though Sam, you can see it does work eventually;)
So, sadly I spent two hours reviewing the Key Stage 3 (11-14 year olds, for those blissfully unaware of Key Stages) National Strategy for Maths last night. What is more worrying is that I found it interesting, but I digress. It's a good document - it clearly lays out the pedagogy of the subject (in other words how one bit builds on another bit) across that age range and provides lots of helpful examples and snappy targets. There are lots of ideas for structuring well paced lessons. It's a great resource. I'm sure you can sense a 'but' coming and I won't disappoint. The fact the the framework is a mandatory requirement rather than a recommended aid to teaching spoils it for me. And it just doesn't ever seem to mention having fun............
Apologies to Sam; she has sent me two things where I have been tigged (Is that the word? We used to say that at school, but maybe I mean tagged?) to respond and I still haven't. Keep nagging though Sam, you can see it does work eventually;)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
New Job!
My main excuse for yet another long gap before updating is that, rather excitingly, I managed to get a new job without having to apply for one! It's very nice to be recommended. :)
For this academic year I am working from 9am to 11am, which is while Hannah is at nursery. I'm taking out small groups of pupils from their regular class, either for support or for extension work depending on their ability. I'm also teaching a module of A-level General Studies which is interesting, although a little scary as it is mostly science.
The best part is that I am being taken on permanently at the school in September with my choice of hours! I'm so happy at how everything has fallen into place. The school has a nice atmosphere; it has its fair share of characters as all comprehensives do, but that is part of what makes the job interesting. I have opted to do the equivalent hours to working for four full days, but to spread it out over five days.
For this academic year I am working from 9am to 11am, which is while Hannah is at nursery. I'm taking out small groups of pupils from their regular class, either for support or for extension work depending on their ability. I'm also teaching a module of A-level General Studies which is interesting, although a little scary as it is mostly science.
The best part is that I am being taken on permanently at the school in September with my choice of hours! I'm so happy at how everything has fallen into place. The school has a nice atmosphere; it has its fair share of characters as all comprehensives do, but that is part of what makes the job interesting. I have opted to do the equivalent hours to working for four full days, but to spread it out over five days.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Back to the chalkface?
Maybe the phrase should be updated? Back to the interactive whiteboard?
This school year is already going by far too quickly, and come next September both girls will be in full time school. That means I need to rethink my employment arrangements and aim to be at work when they are at school rather than when they are not. So it looks like I will be heading back to the classroom in the not too distant future. I am excited and nervous about this at the same time. It's already been almost three and a half years since I last stood in front of a class, and over five years since I last taught a GCSE or A level class.
I've been doing a good deal of thinking about what hours I would like to try and aim for. I think the most suitable would be close to, but not quite, full time. When Caitlin was little I worked the equivalent of two days per week, and I loathed almost every minute of it. Being there so little meant I didn't feel completely part of the school community. Full time work, especially from the outset, may be more of a challenge than I can cope with unless I miraculously turn into someone super organised in the next couple of months.
I feel a long way from someone with a career at the moment. I was going through some old work files on my computer the other evening and I came across a memo I had written to other staff about their A-level classes. I couldn't believe it was me who wrote that! I sounded like I knew what I was talking about! The maths bit I'm not rusty on because of my tutoring, but in every other aspect of the job I am seriously out of practise. There will be a lot of work to do between now and when I start teaching. I am already looking around for good ideas, resources and other useful bits, and remembering the things I struggled with when I was working before and trying to put them right before I start. Then there is also the question of organising my home as well....I think I need to have a better starting point with that too. I will need to write a CV and a detailed job application letter, and consider any before and after school child care the girls might need.
I do feel enthusiastic about the whole thing. I know I would be bored to tears pottering around the house when the girls are at school, and I do enjoy my job. It is varied, challenging, often frustrating but at other times oh so rewarding. I like the thought of having more money, and can spend it several times over, and especially like the thought of earning enough to pay someone else to do some of my housework.
It will be wierd to be 'Miss' again.....
This school year is already going by far too quickly, and come next September both girls will be in full time school. That means I need to rethink my employment arrangements and aim to be at work when they are at school rather than when they are not. So it looks like I will be heading back to the classroom in the not too distant future. I am excited and nervous about this at the same time. It's already been almost three and a half years since I last stood in front of a class, and over five years since I last taught a GCSE or A level class.
I've been doing a good deal of thinking about what hours I would like to try and aim for. I think the most suitable would be close to, but not quite, full time. When Caitlin was little I worked the equivalent of two days per week, and I loathed almost every minute of it. Being there so little meant I didn't feel completely part of the school community. Full time work, especially from the outset, may be more of a challenge than I can cope with unless I miraculously turn into someone super organised in the next couple of months.
I feel a long way from someone with a career at the moment. I was going through some old work files on my computer the other evening and I came across a memo I had written to other staff about their A-level classes. I couldn't believe it was me who wrote that! I sounded like I knew what I was talking about! The maths bit I'm not rusty on because of my tutoring, but in every other aspect of the job I am seriously out of practise. There will be a lot of work to do between now and when I start teaching. I am already looking around for good ideas, resources and other useful bits, and remembering the things I struggled with when I was working before and trying to put them right before I start. Then there is also the question of organising my home as well....I think I need to have a better starting point with that too. I will need to write a CV and a detailed job application letter, and consider any before and after school child care the girls might need.
I do feel enthusiastic about the whole thing. I know I would be bored to tears pottering around the house when the girls are at school, and I do enjoy my job. It is varied, challenging, often frustrating but at other times oh so rewarding. I like the thought of having more money, and can spend it several times over, and especially like the thought of earning enough to pay someone else to do some of my housework.
It will be wierd to be 'Miss' again.....
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Still here!
Yet again far too long since I updated and I think even my small band of loyal readers are starting to give up on me!
As I said in my last proper post, August was a very busy month. The girls had wonderful fun with all their birthday celebrations. The main event of course was the Jungle Junction party which went very well indeed. I managed to get there in plenty of time without getting stressed which as anyone who knows me will agree is a pretty major achievement. The food I prepared all went down well and there was enough for everyone without too much left over. The only nearly catastrophe was that I made the mistake of thinking that Jungle Junction supplied the squash...they don't, if you are doing your own food you have to bring your own squash and they supply the jugs for you to make it up in. Thankfully I was saved by the early arrival of my friend Mandy who nipped down the road to Sainsbury's for supplies. The girls had a wonderful time, but sadly due to organising the food and drinks for the children I didn't get chance to take more than a handful of photos. On their actual birthdays we had family round for a cuppa and birthday cake - so in total they had three cakes between them! Lucky girls (and lucky me, I managed to get my fair share...)
Hannah's endoscopy went very well indeed. I won't go into too much detail as I know it's all on her blog, but the main thing was she has no varices (still having trouble getting that to sink in) and she was a star for the whole day.
It was lovely to meet with Danielle, Liz, Maribel, Sam and their families for the Hugs and Hope day on the 19th of August. Sadly it bucketed it down for the whole day and as we had picked an outside activity it really spoiled our plans. The kids didn't mind splashing in the puddles though and we got to have a good natter together.
Here is the montage of photos I made from the day:
September started with Caitlin going back to school on the 5th. She was very excited to go back; it is great that she enjoys school so much. Being not terribly bright I had booked Hannah's home visit for nursery at 11 am that day. This did not exactly give me much 'one child instead of two children who mostly want to kill each other time' to make the house look presentable. Amazingly I managed to make the living room look like part of a respectable person's home, although the hidden bits of the house were very scary and I prayed that they wouldn't need the loo! It was a good job too...because the headmistress arrived with Hannah's teacher!
The following week we enjoyed a visit from Elly, Arthur, and Sylvan. Hannah has finally managed to work out that Sylvan is not called Shiny, which is progress. Arthur was perfectly happy as long as he could watch Thomas the Tank Engine (note to Elly: We now have a new video player so there is the potential for Arthur to watch more than one episode of Thomas next time he comes!)
The next highlight was Hannah starting nursery on the 26th of September...here she is....
...having a great time, and thankfully that has continued. In fact I have to chase her into the classroom for a goodbye kiss!
The 6th of October was the CLDF conference. This is the third time we have been and as usual it was an excellent day, being extremely interesting and informative. It was also the day of my big moment...the talk I had been asked to do. I worked really hard on it and also had some invaluable help from Andy. It was all worth it; not only did I manage not to cock it up but I have had some wonderful positive feedback about it.
So....*breathes*....I think that is our major events of the last three months caught up with....
As I said in my last proper post, August was a very busy month. The girls had wonderful fun with all their birthday celebrations. The main event of course was the Jungle Junction party which went very well indeed. I managed to get there in plenty of time without getting stressed which as anyone who knows me will agree is a pretty major achievement. The food I prepared all went down well and there was enough for everyone without too much left over. The only nearly catastrophe was that I made the mistake of thinking that Jungle Junction supplied the squash...they don't, if you are doing your own food you have to bring your own squash and they supply the jugs for you to make it up in. Thankfully I was saved by the early arrival of my friend Mandy who nipped down the road to Sainsbury's for supplies. The girls had a wonderful time, but sadly due to organising the food and drinks for the children I didn't get chance to take more than a handful of photos. On their actual birthdays we had family round for a cuppa and birthday cake - so in total they had three cakes between them! Lucky girls (and lucky me, I managed to get my fair share...)
Hannah's endoscopy went very well indeed. I won't go into too much detail as I know it's all on her blog, but the main thing was she has no varices (still having trouble getting that to sink in) and she was a star for the whole day.
It was lovely to meet with Danielle, Liz, Maribel, Sam and their families for the Hugs and Hope day on the 19th of August. Sadly it bucketed it down for the whole day and as we had picked an outside activity it really spoiled our plans. The kids didn't mind splashing in the puddles though and we got to have a good natter together.
Here is the montage of photos I made from the day:
September started with Caitlin going back to school on the 5th. She was very excited to go back; it is great that she enjoys school so much. Being not terribly bright I had booked Hannah's home visit for nursery at 11 am that day. This did not exactly give me much 'one child instead of two children who mostly want to kill each other time' to make the house look presentable. Amazingly I managed to make the living room look like part of a respectable person's home, although the hidden bits of the house were very scary and I prayed that they wouldn't need the loo! It was a good job too...because the headmistress arrived with Hannah's teacher!
The following week we enjoyed a visit from Elly, Arthur, and Sylvan. Hannah has finally managed to work out that Sylvan is not called Shiny, which is progress. Arthur was perfectly happy as long as he could watch Thomas the Tank Engine (note to Elly: We now have a new video player so there is the potential for Arthur to watch more than one episode of Thomas next time he comes!)
The next highlight was Hannah starting nursery on the 26th of September...here she is....
...having a great time, and thankfully that has continued. In fact I have to chase her into the classroom for a goodbye kiss!
The 6th of October was the CLDF conference. This is the third time we have been and as usual it was an excellent day, being extremely interesting and informative. It was also the day of my big moment...the talk I had been asked to do. I worked really hard on it and also had some invaluable help from Andy. It was all worth it; not only did I manage not to cock it up but I have had some wonderful positive feedback about it.
So....*breathes*....I think that is our major events of the last three months caught up with....
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