Reflections

Sep 26

Mrs NatEducation, England , , , No Comments

So my blog has been neglected for almost a month now this is for two reasons:-

  1. I have been too to catch breath
  2. My hubs laptop broke so trying to get time with mine is like trying to breathe at work

I think a little update is needed while I have breath and the hub is out for a bit so time with my laptop can be reclaimed.  I can only begin to tell you how busy I have been and therefore how tired I am.  I feel like I am an NQT all over again trying to learn what I am doing and even perhaps begin to understand what I am doing.  I really cannot get over how different the two systems are so different, really you would think teaching is teaching but no, no it is not!  There are a million and one more expectations in England than there are in Scotland and that is on the teacher as well as the child.

The big thing that I cannot get over is how different the attitudes are to testing.   The pressure is already on to get children up the two sub levels and they are expected to achieve big things.  I have one boy in my class who speaks no English and I have been told he will be judged in three years time on if he gets a Level 3 or 4.  I just cannot get over this!  Perhaps it is the school I am in, but surely a child that speaks no English, that has NEVER been to school should be given time to develop just like they do in Reception.  Instead I feel I am spending time trying to rush him through his understanding of letters, recognising his name etc. in order to get him to some form of level.  In Scotland yes there where tests but they are all done in house and the pressure is not on the teacher at all – if a child achieves they achieve.  It is strange how there is such a difference.  Again perhaps it is the school I have found myself in but I do feel testing and getting up the levels is the most important thing.

The other thing that I do struggle with is being part of a team.  I am a control freak at times I do best when I am in control of a situation doing what I want to do.  Now I find that  am in part of a team my voice can often be unheard because I am new or it is not what the Team Leader wants.  Things are done in a manner that I would not do and I really struggle with this.  I am sure that as time goes on my voice will be heard more and more of what I think is for the best will be considered.

Although the above sounds negative I do have to say I am enjoying my time in the school – the 14 hour days can be long but I am doing what is best and I feel that is important.  I have had experiences that had I remained in my old school in Scotland I would never have had.  The way in which we treat the children is fantastic and I have to admit I love that children strive to want to do their best because of what is instilled into them.

I really like that I am being challenged and I am hoping that this continues – although knowing my head teacher I am sure the challenge will never stop.  I hope that everyone is having a good time back at school.

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