Parents, pupils and me.

Well half term went by in a flash and so did the first week back.

I spent a lot of my week off doing work. I wanted to make sure I was super prepared for the first week back, although I'm not sure that went to plan. Sometimes I think I'm drowning in the amount of paperwork there is, however I do think I bring it on myself. Believe me, I tried to be sociable during my time off and I did see as many people as possible, but my parents would agree there were some mornings and I was up early so I could catch up or plan lessons for the following week.

Preparation is key, right?

So the reason why this week has been so busy was because of parent consultations. I don't want parents to come in and for me not to be prepared, alas this does mean I talk too much and on both evenings I overran. I'm brutally honest and I think that is the best way. You don't want to be told something and the parents are sat there thinking, 'You don't know my child!' I obviously want to do the best for them and this can only be achieved with the parents and family support.

This is where I think the demand on children has become so intense and this stresses me out because I believe the pressure is sometimes too much for them. We are constantly asking children to be more than what they are and ok, it's great to have high expectations, however we forget, they are children. Having said that, without basic skills taught at primary, children are suffering at secondary education (Anon, 2011). Sometimes, just children move on with the real basics. Is that always down to the teacher? Some children just don't get 'it'! Whatever 'it' is. Can't they just be themself and choose whatever makes them happy? Sometimes I think I'm in the wrong profession, or maybe just too honest.

The setting that I work in, the children will move to middle school after Year 4 and for some of them, I really worry. North (2014), recommends banning middle schools as the children just become 'awkward' in this setting and I know mine have another year, however I really don't think some of them will be ready.

Although, this isn't my decision and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I have an opinion, but at the end of the day it purely has nothing to do with me. I just worry, yes I'm a worryier and just need to let go.

So my first week back flew by in a blur and despite being over prepared for the week, I'm now not ready for next week. It's just a vicious cycle. To top it off, I'm on a course on Monday, so need to prepare everything for Monday, which I'm half way there. Then I'm going to another course Wednesday afternoon, which is my PPA (planning time), so I know I'll be doing work in the evenings next week. At least I won't be too tired, well hopefully. Training is great and it's about progression, I'm just not sure I want to progress. I like my own little bubble.

I also need to start to choreography a dance for my class as we have a festival in just under 5 weeks time. This absolutely scares me. What happens if it's awful? It's all down to me and despite being a performer, I really can't dance.

This is going to be one crazy term! Bring on Easter!

Phew!!

Steve Maull. An NQT

References: Anon, (2011) Online at https://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/jun/09/secondary-school-pupils-failing

North, A (2014), Online at https://op-talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/10/time-to-ban-middle-school/