Six weeks until half term! Not that I'm wishing it away.

Well that was an interesting two days back at school.

You walk back in and wham! (No I didn't walk into a door.) Management changes, departures and short multiplication.

I had a feeling something was in the pipe line, however you don't expect it to hit you that hard. So it's only been four months in my first job as a teacher, however I've worked in education for many years and have seen lots of people come and go so that's not new. Although this time it's felt different. We only have a few members of staff so when someone goes it feels like a huge hole. Not necessarily the best way to start a new year and no opportunity to actually say goodbye.

It wasn't until the end of the day and I'm in the staff room (where I rarely venture) and realise I'm now the only male. (How many male primary school teachers are there?) A quick check suggests 15%, although that was back in 2016 (BBC, 2016). I'm hoping this has increased. It makes you realise how difficult this profession is and lots of people do not realise that. You spend so long writing lesson plans and preparing said lessons.

I spend over 10 hours at school each day and work through my lunch most days (Ok, I choose to do that) and if I'm not organised then some nights and weekends are also spent working. So the holidays are good, of course, however they are spent doing some work and catching up with people and family whom you've not seen for 6 weeks because you work non-stop.

This is turning into a rant, although it's not. I know jobs are difficult and I've chosen this profession and I like my job otherwise I wouldn't do it. You just hope it would be easier. I constantly remind myself that as long as the children are ok, making progress and enjoy coming to school then surely that's all that matters. Yes?

So before I left tonight I managed to mark all my books and there are only a few things I do need to do, which I'm saving for Saturday. (I know how to live!)

Despite a very awkward two days, I'm back into a routine already and I didn't forget any of the children's names. Six weeks until half term! Not that I'm wishing it away.

So lots of thoughts going around my head, however I promised myself to not over think anything and whatever happens, happens for a reason. Here's to next week!

Steve Maull.

An NQT.

Reference: BBC, 2016 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-37552056