School Practice 2

On Monday I start my second school practice, at a school about 15-20mins away, depending on how many trains I have to wait for and the crossing. I am in a lovely y4/5 class, with a fab teacher who is really supporting me. The other teachers seem really fantastic as well, making me feel really welcome on the preliminary visits that I have to make. By this end of this practice I will be teaching 85% of the time, which basically means that the only times I wont be teaching will be during my professional development time – when I go into other classes to observe other teachers, and PPA (planning, preparation and assessment) time - which is one afternoon a week where we plan, prepare and do some assessments etc. Another thing which is quite scary is that at least one day during the 5 weeks that I’m there the class teacher wont be there, and they are not getting a supply in, which basically means that I will be left totally in charge of the class – with the head just popping in and out to check up on me! Ok I know that in September I will hopefully have my own class which I will be in charge of, but its still quite early to be left in charge by myself – plus technically they are not meant to use us as cover when they’re on a course. I can see it from their point of view though – why pay for a supply to just sit and observe a student? It does not make economical sense. This practice is also assessed, with my college supervisor coming out to observe me about once a week after my first week - which means she will be sat in the corner with a clipboard making notes on everything that goes on. Fun Fun Fun!