One term in…

I’m writing this post mainly to try to get things straight in my head. Last term was completely overwhelming, especially in the last couple of week. Half term was busy, and it feels like it didn’t happen, and this week is ‘challenging’.

I’m facing challenges I expected to face (although a few of them I hoped not to) but it’s the quantity that I’m finding hard work! Teaching a pretty much full time timetable, and trying to do all of the expected and unexpected HOD work is a constant juggling act, and it’s just a case of hoping none of the balls I drop are important. I find myself forgetting who I’ve told what and whether I remembered to do something or not. I think some of my classes are certain I’m going mad!

My main worry is the quality of my teaching, because planning lessons seems to creep down the list of priorities. I’m falling back on the fact that I’ve taught a lot of this before and can generally control a class without planning every second of the lesson. But what impact does this have on the students? Do they enjoy learning history as much as I do? Do they like history more than other subjects or not? Do they see the value and importance of learning about the past…? Probably not as much as I want.

So… I’m going to spend a bit of time tonight trying to rectify this tomorrow. I have 5 lessons, so plenty of opportunity. I will aim to:

1. Put something into every lesson that will remind me my I love being in the classroom. Maybe a quick game or creative task or a group challenge…
2. Teach lessons that my class enjoy and where they can see the purpose of what we’re doing (that isn’t an exam grade or level!). Particularly pertinent when I’m also doing remembrance assemblies this week.)
3. Teach an exciting lesson to year 12 (without planning loads of new stuff)
4. Smile, be happy and cheerful to students and my colleagues!

I’m sure this wont work for every moment for the whole day, but as I’m feeling swamped only 2 days into a new term I need to remind myself why I still love my job!