My first Day At School (second time round)

40 years after my first, "first day at school", I experienced my second.

I was met by Carol Turvey at 1.30, and introduced to Mel Evans, the Head of Science, and Class 7b. I was given a "Graduate Teacher Scheme, Assessment of Training Needs" sheet, and asked to observe Mel, Class 7b, and Science lab 1. This I did, and then discussed my observations with Carol in her office.

This was great! It was a super feeling to be in the lab with 20 or so eager faces, and with as enthusiastic a teacher as Mel. His manner with the pupils was really refreshing, inclusive and gentle. I also enjoyed the small interventions I was able to make with a few of the groups in the class.

Mel then called in with some handouts on the subject of the new "pathways in GCSE science", a Year 7 "level" example sheet, an example of a "writing Frame" (which we used in this afternoon's lesson), an example of a "scheme of work" (KS3, year 8, respiration & breathing), a KS3 year7 science test. He also gave me the booklets, "Science KS3 tier 5-7 paper 1 may 2005" and "GCSE Science A 2007/8 Specification". Carol gave me an interesting jargon buster of a booklet, which translates all those government acronyms neatly. I have a feeling this will prove useful.....

Carol asked me to read up about the "pathways to GCSE" plans, before our next meeting.
I am also to start a diary, and keep records of my visits to the school, background reading done etc. This Blog will be my aide-memoire.

Overall, I loved it. I am really looking forward to my next session, and am mildly disapointed that it's half term next week. ( I wonder how long I will continue to feel disappointed with the prospect of a school holiday ?)