Feeling Out Of The Loop?! Me Too!

I know this sounds a little ridiculous, but I feel a little out of the loop on my own life?! Time is going to quickly at the moment, and soon it will be the end of another academic year! So, here’s a little update for you all on all things job and future and school related in my life…

(Source)

Umm where to start?! We are planning the school yearbook at the moment, and I need to ask a student to write my ‘profile’ for me. Seems simple, I know, but I’m worried about a) upsetting people, and b) having a balanced profile – I want it to be funny, for whoever I choose to state a few favourite memories of me, but I don’t want anybody I ask to feel like it’s too much pressure above the exam stress at the moment. Argh, stressful (for me, that is!)

That’s another thing – exams start next week. Seriously, were exams this early when I was at school?! It seems ridiculous! Everyone is starting to get anxious and very short with eachother. I feel arguments waiting to happen…!

Lastly, remember all that freaking out I was doing about what I was going to do with my life, and whether to apply to do a teacher training course or look for more jobs? (If not, catch up here...) Well, I have been offered the opportunity to extend my contract at school for another year…which I have accepted and think is a good idea. Sure, the money isn’t great, and I get reallllllyyyy tired sometimes, but I love the job and it’s good experience plus I have nothing else to do so seems silly to leave.

And breathe…I feel better just having written all that down! Thanks bloggy world!

<3

Sophie

Last Week.

Wowzer, it’s been another busy week at school. Students are getting that ‘nearly the holidays’ feeling and are starting to cause problems – lying, suspensions, fighting. Nightmare!

The other night I was helping an Israeli boy with his prep though, and he told me that I was going to make a great teacher. It’s the little things like that that get me through the day!

And today I have been offered the chance to stay on next year should I wish to do so, which is a huge relief because between you and me I was starting to freak out a little!

Night off tonight, so time for some supper, hit the gym, and then settle down wth my book for an early night. I’m reading ‘One Day’ at the moment – has anyone read it? I love it, but it is taking me months (literally!) to get through because I’m always too tired to read in the evening (sadface!)

How’s your week going?

<3

Sophie

A Penny For Your Thoughts?!

No Thought for Friday today….just my thoughts I’m afraid!

I’ve been having a bit of a stress out this week about life, and have been feeling pretty overwhelmed. Remember towards the end of last year when I was stressing about whether to apply for a PGCE place or not and what my other options were for next year? Well, that’s back again!

I had some sensible chats with my mentor at school earlier this week, and upon checking out the ‘number of places to applications’ ratio at this late stage have decided to pull out on the university application front. I’ve left it too late, which I accept is completely my own fault and I’m mad at myself for, but I was feeling less than confident.

So I have a few options now, the most likely beng that I will stay at my current job for another year, which is not necessarily a bad thing, and then apply early doors again for September 2013 entry.

Anyway, the point that I’m trying to make is that I need to get pro-active about sorting a few aspects of my life out, and I guess I’m sort of making some belated New Years Resolutions..again!

I want to…

* Do more lesson observations, and organise going in to other schools.

* Consider doing a TEFL course.

* Get some sports coaching qualifications.

* Consider a position teaching at the Summer School.

* Start to build my confidence in other aspects of school life, and get a better understanding of the curriculum.

So there you have it, hold me accountable will you please guys?!

<3

Sophie.

To Do It Or Not To Do It?!

Hello lovelies

How is your weekend going?

Today’s post is really more of a ‘clear my head‘ entry. You may remember a few weeks back I posted about how I was unsure about whether to apple for a teacher training course. Well, I am still totally unsure, but I think I have decided that I am going to apply.

So here’s the deal…

I have always wanted to teach primary school (specifically, 8-10year olds) until I started my new job at an international secondary school. I love interacting with the students and us bouncing off eachother. I love working in a school and being around the kids in a pastoral capacity on a day-to-day basis. I am really enjoying the lesson observations and getting back in to my psychology. It sounds horribly cheesy but I really feel like I am making a difference to these students, and I want to pass my passion for the subject on to the next generation.

They’re my feelings, but here are the facts.

Places on PGCE courses are limited, so applications need to be completed early. Applications only cost £17, and my job is only secure until next September.

In light of all this information, I think it would be stupid not to apply. I just know that I will be kicking myself this time next year if I am unemployed and I wanted to do the course and I hadn’t even tried.

If I don’t get a place, I don’t get a place. If I get a place and decide I don’t want to go then, or at all, it can always be turned down or deferred.

It all comes down to this. This year I have a whole team of academic staff to write me references, help me compose my personal statement and am able to get in all the lesson obervations I want. I feel like I would be stupid to waste that help and leave my application until a later date.

So yeah, I’ve decided to go for it! AAAHHHHHHH!!!