Ready, Steady, Teach!

Interesting first week back, I got a modified timetable on Monday morning, knew some changes where coming and I had a rough idea of what they were. It was still interesting to plan classes in very short time frame around the gear that was pre-ordered by the previous teacher, nice little challenge for the week. A bit like a game show where you have to teach based on a random assortment of equipment. Very tiring though to have the ongoing little changes through the week and not being able to fully settle into the new timetable, hopefully it will be better next week as I'm pretty sure my timetable is fixed for now. One big bonus is a lovely Y10 group I've picked up, who are a load of fun to teach.
After a little chat with a DP at school I now have an official interview for Lead teacher of Physics next week and I will need to teach an observed lesson for them too. There is apparently (as far as I know) one other external applicant, so everything must be done properly. I am very glad I'm not going against anyone else in the department though.

I've also got a bike now (for those of you who didn't find out moments after I got it). It's a VTR1000, It's a big V-twin that thumps along with very little fuss, driving to my sisters today I was going along at 70 mph for a little while before I realised I was only in second gear ... So changed up to 6th and idled along at 70 mph instead (2700ish rpm). Have picked up a spare helmet from Amanda too ; ).

The new VTR1000 (V-twin)

An awesome photo of my CBR600RR that is still waiting to sell in NZ, Thanks Haim.

As mentioned moments ago, I have been in Thatcham today to help out Amanda and Phillip tidy the house for its sale. It has been good to spend time with them before their pending move to the USofA. Although at this point I'm a little wasted after the late night singstar Friday (Good times, "Go Team Science" is all I have to say).

Miss you all my kiwi friends... Much love to you all.

Mid-term break.

Well I made it through the first half term. Just starting to feel settled with my classes, however, have changes coming again, my timetable is set to be shuffled in a week, not sure exactly what I'm picking up. I do know I'm getting an awesome group of Y10's though, bit like the top-stream group I had in NZ. So that will be cool. Might be getting a Y7 too, but not sure, may loose my 13's as they join the two small classes into one. Many things up in the air. I am however going to go for the lead teacher of physics job (I checked with the other physics guy and he doesn't want it). So just have to tweak the CV and write a cover letter for the job, feels a bit odd applying for another job all formally when I'm already there, but have to do it right.

On break for a week, which is good as it give me some time to relax, has been non-stop for ages. Went to Coventry yesterday to see Coventry Cathedral, which was bombed out in the second world war. It is quite impressive, I made a little video of it.

Haven't done a whole lot else, apart from sorting out furniture for my room and trying to find a motorbike to buy. I have brought all the gear, but haven't found a good bike for a price I can afford yet, might have to wait a month to get enough. :-( , Ah well all good things take time.

Much love to you all, take care.

Just a little something to leave you with.

It's on the floor!!!

For the first time in ages, I'm actually sitting at a desk as I type! Nothing unusual about that you say? Well I have been living in a bedroom with nothing but a bed, so now having a desk is a bit novel. However, I do fell slightly bad for abandoning the floor storage system that has served me so well for weeks now. Still a week to go till I get my wardrobe and drawers so I can enjoy the simplicity of floor storage for a little long

Had a great Friday night out with some of the other peoples from school at a awesome little pub and I can confirm that alcoholic ginger beer is almost as dangerous as cider (Cheers Michelle for the memories). Just spent today with my folks around Milton Keynes, shopping and exploring the place a little more. Good to see them and just spend some time with them. Including Dad successfully winding up some Brits in the pub watching the 6 nations (some pubs here do really good food).

Not sure how the next little while will go, an interesting development is unfolding at work. A little unexpected and I need to sort out how it will go and if I can do it without stepping on toes as the new guy. Anyway I'll let you know more as I can and as I make my decision. Interesting times... The actual teaching side of things is going well and I feel a lot more settled now in the school. Starting to get the hang of the systems, although my entire timetable got deleted on Thursday so I hope by the time I am back on Monday I actually have classes to officially teach.

Weather has chilled again today after quite a nice week. there is talk of snow again next week, which will also be the last week of school before mid-term.

God bless, hope you are all well and looking after each other.
Much Love
Paul.