I'm after some advice from fellow tutors please...
I've recently returned from mat leave. An NQT covered my group whilst I was off, he tells me they have been hell. Before I left, they were quite dull but no real issues. I am now finding that previously unassuming but nice pupils are now a bit ruder and argumentative. Sweet girls have become sulky and bitchy. One of the girls is now head girl. I was really pleased to find this out but now realise she is very arrogant and acts like she is "above the law". I do accept that they are a bit older and have developed but I'm disappointed it has been for the worst. (I've had previous groups who really grew in to mature, lovely people, whom I really bonded with)
At the start of term, I thoughtfully designed a seating plan that mixed them up a bit to tackle some issues but have not been too harsh on separating all friendship groups. But they have behaved appallingly every tutor time and I have now sat everyone away from friends (this has worked beautifully in the fact that it's now silent bliss).
I was very angry with them today due to their lack of respect. I overheard head girl saying "what's the point in tutor time if we can't sit together. I just won't bother turning up" she intended for me to hear this. I'm so disappointed in this girl who I previously thought was a studious, helpful and mature, young lady, but her snide comment shows that she doesn't know how to set an example for other pupils.
They've always been a class that didn't volunteer for events, attend clubs or joined in competition. I've tried hard over the years to create tutor time activities to engage them. But now I'm so deflated, I feel like leaving them in their current seating plan and do silent reading every day.
I'm conflicted between wanting to build a rapport with them or just do the bare minimum for an easy life and hope for some better people next time round.
Sorry it's sooo long! Any thoughts, different perspectives are welcome!
Thanks for reading.
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Dull tutor group
12 replies
ShoutyMcShouty · 14/09/2017 21:46
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