Sorry darling teenagers, I'm so sorry you have to do this practice exam this week, yes another one, in preparation for your real exams in 6 months time. I would also rather be having some fun learning and if we have time we can watch a nice Christmas video and have a singalong. Meanwhile, silence and get to it!
Own mind; sick of all of these practice exams, as are the kids. They're switched off, hostile to never-ending prep we have to enforce and spend all weekend marking! We haven't learnt the next few months of curriculum to be able to answer some questions. Strewth, when I was their age all we had was our notes and turning up to the exams without the extra classes after school and at weekend.
On the one hand i sympathise because the pressure is beyond what I experienced and the continuous 'bell tasks, starter, objectives plenary' system is so uninspiring. Also the modern builds of walking one way in goldfish bowls with little time to chat, wee, eat, ever mind some fresh air, is horrendous 😫
On the other hand, lessons are the only time many students will receive an education and so so much is put into the utmost learning for them. Not all will have parents who support them at home so the knowledge needs to be instilled. They will simply go home, game and watch TV until the early hours, be tired and be unengaged.
It's such a tough gig teaching, we care so much about our students but have to follow the academy protocol which is designed to thrust as much knowledge for those who will only learn in the classroom, while at the same time offering challenging progress to others.
I do believe the last week before Christmas should be more fun and topic based. When engaged there are so many opportunities to offer learning within every subject.