Private Eye artice

[hmb]

I have now found the Private Eye article on the net. For those of you who haven't read it it is a diary of a secondary Maths teacher Goto

www.private-eye.co.uk/content/showitem.cfm/issue.1107/section.teacher

I can't vouch for its authenticity but it does read 'true' to me. I would say he was unlucky to get so many difficult classes, but my experiences re. disruptive behaviour in lower ability sets are similar (not quite as bad). He was unlucky not to get better sets, which can be, as he says, a delight to teach. And before anyone has a go at me for not wanting to teach lower attainment sets, I have no problem with them, just the poor behaviour that you see in many of these sets. It seems to me dreadfully unfair that kids with SEN have to put up with this sort of behaviour, they are the kids who need the teachers' time most, and you just don't get to give them what they need because of the disruptive minority.

I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Cheers hmb. Will have a good read through tomorrow, when a bit more sober. LOL

Have another glass m'dear, I intend to!

I found it v interesting hmb, thanks for that.

Really felt for the teacher concerned, and thought they were v understanding of why the kids played up. I take my hat off to teachers, I really do.

Interesting hmb. Agree I think he has a raw deal in the number of bottom sets, but I guess that isn't uncommon with the problems surrounding timetabling ins ome schools.

I can certainly identify some of the behvaiour from classes I have had, and I have certainly had classes which resemmble those he had. He seems very aware of his classes though and the pupils in it - benefit of having same classes 2 or 3 times a week though. I only have my clases once a week max.

I agree with what you say with bottom sets too. Well, not bottom sets for me but groups 5 of 6 more. I love teaching groups 6/6 - we have very small classes, learning support and I modify the lessons so much so that all can achieve. Yep, they need sitting on to keep working but generally just because concentration isn't there, not bad behaviour. Whereas clases 4/6 and especially 5/6 the behaviour is much more of an issue. "Significant minority" is how OFSTED put it at our school - but that small number of persistent misbehaviours causes havoc and really disrupts your carefully planned lessons. It's fine having a great 3 part lesson and carefully thought out objectives, but if 2 or 3 come into the room with a different agenda.......I just hate it for those who are there and do want to learn. Hopefully at our school the nw discipline policies will start to take effect soon, and by removing the persistant offenders from the room regularly (go to Active Patrol/Isolation), until they figure out they don't get their own way, things may start to improve.

Agree with you 100%! THe nicest class I teach all week is Y8 5/5. The kids are great, and want to learn. Lots have learning difficulties 12/18 have IEPs but they are so great to work with. Worst classes for me are 5/6 or 4/5...with them it is often 'attitude' rather than aptitude that places them there.

As you say the 3 part lesson is a good idea, but you just have to get a few off topic and chaos ensues.

TBH the bit that struck the greatest chord with me was the 'no pen' and 'no homework'. I can't belive how much time I waste handing out pens and paper. And then repeating instructions over and over again!

And I'm still voiceless and home!

Oh the no pen bit is lovely isn't it? So many of my pupils don't have one with them and use the excuse "But's its ICT miss, we don't need a pen, we'll use the computers". I always ahve a huge pack of spare pens and pencils but by this time of year they are running low. In fact, must go out to town later as I need some more pens. I have some non-computer based starters this week!!!

My favourite class of the week is my Y8 6/6 class. I also had them last year. There are 10 in the class, 8 have SEN (either learnig difficulties or behavioural difficultie, or both), 4 have statements - more pending. We have one LSA in with us. The class has some challenging pupils in but I really think I have had chance to get to know them so well having had them two years running. They know that I will play fair with them if they play fair with me. I know they have limited attention so everything is done in small 10 minute blocks usually. And every so often we will have an 'easy' lesson where they get to do DTP work - posters/leaflets, etc. - something they can all succeed in. And if they can manage 45 minutes of working well, we get 5 or 10 minutes free Internet time - which is a great incentive for them. Seems to work for us. have them tomorrow in fact - they are loveing current work. We are doing some display leaflet work on the 5 portions a day (fruit/veg). Done planning and research so onto creating the wall display matrials tomorrow.

Staples are doing a 20% discount with a voucher from the Times Ed and proof that you work in a school (will bags under the eyes do I wonder????)

I also have a box of pens pencils etc, pointless to try to teach without them! It also amazes me that kids have no concept to please and thank you. I'll not lend them a pen unless they use the magic word!

Poor little buggers, some of them are almost feral. I hate to think what goes on at home with some of them.

hmb - sometimes I find it is easier to bury my head in the sand when it comes to their home lifes Not ideal I know but I think I would go mad if I knew all the ins and outs. If there is anything obviously wrong I would always mention it to the right people in school, and other concerns are discussed in meetings but the general stuff

I think your pupils must be similar in background to those at my current school.

Having already had my resignation accepted I am now going back one day a week next year. Rest of the ICT department also left and there was going to only be one new, not that qualified member of staff, and another teacher (redeplyed from other department) teaching 10 lessons a week - not her subject at all. I am going to do one day a week to try and make the hand over easier, and to help the new HoD - hoping to find one to start in January now - with the policies, schemes and plans in place. And to help keep Y11 on track too. I am thinking that I will need a little mini classroom box thing, as may well be teaching all over the place, for all my bits and pieces.

Sounds as if you are having a bad time. Hugs.

TBH most of the kids I teach are great, but some..........It breaks your heart.

Thankfully we have an excellent HOD, very supportive and enthusiastic.

Actually I am feeling much better about school, since making the decision to leave. Even the fact that I am teaching back there once a week next year it good I have learnt to take a step back this year, and it is much better.

And the classes I have next year (all being well with timetabling) will be a lovely mix.

I am astonishingly lucky with my timetable for next year. One upper, one lower sixth form (partnering my mate who is a superb teacher), the top three sets in Y10 for double science (biology only). Two Y9 sets, including my wonderful 5/5's who I begged to get back and two Y8s. The lower school will all be lower sets, but I can't complain. I'm looking forward to it very much. We have a wonderful s.o.w for the lower school, with all the differentiation built in, SEN work as well. It is terrific and saves so much time!