Hi guys
Just wanted to say thanks for your support and advice last week. I was pretty down as you know and getting myself really wound up with that Y9 "class from hell" - which, last week, was the best way to describe them and no exageration at all!
Anyway, listen to all the advice and suggestions. I had them again today.
I spoke to the LEA consultant guy that comes in to cover for the lack of Hod (well he does KS3 anyway) about the idea of a settler task, rather than a starter. Gave all my (or yours!) reasons and justifications. And he agreed, although felt he was a little sceptical. Popsy - I used your freenie typing tutor software. I made sure it was preloaded on screens before they came in ready to go. As half class have PE beforehand I knew they'd be late - infact up to 10 minutes at least in end. So I had them do that on entry and whilst I did register. Worked a treat They found it a really calming exercise and got them on the computers and doing soemthing constructive. Thanks
Rest of lesson I did the re-hashed, simpler (with lower expectations and easier work) - LEA guy had prepared a lot of this for me and another class (also very week) and we'd discussed it. The level was just right actually, and I got the extension task going for those that finished early. Did one to one (with LEA guy in too) with those struggling. Much much better. Hey, they even listened and got something done. Infact, EVERY pupil managed to do something and to meet the basic level of objective. Several even managed the objective for the extension psmile]
It wasn't perfect but better. Two pupils in particular are still very very disruptive - ncooperative, rude, etc. However I know one of these may well now be withdrawn from ALL Y9 classes to work independently in the Learning Support Unit. And the other is likely to follow. Both worked there last year too. These two do have an effect on another group of 5 or 6 lads near them - as I said, no room to move and split them further. If these go I suspect the others will settle way better and be half the hassle at least. Class is still fidgetty and chatty, but manageable.
I also found out that the who,le of Y9 is a school issue. This wasn't told to me last lesson when the deputy head came in, didn't get the attention and just left me to them. He kind of gave me the impression it was me . However spoke to the most senior assistant head today and this is not the case at all. My class in particular along with one other are to be very closely monitored. I did have to fill in some behaviour assessments for the two worst behaved pupils today as part of this - i was brutally honest. All of Y9 are being discussed at senior management level. And the LEA guy was fab and backed me up the whole way
So, overall a huge improvement. Still more to be done, but we are getting there. Fingers crossed....
Thanks so much for all your help, and for listening. I can smile again this Tuesday evening, and not just depressed drowning my sorrows in huge amounts of alcohol. LOL!!!