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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Staff Room!!!

465 replies

ScienceTeacher · 27/01/2008 14:42

It was suggested on another thread that we should have a staff room, so I thought I'd bite the bullet and start one.

Shall we introduce ourselves?

I teach Science (Physics A-level and GCSE Chemistry plus the usual general science in KS3, and also KS3 Geography). I work in a small girls' independent school. I started this job in September having spent two years in contract and supply. This was a getting back to teaching after an 8-year maternity leave.

I am a mum to five children from 16 (gcse!) TO 5.

OP posts:
bubblesbabe · 08/02/2008 16:34

Does anybody else wish they did a job where they left at the end of the day and forgot about it, and didn't havae any planning/prep/marking to do?
Having a blue day!!

catok · 08/02/2008 23:22

((very nervous hello, and can I sit in the TA corner with Whizzz, please? I won't use all the hot water without refilling the kettle!))
I was a primary teacher before DS with SN came along, currently a happy secondary TA, working with big range of SN.
Alfiesbabe - 1200 pupils, SENCo does about 30% teaching, probably about 150 on register inc. 8 integrated PD kids.
'Tis fun watching different teachers - today lovely ADHD Y9 threw open glue sticks at the white board - cover supervisor ducked!!
Have a good weekend y'all!

alfiesbabe · 09/02/2008 09:58

Hi catok - don't you just love ADHD - specially on a Friday afternoon!!

DualCycloneCod · 12/02/2008 17:36

hi everyone
please help me on my interveiw lesson!

Original poster
ScienceTeacher · 12/02/2008 17:38

When did you last teach, Cod?

OP posts:
fizzbuzz · 12/02/2008 17:42

What's it on?

DualCycloneCod · 12/02/2008 22:43

2001

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/2404/476750?stamp=080212221107

scaryteacher · 13/02/2008 00:48

Hi, just saw this thread. I gave up teaching to move abroad with dh in the Forces. Am thinking of doing supply at the local international school, but they don't teach my subject.

In the UK I teach KS3, 4 and 5 RE, year 7 and 8 history and geography, PHSE, and Citizenship to year 8 and 9. I have also been known to teach drama.

To keep my hand in whilst abroad I mark GCSE RE for a well known exam board online.

Original poster
ScienceTeacher · 13/02/2008 08:41

Scary,

When you do supply teaching, you do it across the whole school, not just in your subject.

If you are interested, go for it. It's how I got back into teaching (initially in an international school) after a very long maternity leave and the broad experience was invaluable.

OP posts:
Nymphadora · 13/02/2008 19:31

Been into work today and I feel much better about going back next week. Feel like I have been out of it since October as have been so in and out being ill. Was also nervous about leaving my 1:1 and changing classes but saw the class teacher today ( I get on well with her anyway ) and had a chat about the new child and she wants me to 1:1 him at first til he settles in and see what his abilities are etc.

Whizzz · 13/02/2008 19:33

Hi catok come sit in my TA corner we can sharpen pencils together and cut out contour maps from cardboard

alfiesbabe · 13/02/2008 20:02

Who's had something funny happen this week? Having a hard week here and I need some light relief

fizzbuzz · 13/02/2008 20:57

Errm....we're on 1/2 term

Original poster
ScienceTeacher · 13/02/2008 21:45

Half-term here also, Fizzbuzz. Gosh, I'm really frittering it away!

OP posts:
alfiesbabe · 13/02/2008 22:52

Bloody hell half term already?? Only been back 5 minutes. Roll on next week though

MaureenMLove · 15/02/2008 12:30

Gosh, its quiet in here, no ones been in since Wednesday!

Sorry to bother you, but I'm a lowly childminder from the other staff room! I've just got an interview for a cover supervisor in a secondary school and I'm brickin' it! What have I done? Anyone got any tips?

Thankyou.

alfiesbabe · 15/02/2008 13:12

So you'd be based in a secondary school, providing cover for classes, or would it be an admin job organising the cover?? Let me know and I'll give you some tips!!

MaureenMLove · 15/02/2008 13:16

Thanks! It'd be covering the class when teacher is doing other things! Scarey! Job description is, to let them in and greet them, explain work that has been set, help & support students as necessary and maintain discipline (I'll be good at that bit!)

Original poster
ScienceTeacher · 15/02/2008 13:22

It's not the most pleasant job in the world, Maureen. You will definitely have to work for every penny they are paying you.

I hope you get good training in classroom management, because you really need it.

OP posts:
alfiesbabe · 15/02/2008 13:25

Right. If you're confident about maintaining discipline, then that's a really strong point in your favour. The biggest problem with cover teachers is that kids will try to get away with stuff they wouldnt normally, so you need to show them that you're confident about being in charge of a class of thirty.
The interviewers will look for someone who can be flexible, picking up whatever subject or age group. Also someone who will use their initiative - eg if the instructions left by teacher arent entirely clear, will you be confident to keep the lesson moving.
The one thing I'd really stress is that you want to build up a relationship with the classes so that they don't see cover lessons as a 'fill-in' or waste of time. This is the advantage of having a cover supervisor in a school. there is the potential to make this a really exciting post, where you will get to know a huge range of students and staff. They will also be looking for someone who will work professionally with the whole range of staff (bear in mind that some staff you'll take to, some you won't). A bonus would also be if you show some basic knowledge of the NC - expected levels at each Key Stage etc.
Good luck

MaureenMLove · 15/02/2008 13:31

Thankyou. I have some experience of teenagers, I run a Guide Troop! I also have a Yr 7 dd of my own, so I know where they're coming from! I come from teacher stock so to speak, my mother is a retired head teacher too. There is training as part of the job too, so that's a bonus. That's one of the main things I think I have to offer. I can talk with teenagers on their level, but also understand the need to let them know I'm in charge.

happilyconfused · 16/02/2008 23:14

I teach ICT for KS3,4 & 5 - And KS5 Business in large outer London school .... p/t until my youngest starts secondary.

Original poster
ScienceTeacher · 17/02/2008 09:13

Welcome to the staffroom, HC!

OP posts:
Blandmum · 17/02/2008 09:31

Course work marking, a year 7 test to mark and some lesson planning to do this afternoon. At least I've done most of the coursework over the half term

Whizzz · 17/02/2008 09:47

I've been reading the cover supervisor tips with interest. As a TA, myself & other TAs are expected to cover classes on a regular basis. We have had NO classroom managment training, majority of us are Level 2 and are fully aware we are being used & abused. It's horrendous - on one hand the HT thinks we are so lowly he can't bring himself to talk to us & on the other, he thinks we are able to be left in sole charge of a room full of pupils....our £7-£8 an hour being a bit less I guess than cover supervisor or supply teacher pay
(and yes, we are currently talking to the union)