Observation with the class from hell

[saywhatidontmean]

Shit, shit, shit.

I last had them Tuesday and they were abysmal. I actually cried after the lesson.

I'm going to be collecting my P45 tomorrow.

Is it tomorrow? Is it a routine observation? Is the person observing reasonable?

And yes, I completely get the dread. I teach in AP/PRU. My classes are not so much from Hell as utterly unpredictable.

You can request a different class- is this for your NQT year, or just a general observation?

This happened to be last term. For various reasons there was no support for two children in class with behaviour issues who normally have 1:1. Fortunately even though I was in bits by the end, I got some positive comments thanks to my line manager being very understanding.

NQT observations were some 17 years ago!

I've often found behaviour is better when observed. If the students get there first I tell them that the observer will be taking note of their behaviour and engagement and hint heavily that it had better be good!
Plan assuming good behaviour but have a back up activity to give yourself a mini break to deal with individuals (like a short colouring in or keyword wordsearch with close activity)
We that's what I've done with a "behaviour" set Yr9s before, and actually it was the best lesson I've ever had with them!

I’d just ask for a different class if you really don’t want it with that class.

Or, as PP have pointed out, they’ll probably behave much better when SLT are in there. And if they don’t...well, then I’m sure the leadership team could do with seeing what you have to deal with!

I’ve been there. It’s whack a mole with mine like that. Let us know how you got on.
Slt might be supportive. They’ll probably know those kids... although maybe not the unique cocktail of mayhem that occurs when they are mixed together in a restricted space for an hour or so!

How did it go?

I feel your pain and hope it went OK.

Firstly they tend to behave better when being observed.

Secondly they will be looking at how you deal with behaviour rather than expecting to see perfect behaviour.

Often what lets a lesson down is not behaviour but issues to do with planning.

How did it go?

No one showed up! Good thing, though, they were horrors!

Well that's a bit unprofessional. I thought it was bad that the Head couldn't find time to give me obs feedback. But not showing up in the first place is another level!

Secondly they will be looking at how you deal with behaviour rather than expecting to see perfect behaviour.

Not where I worked several years ago - I got marked down because a child walked into the room from another classroom and said 'Mr f Smith' sent me in to your room. Mr Smith was on the receiving end of some sharp words from me later for sending me the little darling during an observation (which he knew about) when there was another classroom opposite he could have sent him to. I didn't get my P45 but they did get my notice as it was the final straw.