Struggling with moving from a school with zero behaviour tolerance...need some hope people!

[RBKB]

Would really welcome some words of encouragement. My first job in teaching KS3 to KS5 has been 7 years in a big outstanding academy in a large chain. The behaviour policy is very very tight and as a result, almost all students behave. The school is incredibly proud of its behaviour and does get excellent results. However, I feel the kids are micromanaged, and can be very stressed, unhappy and really lack self motivation in KS5. I have accepted a job in a very different school...it is incredibly proud of its community spirit, clubs, student welfare etc. Behaviour is managed, but there is far more leeway. I'm actually working there before my FT September move as a part timer and....

I know moving schools can be difficult and I started in Feb, right after accepting the job, one day a week, so the kids think of me as supply and are REALLY pushing. But I wonder if once you have worked in a VERY tight school, can you be happy in a more relaxed one? I kind of agree with the new school's emphasis on wellbeing etc. but I really struggle that many kids openly tell me they can't be bothered to work. I hate, in my old school the endless detentions for no pen but....I hate giving out 15 pens and 10 calculators every lesson!! I hate the pressure on every kid in my old school but....I hate seeing 14 year olds wasting their chance of a grade 4 in a core subject because they are too young to understand how it will limit them, in my new school!

Will I adjust? And can I set my own higher expectations on work ethic in my own classes come Sept? Terrified I have made a mistake!!

Bit different as I was primary but I trained in Brixton, again with very tight behaviour management and was actually encouraged to shout every now and again to keep the kids on their toes! *20 years ago now...
I then moved to cosy village primaries in a home county where kids got away with so much more. It took me years to acclimatise, I did feel like kids were getting away with murder sometimes. I still feel that. middle ground is appropriate. Good luck!

Would it work to work ‘within’ the rules whilst also setting your own boundaries?

For example, if kids ask me for a pen, I’ll lend them one, but I swap it for ‘something you won’t leave the room without’. They usually give me their phone, but I’ve also been given shoes / coats / etc. Then at the end of the lesson they swap back. It takes a couple of lessons for them to understand I’m serious and a few more for them to just bring a bloody pen, but they gradually get used to the idea I’m lending MY stuff.

The pen thing is just one example, obviously, but having worked in reasonably relaxed schools for my whole career, there are definitely always teachers that the kids respect but won’t ‘mess with’; that’s what you’re aiming for. Liked AND respected.

I’d also say you’re in a good position by doing some work now. Watch and learn for this first term, then set your own (high) expectations with your new classes in September.

Thanks both!!! Really good advice. The school seems to be full of really great committed teachers. That's got to be a good sign!!! It's just taking me some adjusting. I don't even use the super duper 'zero tolerance' policy much in my original school...but I have built a reputation. I will try to do that slowly but surely in the new place. Firm but fair. Thanks x

I think as others have said, you will build a reputation in the new place. Schools where teachers stick around long term can be tricky- it can take years to build your reputation. But if they are seeing you one day a week now, then it will likely be easier in September.

When you build up those relationships, I think it's also easier to motivate students?

In terms of the pens/calculators stuff, if you know you'll be giving them out every lesson, then I think I'd come up with a strategy for this which minimises your time and annoyance- calculators certainly I do think are things students can struggle to afford, so I don't actually mind lending these to students.

Thanks @Postapocalypticcowgirl ...I think it is generally scary to move after 7 years....the kids in my old school can be a real handful but generally settle. I'll just give it time in the new place. I think it's a really lovely community feel and like I say...the teachers give me a very good vibe.