From one extreme to the other in more ways than one. On Wednesday it was a short bus ride to Impington Village College on the outskirts of Cambridge. Protocol teaching agency are very good at giving you directions about which bus to catch and when to catch them. However, I have been in Cambridge long enough to realise that to get to this school I could avoid using 2 buses and travelling 15 minutes into town only to travel 20 minutes back past home to get to the school. So, in just over 10 minutes I walked to the bus and found my way to the school in plenty of time.
This school was more organised. I was given a map of the school and a list of times for each lesson, important as like Tawa there is no bell between classes. Oh, and even class lists for each lesson. Back to a 6 period timetable, each lesson lasting a mere 50 minutes. So it was a period of English - Year 7's (around 11-12) proofing a diary entry on a day in the life of a slave. Not too difficult, mostly students needed help with spelling and knowing what time dawn was.
Then off to humanities - geography with a lovely bunch of Year 9's (not) doing work on floods in the UK in 2000. Straight from the text book. Not too thrilling and although some did work, many did not.
It was to be invigilation again in period three - my favourite. But at the last minute I was let off the hook and took another Humanities instead. Year 8's (I think) doing posters on Pilgrimage. Again some good work produced but some rubbish too.
Back to English for period 4. This lesson was taken by a student teacher. Started off a bit of a mess with a neighbouring teacher, myself and then the student teacher all being present. From the start the kids didn't have much clue who was in charge and took full advantage. There was no time for a quick strategy talk so I sat back and let the student teacher get started. Year 10's were slow to settle but eventually she got the instructions across. After watching one guy wander about. get kicked out, come back in of his own accord, get kicked out again etc. I decided it was time to do something. Just went over and sat with him and worked out where he was up to and helped him get started. He managed to concentrate and do work for a bit but then got bored and wandered about cleaning tables, the TV, the computer screen. The student teacher spent the entire lesson working with one individual. Every now and then interrupted by a question from another student. There were less than 10 kids there and I think I would be kind of annoyed if I were a student in that situation.
After lunch it was more English. I think it was Year 9's who had been watching XMen. There task was to do a review. Seemed pretty straight forward however there is always a catch. A good number of students had seen little or none of the film. This made it pretty difficult to help them get started.
Finally it was another Year 7 group. Back to writing diary entries on a day in the life of a slave. Despite being the last lesson of the day, some students completed this task very well. Not so much can be said for their spelling though.
Oh, I forgot to mention. Somewhere in the middle of the day a kid decided it would be funny to have a fit. You know, fall off his chair, shake about on the floor. The planning for the event was less than subtle so when it occurred I just ignored it. He very quickly regathered his composure and took his seat. We carried on just as if nothing had happened.
So far my opinion of supply teaching is that it is a challenging and interesting job. No day is the same. It is a great chance to visit different schools and look at the way in which they are managed. Also, as a teacher who has desserted her class a fair number of times, it is good to see what it is like to be a fill in. I am quite confident that none of the students I have come across in the last couple of days are as much of a handful as a couple of individuals I could name from previous NZ classes. So far I have been lucky, I am also making mental notes of the types of activity that students can and will complete in the absence of their normal teacher. All very good professional development.
After a busy day I decided to flag the bus and just walk home. Took just over 40 minutes. Good excuse not to go for a run when I got home. At least I thought so.
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Witchford Village College
This was where I headed on Tuesday for my first day of work in England. A school in a wee village an hours bus ride north of Cambridge. It was an early start to catch the 6.40 a.m. bus but I survived.
An interesting school with only 3 lessons a day. Each lasting 100 minutes. This presented a good challenge as the first two classes I covered had no work set for them. Not too bad though as they were Food Tech classes. Part way through the first class with a bunch of Year 10's (15 year olds) we figured out the Resource centre was booked for them. Headed to library type place with plenty of computers. Most of them used the second half of the lesson to make progress on their current project - developing a sweet or savoury food product.
The second class were Year 8's (12 and 13 year olds) doing a compulsory rotation class. Current work was on pastry. Most students had a book with theory work in. So first I found a couple of pastry related activities. They didn't take much time though. Second I gave them ingredients for a mystery recipe. Can you guess what it was? That's right Annabel Langbein's famous Chocolate Brownie. In groups they decided what they thought they could make using the ingredients and then planned a method. After that most of them chose to do a word find in the back of their books.
After lunch I had the thrill of invigilation. It was bizarre. I think I counted 14 students in this GCSE graphics exam - 7 boys and 7 girls. We had 3 people supervising. Just a wee bit over the top don't you think. Never mind, boring as it was, at least I got paid.
So, despite there being no planned work and the extraordinarily long lessons I survived! It is worth noting that the school has recently implemented a "Calm Learning Environment" policy. I lovely beige slip can be filled out and sent off to E1 with a good student. Within minutes someone arrives to remove any disruptive students. No need to make use of this with the Year 10's but I had no hesitation in marching a couple of the Year 8's. Worked a treat. Figured that 100 minute lessons were definitely justification for putting the system to good use.
An interesting school with only 3 lessons a day. Each lasting 100 minutes. This presented a good challenge as the first two classes I covered had no work set for them. Not too bad though as they were Food Tech classes. Part way through the first class with a bunch of Year 10's (15 year olds) we figured out the Resource centre was booked for them. Headed to library type place with plenty of computers. Most of them used the second half of the lesson to make progress on their current project - developing a sweet or savoury food product.
The second class were Year 8's (12 and 13 year olds) doing a compulsory rotation class. Current work was on pastry. Most students had a book with theory work in. So first I found a couple of pastry related activities. They didn't take much time though. Second I gave them ingredients for a mystery recipe. Can you guess what it was? That's right Annabel Langbein's famous Chocolate Brownie. In groups they decided what they thought they could make using the ingredients and then planned a method. After that most of them chose to do a word find in the back of their books.
After lunch I had the thrill of invigilation. It was bizarre. I think I counted 14 students in this GCSE graphics exam - 7 boys and 7 girls. We had 3 people supervising. Just a wee bit over the top don't you think. Never mind, boring as it was, at least I got paid.
So, despite there being no planned work and the extraordinarily long lessons I survived! It is worth noting that the school has recently implemented a "Calm Learning Environment" policy. I lovely beige slip can be filled out and sent off to E1 with a good student. Within minutes someone arrives to remove any disruptive students. No need to make use of this with the Year 10's but I had no hesitation in marching a couple of the Year 8's. Worked a treat. Figured that 100 minute lessons were definitely justification for putting the system to good use.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
The flat
Downstairs:
1 lounge - 2 sofas, coffee table, TV with Sky (selected channels - lots of sport), shelves and stuff
1 dining room - dining table, 3 chairs, clothes airer, desk, shelf
1 kitchen - fridge, freezer, oven, gas elements, microwave, cupboards, benches, sink
1 laundry in a cupboard - washing machine and drier
1 back garden - table, 2 chairs, small clothesline, grass, trees & plants, fish pond (I think with fish)
Upstairs:
3 bedrooms - 1 medium, 2 small, mine is a small one
1 bathroom - toilet, basin, bath with overhead shower (low pressure)
People:
no smokers
1 guy - Kevin the landlord: works at bookies, loves sports, has travelled a bit (Spain, NZ, Australia, South Africa, USA...)
2 girls - Kelly & me. Kelly moves out next weekend before going travelling. Watch this space for details of her replacement.
Pets:
no cats
no dogs
just fish and the odd pigeon - main they coo alot!
Vehicles:
Kelly brings home a different one every night. It's not what you're thinking. She works at a car rental place.
1 green bike - Kevin either rides or walks to work
TBA - perhaps I'll get a bike, Cambridge is not designed for cars
Other:
Less than 200m walk to closest bus stop, buses every 10 minutes Mon - Sat, only a 10 minute ride to the top end of the city
Supermarket - Budgens is about a 3 minute walk away, also a collection of other shops at same location
Kebab trailer - 3 or 4 minute walk, next to the second to closest bus stop. Don't know if I want to try the kebabs.
One-stop convenience store - 5 or 6 minute walk, 2 short stops away on the bus if you are really lazy! I have only been there once, it was raining and no I didn't take the bus.
Will try and post some pics. Didn't upload first time. Trying to figure out why.
1 lounge - 2 sofas, coffee table, TV with Sky (selected channels - lots of sport), shelves and stuff
1 dining room - dining table, 3 chairs, clothes airer, desk, shelf
1 kitchen - fridge, freezer, oven, gas elements, microwave, cupboards, benches, sink
1 laundry in a cupboard - washing machine and drier
1 back garden - table, 2 chairs, small clothesline, grass, trees & plants, fish pond (I think with fish)
Upstairs:
3 bedrooms - 1 medium, 2 small, mine is a small one
1 bathroom - toilet, basin, bath with overhead shower (low pressure)
People:
no smokers
1 guy - Kevin the landlord: works at bookies, loves sports, has travelled a bit (Spain, NZ, Australia, South Africa, USA...)
2 girls - Kelly & me. Kelly moves out next weekend before going travelling. Watch this space for details of her replacement.
Pets:
no cats
no dogs
just fish and the odd pigeon - main they coo alot!
Vehicles:
Kelly brings home a different one every night. It's not what you're thinking. She works at a car rental place.
1 green bike - Kevin either rides or walks to work
TBA - perhaps I'll get a bike, Cambridge is not designed for cars
Other:
Less than 200m walk to closest bus stop, buses every 10 minutes Mon - Sat, only a 10 minute ride to the top end of the city
Supermarket - Budgens is about a 3 minute walk away, also a collection of other shops at same location
Kebab trailer - 3 or 4 minute walk, next to the second to closest bus stop. Don't know if I want to try the kebabs.
One-stop convenience store - 5 or 6 minute walk, 2 short stops away on the bus if you are really lazy! I have only been there once, it was raining and no I didn't take the bus.
Will try and post some pics. Didn't upload first time. Trying to figure out why.
Modern Architecture: Part Two
The sun was out again today so another beautiful afternoon for a stroll. The second six buildings on the tour had less character. Can modern architecture have character? Another question for Megan.
As we are now more experienced guides we did not go off track today. All buildings were found exactly where we expected them. I guess too that I am getting more comfortable at wandering through gates to see the real heart of Cambridge that is hidden behind the walls.
The most aesthetically interesting building on the tour has to be Parkside Pools. The local Cambridgites even voted it the best building of the 20th century. Check out the roof - it looks like a slice has been taken through a wave.
The most money wasted on architectural design is awarded to the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre. I can barely draw, just ask the kids at Tawa College. But, seriously it's brick, it's tall and it's square. Apparently it respects and interprets its awkward neighbours. Yeah right! It even won the Sunday Times/Royal Fine Arts Society Building of the Year in 1993.
So, between Dad and I there are hundreds of pictures of the 12 buildings on "A walk around Cambridge - Modern Architecture". Some may even be better than what's on the brochure. If you're interested a slide show can be arranged.
You'll also be pleased to know that we have walked over 3.2 miles (5.1 km). So we have had some exercise. With sunscreen and sunhats we have avoided sunburn. Not a bad way to kill a few hours and didn't cost me a thing. Thanks Mum for the guide with the map.
As we are now more experienced guides we did not go off track today. All buildings were found exactly where we expected them. I guess too that I am getting more comfortable at wandering through gates to see the real heart of Cambridge that is hidden behind the walls.
The most aesthetically interesting building on the tour has to be Parkside Pools. The local Cambridgites even voted it the best building of the 20th century. Check out the roof - it looks like a slice has been taken through a wave.
The most money wasted on architectural design is awarded to the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre. I can barely draw, just ask the kids at Tawa College. But, seriously it's brick, it's tall and it's square. Apparently it respects and interprets its awkward neighbours. Yeah right! It even won the Sunday Times/Royal Fine Arts Society Building of the Year in 1993.
So, between Dad and I there are hundreds of pictures of the 12 buildings on "A walk around Cambridge - Modern Architecture". Some may even be better than what's on the brochure. If you're interested a slide show can be arranged.
You'll also be pleased to know that we have walked over 3.2 miles (5.1 km). So we have had some exercise. With sunscreen and sunhats we have avoided sunburn. Not a bad way to kill a few hours and didn't cost me a thing. Thanks Mum for the guide with the map.
Saturday, 2 June 2007
Cambridge - Tour of Modern Architecture: Part One
Made the most of a beautiful sunny day in Cambridge today. Dad and I embarked on Part 1 of a walk around Cambridge to view some modern architecture.
We were our own tour guides and mostly managed to follow the map without getting terribly lost. Kind of difficult in places as some of the buildings are hiding behind large walls. Many streets are not named in obvious places, you know like on the corner. Often you get half way down some little street or lane before you come across a sign that either confirms or denies that you are in fact where you intended to be.
Anyway, back to the tour of modern architecture. Perhaps sister Megan can confirm what would be considered modern architecture. It doesn't make sense to me that a building established in the 1700's with a facade added in the 1800's is particularly modern. Oh well, perhaps I am behind or maybe ahead, I don't know, of the times.
With quite some difficulty we found the Mond Building. I really wanted to see the crocodile engraving by the front door. It came to be because Russian physicist Pyotr Kapitza nicknamed Lord Rutherford 'snappy'. Who knew the guy that was first to split the atom had a bit of a temper? Perhaps a crocodile should be incorporated in a banner or mascot for my favourite house at Tawa College.
The other interesting building in the 6 we viewed today was the "Judge Institute of Management Studies". We were down some little back street and came upon what we thought was a random (i.e. not on the tour, but interesting) building. It was bold, colourful and bright, geometric patterns, a ginormous mosaic of funky tiles. Took a few pics then headed off down the road. Dad realised we had missed a turn somewhere so back we went in search of building no. 5. Why go the long way around the streets when it is so easy to find a shortcut through. It turned out that what we were photographing was the back of the building we were actually looking for. We both agreed the back was more interesting than front. Will try and post a couple of pics and let you be the judge.
Tomorrow if the fine weather continues we might embark on the second half of the tour.
We were our own tour guides and mostly managed to follow the map without getting terribly lost. Kind of difficult in places as some of the buildings are hiding behind large walls. Many streets are not named in obvious places, you know like on the corner. Often you get half way down some little street or lane before you come across a sign that either confirms or denies that you are in fact where you intended to be.
Anyway, back to the tour of modern architecture. Perhaps sister Megan can confirm what would be considered modern architecture. It doesn't make sense to me that a building established in the 1700's with a facade added in the 1800's is particularly modern. Oh well, perhaps I am behind or maybe ahead, I don't know, of the times.
With quite some difficulty we found the Mond Building. I really wanted to see the crocodile engraving by the front door. It came to be because Russian physicist Pyotr Kapitza nicknamed Lord Rutherford 'snappy'. Who knew the guy that was first to split the atom had a bit of a temper? Perhaps a crocodile should be incorporated in a banner or mascot for my favourite house at Tawa College.
The other interesting building in the 6 we viewed today was the "Judge Institute of Management Studies". We were down some little back street and came upon what we thought was a random (i.e. not on the tour, but interesting) building. It was bold, colourful and bright, geometric patterns, a ginormous mosaic of funky tiles. Took a few pics then headed off down the road. Dad realised we had missed a turn somewhere so back we went in search of building no. 5. Why go the long way around the streets when it is so easy to find a shortcut through. It turned out that what we were photographing was the back of the building we were actually looking for. We both agreed the back was more interesting than front. Will try and post a couple of pics and let you be the judge.
Tomorrow if the fine weather continues we might embark on the second half of the tour.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Stand clear of the closing doors ...
This post has been lost while Dad has been away with the laptop.
I was in London again today. Mainly on bank business. The friendly staff at the HSBC were most helpful and now I have a debit card, two accounts but no PIN. They sent the details of that to NZ I think. So, further delays before my accounts are fully operational. Oh well, lucky Mum and Dad are here. He he he
Anyway. I was changing tubes at Oxford Circus. Nearly made it on to the District line train. Nearly as in, doors were just about to close. I had to make a split decision, dive for it and hope not to get crushed. Or, just wait, the screen informed me, one whole minute til the next train. Thinking about what mum would do, or at least what she would want me to do - that is - the sensible thing, I waited. I’m on holiday anyway and not actually in a rush to go anywhere.
Safely aboard the next train, which was only one minute behind, I took my seat. As usual the announcement was made “Stand clear of the …” Arghhh – a girl is stuck in the closing door. With a struggle she squeezes in, but alas, her back pack is half in and half out of the train. Further pulling and she manages to free the bag from the strong jaws of closing tube door. A sigh of relief.
I do have to laugh though. If it weren’t for my inbred sensibleness (thanks Mum) it could have been me.
Ponder this: why do so many people insist on ignoring instructions?
I was in London again today. Mainly on bank business. The friendly staff at the HSBC were most helpful and now I have a debit card, two accounts but no PIN. They sent the details of that to NZ I think. So, further delays before my accounts are fully operational. Oh well, lucky Mum and Dad are here. He he he
Anyway. I was changing tubes at Oxford Circus. Nearly made it on to the District line train. Nearly as in, doors were just about to close. I had to make a split decision, dive for it and hope not to get crushed. Or, just wait, the screen informed me, one whole minute til the next train. Thinking about what mum would do, or at least what she would want me to do - that is - the sensible thing, I waited. I’m on holiday anyway and not actually in a rush to go anywhere.
Safely aboard the next train, which was only one minute behind, I took my seat. As usual the announcement was made “Stand clear of the …” Arghhh – a girl is stuck in the closing door. With a struggle she squeezes in, but alas, her back pack is half in and half out of the train. Further pulling and she manages to free the bag from the strong jaws of closing tube door. A sigh of relief.
I do have to laugh though. If it weren’t for my inbred sensibleness (thanks Mum) it could have been me.
Ponder this: why do so many people insist on ignoring instructions?
Saturday, 26 May 2007
Noah's Ark
I have had a bit of time to read between job and flat hunting. Came across this which I thought was rather funny.
In the year 2007 the Lord came unto Noah, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the CAD drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.
"Noah!" he roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval. I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site, even though in my view it is a temporary structure. We had to go to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision. Then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions to clear the passage for the Ark's move to sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Specific Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go! When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accomodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many BMEs I'm supposed to hire for my building team. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only CSCS accredited workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, Customs and Excise seized all my assests, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"
"No", said the Lord "The government beat me to it."
In the year 2007 the Lord came unto Noah, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the CAD drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.
"Noah!" he roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval. I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site, even though in my view it is a temporary structure. We had to go to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision. Then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions to clear the passage for the Ark's move to sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Specific Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go! When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accomodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many BMEs I'm supposed to hire for my building team. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only CSCS accredited workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, Customs and Excise seized all my assests, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"
"No", said the Lord "The government beat me to it."
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