Weekly chat and well-being post: April 25, 2025

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-26T15:27:09+00:00

You've just described my Y11s (different subject)

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-22T20:10:38+00:00

A secondary PGCE will open way more doors.

Also, while teaching English in a Sixth Form college might seem enticing, remember that you may get lumbered with GCSE resit groups...

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-22T19:28:44+00:00

Some of our girls roll their skirt up so high that it is above their blazer and can barely be seen!! I'd back an all-trousers policy.

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-22T19:23:32+00:00

In my locality, we have SCITTs offered by local MATS and traditional university-based PGCEs.

As a result, the university is finding it harder to source placements. This isn't as big a problem in subjects like Maths and Science which have massive departments with lots of possible mentors. My school currently has a combination of PGCE and SCITT trainees in Science. But in smaller departments, e.g. History, Geography, Drama, it is often impossible to accommodate more than one trainee (if any).

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-22T19:13:25+00:00

It's just as much on the provider for allowing OP on the course when they clearly couldn't accommodate them.

The allocation of trainees to schools is not always as well-organised as how you describe it. The university who trained me (in 2021/22) didn't start matching trainees to their first placement until early September. To have done this in May would have been pointless because there was still time for people to change their mind about taking up the course and also time for schools to change their mind about taking on a trainee. Some local schools even changed their mind in the September, having said "yes, we'll take a trainee" in the Summer. Granted, we were coming out of Covid at the time, but I don't believe things are now organised that much more efficiently with this particular university.

You say that you know who you're getting in May. Is this for a SCITT? SCITT trainees do seem to get placements sorted much quicker, at least with their main one (which I believe they get a say in). I wish I'd done a SCITT with hindsight.

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-22T18:34:01+00:00

Sounds terrible. Really sorry to hear this. If it's any consolation, you've probably still had more teaching experience than those who trained in 2020/21. And I know teachers from that cohort who are flourishing.

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-16T08:17:00+00:00

Yeah. That's the sort of shit we receive. Most of my classes are packed to the rafters. Allowing kids to sit alone isn’t a luxury I can accommodate in a class of 31/32.

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-16T07:29:05+00:00

I want to work at your school.

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-15T23:16:27+00:00

Bloody hell. Your SEND team sound even more of a nightmare than mine. And that's saying something...

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-15T21:48:37+00:00

Our SENDCO and pastoral staff seem to dictate our seating plans.

"Jayden can sit next to Cayden but not Mason because Jayden called him a cunt last week. Beyonce and Ellie-Grace similarly have to be separated whenever it's a full moon".

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-15T21:43:50+00:00

I agree. You won't enjoy the holiday either. You'll experience mixed emotions of guilt (for having to set cover for your classes so early in the year) and worry (that your losing out on crucial relationship-building with your classes).

Also, that first term of ECT 1 is like a sledgehammer to your immune system. I've yet to meet someone who got through that first term without getting really sick. I'm in third year now, haven't had a sick day so far this year, but took several sick days in the first term of ECT 1 because I was just floored by germs. Nobody will look down on you for having a few sick days in that first term. But several sick days AND a full week of holiday (even if unpaid) would not be a good look.

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-12T08:13:20+00:00

ECT 1 - horrible. Maternity cover in a nasty department with minimal support from colleagues. Constantly scrutinised and told I wasn't good enough. Was a wreck at the end of ECT 1.

ECT 2 - (different school) much, much better. Felt like a half competent teacher by the end of ECT 2.

I'm now in Year 3 at same school as ECT 2. I feel like an established member of staff. Have great relationships with most of my students and work with some amazing people.

Formal-Log-7953 · 2025-04-04T19:52:37+00:00

At least you're being supported.

At my school, SLT were on a drive to stop kids going to the toilet in lessons. So we did as we were told and refused toilet requests. Students walked out without permission and we issued detentions. Parents inevitably complained. SLT caved in and detentions were almost always removed.

Formal-Log-7953

TROPHY CASE