Student trip to South-end-on-Sea

This was the second last week of school for the school year, and the students are really anxious for the year to be done by now. I think many of the teachers feel the same way. My year 7’s and year 8’s were writing 2 one hour tests each last week, so I spent the weekend marking them and calculating their levels. At one point I was hoping to be able to go to the beach, but once the dreary weather was upon us, I realised I didn’t mind staying inside. Besides, I could watch the last two matches of the World Cup while I was marking. I was watching the Germany vs. Portugal game with great interest and I am glad Germany won to get the third place overall. The Italy vs. France game didn’t hold my interest as much. I didn’t know who to cheer for. Well, anyway, Italy won. I watched about 75% of the games of the 2006 World Cup, and I can identify some of the players of the England team. I think that’s an achievement for someone who still does not have a complete grasp of the offside rule!

Back to the school: some students are really playing up more than usual now, which makes it tough to keep control of the classroom. I have tried to ease up a little, and instead of being appreciate, a loudly vocal minority complain how hard work it is. I have some students who are constantly challenging me by interrupting whilst I am talking to ask to get a drink of water. When I say no because what I am saying is important for them to hear and understand, they will continue to interrupt while I am talking. It gets really frustrating!

On a good note, on Thursday we had a year 8 Disco that was quite successful aside from a minor water fight and today year 8 and year 7 students went to Adventure Island theme park on South-end-on-Sea. Aside from cleaning up sick from a student on the bus within the first 30 minutes, the day went well. Only one other teacher and myself were keen on trying the rides from the staff. The kids really enjoyed seeing us involved in that way. It was a really good way to connect with them.

I now have this weekend to look forwards to. I have a friend (Jill) touring through Europe with her sister and her friend before she starts her first teaching job in Canada. I will be meeting up with them on Saturday and show them around London for a while. It will be a lot of fun!

One more week of school left!

Shalom
Kevin