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I can’t believe I am almost half way through my second half term… time really does fly when you’re having fun.

Thinking back to September, I was so nervous to be starting my teacher training at a boys’ school but I was so pleasantly surprised; the students are lovely and the staff so welcoming.

After a two-week induction, covering the basics, at the University of Warwick, there was an INSET day to familiarise myself with the school, before Year 7 joined us for their induction the next day.  I felt myself feeling just as they were; excited yet awfully nervous.  As a School Direct Trainee I had the chance to observe lessons before I was to begin teaching them myself. This was really helpful as I was able to get to know my classes before I would be required to teach them.

I began by doing lesson starters and plenaries with year 7, which built my confidence and now I teach year 7, three times a week. I begin teaching year 9 & 10 next week, which will increase to nine lessons in total per week, by the end of term.  I am extremely nervous about this but still looking forward to it as I will get to know the class better and will establish a good relationship with them as I have done with year 7.  This is important to me as I go on my complementary placement in January, so want to return back after February half term to a class who are comfortable with me as their teacher.

I am finding lesson planning becoming much easier as my confidence and experience grow and can see real progress in the quality of my lessons compared to the first ones I taught back in September. If I have any issues my subject mentor is really supportive and more than happy to help, as is the rest of the English department.

Overall I am really enjoying the course and my current placement, although it can be quite stressful and you do not always feel that you are going in the right direction, it is incredibly rewarding.