Diary of a Trainee Teacher

I bought this book for a friend, and I liked it so much I’m very tempted to get myself a copy. It’s full of interesting tidbits that you might have known once but have probably forgotten, such as SOHCAHTOA, the photosynthesis process or the names of all 5 Bennett sisters. It’s absolutely fascinating, and I can highly recommend it.

Oh my god! I had no idea that we had so much stuff. We’ve lived in a two bedroom flat for the last two years and we are having an absolute nightmare trying to pack it all! We’ve hired a van, but we’re not entirely sure it will all fit, even with a car as well. I’m starting to understand why moving house has such a reputation for being extremely stressful.

So sorry, I know it’s been two weeks since my last blog entry, but I was very busy with my French course (plus, I spent every day doing french grammar, it doesn’t make for interesting reading) and the practicalities of moving house. I really enjoyed the course, I met some lovely people, and most importantly, I feel confident enough to teach French to quite a high level. To be honest I remember more French than German right now.

I move at the end of the week, I’m really looking forward to it. Our new house is fantastic, I can’t wait to get on with it. Our current home is a combination of mess and neatly packed boxes and we’re running out of food on purpose. Meals are fairly uninspiring, as you can imagine.

I’m planning on doing some reading this week, my reading list is scary – not that anyone ever actually reads the books on the reading list in advance, but I’m sure this will inspire a few blog entries, so hopefully I’ll be a little less absent in the immediate future.

Hi all. I’m sorry I’ve been so absent lately, I suppose this French course is a taste of what’s yet to come for me. I’m expected to work hard and do plenty of homework – it’s amazing how quickly you get out of the habit of academic work. reteacher (otherwise known as Willowfae) asked me how it was going, and the answer is ‘fine’ (I know, not very exciting). It’s harder work than I expected, but I’m managing it quite well and have been pleasantly surprised by how much hasn’t been forgotten. Obviously I’ve been really busy doing that, but as well as this I’ve also been busy with househunting. It was touch and go there for a while, nothing was quite right and everything a little too expensive for what it was, but I’ve found us a place now, and it becomes final later on this week. I have a little more time for blogging, so I promise to be a better blogger and keep you informed.

Good morning! Today is the first full day of my French course. I’ve already had a three hour session and homework – this is not going to be a doss, by any stretch of the imagination.

On the other hand the course will concentrate on common weak points, not just of us students but also problems that pupils commonly have, so this is good. Also, the people are really lovely, there are people here on several different kinds of booster courses, but there are only 9 on the french course.

Hopefully I should have time to house hunt this week… well, I can try.

Yesterday was my last day in my admin job before beginning all my PGCE related activities. My colleagues gave me a lovely send off, confident that after having worked with academics and PG students I’m fully qualified to handle teenagers, who are probably easier to deal with! I’m not entirely sure this is true, but the administration is probably perfect preparation for a PGCE course, which I’m told is heavy on the paperwork.

I am loving knowing I don’t have to go into work on Monday…. but I do have to the French course, which is terrifying and exciting all at once. I have to house hunt while at the course, which is also fairly scary, bearing in mind how stressful the hunting was the first time. I can’t wait until I’m settled and getting on with it, I’m just raring to go.