In just under 4 weeks I will have started my job as teacher
In just over 4 weeks my new class will arrive- and I’ll be their teacher!
These 2 facts both petrify and excite me!
–
Whenever I think about next year I feel worried and genuinely scared.
Not that I’m not looking forward to starting- I am, I really am! But this doesn’t stop me worrying about it all!
It’s very clear to me that having your own class, and teaching in your NQT year is a very different experience from teaching on the PGCE (@oliverquinlan writes about this here.)
Not least because when I arrived on placement I met an established class. A class where the class teacher had already done all the ‘establishing’ work- routines, behaviour management strategies, reward systems, classroom organisation and many more things besides were already sorted out, Now I am not just ‘borrowing’ a class- a group of 30 children will be my class and my responsibility and it will be up to me to establish all these things!
My ‘to do before September’ list keeps growing by the day- I keep thinking of new things that I need to sort out or think about, but I’m worried I’ll forget something important! (if anyone has a list of what I need to sort out, feel free to share 
) There are also things I realise I need to sort out that I haven’t even thought about yet! ( target setting, ability grouping etc!)
I looked over the assessment data for my new class, and realised the large amount of progress some of the children have got to make this year to meet the schools targets. It dawned on me that this is now my responsibility and it is me who is answerable if they do not achieve their targets.
I’ve no longer go to just plan and prepare for 5 week bocks- but a whole year. I’ve been lucky with this as I enjoyed having the opportunity to jointly re-plan the whole year 5 curriculum- so I have a good idea of where ‘we’re going’ and where everything fits in throughout the year (in theory anyway!)
I’ve got to decide what to do in my first few days and weeks- it’s clear to me that these are vitally important and that I’m going to have to put the brakes on myself to some degree and keep things simple so that I can focus on establishing and getting ‘right’ the basics.
I haven’t be able to spend time in school yet this summer and it’s unlikely I’ll get much time in school before the start of term (I was away when the school was open)- this doesn’t worry me too much though, as to me, a lot of the ‘important’ things to sort out don’t need me to be in the classroom. I do hope however that I can sort out my classroom in the time I do have.
…
I also said I felt excited- and this is true too.
I’m excited about getting ‘stuck’ in and teaching again.
When I look at our long term plans I’m excited about the breath and quality (I think anyway!) of experiences and topics we are going to be able to offer.
I’m excited about getting ‘my hands on’ my new classroom and sorting out things like displays etc…
But above all I feel excited about getting to know the 30 children in MY class and building up a relationship with them throughout the year.
So I am looking forward to it all really- but that doesn’t stop the nerves and worry!
I’m hoping my nerves and worries will decrease over the next few weeks when I start working with gusto towards my preparations for next year- I’ve not done (much) towards next year as yet- I’ve made sure I give myself a break and rest so that I have energy for my new class!
If you have any tips, advice or anything – please share them in the comments. I’m keen to get and will be very appreciative of any help!
TH
My biggest piece of advice to you is ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY!! I don’t remember doing anything school related during the holiday before my NQT year and I’ve never been into school during holidays, I work hard during term time but learning to switch off during the holidays is just as important!
At the end of your NQT year if you ask the kids what they remember most it’ll be experiences you gave them and I guarantee you it won’t be anything that’s on that ‘to do before September’ list.
I totally agree with Sarah, but I remember how hard that is with all the uncertainty of your first job coming up. Once you start preparing for September you will never stop, that goes for the mentally thinking part as well as actually doing stuff, so the best thing is put it out of your mind for a few weeks! I know how hard that is, I’ve got so many things buzzing in my head I want to implement in my second year!
I have found this year that what the children remember, and also what has made the most difference academically (for my class) is those little interactions you have with the class that make you the kind of person you are (more on a blog post on that soon!). You won’t have high quality interactions if you are run down or tired, so try your best to relax for a while!
I’m with Sarah on this one, make sure you have your holiday and any other holiday throughout the year. The PGCE course is hectic and you cannot sustain that pace throughout your NQT year. Firstly, focus on getting to know the children and setting the boundaries in your class. Start off very firm, but fair, it is easier to relax once they are used to you, than toughen up because you’ve been too lenient. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice if you need it. Personally I see that as a strength in individuals, as it shows me that they recognise there is a need for development.
Once you’ve worked with your class for a few weeks, you will know their strengths and weaknesses and that will better enable you to work towards your targets.
Do rest, as NQT’s are more prone to all the bugs that go around schools. But most of all, enjoy and use it as an opportunity to learn from others – you have NQT time, use it to visit other schools, or observe colleagues teaching.
Have fun.
Just wanted to let you know that I have so much enjoyed reading about your PGCE year and how you delt with the ups and downs of being a trainee treacher. Your blog has been a source of inspiration and encouragment! and I can’t wait to hear about your successful NQT year. I’m sure you will have a fantastic time with your new class, all the best!
I feel so much better after reading the comments… I’m starting as an NQT next term too, but I’ve kept away from even thinking anything school-related. Every time I have a worry about levels and whatnot, I tell myself off. I need this break, and I know I’ll have enough time to worry and stress when September comes!!
I do wish you every success & know that you’re going to be great! I understand the comments about having a holiday & that is important but if you are like me once something gets in your head it can be like a bee buzzing around. you are so full of energy you will be fine & yes, you will forget things but no – they don’t shoot you for it!
I’m actually jfb57 above! Needed to pop back in & point out the spelling for excitement! Told you they didn’t shoot you!