Oh hello, Grindstone

Horrible to see you again.

The conference really was a repeat of every other conference we’re had for the past five years with nothing memorable actually coming out of it. Or now, three weeks later, I can’t recall anything, which I take to mean that nothing meaningful was said. I do remember I had a very very bad Saturday headache which lasted at least 14 or 15 hours.

My original timetable was a nightmare of six classes a day Monday to Wednesday, and a total of three on Thursday and Friday. The new version ended up being much like last year’s with all too many classes at the end of the day, although it is at least better spaced out.

I got an extra IB2 class as expected, and an IB1 class I wasn’t expecting. No AS classes for the first time ever, but that’s not such a loss. It means that I’m more of an IB teacher than an A-level one even though I’m ostensibly employed as the latter.

My original IB2 class has grown because I’ve inherited refugees from Ms Giggles. My new IB class is a mere six with the pupils from the former unable or unwilling to switch. I managed to get rid of some of my IB1 class for a couple of lessons, but I see them all for the lit. classes.

We’ve also started term short by three science teachers, which has meant babysitting, although I seem to have largely avoided that fate. Two of the missing teachers are late arrivals, and the third is a no-show.

The two new boys have no experience in IGCSE or IB. They’re a decent pair, but their conversations reveal how little they know about either programme.