The end of an era

That's it. I have just hit the submit button to send my final Open University essay off for marking. Having been studying for my degree since September 2008, I feel sad and actually quite bereft that it is now over. I always thought that I would study more modules with the OU in future, for pleasure rather than for qualifications, but with the increase in fees that just isn't going to be feasible. I have met some great people over the 9 modules I have taken and had some tutors that were definitely better than others! The two weeks that I spent in Caen were definitely highlights of my OU experience and, if we weren't already booked to go to France on holiday this summer, I would be trying to find a way to go again this year! But, life moves on and - while waiting for my results (gulp!) - I need to turn my attention to my PGCE starting in September. I'm not planning on doing loads of work over the summer, as this will be my first summer off in three years, but am going to do a few bits to get started. I made a start this morning - clearing out the cupboard that is going to mine for storing all my files and folders! (My stationery fetish means I am already collecting quite a few things that, while maybe not entirely practical, will be very pretty to help with my studies!) I have a pile of books from a friend who did the PGCE a couple of years ago to start flicking through, plus I want to read as many different children's books as I can, as we have to do a Literacy Audit which contains a review of Children's Literature (I knew this last module would be useful for something!). Also on my 'to do' pile are practise books for the Literacy and Numeracy tests; I'm reasonably confident but could do with brushing up on some skills. I had the opportunity to see a bit of what life will be like this time next year, when we held interviews at school for a new teacher. This is prime NQT job hunting time, so we had lots of applicants. Reading the applications gave me a good idea of what to include when I get ready to start applying for jobs and - more importantly - what not to include! The interview day itself was also really interesting, and has given me a feel for the sort of questions that get asked and the expected answers. So, farewell OU, thanks for everything, it's been a fun, if tough three years and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I just hope I get the degree classification I want at the end of it all!! Roll on August for the results.