Heading in to the last term

Yet again, time has run away with me and I haven't found the time to update my blog. If i were to assess this piece of work it would probably be 'I think you could have written more in the time given'!

I have now finished my first placement, which seems rather odd. It went reasonably well, although there are still things that I need to improve in my practice. I seem to be hitting (or exceeding) all the teaching standards though, so that is a good thing. The children were all very sweet on my last day and I came out with lots of lovely cards and more chocolate than I really need, so I guess I did something right!

Hoping to make the most of the Easter holidays, although I have two essays to write before 15 April. then it is back to university for two weeks of advanced curriculum studies, then back in to school for the final placement and the last chance to show what I can do. I am trying to get the essays finished as soon as I can so that I can make the most of the holidays with my children before the madness of placement kicks in again.

I am looking forward to getting back into my second school; I am in a younger year group and got on really well with them last time so am hoping it will all go well for this placement. I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to teach languages again for a few weeks. There is another student in the school as well and we have already been asked to plan a language day, so that would be a good opportunity for us.

I am also aware that after Easter is prime job hunting time and something I really need to get sorted out. I know a lot of students have already applied for jobs and I need to get myself into gear and start to apply for any jobs that are within reasonable travelling distance. I am slightly worried that my age may be against me, but hopefully I also have other skills to offer due to my experience. Maybe my next blog post will be to say that I have found a job for September!

Snow fun - or not!

Well, seems like forever since I wrote on here, probably because I just haven't really had the time. PGCE is, as expected, taking up most of my time but I am still loving it which is a good thing!

Finished my first block placement just before Christmas and it all seemed to go well. Lesson observations were, on the whole, positive although of course there is still a lot for me to learn and lots that I can do to improve my lessons. I'm looking forward to going back to that school in a few weeks for a month block so that I can really get stuck in with planning and teaching.

For now I've just started at another school, but with the recent snowfall I haven't had as many days there as I should have! School is closed again today due to problems with the heating, so I am trying to get on with some work although its not easy when I have all four children here as well, as their schools are also closed. I am going to start my Primary Languages Assignment at some point today though - honest! I need to get into school at some point this week as I need to gather evidence for my final three assignments - Languages, Maths and English. If I can't the the evidence it is going to make the assignments quite tricky to write!

Can't quite believe we are already a term through the course - it is going so quickly. Back at UEA next week for more curriculum sessions and it will be good to catch up with everyone. Hopefully we'll also get results back on some of the work we've already submitted, although I'm not overly confident. Have managed to pass both QTS tests though, so at least they are crossed off the list. In less than 6 months we will (hopefully!) graduate and all being well I will also have a job lined up. Not looking forward to the job hunting - it will be weird going for jobs probably against people I have got to know on the course.

As the children appear to be occupied for a short while, I really ought to get on with some work! Will try and update here again when I can.

The first week of a new career

So I have just finished the first week of my Primary PGCE. It has been an interesting week and I will be very happy if it continues in the same vein for the rest of the year. That is not to say  that I am not extremely tired and brain dead - I am not used to concentrating so hard for 7 hours a day and then coming home and doing another 3-4 hours work (as well as looking after the family)!

So far this week I have had two maths tutorials on calculation (ok so far) and a day of language and literacy which brought back memories of several OU modules! A science tutorial where we melted ice and looked at how to make fruit and vegetables sink or float; a music tutorial and an art tutorial where my comfort levels were severely tested ( I am not artistic in the slightest and being given the word 'jagged' with which to create a collage almost finished me off!), and a history tutorial which I really enjoyed. The lectures have been interesting and I have met a wide spectrum of people - some like me coming from a very different working environments and some straight from their under graduate courses.

I was slightly put out to discover I was the only person in my tutorial group who had children - I am definitely one of the older people on the course but I do feel that gives me some advantages over those who are fresh from under-grad courses. Thankfully my teaching group seems to have a slightly wider range of people, although I am still one of (if not the) oldest.

I am looking forward to finding out next week where my placements will be - this will have a big impact on the rest of the course. There is a lot of work related to placements so it will be very important to get on with my school mentor and the rest of the school.

Monday is a study day and I already have a long list of work that I need to do over the next three days. For every hour at uni, I am supposed to do an hour of self-directed study. I'm not sure there are that many hours in the day! The reading list is about an inch thick! Ah well, they told us today for the English Audit that littel and often is the key - I think I'm changing that to a lot and often. Basically, if I'm not in uni, I should be doing some other work in some way, be it reading or writing an assignment, or preparing for the next tutorial.

So I need to accept that I will have no life for the next year. My family won't see me much; they certainly won't remember that if I'm last home they need to save some food for me! I will be permanently tired and possibly a bit grumpy. Yet I will be learning loads and finally doing the one thing I have always wanted to do.

It will be worth it.

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.

One essay to go..

So, I have recently submitted my latest OU essay and I now have just one essay to go before I finish my OU degree. It feels quite strange to be coming to the end of my OU studies, as it has been such a big part of my life for the past 3 1/2 years. Yet it is the end of what I have been working towards for those 3 1/2 years, so I am glad to finally be there. Just 3000 words stands between me and a £5000 bursary...if I can come out with a 2:1 I get a bursary; a 2:2 and I get nothing... Thankfully I have the opportunity to work extra hours at school this term, so am getting plenty of experience. I am saving every worksheet I see and taking note of how the teachers are working so that I have something to work from once I get to the UEA in September. I'm planning to get as much experience as I can across the key stages to boost my knowledge, as I know life isn't going to be easy from September. It would put my mind at ease if I could get my childcare sorted...!

This time last year...

...I was in sunny south-west France, spending time in a French school. I can't quite believe it was a year ago - the time has gone so quickly! I wish I was back there again though, I had a fantastic time and met some lovely people. Maybe one day - I could count is as professional development!

I am still in touch with the school and email the directrice quite regularly. The children from her class still correspond with the children in my class, which is something I think they have benefited from hugely. I just hope someone will carry on the link when I leave school in July. Anne (the directrice) knows I am leaving, and has already said that when I have finished training and am (hopefully!) in my own school, she would like to carry on corresponding with my new class. I feel a bit guilty that they will probably stop writing to my current school, but the link is very personal between Anne and myself and I would really like that to continue. Unless of course I find a job in a school that already has a French link - that could be a bit more awkward.

I'm hoping to set up a French club in school for the Summer term - I know it won't be for long but I hope it will enthuse some of the younger children. The reception children already love it when I get the chance to spend some time doing French with them and they pick it up so quickly. I think it helps that they have no inhibitions about getting things wrong - they just have a go at anything. Although I want to teach KS2, I hope that I will have the opportunity to do languages with younger children as well.

Long time no blog

Oops, has been rather too long since I last wrote on here. Time has been taken up with studying, family and illness in varying degrees. I'm still plodding on with my Children's Literature module and have just one assignment and the final end of module assessment to go. Considering this is my first foray into literature, I have been delighted with my scores and providing I carry on at the same level for these last two pieces of work I will come out with a pass 2 which will give me an overall 2:1 on my degree.

Work is still as much fun as ever - I have been working with a supply teacher this term and it has been interesting to observe different approaches to teaching. A new teacher starts next term, so I will have someone else to observe - all good experience for my PGCE! I'm also working extra hours until the end of the school year, so will have the chance to magpie away a few more ideas! I'm trying to gather as much information as I can before my course starts, so am bookmarking websites and taking note of what the children are reading to try and get some ideas.

There has been a lot of illness in the house over the past few months. February half term was a complete write off as I was laid up with flu for most of it, so it will be lovely to actually enjoy the holidays this time. We've also had sickness which has led to time off school - something of a rarity as I usually insist the children go in! Am hoping that is it for illness in this house for a while, as I can't afford to have time off from university for illness!

Exam season is starting as well - eldest daughter will be starting her GCSEs soon. Her exam timetable looks ridiculous. We have found a tutor to help with her science as that is something she is struggling with, so hopefully that will help. And prom dress shopping will be taking place over the holidays - I think my credit card may take a battering!

I'm looking forward to June when my module will be finished and I'll be able to read what I want, when I want. It will also be good not to feel guilty when I do something other than studying! I also need to make the most of my free time though, as I know it is something that will be seriously lacking from September!

Why I love my job

Have just spent a fabulous day with a range of Key Stage 2 children which emphasised just why I want to be a teacher and why I love being with children! We had a Key Stage 2 trip to the local Castle Museum for a Roman day - our topic for this half-term is Romans - and I had a lovely day! As a group we took part in 4 different workshops, and the enthusiasm and engagement of the children underlined for me why I want to spend my days in a classroom - the children loved what they were doing and if I can instil half of that enthusiasm in my lessons I will be very happy.

We had a session on Roman artifacts, another on life as an Iceni, a day as a Roman soldier and a session on making a torc. The children were beautifully behaved and , while I realise that life in a classroom is slightly different, I hope that I will - at some stage - be able to capture the children's imagination as much as they were captured today.

I came away from today with several ideas for lessons and lots of ideas of what appeals to children. Long may it last!

Doing a happy dance....

On Friday evening I received an email from GTTR - the clearing site for PGCE applications - to say that my application had been updated. Cue knot in stomach as I dithered over the login screen - would it be good news or bad? My daughters were sitting next to me threatening to push me out of the way if I didn't log in and find out the answer. And there it was - conditional offer! I will admit I shed a few tears as I was so relieved to get a place (the condition is that I pass my degree - no surprise there). I have today hit the button to formally accept my place on the course so, degree permitting, as from September I will be a full-time student for a year.

Now comes the fun stuff - sorting childcare and finance. Not sure whether my lovely childminder can have both boys before and after school every day, so I may be calling on favours from friends! And, of course, finishing my current module - 1 assignment due in on Thursday then 4 more to go. Oh yes, and we moved back to our house at the weekend, so I'm surrounded by boxes! But at least I've got a connection to the internet again as from today :)

Interview hell!

On Monday I had an interview at the University of East Anglia for a place on their Primary PGCE with French course. I had been dreading it, and my dread was well founded! According to the letter I received, the morning would consist of a conversation in the target language, a written piece in the target language plus an interview, then the afternoon would be an interview, a written piece plus a presentation and group discussion. However, the reality was slightly different!

There were 7 of us for the morning (language) session, and I was the oldest by around 15 years, plus I was the only person wearing a suit! The conversation and interview turned out to be one and the same thing, which threw me somewhat and I ended up blanking when he spoke to me in French. I hope they will realise it was only down to nerves and that I can actually speak French! I think the written task was ok, but given my complete failure on the interview I am no longer very confident.

The afternoon was, I think, better. We were joined by 4 more students for the general PGCE part of the day. I was one of the first in for interview and I think it was ok, but I never know how to interpret the 'hmm, hmm' - is it a good hmm, hmm or a bad hmm, hmm? I managed to answer all the questions, so hope I was saying the right things! I feel as if the book presentation went well - I stuck to my 3 minutes unlike some of the candidates - and joined in the discussion, although admittedly I wasn't the first to speak in the discussion phase unlike the very keen candidate who obviously wanted to stand out. the written task was horrible though - I have no idea if I wrote the right thing.

We were told that if it was a definite no we would hear within 2 weeks, otherwise we would be on a list dependant on the allocation for funding for places. I'm ju't hoping I don't hear anything before Christmas, which would mean I still have a chance!

In other news, it was the last day of term today. Feeling sad as the teacher I work with is leaving to go to another school and I will be working with a supply teacher for next term. There were quite a few tears from the children, but I'm sure they'll soon settle in with a new teacher. Plus I have the opportunity to do some work experience in another school with my former colleague!

Hoping for positive news soon...

A degree at last, plus an interview

Finally, I can say I have a degree! I have received the results of the 3 modules I took this year, and received a pass 2 in my level 3 French and a pass and a distinction in my level 1 German modules. This means that I can claim 3 qualifications from the OU - a Certificate in German, a Diploma in French and a BA (Open). I still need to pass my current Children's Literature module to get the final 60 credits for an Honours degree, but the end is in sight. With my current grades. as long as I get a pass 3 or above for this module, I should still come out with a 2:1, which I will be absolutely delighted with. There is still a lot of work to do though - I'm not finding it to be an easy module as I haven't studied any literature before, but it is interesting, so I'm hoping I can get through it in one piece.

In other news, I have an interview for a place on a Primary PGCE course next week. To say I'm nervous is an understatement! I know I'm not great at interviews, so am doing what I can to try and prepare for the day. Because I am applying for Primary with French, I get a whole day of interviews! French conversation, a French written assessment plus an interview, then the PGCE part - interview, book presentation and group discussion, and another written assessment. This is what the past 3 years have all been about - getting a place on the course to do my teacher training, so there is a lot riding on the interview day.

Must remember to stock up on Rescue Remedy to see me through the day!

The right decision.

I recently spent 2 days at a local high school which has a newly opened International Centre. I wanted to have a look at life in secondary education to make sure that my decision to aim for primary teaching was the right one. Plus I wanted to find out a bit more about what is expected of children's language abilities when they start at high school.

The school was very welcoming and I observed a range of languages and ages. There seemed to be an assumption that the children have no prior language experience which I feel is a shame for those that have had the opportunity to start exploring other languages. However, this school is slightly different from usual as it doesn't have any direct feeder schools - children come from all over the county, the country and overseas, so the school doesn't have the chance to influence their feeder schools that other high schools may have.

The biggest difference I noticed between primary and secondary was the behaviour - some of the pupils had some definite attitude problems! Also the enthusiasm for languages that I have seen in my primary just wasn't there - some of the children seemed keen but others were just not interested at all.

I'm glad I observed the secondary school - it has confirmed to me that primary education is where I want to be. From my (admittedly limited) experience so far, the children in primary are more willing to try new things and have an enthusiasm that seems to be missing once they reach secondary. From the language side, I think that if you can get the children interested in other languages and cultures at an earlier age, they are more likely to carry that interest through high school. If they don't start learning languages until the reach high school, that interest seems to be lacking.

Now, how can I work that into my PGCE personal statement?!

Back to school

I have loved spending the holiday with my children. but I have also loved getting back to work this week. Tuesday was an INSET day, spent mostly sorting out the classroom ready for this year. I have ripped up so many old books this week it is ridiculous! I don't work Wednesdays (at the minute!), so Thursday was my first real time back in school. We have a lovely class this year and I am really looking forward to working with them. I spent most of today sorting the cupboard again, but it was quite therapeutic! I have been asked to take the4 Year 6s for French, which I am really looking forward to. It will be a bit daunting, but I hope I will be able to really improve their language skills by the time they leave next year. I am already looking at how I can refresh what they learnt last year. As from next week I am changing my work days, although I have unfortunately had to turn down some extra hours as I have my OU work to finish.

September is a bit of a mad month - 2 end of course German assessments plus a French dissertation, then a spoken assessment for each course. I am so looking forward to October when I will only have one course on the go (Children's Literature) although I think it is going to be a tough course to pass.

In October I will need to submit my PGCE application. I am spending a couple of days on a high school next week for observation, but know I want to apply for Primary. Just need to make sure my personal statement is up to scratch. Have spoken to my class teacher about looking at his plans and assessment, so I have a bit ore of an idea what I am doing!

It is going to be a busy, but rewarding, few months.

Studying and school holidays don't mix!

Don't get me wrong - I love my children dearly. Yet when I have 3 tutor marker assignments, then three end of course written assignments plus 3 end of course spoken assignments to prepare, my patience is stretched to the limit. Every time I think I have an hour to make some progress I get interrupted for one reason or another. I have one more TMA to submit, then I am on to the end of course assignments - the important bits that will affect my overall degree grade.

I am reasonably confident with my German EMAs - I think I should be able to write enough to get a pass grade. Yet I am very apprehensive about the spoken component of these exams - I have little to no speaking practise!

French is another matter altogether - my continuous assessment has just been enough to get a pass grade 2 overall, but that means I need to get a grade 2 in my written and spoken end of course assessments. That will mean a lot of work between now and October! Lie I said, my children are great but they are not conducive to studying! I need to spend several hours working on my assignments before submission date, plus try to get to the face to face tutorials during September to practise.

Time to say goodbye

It has been an emotional and tiring week in school! I seem to have been in school rather a lot this week, mainly to help out with the traditional Leaver's Play - a chance for the year 5 & 6 class to put on a performance for everyone. This year's play was The Jungle Book and the children did a fantastic job. Monday afternoon was the dress rehearsal in front of the rest of the school and was my first attempt at face painting. Thankfully the children were very patient with my less than artistic efforts! The next two evenings were the main performances for family and friends and everyone really raised their game and put on brilliant performances. I think even I managed to improve my face painting skills by the third attempt! It was the first time I have been involved with the play, and although I didn't have lots to do I really enjoyed seeing the children develop their roles and see their confidence blossoming.

Today was the last day of term and the Leaver's Service - usually a time for lots of tears. This is the second year that I have worked in the same class as this group of children (I was also with them in Year 4) and it is lovely to see how they have grown and matured. I felt very proud of them as they gave their speeches and received their well-deserved awards, and they all did very well to keep composed with only a few tears (there were more tears from the children who were watching than from Year 6!) They are a lovely group of children and a very tight-knit and supportive group and I know that they will continue to flourish at high school.

Probably the saddest part of the morning for me was when Miss M was presented with her leaving gift. She came to the school as an NQT 3 years ago and taught one of my daughters in her first year. I had the pleasure of working with her last year and she has become a very good friend and has been very supportive of my plans to become a teacher. I will miss her at school but am determined to keep in touch. Her new school is very lucky to have her.

The highlight of the day was the annual Year 6 v. staff rounders match. Always a competitive game, the staff were determined to win having lost last year (I wasn't playing then!). Staff went into bat first and we did well, with only 3 people out. I surprised myself by managing to hit the ball at all! Then we were into field and I went to third base - my favourite spot from school - as I can catch but can't throw very far! We started well as Mr D caught the first Year 6 batter out. They managed to get a few round but we soon got into our stride and started getting more out. I managed a catch and also a few run outs, and our vicar (playing for the staff) also caught someone out and made some great throws. In the end the staff beat Year 6 quite comfortably, although they still maintain we cheated!

It is sobering to think that this time next year I will be leaving the school as my pupil will be moving on to high school. Hopefully I will be leaving to move onto my PGCE, although of course there is always the chance I won't get onto the course. I am looking forward to working with the year 5 / 6 group again next year and to helping another group of children to prepare for life after primary school.

Where has the term gone?

It only seems five minutes since I came home from France, yet in just 2 weeks time we will be saying goodbye to our current year 6 and preparing for September and a new class. Time has whizzed by and yet I haven't written anything! This is probably more to do with the fact I have been trying to keep up with my OU courses than anything else. In hindsight, trying to study 120 credits in 9 months while working and being a single parent to 4 children during the week while hubby works away was rather foolish, but I only have 3 months to go and am hopeful I will survive! Results in French haven't been what I would have liked - whilst I can communicate perfectly well in French I am finding the rigid academic style far more difficult. Thankfully the lovely Mandy has been helping me with my German, otherwise I fear I would be failing that as well! Just 1 course assessment to go in each course, then an end of course written and spoken assessment for each and I'm done! Looking forward to only having 60 credits to contend with from October till June 2012, then hopefully my degree will be finished.

In preparation for my PGCE application, I recently spent a morning in a local Junior school. It was interesting to see the difference between a single age class and my current mixed age class. The same problems with differentiation still exist, yet they were all expected to work at a very similar lesson. I have also made arrangements to spend a couple of days in a local Secondary school which specialises in languages, in September, just to reassure myself that Primary is the way for me. I really can't see myself teaching at Secondary level - I love working with the year 5/6 class and see that as my future.

I have also had the opportunity to lead my class over the last couple of weeks, either while the teacher was out or when he had assessments to complete. And I loved it! I thought I might be really nervous in front of the class, yet while I was a bit self concious I really enjoyed the opportunity to test how I could engage the class and direct their work.

I do feel very nervous about the PGCE application, but can only do my best! Whether I have the skills that the university is looking for remains to be seen, but I will be doing my best over the summer to ensure that I am as prepared as I can be (as well as finishing off my current OU courses!) And for now, I can concentrate on helping my class as they prepare for their leaver's play, as well as making sure I am ready for the Year 6 v. staff rounders match on the last day of term!

All change!

Since I started my OU studying back in September 2008, I have always wanted to gain my degree in Modern Language Studies - I thought it would be better to have a named degree and would give me more flexibility for future career moves. However, that meant studying through until October 2012 so that my application for PGCE would be to start in 2013 (which seems a long way off!) However, having attended the Primary PGCE open day at my local university recently, I have now changed my mind! I came back from the day feeling really invigorated to get on with my training and, having looked at the options, have now decided to go for a BSc Open degree. This means that I can actually finish my studying in June 2012, so can apply this autumn for a PGCE place starting September 2012.

Changing to an Open degree also means that I have more flexibility for my final level 3 course, as (providing I pass all this years courses!) I will only need 60 credits at level 3 to complete my total of 360 credits for an Honours degree. The English course that I was going to take was part of the named degree, but having searched the OU prospectus I have found a level 3 Children's Literature course which starts in October and which would complete my degree. It looks like a really interesting course and I have already been on Amazon looking for the set books, although I haven't yet ordered them as I know I will want to start reading as soon as they arrive and I have 3 other courses to get through first! I also think that a children's literature course will be useful for a prospective Primary school teacher!

I have spoken to the university and to my current Headteacher about my change of plans and both said that an Open degree wouldn't have an adverse affect on my application for the PGCE or on future job applications. My Head is also going to get in touch with people she knows at other schools so that I can arrange to do some observations in different types of schools - it will all help with my application!

So, it's down to me now to get a good degree result, organise some more school observations and put together a personal statement that will impress the university! I'm pleased that I have decided to change courses and am looking forward to the challenges ahead.

A very French experience

Just back from 10 days in France so need to write about the experience while it is still fresh! I received funding from Comenius (a European lifelong learning programme) to spend 10 days in France as part of a job shadowing programme. My school have been corresponding with their French friends since the New Year and the French teacher came to our school for a week in February, so we have been building good links.

A group of 10 teachers form Norfolk (plus me - the only non-teacher in the group!) made the trip out to Toulouse in the early hours of Wednesday morning. We had 2 1/2 days of language training in Toulouse before travelling to stay with our host teachers. Once we had arrived and dropped our bags at the hotel (small and rather dated, but clean and friendly) we were off to the Place du Capitole to meet one of the French organisers and have the first of many excellent meals! Wednesday was a long day - after lunch we had a welcome meeting and an introduction to the French school system. While it was interesting, after having been up since 3 in the morning we were all starting to flag by then! Some of the French teachers then came to meet us for a meal in the evening.

Thursday and Friday were spent at l'IUFM - the French equivalent of a teacher training college. We were split into 2 groups for the course, beginners and confident. Our confident group was taken by the lovely Pierre who seemed to know everything about French history and spoke Occitan and Spanish as well as French. It was all very interesting although I do wish we had more opportunity to practise speaking - we did seem to listen to Pierre rather a lot! We did learn lots of lovely French songs though. Lunches at the college were 3 courses - eating lots featured rather heavily. After the course we had the opportunity to go shopping - I have bought rather a lot of books - and evenings involved more food.

Saturday morning was supposed to be at college, but as a group we decided we would prefer an outdoor lesson, so Pierre took us to a lovely museum. As some people were moving out to their hosts that afternoon, we all split up after the morning and I went off to a large covered market with one of the teachers. After more food and more shopping, we decided to embrace French culture and went to the cinema to watch Gerard Depardieu in 'Je n'ai rien oublié'.

I had arranged for Cécile (my host teacher) to pick me up on Sunday morning. She was also picking up another teacher, Sarah, as Sarah's host wasn't available until later in the day. We went to a market to buy food for lunch, then met up with some of Cécile's friends for a coffee, before going back to their house for lunch, which went on all afternoon! We then took Sarah to meet her host and, finally, got back to Cécile's house.

Monday was my first day in school - I was slightly nervous as Cécile wasn't going to be there (she works as an English teacher in lots of different schools), but the staff were all very welcoming and the children were all very curious! School started at 8.30am, so after a quick tour I went into CM1/CM2 - the equivalent of our year 5/6 - the class that we had been corresponding with. I had brought over letters and small gifts from my class so handed those out, which was useful to try and get to know the children's names! I observed a French grammar lesson and then a maths lesson after break. After a 2 hour lunch break, I visited CE1/CE2 (year 3/4) and observed comprehension and more maths. One of the teachers took me back to Cécile's house after school (4.30) and we then went to the cinema (les femmes du 6iéme étage - lovely film) before coming home to Toulouse sausage for supper - delicious!

Back to school on Tuesday and helping out Cécile in English lessons in the morning. The teachers took me out for lunch then I was in Maternelle (reception/year 1) for the afternoon where I helped make Easter bunnies for presents and we did lots of singing. After almost losing my phone on the way home (it fell out of my bag onto the pavement but luckily I checked my bag about 5 minutes later, realised it was gone and it was still on the pavement when I went back to look!), Cécile took me for a quick shopping trip round Montauban. Supper was Bréton gallettes and more wine!

French schools don't work on Wednesday's, so it was a day of sight-seeing. We started off by going to a museum in Montauban, then met up with the directrice for lunch. She then took us on a sight-seeing tour round the area - lots of lovely old villages and beautiful scenery.

Back to school on Thursday and started off in CP/GS (year 1/2). French children don't seem to really start reading and writing until they are around 6, so it was interesting to see what the younger children do in class to start on letter and word recognition. As well as French, there was some maths and a short PE lesson. After lunch I was back with Cécile for English lessons - the CM1/CM2 children started writing letters for me to bring back to England. With CE1/CE2, we went outside for songs and activities. In the evening, Cécile took me to a dance spectacle in Toulouse - it was modern ballet and although I found the first half a bit strange, the second half was fabulous!

Friday was my last day in school - I spent the morning in Maternelle again with more singing and stories. I was also given a lot of pictures to bring home! Back to CM2/CM1 in the afternoon to finish off letters to England. Everyone came to say goodbye at the end of the day and I had lots of hugs from the younger children (plus a box of chocolates from someone in CM1). I was sad to say goodbye - it was a lovely week and everyone was very welcoming and friendly.

Cécile's partner, Seb, cooked a lovely meal on Friday night and I managed to cram everything into my suitcase somehow. Thankfully my flight on Saturday wasn't too early!

So, what have I gained from my trip? The main thing is the confidence that my French is sufficient to manage by myself in France - once Cécile picked me up I spoke nothing but French for the whole week and people seemed to understand me! I also understood most of what was said to me - I may not have understood every word, but I could understand the gist of conversations and reply appropriately! I also have lots of ideas to bring back and share with my class to hopefully help the French lessons. I had a great trip and hope to continue my correspondence with the school and Cécile as it can only be a positive thing to have these contacts in France. The trip has been a really positive experience for me; while I was there I wasn't someone's mum or someone's wife, I was just me and I think it did me good to focus on myself for a short while.

Back to the grindstone...

Halfway through January and the household is back to the usual routine. Hubby travels to Worcestor Monday evenings and comes home on Thursday evenings leaving me as a single parent for most of the working week. Now that tutorials have started up again I am having to rely on babysitters to enable me to get out of the house - while I don't mind leaving my 14 year old in charge if I am at a school meeting 5 minutes away, it is a different matter if I am at a tutorial over 2 hours drive away!

Once again, the OU has decided that Norfolk is an unknown county when it comes to tutorials...my German tutorials were originally due to be in Cambridge (although thankfully the tutor has agreed to run some in Norwich - as she lives in the county she would rather do them here as well!) and, of course, the tutorials for my next French course are in Cambridge as well. Only this time they are 3 hours long, meaning each evening will be at least 7 hours including travel! Thank goodness there are only 3 of them. I have no doubt that the tutorials for my other German course will be in Cambridge as well.

I am doing my best to get ahead on my current German course before the other course start in a couple of weeks. I know the French is going to be a big step up from last year and it is really important that I get a good result for that course as it will have a big impact on my overall degree result. So as long as I pass the two German courses the marks aren't hugely important - I just need to pass!

So, most of my non-work time is now taken up with studying. 120 points of study is supposed to be equvalent to a full-time uni course - not sure where 4 chidlren, work and an absent husband are supposed to fit in!

Work is going well - we are doing lots of French in class and writing to our partner class in Toulouse. We received letters from the French children and our class seem to have really enjoyed trying to translate them. It has given them a new outlook on French - having something tangible they can learn from is bringing it to life. I have booked my flights to Toulouse (yay!) and the French teacher is coming over here at the end of February, so it will be good to meet her. I'm really enjoying being in the year 5/6 classroom and think this the place for me in the future. Looking forward to the University Primary PGCE open day in May so that I can discuss my options with the tutors and find out more about the course. Only another 2 years until I can apply!

Joyeux Noël / Fröhe Weihnachten / Happy Christmas!

And yet again another month has passed without finding time to update on here - really must try harder! It has been a busy month with birthdays and moving.

In amongst the chaos has been some good news - I passed my French module! Results came out last week and I gained a level 2 pass which I'm pleased with. Slightly disappointed in the result for my written exam which was lower than I would have liked, but thankfully it was enough to keep me in the same level. Very surprisingly the result for my disastrous spoken exam was much better - whether allowances were made for the technical nightmares I don't know, but I am relieved it didn't affect my grade.

The other good news is that I have received funding for a job shadowing trip to Toulouse next year. I have already started exchanging emails with the school and the children are going to start writing in the New Year. However, just to confuse me I have received a package of letters from another school in the Tolouse area - not sure what's going on there but will have to wait until I can speak to the Languages co-ordinator once we are back at school! Maybe we've been twinned with 2 schools for some reason!

Studying is ongoing, albeit at a slightly reduced rate. I received a good score on my first German assignment so need to carry that on. With two new modules due to start in February I need to make the most of January to get ahead as much as I can. More good news is that the tutorials have been moved from Cambridge to Norwich for the next couple of months, so at least I should be able to get to those.

My other current project is my 40th birthday party! Having not had a party since I was 13, decided this was the time to push the boat out! Have booked a local hotel for the evening and a friend's band is going to play. I'm really looking forward to the evening and hope that friends that I haven't seen for a while will be able to come along. So January will also be a month of healthy eating and exercise as I would like to buy a new dress for the party!

Given my previous form, I am guessing that this will be my last post for the year! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year,