I have not been able to blog for quite a while due to the fact that my trusty but ancient laptop gave up the ghost. Have now got a brand new one (RED!!!) and I am back on line.
At present I feel very excited as I only have 5 teaching days left before I leave my employment as a Lecturer and begin my life as a Foster Carer.
At work, life is somewhat difficult as some of my students are in panic mode due to the change in routine. I have tried to reassure them as much as possible - introduced the new Tutor, showed them their new classroom and established on which days they will be in college next year so that out of college activities can be planned as soon as possible.All-in-all we have had a successful year, with all students responding well and 4 of of them moving to the vocational courses of their choice and level of academic ability. Last year they wouild not have coped but thanks to my brilliant team of in-class Learning Support Officers and a lot of co-operation and the will to learn new teaching strategies by my colleagues, we are getting there. Next year, more will follow.
The students that are unable to progress will hopefully have been able to learn that even though we are suffering severe funding cuts, there are still options in the community and by dialogue with them and parents, we have identified and introduced the young people to progression routes such as Voluntary Work or Supported Employment. All the students leaving have been successful in this area.
For me, a new life will begin. More on that next time.
