juliew

My blogs

About me

Introduction I'm a semi-retired teacher with a mainstream background, currently working as a supply teacher in a Special Needs school. In truth I guess, from the moment I started teaching I was semi-retired. It's not that I don't like children, teaching or other teachers - but I'm just not that keen on schools. That said I love the school I work in now. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be there with such very special children and amazingly dedicated and hard working staff. My soap-box: I think if I could design a curriculum for mainstream it would consist of English, maths, science, loads of PE and 'arguing' (well, words to that effect). I think more pupils would be motivated if they thought they would major in arguing - whether it be in getting the better of their friends (PSHE - feeling confident) or winning political or philosophical arguments (RE, history, sociology, and general humanities). I would add all manner of art and craft lessons for additional skills. Joking apart, motivating some pupils is very difficult and one size education does not fit all. I think change will happen in time but why is it taking so long?
Interests Reading (no surprise there), writing plays, cooking, gardening, child development
Favorite Movies Annie Hall, The Deer Hunter, Life of Pi
Favorite Music Changes yearly, but favourite CD: '0' by Damien Rice
Favorite Books Madame Bovary, Howard's End, The Outsider, I would add Crime and Punishment but it's too long!!