It’s not just my blog that is moving on to pastures new. At the end of the summer term I said goodbye to my grammar school colleagues and students ready for my new challenge. Come September I will be taking up a new role as Head of Spanish at a large mixed secondary school. I’m very aware how different it is going to be, and I really can’t wait. Here are some of my thoughts on what’s ahead:

1. I know I’m going to spend more time on planning and making resources. I realise that I’ve been quite lazy of late when it comes to my textbook use. Part of my plan for this blog is to make it a platform I can use to share resources.
2. I’ve got a bigger timetable load. In my previous school I was Second in Department and also Learning Manager for year 9. This meant I had less teaching time, although enough extra work and meetings to make up for this. I’m now Head of Spanish underneath both a Head of and Second in Faculty, so I don’t get so much time – or the associated responsibility of course.
3. I’ve got quite a few shared classes. I’ve not had this situation for quite a long time and I’m going to have to get used to the way my colleagues work in order to make this one a success. I think I’m going to have to learn to be a little more flexible about how I plan, I probably won’t be able to plan as far in advance as I usually like to.
4. I’m going to be a year 7 form tutor again which is something I’m really looking forward to. The last time I had a year 7 form was as an NQT and there were some rather challenging characters. Everything I know about this group from the paperwork and transition day says these will be no different, but I think I learned some lessons last time that will help me. Routines and expectations will be clear from day one and consistency is key.
5. I will be working on my CTeach research assignment. I’m not 100% decided on my topic yet, it’ll become clearer as I start to read I think. I’m considering anything to do with cognitive science, potentially desirable difficulties and how they should be integrated into planning. I’m also due to be leading a focus group for CPD and I’m wondering if they’d be interested in looking into the same area, could certainly be useful for my data collection…
6. All this on top of the usual unknown elements of starting a new school!

So, a lot to think about and 19 days left to feel as prepared as I can. Here I go!