1. Transitioning into a new school environment

"Change is an event but a transition is the process that you go through in response to the change" – William Bridges

Intense. Busy. Energetic. Sunday night was flooded with panic as I received an email from my host school saying my host teacher would be absent for the first two weeks. The placement started with a bang, I took on my host teachers full timetable and not just the classes I was planned to take. Being immersed into the teaching was extremely beneficial as I got to experience the full 22 hours and was given a glimpse into what my future of a full time teacher would feel like. With no cover work left, I had to adapt, overcome and improvise. I delivered the projects I had planned for my classes and co-curated projects with the other groups. The students and I developed a Unit of Learning that they helped plan and deliver which worked surprisingly well. I was also able to draw resources from the body of work from PME 1 placement and VAC modules. Entering into the school, unsure of how I was going to survive without my host teachers guidance meant I had to emerge myself into the school environment quickly starting with the staffroom. The atmosphere was very supportive and welcoming, a number of teachers offered to help me adjust. There was no hierarchy among the staff. There is no assigned parking, shared space. Staff move around the staffroom to talk to everyone, instead of having certain seats that are off limits.