Exhausted, but still smiling...

We passed the Ofsted inspection. It was a little touch-and-go for a bit. Two teachers walked out and the number of 'unsatisfactory' inspections kept rising, but in the end, we pulled through. It was an exhausting and stressful week, my observations were complete on Monday, but there was still the fear that an inspector would enter my room at any given time. The worst part was Friday afternoon when the Principal called a staff meeting. Why would you get up in front of a group of people after a week like that and say, "Good job, but I know we can do better next time. I know this isn't something you want to think about, but we have to prepare ourselves for the next time they come..." What sort of motivation is that?!?

I have spent the better part of my weekend on the other side of London, taking it easy and relaxing. Now we only have a week and a half before our Easter Break (and my big trip: 8 countries in 12 days!! WooHoo!!).

One down, three days to go...

Unless they decide they want to stay for Friday (but they won't do that unless things aren't going well). This is Ofsted I am referring to, btw. And I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy. Don't get me wrong, the inspectors are nice enough, but there's just so much pressure and so much stress attached to this whole experience.

I got up early this morning and took my time packing my bag for school, but somehow my geography lesson got put in the wrong pile and ended up underneath a bunch of crap on my bedroom floor. So, what else could have happened when I've left my lesson plan at home? Yup, as you've probably guessed, I was observed first lesson (geography). There's me feeling like a big old goof trying to explain why I do not have my lesson plan with me. Then a couple of the administrators stop by asking if I needed to call home and have someone bring it to me... Umm, it's just a piece of paper and it's a bit late don't ya think?! Anyway, other than feeling like a complete fool, the lesson was okay and I got my 'satisfactory' mark.

So, feeling a bit better having faced the firing squad, I went on with my day. That is, until my last lesson when the science inspector walked into the room. Now, I teach a wonderful group of very low ability year 7 students on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. I say wonderful because they really try hard, but they are climbing the walls in the afternoon lessons. And they were in rare form today! The lesson sucked. It was horrible. But the inspector said that I was persistent about their behavior, so I made my second 'satisfactory' mark.

Now, both lessons were horrible and I feel that on any given day, my lessons are SO much better than what I have just shown. I just don't think I am one who performs well under pressure. Oh well. I have my marks and there's nothing I can do about it. Other than work a bit harder tonight in case I see the inspectors tomorrow... Or the day after that... Or the day after that... Ugh!!

I can't wait for this to be over!!

I can not seem to focus today at all. This is my horoscope for the day and it is very fitting:
As of this evening, you'll be thinking specifically about one person -- just the one. You may need to spend your time with others, or be duty-bound to take care of responsibilities, but your mind won't be there.

There are about a million things I'd like to say right now. Instead, I will try and work on Ofsted preparation (through my cheesy smiles that don't seem to disappear)...

What happened to the weekend, is it Sunday already?!

I was looking at the most recent Time Out Magazine and there are a TON of US bands touring England this spring! I was quite surprised to see G. Love, North Mississippi All Stars, Gov't Mule, Drive By Truckers, and Me'Shell Ndegeocello. There's also some bigger names on tour like Jimmy Eat World, Jack Johnson, Ben Folds, and AudioSlave. Then, there are the groups that I had to stop and think, "are they really still playing?," like the Spin Doctors, Presidents of the USA, NIN and Hanson... [Ha! Sorry, but I can't help but laugh when I think of Hanson!] I haven't tried to make it to any shows since I have been here, but I want that to change. Consider it a very late New Year's resolution. Anyway, Particle and Keller Williams are playing the weekend after next and I am going to go ahead and get tickets. Hooray for Spring!! I just wish the weather would feel a bit more like spring...

So, I spent Saturday evening in the same spot as last Sunday - freezing my ass off, snogging (kissing) on a park bench along the Thames. I met him at noon and we spent the day wandering around London (I finally saw Buckingham Palace). We walked a good portion of the city and I have the blisters to prove it (Damn Skechers!) I had a really nice time with him, though, and we've made plans for next weekend...

Ofsted inspection starts tomorrow. I've already spent my morning at school (I wasn't the only one) and still have lots to do! Ugh!