What will you achieve this summer?
It is well-documented, that students apparently fall into an academic decline, more commonly known as the 'summer-slump' over the summer holidays. Yet, author and Kellie Elmore says:
Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.”
So, what's more important: a need for students to be working over the summer vacation? Or a need for teachers and students to recuperate and play with loved ones? I know which I would prefer ...
Well, I am off to excavate Ness of Brodgar on Orkney and I have an invitation to the Maritime Antiquities Scheme launch at the British Museum before I go. I told all my Year 11 students summers are supposed to be epic. I am off to have adventures and so should they. Using gain time now to sort new SOWs for next year so I can have the summer off without guilt.
That sounds fantastic Katy. Do share photos! Easily turned into an assembly and classroom resource. We roll up the timetable now, so don’t have much gain time sadly to plan for next year. I do miss that period as a middle leader and I know our own staff do. As an SLT, there’s no such thing as gain time. Always pushed for time to get things done.
There is a blog It is an expensive journey so I have gained sponsorship from a local company to go. When it is up and running and respectable will come back and place a link so all can see photos. A lot of my students wanted to be able to see what I was doing and that seemed the best way to do it within safe guidelines. I think it is important to balance time all year (not just summer). I passed my PhD upgrade in May and I know a lot of people don’t make it through PhD when working. Last year it got a bit like that. This year I am tough about my time and school time – and that is despite numerous revision classes in school and a trip aboard with students in February half term. However, I don’t have a family and respect that other people can’t do everything and be a good partner or parent. It is not a choice I would like to make. So I guess I wish everyone the best possible summer wherever they are. I like forward planning in school time as I like to cross plan the rough framework with my staff there – but that of course is off topic. ATB
Well done on PhD. Very jealous