Was a bit nervous today about the induction - what if I don't remember anything, or if it’s all too much for me? It looks alright on paper – fun with the students, a bit of teaching, a bit of activity leading and a few excursions.

Well, the reality is different, though I think I’ll be OK. The induction was useful – lots of information, though I think there’s more to it than that. Will find out soon, I suppose! Had the general induction first – a bit scary that we have all this responsibility for the students, but at least it’s shared out - then the academic induction. We were shown the student workbooks, the syllabus and how the timetable works. Also got paired up with another teacher – Tony, who’s worked in Spain for years – so that should help. Seems nice enough, lots of ideas for lessons. Then did an induction with the Activities Manager who showed us what our responsibilities were.

Going to have an early night after I’ve had another look at the teaching material. Had a look at the rota to see what I’m doing for the rest of the week.

The testing of the new arrivals was busy but well-organised by the Director of Studies. It was a bit like a military operation. As a new teacher, I was asked to invigilate, which wasn’t as difficult as I thought as the Group Leaders (the adults who come out with the students) helped. Other teachers handled the oral part of the test – that looked fun. Might ask to do that in a couple of weeks. Then some of the other teachers marked the test and the Director of Studies put them in class on the database.. I helped with the activity leading – a treasure hunt, which the activity leaders prepared – good fun, though had to give some of them a nudge with the clues.

Had some time this evening to prepare for the lessons. The student books make it easier, though being the pedant that I am, still wanted to prepare it my own way – with the help of the teacher’s notes, of course (not that stupid!). Tony was there as well, so asked him for some tips on warmers. Must remember to keep all this stuff.

Morning was spent leading a volleyball tournament. Good for my thighs but need to get a lot fitter to keep up with the students! A bit apprehensive at first as I haven’t had any experience, but there was a good briefing by the Senior Activity Leader, and the activity was planned out, rather than just throwing us a ball and telling us to get on with it.

Then teaching in the afternoon (will be doing that for the rest of the week as there’s a zig zag programme), which was OK – not great as I was a bit nervous, but tried to build a rapport with the students, and I think they like me. The warmers that Tony gave me worked well – must ask him for some more ideas. Also did some excursion preparation lessons, which involved lots of running around and noise!

Dinner duty after the lessons,saw me standing at the front of the queue, keeping them in line, and making sure that they were taking reasonable amounts of food. Quite a happy bunch of people – a few shy younger ones, but the older Spanish students have taken them under their wings, which is great. Had my own dinner after, sitting with a group of Italian students, who bombarded me with questions! Some were quite personal, and I skirted around those.

Did some final prep on the lessons for tomorrow, then early night again – long day tomorrow, so need a bit of rest.

A half day excursion this morning, to Windsor and Eton. A bit of a panic as there weren’t enough packed lunches, but one of the Activity Leaders found a tray of them hiding in the canteen. We had a coach list, which made it easy to count them on and off. They were fairly quiet on the way there – probably still trying to wake up! Had a tour of Eton College, which was very interesting. The guide obviously has had experience of working with international students, so the language was graded. Then, we walked them around Windsor itself and had a look at the castle from the outside. They had a bit of free time, while we sat in an obvious spot, drinking a well-earned latte. With all this walking, I’ll be fit in no time! Though the latte probably wiped out all my efforts.

Had a quick look at my lesson on the way back, which I was glad about as there wasn’t much time between us getting back and the start of classes.

My first incident in the classroom!!! One of them thought she was at the wrong level and tried to argue the toss with me. I had to calm her down and told her that I’d speak to the DOS. Not really sure she’s at the wrong level – I think it’s more of a case of wanting to be with her friends. Saw the DOS lurking outside, so was grateful for his presence. Times like this when I wonder what I’ve let myself in for. Still, have talked to other teachers, and for one them, this is her sixth summer school – so it can’t be all bad. Reported it to the DOS who said he’d talk to the student.

A free evening, so, after dinner, caught up on some paperwork, then went back to my room to read – I brought 6 books with me! A bit optimistic, I think. Set my alarm clock just in case I nodded off, as had to do the lights out duty, which wasn’t too strenuous, as I think the students were tired from their walk earlier: a couple of students wandering in and out of bedrooms, a bit of noise from one of the rooms (which we quickly scotched – found out that the student was talking at the top of his voice to his mother!), and doors propped open with fire extinguishers.

Had a lie in as I wasn’t on duty – a luxury, even though I got woken up early by the students getting ready. Eventually had to get up to do the lunch duty. This was a bit more frenetic than the dinner duty earlier in the week, but wasn’t too bad. A few tried to push in, but were quickly sent to the back of the queue.
Then teaching. The student who balked at her level yesterday seems to have calmed down. She was all sweetness and light, which made the lesson much better. Beginning to enjoy this now, thank goodness. After yesterday, couldn’t see how I was going to last another 3 and a bit weeks. Love letter disco tomorrow evening, so we did a bit on language of love, and how to ask and invite other people. And refusing, of course! Think they enjoyed it.

Going off campus after dinner with a couple of other teachers – think we’re going to try and catch a movie in town, so should be good!

Felt quite relaxed after my evening off, though we talked shop all evening. The others set my mind at ease a little, by saying that there are rough bits, but the good far outweighs the bad. They also gave me an insight into working abroad, and said that they have contacts who might be looking for teachers after summer. So will definitely look into that!

A bit of a long day today. Afternoon teaching sandwiched between two meal duties, then supervision of the disco. The teaching itself was much better today – think I’m getting used to them, and they to me. Used another of Tony’s warmers, and this worked really well. We also finished off the love letters for the disco, as well as preparing for the trip tomorrow. Pity, in a way, that I’m not on that. They’re going to Stonehenge and Salisbury (all those ley lines fascinate me) – but I’m on duty on Sunday when they’re going to London and the London Eye!

The DJ at the disco was excellent – played all the right songs which got the students dancing straightaway. Even had a dance myself, which caused a ripple of amusement (and sympathy!). Lights out was a bit rowdier as they were still hyper from the disco, but with the help of some cooperative Group Leaders, we eventually managed to get them into the correct rooms. A bit of noise still, but the Centre Director is fairly loud and strict, so she got them quiet again quick smart.

Early start tomorrow morning, even though it’s my day off – got to see Mum and have a play with the dog. Can’t wait for some non-teaching conversation.