Fledglings!

I haven't got time to write too much detail but this first week of my PGCE has been fantastic - I've enjoyed every minute and already learned a huge amount.

I knew the course would be good but I have been really impressed with the level of organisation that the university has in place. This week, as well as completing our enrolment, we have had some great subject-related sessions and been to lectures by various guest speakers on topics such as 'saving your voice' and the legal/conditions of service aspects of teaching. We have had our library training and also set up our e-portfolios, which is where we collect all our 'evidence' throughout the year and also had a session with the head of the primary geography department. We should find out where our first placements will be next week, which will be good as it's a bit nerve-wracking waiting to see where we'll all be. The new Key Stage 3 (ages 11-13) was finally published today so it was great to be able to go through it and find out what we will need to prepare to teach when we start our NQT years. I'm also now a member of not one but two teaching unions. Feeling all militant now... ;-)

My fellow geographers are an amazing group of people and it has been terrific getting to know everyone. My kids have enjoyed being at the childminder's, too, which has been a great weight off my mind.

Couldn't believe it when I got home - loads and loads of fledgling swallows chirping away on my roof. Very appropriate, I thought, in view of my current position!

Hope you are all well. Now off to do some work...