Plumstead Manor School

Firstly, although this is good school, it is not nearly as posh as it sounds. The kids are normal. Some of them are lovely, some not so much. Some of them are incredibly intelligent and dedicated, some not so much. On the whole, I feel very comfortable here, it is, in general, what I'm used to. This is a good thing! This is mostly what schools are like back in Australia, so it will give me great stories and experience in a relevant context. Going to a school of any extreme would have been stressful - this will be challenging without bringing on a full blown mental breakdown.

One of the classes I will be taking over is a specialty class of 6 year 7's who have severe learning disabilities. They are at a prep level, if that. To give you an idea, yesterday they were learning about the sun and how shadows are created, this lead into a discussion about day and night - and by the end of a 100 minute lesson it was clear some of them still didn't really understand. They are a gorgeous enthusiastic group of girls, but they are most definitely going to be my biggest challenge, and greatest opportunity. There is nothing like explaining something in what you consider the simplest possible way and having someone still not understand a concept. It makes you think, reflect and re-evaluate your skills as a teacher. You have to be creative, flexible and always expecting the unexpected. I can't wait.

The staff are fantastic. Friendly, helpful and quite young, they have made me feel very welcome. I am glad I have these initial weeks to ease myself in, and I'm grateful I haven't been thrown in the deep end because this way I get to really be excited about starting properly next term, instead of terrified.

After I left the school today I wandered out onto the large grassy area opposite the school and snapped this shot. This is just the front building of the school - there are many many more! It's big, and I get lost almost constantly.

Walking up the hill near my flat I saw an old lady approaching me, she smiled so I smiled back and said "Hi, how are you today?" She looked at me, cupped her ear and said loudly "DEAF, DEAR." I took this as "I didn't hear you!" I smiled again, leaned closer and repeated myself. She chuckled and replied ,"Yes. Deaf, dear. But happy." She patted my arm and continued of her way.

For some reason the encounter made ME happy, and I've been in a good mood ever since!