NQT year - done...

...and what a year it's been!



Last summer, I accepted my first teaching role in an Early Years classroom - a year group I had never taught and one that, hopefully, I am now never going to leave.

The pressure as an NQT can be slightly overwhelming, particularly at the beginning. Glossing over social media posts, wondering what you should be planning and updating for the new year and being completely oblivious to what lies ahead. It is scary. Even as I write this now, during the first week of the holidays, I'm already wondering exactly what I should be doing in order to be the most prepared for the upcoming academic year.

If you have just accepted your first role, these are my top tips for you:

• Get to know the curriculum for your year group. I updated myself on the EYFS curriculum last year and although this CPD was ongoing for most of the year, it set me with expectations and ideas for baseline assessments, topics and classroom areas.
• Get the basics sorted first. The first thing I did was set up class lists, printed name tags for drawers and pegs and thought carefully about my classroom set-up (which changed at least every half-term!). Everything else waited and this was fine.
• Don't worry about getting into your classroom! Although I went in for 2 days last year and will probably be going in this year, it's not the end of the world if you don't. Last year, I got my displays backed and re-arranged the classroom but during your first couple of weeks, you will find your feet and find what works best for you anyway!
• Try to relax and do something you enjoy. I often find myself lost in the holidays with everyone else at work and only school work to think about. Luckily, I'm going away for 2 weeks (woo hoo!) but I will definitely make sure to get some Netflix in, read books I've been meaning to read all year and catch up with friends.

I have also learnt that it's completely okay to just do what works best for you and your class. Use resources you find online if they work and are relevant, drop a lesson if it's really not working and ask the children for their ideas.

My NQT year has been a rollercoaster of emotions but incredibly rewarding. Realising that you finally have your own class, planning lessons and topics that you enjoy and watching your class make progress is completely worth all of the hard work that comes with it.

10 things that made me happy in March

Image from Pixabay

1. Managing my work

This month, I've started feeling better about my final year workload. My dissertation is finally coming together, essay planning is underway and I'm looking forward to enjoying the last few months of uni. I've felt so stressed since Christmas, thinking that I'd never be able to complete my dissertation or have control of my work but I can see it starting to take shape.

2. Meeting new people

I love meeting new people and exploring new opportunities and this month has been full of them! I'm in contact with so many more bloggers, industry professionals and have enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know them.

3. It's finally Spring!

My favourite season is in full swing; longer days, brighter evenings, warmer weather and cooler drinks. The dull winter is long gone and it's looking more like Spring. People just seem so much happier when the sun's out and having the sun shining definitely helps when I'm trying to complete assignments.

4. I paid off my holiday

It's such a relief when you pay off a holiday and I've finally got round to doing it. This year's holiday is a pretty expensive one so I couldn't wait to pay it off, now I just want to go! I can use the extra money to buy plenty of holiday clothes now.

5. September can't come soon enough

I know it's only March and we've still got the summer to enjoy but I just can't wait to start teaching in September. This month, my timetable was sent out, along with a portfolio of how the year will run and how I'll be assessed and it's really made it all seem so much more exciting. Bring it on.

6. Catching up with friends

I really don't see my friends enough. When it comes to organised meals, nights out and shopping trips, it always seems as though dates don't work out or things get re-scheduled. This month, I caught up with some of my lovely friends and I can't wait to be able to see them a lot more after uni.

7. Graduation

Last week, I finally received my graduation date. Although it's not for another 8 months, I'm already looking forward to the day. Having graduation in mind has given me so much motivation to complete my work to the best of my ability and have a goal set in my mind.

8. Spoiling my Mum

I love buying gifts for my Mum and she definitely deserves a lot more than I can afford but I enjoyed spoiling her this Mother's Day. I also fought hard to find the perfect present for my Nan's birthday but finally settled on some summer essentials from her favourite shop.

9. My sister came home

My sister lives away at university and although I speak to her every day, I don't see her as much as I'd like. She came home for Mother's Day weekend to celebrate our Nan's birthday and see the family, which was lovely.

10. Work experience

I completed a weeks work experience at Gloucestershire Live and the Gloucestershire Echo at the start of March, which I really enjoyed. I spent the week talking to new people, interviewing shop owners, writing pieces for online and newspapers and having lot of laughs in the office. It was such a good week, made even better by having 5 published pieces in the paper.

What will 2017 bring?

Image from nstpictures.com

For me, the new year doesn't mean resolutions and becoming a 'better person', it's all about reflecting on good times and trying your best to make this year just as good as the last.

2016 was a brilliant year, full of personal achievements, holidays and realisations. I finally figured out what it is I want to do and how I want to do it, along with my plans for the end of 2017. Now that we're fully immersed into the new year, I thought I'd let you know what my plans are for this year, and why, for me, 2017 is going to be big.

So far, plans include:

• Final Semester - I want to finish my final year at UoG proud of what I have achieved and knowing that I have put 100% into every piece of work.

• 21st Birthday - Although I'll still be focusing on grades and my final assignment, my 21st in May kick starts the summer nicely and I'm sure to be celebrating in style.

• Mexico - A country I've always wanted and now I finally get to; I'm so glad we booked this last year. I can't wait to spend 2 weeks soaking up the sun and sipping on cocktails!

• Graduation - I can't wait for graduation. After 3 years of hard work and deadlines, graduating will definitely be my biggest achievement to date.

• Postgraduate course - I decided last year to apply for a postgraduate PGCE, and have since placed my firm choice with a lovely school in Pershore. The beginning of a new journey.

New Year ideas

Image from Pixabay

For me, last minute New Years plans are normal. It gets past Christmas and suddenly everyone is asking: "What are you doing for New Years?" and "Got any plans?" and I realise... I haven't even thought about it.

I love going out on New Years Eve but everywhere is so busy and pretty expensive and I definitely don't want to end up in Marilyns, (we're talking sticky dance floors and underage girls dancing to Nicki Minaj!), but I can never think of any alternatives!

So, for all of you in the same position as me, here's 8 ideas of how you can start 2017 with a bang...

1. Head to the Capital...

If you get the chance, head to London for a night of fun with so many events to choose from. My pick would be Kensington Roof Gardens, which host a circus themed evening; drinks, live entertainment, a huge fireworks display and plenty of surprises along the way.

https://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/kensington/the-roof-gardens/new-years-eve-at-the-roof-gardens-2016

2. Game on!

Grab all of your friends and have a night in. Lots of alcohol, drinking games and takeout food makes for the perfect New Years, with no worries about finding a taxi or spending it alone!

3. Go to the Races

Going to Cheltenham Races is one of the highlights of my year and their New Years Day event makes for the perfect excuse to go! Wrap up warm and grab yourself a few drinks while you're there... carrying on the party from NYE.

http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/

4. Host your own

Host your own New Years party with a fancy-dress event. Casino night, Hawaiian Luau or an 80's themed party will make the evening more fun, not that you'll be able to remember it the next morning!

5. Drink in Dublin

Dublin's New Years Festival last 3 days and has pretty much everything you can imagine; a light extravaganza, sky dance, poetry slam and not to mention their concert, which this year sees Walking on Cars headlining! All of this and plenty of drinking will make for a New Years to remember. 

http://nyfdublin.com/

6. Or head further...

NYE is the perfect time to take a holiday. Expensive, yes, but the atmosphere that you'll experience in cities such as New York, Hong Kong, Berlin or Rio will make it completely worthwhile.

7. A girly evening

If you like a more laid-back evening, grab your girlfriends and set up camp in your garden. Plenty of blankets, fairy lights, projector films and bottles of Prosecco will make your New Years unique.

8. Just enjoy it.

No matter where you're off to this New Years, make sure that you're spending it with your faves. And really, as long as plenty of food and drink is consumed, you're sure to have a good one!

University tips

For most people, starting university is one of the biggest steps you'll ever take. From applying for university to your first day there, the whole procedure is stressful, challenging and exhausting.

But don't worry - it's completely worth it!

In a month's time, I'll be entering my second year of uni and really, I can't wait. Thinking back to last year and how apprehensive I was, I'm so glad I made the right decision and everything has fallen perfectly into place. 

So, for those of you heading off next month, here's my answers to some questions I have received and my tips on how to conquer those initial nerves:

Q: Can I still have a job and concentrate on my degree?

A: Yes, of course you can. Although, I waited about 4 months until I'd settled in until I got a job - make sure you can still control your work load. University sites and groups can also help you get a job with somewhere that is flexible with you, working as a student ambassador is a great way of making money while at uni.

Q: Is university a lot more difficult than school?

A: This is a tricky one - it all depends on your course and how 'difficult' you find work. Some courses are more difficult than others, some are more coursework based and some are exam heavy. It all depends on your style of learning and studying.

Q: I don't like going out and partying much, how will I make friends?

A: There's loads of ways to meet other people at uni, you don't have to go out all the time. You'll make friends on your course, in your flat and there's loads of different clubs and societies to join at every university. There really is something for everyone and it's a great way to make the most of your time at uni.

Q: I'm worried I won't like my course, who can I talk to?

A: Obviously before you start uni, you'll be nervous about everything. Make sure you give yourself enough time to try out your course and maybe, after a month, if you're still unsure then speak to a lecturer or your tutor and they'll go through all the options with you!

Q: I'm still going to be living at home and I'm worried I won't make any friends?

A: Exactly my thoughts last year! After going through clearing, I ended up at UoG where I am still living at home and honestly, I think it's worked out a lot better. I still have lots of friends at uni - just make sure you still attend at least a couple of freshers' events and get talking to people, but even if you can't, you'll make loads of friends on your course!

Q: I'm worried about moving out and living so far away.

A: You're definitely not alone on this one, it's probably the scariest thing about starting university. But don't worry - everyone is in the same position and thinking exactly the same as you. Try using Facebook to find someone in the same flat as you or on the same course as you. This way, you'll be friendly with someone on your first day and it will definitely prevent those nerves!

I hope this has helped all of you who asked and if there's something else you want to ask, feel free to email and I will answer your question in this post.

Good luck with starting uni and I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine!