Throwing Chalk: diary of a trainee teacher

So here's a big difference between Nincomport College & Porringo College.

At Nincomport an essay subject was set. There'd be a hand-out or two. Then the students would start writing the essay (this is after the book or whatever the subject matter has been read and discussed - probably with a few extra exercises along the way). The students would toddle off to the library to do their work. Then a few weeks later - with possibly another lesson given over to essay writing so no one had any excuse that *they didn't have time* - the essays were handed in.

The teacher would hand them back and discuss how they could be improved.

Then the essays were handed in and marked.

With a few exceptions that was how it worked. Things were pretty much like that across all classes as far as I could see. Students got some advice, they wrote, more advice, they re-wrote. Then handed in.

But at Porringo College it's different. The essay is set and the writing has to be done as homework. The lessons are filled with a wide variety of perspectives on the essay subject. Various ways of writing the essays are outlined. The essays are supposed to be written at home but the reality is that most students don't get them done in time. Not a big surprise, but they only start coming in when the threat to contact the head of department and start disciplinary procedures is given. Then the work gets done and the essays get handed in. But whereas at Nincomport College it was a one step/one advice session process - at Porringo - the work has only just begun. There now follows a month of back and forth, rewriting and 'suggestions' by the teacher. Until the essay is up to standard.

I understand it, but I'm not sure I like it.

The same applies to re-taking GCSEs & AS exams - or more usually, re-taking the coursework so that a few more points can be added and the student can climb into the next grade. I know it's the game, and I know that some colleges play it better than others, I'm just saying a big hmmmm. I feel a bit like ambitious lawyer Tom Cruise going to work for an uber-successful law firm and finding out just how they manage to stay ahead of the game. It's not quite a case of selling your soul, but it is all about how you and the students decide to play the game. There is no level playing field.

Posted by Stipey Sullivan at 00:26 Comments