"Teacher Strength" Coffee

Today was the first day for us in the schools. I knew that it would be different than anything I would imagine, so I didn’t really have any expectations of what I would end up experiencing today, but I did not think that my school would be what it was. I am at Hurlingham and Chelsea Secondary, where they have students from ages 11 to 16. It is considered a very diverse school with high poverty and high behavioral issues. I also didn’t know that 3 years ago, the government tried to close this school down due to poor performance, but the community rallied against this and succeeded. Ever since, the school has performed better and has improved its attendance. Luckily Megan and I are put together at the school, so we don’t have to be alone.

When we arrived, we were taken into the staff lounge where they have complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. We met a teacher who was very pleasant and offered us “teacher strength” coffee! ☺ The head teacher (principal) took us into the assembly where the 500 students met before starting their day. I was put into a classroom with Keith Matthews, who is probably about 25 and looks like a smaller Paul Rudd. He teaches all years, but on Mondays I only see Year 7,8,9, and 11. Year 7 students are 11-12 year olds and Year 11 students are about 15-16. I was overwhelmed in the beginning of the day because the students were so incredible rowdy. I felt like I was in the opening scene of one of those motivational teacher movies, but the students just spoke in British accents. At first I didn’t know how I felt about how misbehaving the students, but after a while I began to get really excited about what I would see in the school. Mr. Matthews seems to be a great teacher and he really wants to help me while I am there. We are already planning on doing a team lesson together, but in one of the calmer classes.

This school is going to be so different than anything I have ever experienced before and I am really excited to see how the British schools compare to American schools. Today was more about getting my bearings on the school and getting introduced to the classes, so next week I think I will feel better about getting more involved in the classes. The students were enthralled with my American accent and loved to hear me talk. I don’t think that most of the students are interested in history, but I don’t want to make a complete judgment since I have only been with them one day. I’m so excited to see what comes next!!