Bad Smell is Back

You know how they say a bad smell never goes away? Well this one did for a while but it's back!!

I've been doing lots of other things lately, none of which were important but which have occupied my time nicely, however its that bloody Facebook that has distracted me the most. Although many of my bloggy pals are on there too so have kept up with some of you.

Anyway, I decided to come and say hello - I'm assuming I still have a handful of followers?

Last week was a strange week. Firstly it was staff development week at college which involves lots of sitting and listening - (and doodling in my case). It's a tedious process especially at the time of year where you are trying to get student portfolios completed and interviewing for the new year in September as well as doing your usual job!

You have to take part in three additional sessions as well as departmental sessions. I chose to attend a session on 'Social Networking - Policies and Procedures' which despite it's title was actualy very interesting. The college is grasping new age technology and will start to use things like Facebook and Bebo to encourage students to participate in projects and stuff. At the moment it is banned, but there will be some limited access for students and staff to use it.

The other strangness was that it was the last week at school for Alexander. They finished two weeks early this year because they will be moving into a brand new building in September. We went along to an information meeting where we were told the rules and expectations of the new school.

Maybe I need to clarify here? A couple of years ago a schoosl foundation offered to build a new senior school in the town to provide an alternative to the only other school in the area which was pretty dire - and the reason why Jordan was sent to a school in another town.

The foundation had previously opened other schools in the North East, all of which had become very sucessful and one of which I had worked at a few years ago as a technician. While there I had been very impressed at the discipline and ways that the school encouraged the pupils to achieve. Some people said they hand picked the pupils, but I know differently. What they did was raise individual expectations, all pupils were expected to achieve, and most did.

The discipline was firm but fair and involved parents. It was much more strict than any of the schools we have here, but pupils knew the boundaries and although they tried to push them, because that's what teenagers do, they knew where they stood.

So during negotiations to build a new high school (or Academy as they call it) they decided to build two schools, one for juniors and another for seniors. The site for the junior school is where Alexander's is now. This means that when children start school, they will continue in the same school right up until they leave - although move into the senior school at 11.

Anyway, the buildings are complete and ready to move into. New green uniforms have been ordered and almost everyone is excited about the new school. There are those who have their doubts but I know this is the best thing to happen to education in this area, and in a few years, places will be like gold dust. For staff as well as pupils! I've already sent in my CV and spoken to a couple of people involved (that I knew from working there) about the possibility of working there when the sixth form is up and running in a couple of years.

Lots is a happening here at the moment. Hubby is on a mission to cover every inch of Northumberland on his bike. Jordan is becoming the new Tony Hawkes and Alexander Tony Mears - he seems to live out in the fields - in dens at the moment, coming in absolutely filthy when he's hungry. That's when he isn't grounded for going off by himself somewhere! He's a worry at the moment.

Oh well, the joys of parenthood!