I have always considered myself a qualified teacher but it has yet to feel real. Now it’s real. I have just been offered a job at Drayton Manor High School in London, a job I am happy to accept. This was my first London based interview and whilst nervous I was happy with my performance, I thought there was only one position available for 1 of the 5 interviewees but on introduction there was apparently 2. The catch to the day was that there were 2 long term supply teachers, who had experience in the school, also applying for the available positions. I thought to myself would the school take a chance employing someone else when they were clearly happy with the current teachers? Apparently instead of rejecting one of them they opened up another position, just for me! Eventually 3 out of the 5 were hired and fortunately I had done enough to make sure I was one of them.

Perhaps one of the reasons i got the job was this very blog. one of my questions was to describe a time when I have changed my opinion on something and how that might be brought into a classroom. I was given time to respond but i knew i needed none, this blog was perfect, just look at my reflections over time. this blog has given me time to evaluate and discuss my own thoughts, I have been writing about them for some time now and easy to see a pattern emerging, I am much more accepting nowadays than I have ever been, considerate of other peoples opinions and input. Surely I can take that into a classroom? well that was the answer I gave and apparently it may have been enough.

I am impressed by the school, it seems there is a community feel amongst the teachers and the students are not overly challenging and confrontational. I am excited with the challenges ahead, my first term as a full time teacher should be the most interesting. I have until half term before i start full time but in the two weeks build up to that i must first move myself to london. that’s another job for gumtree and it’s the worst thig ever, i hate house hunting but unfortunately it must be done. I will be looking in the area of greenford, while not exactly the most connected part of town its right near work and has reasonable connections to the rest of london. The part of my life is upon me!

I said when i returned from travelling that i just wish to earn and travel again, unfortunately that won’t be anytime soon, the potential earnings from supply teaching is just not enough to clear debt and save enough for next time. for now i put my heart and effort in to the new job, as for travelling, scotland at xmas, then half term in europe, easter? not sure yet but summer will be the trans siberian train! The next 6 months will be exciting times and who knows what my next post will be about! It could be anyone of my newfound hobbies, from a garage band masterpiece or a photoshop photo. first things first I still owe a follow up movie for my indonesian times!