Hockley Heights Gazette

For those of you who are regular readers of this blog, and those who have maintained other types of contact in the last couple of months, you will know that I have been having second, third and fourth thoughts about my work here in the UK. I was drafted to teach Mathematics and to prepare and deliver online curriculum materials. You can guess my shock at the realities of the comprehensive school system here in Essex. There are certain things I look for in a teaching job - are the kids from a background where learning has value, does the school have a nice environment in which to work, and is there support for the teaching staff? In all three cases I have found the school coming up short of my expectations.
In particular the full-on aggression of the students is outside my experience, and the lack of support when faced with such behaviour has been disappointing and bewildering. The school is regarded well, and certainly I had high hopes when joining the crew in September. To extend the aquatic analogy, the Titanic was also very well regarded up until the moment she hit an iceberg, and large schools have momentum that can take them into troubled waters if those onboard are not competently carrying out their responsibilities.
I handed in my notice last week, giving four weeks until I bow out. Interestingly I received, as usual, no response from those "in charge". As the week progressed, Kym and I realised that no purpose was being served by continuing to batter my head against this particular wall, and so on Sunday we came to the decision that I would not return to school. I have some other options at the moment, but basically have been ordered by Kym to take a week or so to strengthen my "mojo" for the challenges that lie ahead, not least of which is gaining employment!
There are many of you who have helped me make this decision, and Kym and I thank you for your care and concern. I hope that in the weeks to come you will encounter a more tranquil and contented Anthony.