Yesterday and on Friday 12 September, I was asked to be a part of an interview panel. It was very similar to what happened back in January.
Last Friday I was on a panel looking at presentations of candidates for a course leader on teacher training courses. It was a great experience to see what each candidate came up with and have discussions with them and other staff on the panel. It helped me to understand what to look for and what to ask candidates further. As well as seeing what enthusiasm and energy they could potentially bring to Barnsley College.
The candidates were asked to do a presentation on strategies to deliver outstanding teaching, learning and assessment for the Education and Training qualifications.
All four candidates for this presented or discussed something different. Which was great, but I suppose I was looking for pure passion and enthusiasm for this subject. Because I fell in love with it back in 2011 after doing the former PTLLS course and so on. I just love these courses and they can change your life. Just like it did with me. I didn't even want to do it, I just naturally stumbled upon it and thought it would be good for me to understand more about learning and teaching.
One candidate absolutely captured the above. They were very passionate and enthusuastic about the subject and the way they talked about it made me want to do the course again! They talked about their future plans for the course and how they currently run it. I just wanted to get involved with it and bounce of their energy. Plus, in the presentation I got a little pack of their teaching examples. This is always good as you can take something away with you and use straight away!
The week after, it was announced that this person got the post. Very pleased and happy for them. I hope to work with them more closely. It sounds like it could be a good match for educational fireworks!
Yesterday was a presentation and discussion for a new HE teacher to support and deliver sessions on the CertEd and PGCE courses for both pre-service and in-service.
There was only one candidate. They had to disucss the challenges and implications of the teaching profession in terms of the Lord Lingfield report. They showed great depth of their knowledge and concerns they had about political, economical and technological aspects of teaching. They came across really warm and humble. I felt a sense of balance from them and I thought they would be good to support learners on these courses.
This was a lot different to other presentations and interviews as it felt more prestigious. A great experience though.
I'm really grateful to be asked to be on these panels. I learn so much from them and it's always a real pleasure to see what others show and demonstrate.
Friday, 19 September 2014
Monday, 1 September 2014
New Year - 2014/2015
I had a beautiful and much needed rest in Sidari! Well, an all round rested Summer! I think I've got too comfortable with it this time as I was desperately needing this break!
Well, today brings a new academic year at Barnsley College! Although I've been back at work since beginning of August. How different a year makes from last year!
There's been lots of change in my job. And it's started with getting the apprentices that I mentioned at the bottom of this post.
Last week was the first week of having the apprentices. We started off with a team building day out in the beautiful Derbyshire. We did caving in the morning and orienteering in the afternoon.
I generally felt a bit like a fish out of water last week. I went through many emotions and feelings. I'be been here before, I know what I need to do. It's just new and I'm a bit nervous. But the main thing is that the apprentices said they are enjoying it so far and feel good with what they are and will be doing. I will be doing a big reflection on this and forming a plan that can be used for next year. I will be responsible for managing and developing them. So I need to be on top form for this!
Actually, next year marks ten years since I was an apprentice. So it's a lovely kind of strange that I have come full circle sort of thing.
This year is going to be very interesting and probably my most hard worked. I will be fulfilling my new role, starting the Technology Enhanced Learning MSc, starting the quality assurance qualification and doing my Governor role. So there's plenty to be doing. But I need to look after my health during this. It looks like it could be quite stressful. So I need to ENJOY these and not see them as just tasks.
I've got so much to do, it begins again!
Well, today brings a new academic year at Barnsley College! Although I've been back at work since beginning of August. How different a year makes from last year!
There's been lots of change in my job. And it's started with getting the apprentices that I mentioned at the bottom of this post.
Last week was the first week of having the apprentices. We started off with a team building day out in the beautiful Derbyshire. We did caving in the morning and orienteering in the afternoon.
I generally felt a bit like a fish out of water last week. I went through many emotions and feelings. I'be been here before, I know what I need to do. It's just new and I'm a bit nervous. But the main thing is that the apprentices said they are enjoying it so far and feel good with what they are and will be doing. I will be doing a big reflection on this and forming a plan that can be used for next year. I will be responsible for managing and developing them. So I need to be on top form for this!
Actually, next year marks ten years since I was an apprentice. So it's a lovely kind of strange that I have come full circle sort of thing.
This year is going to be very interesting and probably my most hard worked. I will be fulfilling my new role, starting the Technology Enhanced Learning MSc, starting the quality assurance qualification and doing my Governor role. So there's plenty to be doing. But I need to look after my health during this. It looks like it could be quite stressful. So I need to ENJOY these and not see them as just tasks.
I've got so much to do, it begins again!
Sunday, 31 August 2014
Ocean
I had an absolute awesome time at Sidari in Corfu, Greece. Lots of lovely memories! Really wish I was there back in the sun and being in the sea! Until next time...
Whilst I was there I started writing my first album. Although I can't sing or play any instrument, doesn't mean I can't be an artist of some sort. Actually, back in June I said; just because I don't draw, paint or play an instrument doesn't mean I'm not an artist. Work is in progress. But that was based on a new kind of artist.
This album is just a collection of thoughts and reflections, but suppose they will be built around being songs. But it's a journey of myself, but themed around the ocean. Which I have always loved and been drawn to.
When I was in my apartment room, this came to me...
I swam through the depths of the ocean in my heart to find everything I needed. On the journey back I let all the things I didn't need sink. I can imagine it having a William Orbit and Guy Sigsworth production.
It's kind of weird, but I started to become really obsessed with Madonna's Ray Of Light album just before I went away. And when I was on holiday, I kept listening to it and the song Swim. So I used this and my love for the ocean for inspiration.
A month later, I came up with a final tracklist. This is the result of uncovering, accepting and fulfilling who I am and meant to be. This is my album, Ocean.
1. Water
2. Swim/Sink
3. Dive
4. Surf
5. Orca
6. Jellyfish
7. Tide
8. Shore
9. Grown
10. Quantity Is Not Power
Today I had the idea of a second album called Making Waves. This one would be more about relationships and my career. But I need to finish this one first! Let's see how this goes!
Whilst I was there I started writing my first album. Although I can't sing or play any instrument, doesn't mean I can't be an artist of some sort. Actually, back in June I said; just because I don't draw, paint or play an instrument doesn't mean I'm not an artist. Work is in progress. But that was based on a new kind of artist.
This album is just a collection of thoughts and reflections, but suppose they will be built around being songs. But it's a journey of myself, but themed around the ocean. Which I have always loved and been drawn to.
When I was in my apartment room, this came to me...
I swam through the depths of the ocean in my heart to find everything I needed. On the journey back I let all the things I didn't need sink. I can imagine it having a William Orbit and Guy Sigsworth production.
It's kind of weird, but I started to become really obsessed with Madonna's Ray Of Light album just before I went away. And when I was on holiday, I kept listening to it and the song Swim. So I used this and my love for the ocean for inspiration.
A month later, I came up with a final tracklist. This is the result of uncovering, accepting and fulfilling who I am and meant to be. This is my album, Ocean.
1. Water
2. Swim/Sink
3. Dive
4. Surf
5. Orca
6. Jellyfish
7. Tide
8. Shore
9. Grown
10. Quantity Is Not Power
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