Untangling the GCSE paths with Lucidchart

When running multiple curriculum pathways, organisational tools can really help!
Look here...

http://www.lucidchart.com/publicSegments/view/4df87272-fa3c-4506-af20-260e0a56cfbf/image.pdf

Sometimes the only way to work something out is to work it out on paper (virtual or otherwise).

Glen Hegg

A friend of mine called Glen died recently at the age of 25 from aggressive cancer.  He was an inspiration in his manner of living and dying.  His Blog is a testament to his faith and the hope we share.  I look forward to seeing him again when death comes knocking at my door.  It is hard to think of him gone, but a joy to know that he is somewhere with a new body that works properly.

Donne got this too...

72. "Death be not proud, though some have called thee"

DEATH be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,	5
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,	10
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then;
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.

Glen Heggarty, RIP and see you later.

Gained Time

It's the time of year when many teachers heave a sigh of relief and coast through to the Summer.  Year 11 and 13 classes have been released to their bright and shiny futures and those with a heavy exam schedule find their life returning.  It should be a time for reflection, focus on next year and slowing down a little.

So why is this leaving me dissatisfied?

Perhaps it is because of colleagues (often younger/less experienced) who are still up to their eyeballs with lower-school classes. (Altruism)
Perhaps it is the feeling that I should catch up with all the things that have been left undone throughout the year. (Beating myself up)
Perhaps I'm not content to coast and need the challenge of rushing from place to place like a maniac. (Feeling of being 'out of the loop')
Perhaps I'm at a career crossroads and that is preying on my mind. (Too much time to think!)
Perhaps I fell guilty about the lack of classroom work to do.

More likely it is a mixture of these things.  I feel the weight of untapped potential clinging to me.  No longer tied to a strict timetable, I should be driving forward with professional, personal and departmental development.

This is new.  I've been happy in the past to reduce myself to a slow simmer and enjoy the time.  Not so this year.

Must go and look busy, so no-one notices that I've too much time on my hands...