On Saturday 26th March at 8.30pm I will be turning off the lights, in support of Earth Hour. I think a nice moonlight walk with the dog sounds like a plan, or maybe reading a book by candlelight.
Category: Blog
My general wonderings…
Half-term, running and stuff…
Project365 is still going strong, although Helen has suggested that I need to blog more, otherwise my tiny little part of the virtual universe is in danger of becoming rather dull, tedious and boring. Hence this….
Half-term was great. Didn’t really do much at all, a spot of marking (not as much as I had planned), a trip to Leicester, and a couple of races was pretty much it – but that is what half-term is all about.
On the running front I’ve been going to Bourne Town Harriers Tuesday training pretty regularly, and when there I’ve been working hard, we’ve done lots of short distances in an attempt to build strength and speed. I ran the Sleaford Half-Marathon in 1:40.51 which I was happy with. I actually forgot to take my watch so just ran at a good pace and tried to up the pace for last couple of miles. Following that race I ran the rescheduled Nene Valley Ten – a ten-miler in 73.30 – was very happy with that.
Still deciding whether or not to enter the Grantham Half later in the month.
As for stuff….
Frank Turner tour announced last Monday, and after a panic ridden day of venues selling out within 24 hours, I bagged a couple of tickets for the Cambridge gig in May. Woop woop! To celebrate…
Also on the music front, still no nearer deciding on a festival for the summer – Cambridge Folk Festival is currently top of the list.
Been making a point recently of trying to catch-up on all the fantastic blogs online from tweeps – hence the need for an ipad2!! Check out any of the blogs on the blogroll – most make interesting reads (especially if you are interested in education and teaching).
What is the purpose of education?
I am a secondary teacher. But let me just start by stating what sort of teacher I am. I am interested in the whole debate around education, where it is going, what needs changing, etc. But more importantly I am more interested in what goes on in my classroom. Sorry James, but I’m probably one of those teachers who do what I’m asked to do, even if I don’t quite agree with what is being asked (in the whole big educational issue agenda).
What is the purpose of education? The simple answer (or not so simple, depending how you look at it) is that it’s purpose is a whole range of things: learning, attainment, socialisation, development, creativity….the list is endless. I’d agree with Tom Barrett, I don’t have a clear idea of the purpose of education either.
Firstly, in my class I hope to teach students new things. I’m sure that is not an unusual answer from a teacher. Yes, I’m an English teacher and I want my students to understand punctuation and sentence structure, but also I want my students to develop as young people, to have a greater understanding of the world outside of the classroom. And to do this we have to challenge students, we need to push them, and we need to support them.
I would argue that education is about developing students’ confidence as much as their academic knowledge. It’s about motivating students and asking them to explore for themselves. You only need to spend the evening on #ukedchat to hear teachers discuss the real issues to understand that the purpose of education is educate ‘to develop the faculties and powers of a person’.
When it comes to the bigger picture. I would love to have the free range to teach what I like how I like and sod the curriculum, but that would be a foolhardy thing to do. I put my trust in educators and politicians that what they come up with is good for children we teach.
We as teachers know there are problems, but the problem is then how to address these problems….quiet chat to the head?…..meeting with the governors?…..letter to the PA?….take to the streets?…..write to your MP?….
I’d love to help….but just don’t see how….
purpos/ed
Reading, summer festivals and running….
A couple of books that need ticking off the list…
I’m glad I’ve read it, after all the good reviews I’d heard, although i was slightly disappointed. The first half of the book was great, and then I couldn’t help thinking that I wanted more to happen….
Just started reading ‘Once a Runner’ by John Parker.
Having just started the half-term holiday I’m starting to think of the summer and possible festivals to attend, the list of possibilities go something like this:
Also, on the music front, a few people that we need to get round to see at some stage: The Tallest Man on Earth (gig in London in May – but it is a school night??), Frank Turner, Johnny Flynn, Billy Bragg and Laura Marling….better start saving up!
Finally, on the running front:
- Sleaford half-marathon on Sunday morning (Kath will be joining me).
- Nene Valley 10 – a ten-miler next Sunday.
- The last Frostbite League race early March?
So plenty going on at the mo!
Running
I have so far made a good start to the year in terms of running. Been attending Tuesday club training on a regular basis, and been pretty good in getting out on a Thursday/Friday as well as a longer run on a Sunday. I have racked up 54miles in total so far this month – this includes one club race.
Tonight’s run was a steady 6miles in around 54mins. So all on target for next month’s Sleaford half-marathon. Will slowly increasing the mileage for the Sunday run in preparation.
Tonsurephobia, blogs and running…
This project365 thingy is going well, at least it means that a piture will posted each day, even if the blogs run dry. Although if it wasn’t for the Blackberry it would be a struggle – I love that I can take a picture and update blog by email – how cool is that?!
After posting a picture of myself for project365 #9 I have decided that a visit to the hairdressers is in order. I will be booking an appointment for the weekend that way I will not bottle out. I will break from the hold of this terrible disorder…tonsurephobia.
On a lighter note, Helen has finally started her own blog…she will be taking part in project365 as well as the occasional blog: www.churchy365.wordpress.com
Finally, the running bug has got me again…big effort this year to get some PBs. The postponed Nene Valley 10 takes place towards the end of February and I plan to complete a couple of half-marathons in the spring – maybe even an actual marathon, Nottingham, Leicester??? Still to decide.
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