Pond life?

Arrived at work to find that the entire computer system was down, meaning that even the photocopiers didn't work. 'Russian cyber attack' crossed my mind but it was all back up and running before the students arrived so I guess not!

I did have another bit of a shock, though. Having organised every aspect of my timetable over half term and planned my lessons, I was told that quite a bit of it has now changed.

In the educational world, Year 11s (and Year 13s in schools with Sixth Forms) are now the most important people in the whole world. Ours are currently in the middle of their mock exams then it'll be 'full speed ahead' from next week, with revision for the real thing. Apparently, a couple of Year 11 parents contacted the school over half term to express concern that their children were going to be taught by a supply teacher. The school said that it's nothing personal against me and they know I could do it, how well I've organised everything, etc, but with the students now stressing over their mock results, imminent sixth form college interviews, wondering whether covid really has ruined their life chances, still some uncertainty as to what format the real exams will take, and, to quote one of them, whether we're 'going to be nuked', the powers that be felt it would be better for the students' mental well-being if their lessons were delivered by permanent staff... and also thereby hopefully not having any more worried parents contacting them! I completely get it but to say I'm now very confused (and not a little panicky!) is an understatement!

Thankfully, my Year 10 lessons have stayed the same. We're starting the 'Photosynthesis' unit this week and this pondweed (elodea) is for a required practical tomorrow, when the students have to investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis - basically, they shine a lamp at the elodea and count how many bubbles appear in one minute at a range of distances.

Serious stuff!  :-)