There’s a first time for everything!
My university life has been in full swing now for over a couple of month, so I thought it be best to address the first time's experienced over these past months.
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The first night out in Ormskirk was to Alpine with my flatmates. I believe this took place at the beginning of freshers week - the best way to get to know the people on this journey with me! Alpine is a decent club, theres a dancefloor, and outoors area and plenty of tunes for you to dance the night away too.
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My first week of university was freshers, during this time we also met our seminar groups for the first time and had an 'introductory' week of APD seminars. As mentioned in my previous post, we had to write a paragraph about ourselves and then read them aloud. This was terrifying. I am not the most confident of speakers in front of people of a similar age to myself, so this was not my favourite activity to do. However, I managed to power through and read out a section of my paragraph.
With regard to the rest of the seminars, I thouroughly enjoyed them. After this first month I know that I have made the right decision being here. I cannot wait for the next three years!
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What an experience. I have had experience in primary schools prior to being at university, however it felt so much different actually being a trainee teacher. I began the morning in a Year 2 class; the key focus for our observations was on Planning and Assessment within the school. After having a wonder around and a chat with the children the other trainees and I had a word with the class teacher regarding their daily/weekly/monthly plans.
For lunch I had a stroll to the Co-Op, which was right around the corner from the school (how handy!)
After lunch, the group of trainees I was with were all moved to a Year 6 class. I was most intrigued by this particular year group: In the past I have had strong views abount not wishing to be a Year 6 teacher. Despite these views I still observed and engaged in conversation with the children. You can probably guess what my next statement will be... I loved being in that classroom! The students made really good conversation and the fact they were some of the most polite and well behaved pupils helped too.
When I returned to the campus I read over the notes I made and noted down how this visit taught me to keep an open mind. Very informative visit.
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Now when I tell you that essay writing isn't my strongsuit, I'm not lying! When we were first tasked with this assignment, which happened to be for mathematics, I was dreading it. I struggled at the beginning to understand the question being asked for us to address. When I got into the swing of writing it, it did begin to come more naturally (I can also tell you that the more you write, the easier it gets!)
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So all in all over these past few months there have been plenty first times for me. All due to this new chapter in my life. Although change and new things in life can be scary, don't let that stop you giving up on what you aspire for.