Today is the last day of a very hectic and hugely enjoyable term. It was always going to be a challenge switching schools after so long in one place, especially since anxiety is practically my middle name, but it really is the best thing I could possibly have done.
I've gone from a medium sized boarding school in the middle of nowhere surrounded by fields to a small day school in the middle of town. Being a smaller school means that there is much more of a community spirit than I'm used to which could have been quite intimidating but I took the decision early on to try to get involved and become a full part of the team. This has meant occasional trips to the pub after school on a Friday, where the Head buys everyone a drink and then leaves! It's also meant joining the staff choir and performing at the carol concert which was just brilliant! This afternoon I'll be attending my first ever staff Christmas party, after avoiding them for the past 17 years. Part of this is obviously due to a change in my mindset but it's also the atmosphere of the place and the people.
The really big difference though is in my relationship with the teachers. At my last school the physics teachers quite frankly took the piss! They's say 'you're a superstar' or whatever but only because I was putting up with their shit without complaint. Yes I'd get a bottle of prosecco or similar at the end of term but I don't think I ever really felt appreciated and valued. It's easy to say to someone that you value them, but it means nothing if you don't show it. Here things are different. On a number of occasions my HoD has missed his break or part of lunch to help me clear up after a particularly big practical. Not because I asked him to but because he cares enough to want to help. The other physics teachers are the same. Not a day goes by without one of them asking if I need help to carry things around or to put away the equipment. Honestly that's worth more than all the fancy bottles of wine in the world!
