Awkwaaaarrrdddd!

Yes. Awkward. The only word to sum up my first week in this new school.

When you're thrown into a class where you don't know anyone, not even the teacher, things won't really get off to a good start. This was what my first day at the school was like. I only had 2 lessons to deal with on my first day but still, when you walk into a room, everyone stares at you, when you sit at the back of the class, everyone turns around and stares and you, and when you get asked to read something in English so the class can see how the pronunciation should be, EVERYONE stares at you! A bit embarrasing really, but I should've expected it, since I am a new teacher in the school and about the same height as the year 8s! I need some 5 inch high boots or something.

I think it must be a spanish thing, to stare a lot. I get it a lot in the streets walking around. People obviously know I'm not from around here. Maybe it's because I wear shorts when its pissing it down, maybe it's the colour of my skin, or maybe they just generally stare at everyone anyway. I personally find it a bit rude and have started to adopt the habit of staring right back at them to see how they like it...most of the time though, I give them no attention at all and just carry on walking.

Glad to have first day over, I still had the rest of the week to look forward too. More staring, more embarrasment, more awkwardness. But one of the classes that I had on the first day, I had again the day after for a couple more lessons. As they started to get used to me being around, they were all more friendly and it was less awkward; infact they all shouted 'TOM' and smiled and waved as I entered the room in their final lesson of the day. This was my year 9 class, my favourite one so far. I hope this happens in the rest of my lessons. I kinda want to be recognised as a 'cool teacher' if there is such a thing. Not about having a bad rep, me. I would like to be remembered in a good way, so I'll hopefully shape this year to be something of a fun time.

The subjects that I will be assisting with this year are English, Maths, Art, Music, PE, Tecno and IT (not sure what the difference is between the last two - I shall inform you when I find out)