Saturday 10 March 2012

The time is right ....

My ‘secret’ can now be revealed and although it's a long story I’ll give you the abridged version!

In October my colleague Liz resigned as she was moving with her family to live in Clermont Ferrand. As Liz worked part time, this provided me with an opportunity to ‘step down’ from my responsibilities as head of learning, and directing our specialist status for Science. This would also allow me to work fewer days each week. Not quite retirement, but another step along the way! Suffice to say my request was accepted by the school Governors and this week we appointed my successor to start in September. The decision was a difficult one as there was an excellent field of candidates.

The time is right and I am looking forward to having more time and energy to enjoy life!

The time is also right as I read in yesterday’s Times Educational that the Government plan to reduce the amount of practical work in Science … because it is expensive!

Can you credit it? My whole philosophy is that our scientists, doctors and engineers of the future will come from kids who enjoy science. Reducing the amount of practical work will only serve to turn these kids off.

Yet another own goal for Mr. Gove and his merry band at the Department for Education (or whatever they are calling themselves today).

Yes, the time is right, and I am relieved and content …

18 comments:

  1. I'm glad the candidates impressed sufficiently for you to feel comfortable about your successor. You will love your new lifestyle I am sure.

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  2. The Tory philo-soppy ,is, has and always will be to..."create a proletariat"... just enough education for the masses... the elite, of course, go to special schools!
    Enjoy your new-found p'leisure when it arrives in September... even if you will be feeling happy-sad!

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    1. Tim,
      You are sooooooooooo right!
      Less sad, and more happy with every hour that goes by, until I get the pay slip in September!

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  3. Congratulations and commiserations! It sounds like a positive step for you and the best of both worlds. Enjoy you new found freedom!

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  4. Hello Gaynor:
    Congratulations!

    Do not speak to us of Mr. Gove and his Merry Men who seem set, as never before, on destroying all of the advances made in State education since the last war.

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    1. Jane and Lance,
      Thanks!
      I could say a lot more about Mr Gove, and none of it complimentary. I think I'll wait until I fully retire though ...

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  5. Well done Gaynor, you will really enjoy having more time to yourself. Diane

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  6. Thanks, Diane.
    I'm looking forward to September!

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  7. Pleased that things have worked out as you wanted.

    Well taught science should be an investment for the future of this country.

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  8. Wouldn't you think so?
    Thanks, soon I'll be joining you in full retirement ...

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  9. Where will the turned-off kids be in science without the chance to make bangs and smells and electrocute one another? There's a retail opportunity there - manufacturing chemistry sets. One for your retirement? Best wishes for a new future from Pauline

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    1. Hi Pauline,
      Thanks.
      In full retirement i might be looking for a little 'moneyspinner'! Who knows ...

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  10. Delighted to hear the outcome, I have to agree with you that to reduce the practical side of science seems ridiculous!

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  11. LindyLouMac,
    Thanks.
    You're right. You couldn't think up a dafter scheme if you tried!

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  12. Gaynor, I'm sure you will love not working full-time - it sounds like you are pretty fed up with politicians and others meddling in something you know a lot more about than they do........most of us arrive at this point eventually, I think.

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  13. Hi Jean,
    I suppose having extra time will be a new kind of challenge!
    It's not just the part time work, but without the responsibilities I will gain so much more of my 'own' time back at evenings and weekends.
    Time to try out more of your baking recipes, perhaps?

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