Collingwood is divided between two campuses: the "Wentworth Campus" which houses students from JK to Gr. 6 and the "Morven Campus" which hosts students from Gr. 7 to Gr. 12. Being in the PDPP program for Secondary Teachers I'm obviously at the Morven Campus.
In the Morven Campus the school is again divided between Middle School (Gr. 7-9) and Senior School (Gr. 10-12). Before you start thinking that this system doesn't sound too bad, let me say this: the Middle School runs on a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT timetable than the Senior School. Having a hard time picturing my dilemma? There is virtually no overlap between the two divisions and therefore I cannot attend a grade 9 class and a grade 11 class in the same day. So, for the first week of observation I dedicated my time to the senior school. If you noticed I was only observing classes in grades 10, 11 and 12. In order to broaden my scope and include some younger grades and see the difference (if there is any) in teaching styles I have dedicated an entire two days to the middle school.
Today I sat in on grade 9 SS, grade 8 SS AP, MultiMedia 9, Science 7 and Grade 9 English classes. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I was expecting subtle difference between the students in the middle school and the students in the senior school; I was also expecting a subtle difference in teaching styles and student-teacher relationships. I guess I was expecting a lot more class management from the middle school teachers (ex. younger kids = more energy = rowdiness). Boy was I wrong! The differences between the two schools is like night and day. I found the middle school teachers to be far more friendly, laid-back, enthusiastic and kind. The students were not rowdy at all! They remained on task and focused the entire time, contributed to class discussion, and did not disrupt the class as much as the older students! I swear it's a hormone thing....it's must be!
Anyways, after one day in the middle school, interacting with younger kids, I have to say that I'm seriously thinking about restricting my teachable to grade 8, 9, and 12. Has anyone else seen a difference in student behaviour from grade 8 to grade 12?
Until Next Time,
LC
I'd hold out on your grade restrictions until you've been to other classes...and other schools. I find when I talk to teachers MANY will say that they dislike Gr. 9 because of the hormones. It might be partially how the schools are divided?
ReplyDeleteI've only seen fantastic grade 9 classes so far, and some of the most difficult grade 11. However, I've been told that the cohort of grade 11's is particularly bad and has been as a cohort since they were in middle school...
You're not the first person to say something about grade restrictions - clearly the sarcasm in my voice isn't coming across :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment though! I really appreciate your opinion!
Perhaps it's a class thing too? Or at least a combination of the two? I remember my mom talking about a certain class of grade 12's that were terrible and then the next year's grade 12's were amazing...