Ok, looking back on my last few entries I know I must look like Mr. Indecisive! Well I probably am. The latest twist in my crazy 2015 tale occurred back at the end of November 2015. I didn't blog that in Easter, after making the bold decision to create Fret 'n' Clef I got offered a long term supply at Arthur Mellows Village College. Since paying the mortgage seemed to be of primary importance I took the job. It was probably the best place for me to mend and I thoroughly enjoyed being a simple music teacher until the Summer holidays. Fantastic head of department, wonderful children and real chance to teach high ability musicians up to A level.
There's always a but... This placement is no exception. The worst part of the job was the distance. 96 miles everyday and 3 hours driving. I had lots of time to think and plan the next steps. During this time I realised that I needed to plan my next steps. AMVC would have their teacher back in February and after a very lean period during the six week holiday, along with a change of timetable involving less music teaching, I needed to plan my exit. It was now that I hatched a plan that I'd had for many years, but never had the guts to do. Primary school teaching.
So I set about trawling the Internet for information on primary curriculum. I decided years 3 and 4 would be the best for a primary rookie and started applying. Application after application was rejected. Some graciously with sound advice, others just simply ignored. Mid-November saw a change. I had two interviews. The first was for year 5/6 at a biggish school in Boston. It was the first time I'd ever taught 9-11 year olds and I was surprised at their ability. Needless to say I didn't get the job, but the interview panel were lovely and gave me some excellent advice. By now I'd already instructed my agents to look for primary not secondary music to afford me experience in primary. I wasn't expecting a bite for quite some time. This brings me to the second interview.
Out of the blue, I got a call inviting me to interview at a little village school in Theddlethorpe, near Mablethorpe. I'd already driven past the school, but thought that I wasn't going to get an interview. It's significant to note, around the same time I'd had the most devasting news of my life. Mum passed away on 6th November and I was numb. I remember walking out of the interview asking, praying that mum would help me to get the job so that I could make her proud. I liked the place. It had its issues but I liked it. I think God heard my plea, because against all the odds I was offered a temporary contract. I had two days to make the biggest shift of my life in the week when we would say goodbye to mum.
The last two months have been the most challenging time of my life to date, both emotionally and mentally. I forgot to mention that at the same time I had been offered a pantomime in Bournmouth playing bass. I know I made the right choice for our family. I hope mum is looking down on me with pride. I miss mum more each day, but I feel I am starting a journey that Parkinsons took away from her. I want to be the best primary teacher I can for her and for my family. Let's see what happens next...