Jenna's first half term as a trainee teacher

We caught up with former physiotherapist, Jenna, who is now training as a Biology teacher at Glenmoor and Winton Academies. What have been the highs and lows of her first half term?

You have now been teaching for a whole half term – how do you feel? Is it how you imagined?

Honestly, it's had amazing highs, moments when I've experienced the “Oh, I get that now” by the whole class – seeing the penny drop is great. I also have a really engaged Year 7 class who are a real joy to teach. This has been balanced by the feeling of “How on earth am I going to juggle all this work?!”

What have been your top 3 highlights from the last half term?

• The friendships I have made with the staff at the school, especially my fellow trainee partner in crime, Beth.
• Witnessing my Year 7 pupils’ first experience with a Bunsen burner – exciting and scary all at once!
• The feeling that I am learning a lot.

How does a typical day as a teacher compare to your old career?

Before starting my teacher training, I was a physiotherapist. Going from critically unwell patients who need motivation to move and rehab to classrooms full of lively enthusiastic students that require gentle prompting to sit still is a completely different experience!

What are you looking forward to this next half term?

I’m looking forward to the challenge of starting to take Key Stage 4 classes. Additionally, continuing to help with the after-school Lego robotics club and trying to encourage more girls to get involved.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt so far?

Be humble; listen to all the advice you’re given; laugh at your mistakes and learn from them.