I had my second interview at the catholic school. I was brought in to meet the girl I would be 'supporting', and help her and a small group of children during an activity. While I was waiting in reception I noticed a tin with Jesus on it. I think it was a collection box. His eyes were looking upwards, giving him a very sad look. I looked away, and noticed a first aid box on the wall in the school office. On top of it there was a big cardboard with something about calling 999. Only someone had placed it upside down, and it read 666. Not quite the same effect.
So off I went to try and impress children and adults alike. I was sat down at a table with 8 children, and quickly overwhelmed by the noise and demands from the children. The first activity went fine, but we quickly moved on to to numeracy. The class played a game around the 7 times table, each child taking it in turn to be quizzed by the teacher. I stuck my head in my neck, hoping not to be noticed. I was terrified that the teacher would ask me to participate. I do know my 7 times table, I think, but can't recall any of it under pressure. It's from times 8 that I have problems. The whole thing took me right back to school and my fear of numbers. I could definitely feel my shoulders slouching, and I must have had a panicked look on my face, but there's only so far you can slid down your chair.
Then we moved on to learning the time. I found it really hard to help them all, and to concentrate on one child when the others were asking me questions. The whole thing didn't go very well, and I could feel my cheeks burning. I think I had THE RASH too, but I'm not sure. It crept from my chest up my neck and cheeks, making me look like a raspberry.
The teacher was quite strict, and didn't show any warmth towards me or the children. The school had a very institutionalised feel about it, with bare walls and a cold feel. There were very few displays and no buzz about it.
I think the straw that broke the camel's back was the end of the lesson, when all the kids stood up and remained at their tables. Not sure what to expect, I stood up too. The teacher bowed her head, joined her hands together and all the children did the same. Then she started thanking God for the good work they had done with numbers, and for the food the will be having after playtime. All the kids then left the classroom, and I followed in a state of shock. I guess I should have expected that.
Anyway, I had a quick chat with the deputy head afterwards, and I discovered that from helping this little girl the job was suddenly changed to 'supporting a small group with focus on the little girl'. How one can help someone with learning difficulties during learning activities while helping another 3 or more kids. I guess they had better ideas to spend the funding they got for her. I don't like the feel of the school either. When I was rattling around, not knowing where to find the head teacher, the receptionist walked past and asked if I needed help. Which I did. But then one of her colleagues walked in and they started squealing about some man she obviously had a crush on and disappeared in the toilet to talk about him, the receptionist saying 'Tell all!". How professional.
I decided not to take the job if they offered it to me. I don't know how