The First Lesson - Back to School

The time had finally come, I found myself pacing around my bedroom at 10 o'clock at night feeling those first day nerves of what school was going to be like. Finally after a couple of rehearsals of my name, packing my lunch box and picking out some clothes for the next day I collapsed in bed awaiting the early morning alarm for the school bus the next day.

Soon we found ourselves at Parkwood Academy, standing in the classroom with the school bell ringing in our ears. Memories from past lives flashed before our eyes and the students appeared as if by magic. After the initial quick introductions we separated into our three groups and proceeded with our individual group work we were set for the lesson.

Lean and I explored colours with the students, using 'colour associations' and collages as a medium for expression. Finding the 'colour associations' feeling too 'fixed' as an idea and one not understood fully by the students we quickly moved onto the next activity; to collage a sketch of a school area allowing us to explore not only colour but touch upon some of the areas covered by the other groups (mainly comfort and teaching styles).

One Of Our Example Collage

Colour Association Activity

Student Room Collages

After showing a couple of examples of our own work, we set off with the students to collage these different areas. Initially the start was slow, but soon we were off with the students helping each other, encouraging and spurring each other on.

Now looking back the nerves have once again subsided for another day, and the first day seemed on whole a success. Despite the initial activity not working as we anticipated, the collages were much more successful, with the students highlighting a few areas we had not covered and helped confirm some of the issues raised by the previous work done by the University of Sheffield.

Now we return back to our homework and start the count down till our second day on Thursday.