Week Nine - Vecka Nio (Personal Development) 10-03-12 - 16-03-12

My module ‘Intercultural Studies – Global English and Media Discourse’ has come to an end this week which has resulted in another ‘home exam’. I have really enjoyed this module as we studied how English is used around the world and the different purposes of English in other countries. 

I have had plenty of university work to keep me busy this week as I also have a twelve-page field study report to write on the inclusion of children with Special Educational Needs in special schools and mainstream schools and a presentation to prepare. This week has therefore resulted in several more visits to schools in relation to this work as well as my first visit to the school I will be teaching at in April.

 

Some art work at Fridaskolan.

A teacher from the school who has close links with University West picked us up on Thursday morning and drove Megan, Maria and I as well as a student from Manchester to the ‘Fridaskolan’ in Vänersborg and Trollhättan. It was great to see around both schools and get a feel of the atmosphere in each school and meet many members of staff who I will be working with in April. The school environment does seem very relaxed and informal as children can come and go as they please from the classroom and do not have to ask permission to go to the toilet as we do in Northern Ireland. I think that this will be strange for me when I am actually teaching as children cannot leave the room without agreement from the teacher. 

 

I will be teaching at the ‘Fridaskolan’ in Trollhättan which is very convenient and within walking distance from where I live so I shouldn’t have to get up too early as school lessons commence at 8.15am! The class that I have been assigned to is grade five which is primary six in Northern Ireland therefore I will get to see the early stages of English being taught as a foreign language which is something that I am keen to see as I have an interest in this area. The teacher who I will be working with was very welcoming and had great English so I do not think I will be using the few Swedish words that I have learnt. The current topic in grade five is Great Britain and Northern Ireland and I was asked if I liked the band ‘One Direction’ as they come from the UK, I think I am going to get along very well with the pupils in my class as they have such good taste in music! 

Some English on a grade one door and the Fridaskolan's golden rule; 'do to others as you would have them do to you'.

 

So this week has been another busy week but a good week as I have had my first visit to ‘Fridaskolan’. I think I am going to enjoy my time teaching here as everyone is friendly and helpful. The school is really big compared to schools in Northern Ireland but I am sure in time I will find my way around it and not get lost.