Interview take 1

I didn't get the job that I came here for, sadly I didn't make it through to day two. But I did make a new friend and I have been able to enjoy London and catch up with a few great friends. Bliss. 

On the way out the flight was long, and lots of bits but Addis is nicer than it used to be and despite one mad dash to the gate, oh the wrong gate, oh, not this one either - phew made it to the right one, I got my bag at Heathrow and my wonderful pal Joe was ready and waiting for me. The grin on my face said it all, I thought it couldn't get any bigger and then he produced a flask of tea (which I didn't know how to open) but just what I needed. A hug and tea. 

I was full of energy as I arrived at Edgar's and hungry so after another welcome cup of tea we went out for brunch. I thought I was going to go for a wander but then the exhaustion hit and we headed back to his flat where I had a very nice nap. Given that I had all day Monday to prepare, I agreed to join Edgar and head to The Southbank to listen and watch a lecture on Akira Kurosawa. I have heard of him but never seen any of his films. The lecture was linking 3 of his epic films with 3 Shakespeare tragedies and I found it really interesting and could follow along. I was sending A pictures of the various sights. 

On Monday I mainly prepared. I needed to sort out some bank stuff and was delighted to meet up with Joanna for a simply delicious Turkish meal and a huge hug. Then home for more prep and a meal at home. 

The interview day itself was quite good fun and very busy. They put us through our paces, 6 candidates all external and only one man. I made friends with one of them. 

We did the following:

• Meeting with Head and Deputies 
• Introduction to all staff with Q&A
• Taught a 30 mins lesson on a topic of my choice but PSHE to yr 9
• Data task - analysis of behaviour data and action plan
• break
• a sort of speed dating interview with 6 sets of key stakeholders asking one question and 3 mins to answer - bell and move on
• prep time for a goldfish bowl exercise where we talked about our philosophy on behaviour and how to use the current team to impact the school
• Lunch  - we were expected to walk around the school and interact with staff and students
• 50 min intray a with a priorities list, letter to a parent and a newsletter article, and then half way through we had a  critical incident brought to us 

and at the end of all that we went home and then while on the bus I found out I hadn't made it to the next day. My new friend had and got to the top two, but sadly not the actual job. 

So that afternoon I mainly sent messages about not getting the job while Edgar looked after me and we had a nice bottle of wine together. The next day was then all about reaching out to the few other schools in my preferred commute area who had advertised Deputy Head jobs. After pinging them off I went to meet Uma at A's old school (because she works there) for a quick dog walk and catch up followed by the short walk up the hill to Ebony and Johnny's for dinner. I had mentioned that we would either be celebrating or commiserating and in some ways we did a bit of both. Despite the disappointment of the day, having a chance to catch up with people I love has made it a great week. I have been moved by the people who have gone out of their way to make time to see me, even if it has only been for their lunch break or a train trip to have a cup of tea or if time allowed, a meal. 

I've also been able to collect various orders and, although I think they might be the ugliest shoes I've ever seen, A's face when I showed her the shoes she ordered for her prom had arrived was one of love and joy. I remember a similar difference of opinion between me and my mother on shoes. The brown lace up platform boots I bought in Amsterdam having not eaten lunch for two days so could afford them springs to mind. 

On Friday I was all set to work out how to pack up all the stuff I had, and I had a very good chat with a great headteacher and was feeling more optimistic and ready to fly 'home' and enjoy some sun when I got an email to say I had been shortlisted for another job, it would be in my half term so I resigned myself to flying back for 6 days to fly back again. However, my wonderful boss pointed out that it would cost more than a week on unpaid leave and I should just stay! I checked she was sure - after all that's a week of cover for my classes and not being in meetings etc but she was very clear. Which of course makes it so hard to think I'm leaving such a great school. Anyway - I am going to now pop back to my mum and sister for a few days and then, as the following week is our half term, I'll go to the interview on Tuesday 22ns Feb. 

All in all I have had a great week and will have another one next week too. We'll do some shopping and figure out how I get hold of some hydrocortisone tablets as I haven't quite enough to last me. I miss my little family, and thought maybe A would feel the same but she said, 'it's only an extra week' (it's not it's longer) but she added 'oh I am sad that I'll have to wait longer for my boots' Typical.