If Scottish schools have gone back already, and secondary school results are coming out (the less said about that, the better), then we must be well into the second half of the holidays already.
Time to evaluate how well you’ve used the holiday so far - and what better use of your holiday time than a pointless quiz?
How did you start your school holiday this year?
A) I spent the whole of the first week in my classroom, rearranging tables, putting up displays, preparing my resources and hand-cutting each child’s new peg label featuring personalised art.
B) I did what I needed to do to leave the place in good order. I’ve popped into school once or twice since, just to keep on top of things, but now I’m enjoying my relaxation, knowing that everything’s set.
C) I was out of the door by 3.40pm on the Friday, and haven’t looked back. There’s no point in doing much in the classroom: the cleaners will only mess it up. I’ll deal with it in September.
What have you managed to get done around the house this summer?
A) This year, I’m particularly proud to have remodelled a listed building and won an award for my back-garden horticulture. I also did my usual deep clean of the upholstery and carpets.
B) I try to make sure that the major jobs fall in the summer: the car’s been serviced; we’ve all had our dental check-ups. I’ve still got to book the hair appointment before term starts to feel ready.
C) Last summer, I started decorating the spare bedroom, so this year I’m planning to finish stripping off the wallpaper. But I can’t do it this week because I have too many other plans with friends.
How often have you checked your work email during the holidays?
A) I check it every day, because I’m still waiting for replies from colleagues to the various emails I’ve sent over the past few weeks. It’s not too much effort, as I have my emails linked to my phone.
B) I probably check them once a week, mostly because it’s the easiest way to confirm our lunch plans with the rest of the team at work. It’s also my login for the little bit of planning I’ve started.
C) Email? I don’t even remember my password by this stage. It’s best that way. I usually delete everything in there on the first Inset, and then tell the boss that the IT department did it.
Who have you seen from school over the past few weeks?
A) I booked in weekly meetings with my year team just before we broke up, so we can keep on top of all our summer tasks. It helps everyone to keep on track.
B) I saw a couple of friends for a socially distanced lunch, and I often bump into the business manager in the supermarket. I’ll probably catch up with some of them just before we go back.
C) Spend time with those losers? Not a chance.
How did you fare?
Mostly As
You’re clearly well-prepared for September - time well spent, no doubt, in your mind. Any chance that you might want to take a break from it for a week before you return?
Mostly Bs
A good balance of school and home life - wouldn’t it be nice to be like this all year round? Make the most of the final straight!
Mostly Cs
Let’s be honest, if you’re a mostly C sort, there’s no way you’d have been reading a Tes article over the summer, is there?
Michael Tidd is headteacher at East Preston Junior School, in West Sussex
