Kingsbridge SCITT

1. Best Friends Forever Use your time at college to network and make friends who are in the same position as you! They will be able to offer support, advice and a shoulder to cry on when you are in need of it the most. 2. Don’t compare Despite the importance of having pals on your course, don’t let their tales of achievement get you down. There will always be someone happy to brag at how many ‘outstandings’ they are getting in the first week or how fabulously well behaved their children are due to their amazing behaviour management. Take it with a pinch of salt – focus on your own progress and next steps and let others get on with theirs. 3. Don’t suffer in silence If you are struggling or feel like you are sinking – speak to someone. Whether it is your mentor, colleague or someone from college, a problem shared is a problem halved. 4. Give yourself some down time… Although it might feel like you need to, you can’t work all of the time. Work out a schedule that works for you where you get everything done but don’t wear yourself out trying. Consider having the night before your Kingsbridge session as a ‘no work night’ or choose one day at the weekend to put your laptop away. You aren’t doing anyone any favours if you burn out by Christmas! 5. Remember why we do it… On the dark days, when you are drowning in planning and have resources coming out of your ears, the six hours that you spend with the children will be what brightens up your day. Their smiles, their light bulb moments and the hilarious things you say will keep you going and remind you why you are doing this in the first place. Never forget that you are preparing to do the most important job in the world. It will be stressful sometimes but changing the lives of the children in your class will make it all worth it!