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Diary of an NQT: Gain time? What gain time?!

With exams underway, teachers are looking forward to making the most of their gain time. But not our NQT diarist, who only has one year 11 class

This week my first ever year 11 class had their first ever GCSE exam. They lined up nervously with their brand new pencil cases and their label-less bottles.

As I passed on my way to my first lesson, students in my class were desperately asking me questions: “What was that Bible quote again, Miss?” “How can I define awe?!”

Their panicked faces made me remember my very first GCSE.

In a way they looked like they were actually enjoying the drama of it; students feigning panic attacks and fanning their faces as if about to pass out. “Oh my God Miss, I’m going to be sick!” shrieked one girl – probably the brightest in the class. I cannot believe for one minute she actually felt that nervous – she’s never got below an A this year – but she was getting caught up in the drama of it too.

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