They dawdle in, oblivious to the time that class was to commence.
Conversation erupts immediately, pushing and shoving chairs just a given.
The teacher attempts to command the class into some vague structure,
'Waiting Year 10, just waiting' he attempts to order the bedlam.
No eyes meet his,
No lips cease talking,
No one even acknowledges his presence.
10 minutes pass with no change, and then an obvious chorus of 'egging' starts as a student walks in the door.
Brooding and mysterious, he possess a darkness within,
a sinister snarl sprawls on his face as he tells the class to "fuck off".
The teacher doesn't blink or retaliate - after all, what can he do?
They begin to rehearse something that is meant to resemble drama, but only symbolises a 'bludge attitude'.
When trying to assist and guide, they are aggressive... greeting me with an attitude fuelled "who are you?"
"Help," I respond, "show me what you've got."
The sniggers commence as a boy utters what I can only assume to be a sexual remark.
I retreat to a corner to observe the way the classroom works.
Another girls meanders in, cake of foundation and mascara so thick she can't see through her eye lashes.
She sits and chews her fingernails, clearly establishing her involvement in the performance.
An under cover police officer is at the door requesting a student to be escorted with him, her outbursts are vocally colourful, yet get her nowhere.
The battle is continuing with the nasty student from earlier, his anger and genuine hatred for the teacher, the subject... for life itself is bubbling over as he storms out of the classroom.
I look to the teacher to see how he responses - he shrugs, looking helpless and exhausted.
Complaints are coming through thick and fast as students impatience and intolerance for each other is tested.
I almost fear that they will ask me a question or even worse, acknowledge me in the room.
Fear of what comes after the smart comments and rude gestures.
I walk out before the lesson ends and breathe a sigh of relief.
Today this is not my class,
Today I was simply observing a lesson from another teacher.
Today I was not on the receiving end of the abuse, the violence.
Today I walk out free from planning, reporting, paper work and the red tape.
Thank goodness!
No comments:
Post a Comment