How common is it for colleagues to do external examining in PPA/gained time?
I've just finished GCSE examining for the first time. I did it all in my own time, not during school hours. When I mentioned this to a colleague (and fellow examiner) they looked at me as though I am a mug. Apparently, "everybody" examines in their frees.
Was I being overly "by the book"?
Yesterday, a group of boys tried to prevent me from leaving my classroom by putting their weight up against the door from the other side. Today, another boy did the same.
None of these kids are even high-profile either. They just thought it would be funny. In both cases, I went ballistic.
Am I being OTT? Or am I correct that this is a massive red line?
For context, behaviour during lesson changeovers and social times is poor at my place.
I should start by saying that I bear no ill will towards teachers in the independent sector. I think their job is just as challenging as teaching in a state school, just with very different challenges.
Recently, I've seen several private schools posting shows of "solidarity" on social media whenever another local private school is forced to close.
Is this me being very cynical or are these posts blatantly just "come and take your money to us" messages in disguise?