Things to do

As the summer term draws to a close, it's inevitable that teachers' thoughts turn to the tasks that can make the start of the new academic year go as smoothly as possible. So, what can be done in the last weeks of the school year, should you get a spare moment, to get you set up for September?

Get your current class to reflect on their learning throughout the year, asking them about their experiences
Consider organising an induction event for your new classes
Reflect on your pedagogy and practice throughout the year. Consider revising your schemes of work and curriculum planning based on this experience
Make sure you have received all formative and summative assessments about your new pupils. Read up on your new class, looking out for test scores, SEN and medical needs. Talk to pupils'current teachers and assistants
Visit TeacherNet and the Standards Site to see what's new and to download relevant assemblies for the new school year. www.teachernet.gov.uk or www.standards.dfes.gov.uk
Think about professional development and where your career is heading. Check out available training for CPD. www.ncsl.org.uk or www.teachernet.gov.uk/cpd
Catch up on the latest research by visiting: www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/research
Clear and re-back at least one display board, so you can put up new work as early as possible in the autumn term
Go through any available planning for the new half-term and aim to work out your short-term plan for each of your classes for the first few weeks
Try to meet your new classes to introduce yourself. If you are a Year 7 teacher, why not visit your new pupils in their primary school
If you do have a classroom base, de-clutter as much as possible. Pull out any useful apparatus, resources and books for the first few weeks of term and store them together for easy access
If you're a teacher without a classroom base, make sure the logistics of your new timetable work. Discuss any perceived difficulties in good time

Originally published in Teachers Magazine July 2005