P46: Letters

Work in a cold climate

I read your feature and tweets on job hunting with interest (Finding your first job p34) as I qualified last year and am now lucky enough to be in my first teaching post.

It’s always helpful for those of us new to the profession to have as much information as possible at our fingertips – whether it’s about finding a new job or coping with some of the tougher demands of the classroom!

Teaching is a fantastic profession but we are all up against so many obstacles, any practical help is always welcome.

Sophie, by email

Help children save lives 

Help create a generation of life-savers by joining the campaign – sign the petition at bhf.org.uk/ELS.

Email campaigns@bhf.org.uk for details, or to learn how to set up training in your school email heartstart@bhf.org.uk.

Nigel Baker, Birmingham NUT

PGCE bursaries cut

 In 2011 the Government significantly reduced training bursaries for the majority of PGCE trainees. This will leave many people in financial difficulty.

Following a successful campaign by students on a subject knowledge enhancement course (SKE) earlier in the year, we are now focusing on restoring all bursaries for all subjects. The lateness of the announcement (February 2011, well into the application process) and the SKE exception give us hope that the decision can be reversed.

The campaign needs national support from trainees and teachers. You can help by joining the Facebook group National Campaign Against SKE & PGCE Bursary Cuts, which will help us coordinate campaign actions. You can also sign the petition ‘PGCE bursary changes are unfair and need to be reconsidered!’ at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk.

Caroline Gray, Shropshire

Infectious enthusiasm

 I read your piece in the last issue (It doesn’t have to be French, p6) with interest as I have been teaching my year 1 class basic Finnish and Scottish Gaelic all year. (I have been learning Scottish Gaelic in preparation for a move to Edinburgh in August) .

I’ve found they have an interest in it as I can pass on my own enthusiasm. I teach in Basildon, Essex, not far from the teacher mentioned, who’s in Shenfield.

Jason Eden, by email

End of term gifts

 Having heard a discussion on Woman’s Hour about giving end of term gifts to teachers, it struck me what an absolute waste of money this tradition is.

In the light of the humanitarian emergency in East Africa, why don’t teachers ask pupils to make a donation to one of the agencies trying to save the lives of starving children, in lieu of a gift of chocolates, smellies, or flowers?

Most teachers would feel much valued if their pupils showed their appreciation by helping to save a child’s life. They could provide a specially decorated box for the purpose or get one from a local charity.

Irene Wilkinson (retired teacher) by email

Please write

The editor welcomes your letters but reserves the right to edit them. Write to: Your letters, The Teacher, NUT, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD or email teacher@nut.org.uk. Letters for the November/December issue should reach us no later than 15 October.

Please note we cannot print letters sent in without name and postal address (or NUT membership number), although we can withhold details from publication if you wish.

Continued on p 47