This week marks the return to school for millions of students across Europe and beyond. The freedom of the holidays over, it’s back to timetables, homework and structure. Out with the opportunity to get up late and in with early morning alarms and packing school bags. The event has its own word in French – ‘la rentrée’, underlining the significance of a new school year after the long summer break. So, are you in the ‘phew, about time!’ or in the ‘oh no.. already?’ camp? For me, in my various roles, it’s mixed feelings.
As a former classroom teacher I loved setting up for the September term, eagerly awaiting fresh faces and opportunities. As a parent, when my children were younger, after the first few weeks of fun and relaxation had passed, I welcomed the autumn term’s approach and the attendant order it brought to our lives. By the time uniform and school shoe shopping had been endured, along with the frantic washing of PE kits that had been festering in my car boot for six weeks, I would anticipate the restart of classes with a giddy joy. Now, as a private tutor, it’s a sense of excitement as I prepare to work with new and returning clients.
Once tutoring recommences, the first session after nearly 2 months of no formal learning always includes target setting. Paying homage to Steven Covey’s ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’, we’ll ‘begin with the end in mind’, in order to create a schedule and tailored scheme of work. Whether I’m working with high school students, adult learners or with sixth formers on their applications to higher education, all are encouraged to have clear objectives and a commitment to achieve them.
On a personal level this year, I’ll be looking forward to combining my recent appointment as a UCAS advisor, helping Year 12 and 13 students to plan the next stage of their educational journey, with my language tutoring business.
It’s often struck me that the 1st of September has much in common with New Year’s Day with regards to the feelings and resolutions that accompany both dates. It’s a time to reset, refresh, reconnect. Time, finalement, to ‘rentrer’.
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