Dried meat versus cocktail sausages

In order to try and curb the "Beef Jerky" nickname (see my previous post), I would pull a pupil or two aside, whenever I was called that, to ask them why they were doing so. Most of them, not really privy to the weird mental workings of the year 10 girls, did not have a clue. This gave me the opportunity to explain why that name had come about. That seemed to discourage a few, as it lacked any real negative connotations, and may have something to do with the reduction of the use of that nickname.

Of course, the drop in the use of "beef jerky," especially amongst the year 10 boys, may also have something to do with one boy's unfortunate attempt to make something out of the nickname. This lad, among the naughtier of the older boys, interrupted one of my explanations by attempting to spread one of his own, namely that the term arose because I have a small penis (I could see how a masturbation referrence could be derived, but a small penis?). I wasn't able to deal with him the first time he said this, as he pulled a rapid escape before I could call him back.

The second time, however, was quite decisive. The next day, I found he and his mates gathered together during break. On seeing me, they all began calling "Beef Jerky!" In a friendly fashion, I approached the boys and began my usual spiel, expecting the one lad to again interrupt with his own. He did not disappoint me. Unfortunately for him, he failed to realize that teachers tend to be observant and can often recall things about pupils that the latter may wish to be forgotten, like say, in this instance, that the lad had acquired a nickname of his own.

I got as far as "You know, that's really quite ironic coming from someone nicknamed Gherkin..." before being drowned out by the laughter from the other boys. The lad hastily started an explanation "Wait! It's not like that," but was shouted down by his mates with "You got cussed by Sir!!!"

It was all taken in good fun, though, and, since then, I've noticed that I receive a much higher level of respect from the year 10 boys, especially "Gherkin."

Yesterday was pleasant

The highlight of it was spending a lovely time with imapunkin shopping for clothes. Much of this involved driving through beautiful countrysides under pleasant skies. Spending close to a hundred pounds on new shirts, trousers and sandals was fun, too (grin!).

Today, sadly, I'll have to return home to prepare work for tomorrow's literacy lesson, as well as finish some marking. Ugh! At least this will be the last week of summer school. In a way, though, I'll miss it; the week spent with these pupils was pretty close to what ideal classes should be like. I love these pupils to bits! Methinks I may have missed my calling by a shade; I think I might have enjoyed being a primary school teacher more than secondary. Ah well.