Perhaps your child has just told you they had a Cover Lesson today, or maybe you noticed a merit point from a name you don't recognise. This probably means their usual teacher was absent and a Cover Supervisor was in the lesson instead, but what does that mean and who are they? For our new parents, we thought you would like to hear from Mrs Hargreaves, one of our Cover Supervisors.
'Hello, I'm Mrs Hargreaves and I joined TWGGS earlier this year as one of four dedicated Cover Supervisors. In my 'former life' I ran my own interior design business for ten years and worked in corporate international recruitment for twenty, so a world away from the classroom. My colleagues similarly had varied backgrounds: Mrs Unwin was an art teacher, Mrs Absolon a Private Client Director within the financial sector, and Mrs Redfern ran her own childminding business for thirteen years! Between us, we have a vast amount of experience in life, work and being around children.
So, what does a day look like for us? Well I can guarantee no two days are the same. We can be anywhere, with any year group, for any subject; every period being different and including morning and afternoon registration. It certainly keeps us on our toes! The work to be completed is always planned by the subject teacher and we are the facilitators ensuring these instructions are followed, good behaviour is adhered to and the pupils engage in the learning activity. We will of course help where possible and respond to general questions raised by the class and consequently provide feedback to the teacher on any issues or concerns during that time. One particular cover lesson for Teacher Barrett stays in my memory as it was so ingenious and the children were thrilled. Here is the link for you to see why they were excited, I hope you enjoy it as much as they did!
As a former pupil myself (1987 - 1993) I didn't ever imagine I would be back walking these corridors, yet here I am! I feel incredibly lucky getting to know so many of the pupils across the school and forging relationships with them during their lessons, they are a breath of fresh air and make me smile every day. Mrs Hargreaves