Life at Bellerbys College

Bellerbys College is a private Senior College educating foreign students in similar subjects to what we have in NZ. There are about 300 students here at Bellerbys College and also housed in the same building and sharing facilities is Embassy College ( A private college for teaching English to foreign students. ) I have no idea of how many are enrolled at Embassy.

It operates like a small University with a library ( open at specific hours incl weekends ) a cafetaria open 7 days and plenty of support staff ( security people, cleaners, administrators, and so on. We take the roll each class but there is less emphasis on attendance than in a High school which sees some 25% of students absent on any given day from all classes.

The administartors have told me this and are not too concerned as such. They have paid and so be it. Students also can turn up late so at times you have these disruptions. You can only teach to those who turn up and thats what I do. They have to catch up in their own time.

There are no bells, no staff meetings, no Dept meetings, no lunch duties, no uniform, no discipline issues, no sport after lessons, no parent evenings, we all wear an ID label ( I wear mine on my trousers ) and we use this for our subsidised lunch and in fact any meals we wish to have. We top up this card on a regular basis and it is used for any money transactions here. It is a cashless environment. Students wear all kinds of fashion ( and the girls, well thats something else. There are some real stunners here ) My classes are of the average variety which is probably just as well. It would be too much of a distraction. We had a fire drill the other day. All assembled took the roll and that was that.

Alot of the students ( but not all ) live on site in the dorms where I do as well. (I am in G Block 6th Floor Rm 6 ) There are stairs or lifts available. There is a laundrette at £ 2 a wash and £1 for drying. The cafetaria doubles as common room where you can watch TV. All students are issued with text books that they own ( no returns ) and the classes ( smaller than NPBHS ) have about 15 chairs and a whiteboard. Not all classes have projector use. ( Mine does not so its not an option as such ) All class materials are freely available. No charge out per Dept. Use as you wish.

Classes are 3 hours or 2 hours duration depeding on morning / afternoon slots and you have breaks when you wish. Classes begin at 9.15 am. Lunch is 12.30 - 1.30 pm and afternoon runs from 1.30 - 4.45 pm. I get to the work room by 8.30 am and check emails use computers, do any photocopying and then off to class.

My classes are. Mon 9.15 - 12.30 am Business Studies ( A Level )
1.30 - 3.30 pm Accounting ( 5 ) A level

Tues 9.15 -12.30 am Foundation Accounting

Wed 9.15 -12.30 am MQP Finance and Accounting
1.30 - 4.45 pm Foundation Accounting

Thurs 9.15-12.30 am Accounting ( 6 ) A level
1.30 - 3.30 pm Business Studies ( A level )

Friday 9.15 -12.30 am Accounting ( 5 ) A level
2.45 - 4.45 pm Accounting ( 6 ) A level

As you can see I have 25 hrs teaching out of 30 hrs available.

The MQP is an undergraduate program where I decide what to teach for Post grads who wish to know about the world of accounting and finance before joining the workforce. It is quite flexible but I have been given some guidelines as to content. ( 10 week course then some new students ) Exam in March

The Business studies is pretty straight forward and is at A level. I have to teach em Marketing ( Unit 1 ) and Accounting / Finance ( unit 2 ) 1 and half hour exam in June

Foundation Accounting is a 1 term course ( 10 weeks ) in a really concentrated program which is quite exacting cause you have to reach a reasonable level in a short time for a 3 hr exam. ( Exam in March )

Acounting (5 ) A level is a course for students doing 5 terms rather than 6 terms ( ie They started in January ) I am teaching Unit 1. They have a 3 hr exam in June

Accounting ( 6 ) A level is for those who started in Sept and Unit 1 has already been covered. I am teaching Unit 2. They have a 3 hr exam in June

Often students will go to cafetaria or library or outdoors for a smoke in the break times. I'd say about 25 - 30 % of students smoke.

The morning break is normally taken at 10.30 - 11 am and in the aftyernoon you can give a 15 min break or go straight through and release em early. As such students are coming and going at all times around the building and you see em in the cafetaria in the library, at the bus stop just ouside the college waiting to go somewhere or back at their dorm. Their classes have free time as well structured into their program. Not all have a full program. It is fairly flexible.

The staffroom is more a work room. We all have a space alloted and access to 2 photocopiers and about 15 shared laptops which need to be charged after each use ( no mouse ) We use them all the time in our breaks and before school usually. It is quite a close environment where we all share stories and so on, make our own morning tea and get ready for our classes. we sit beside each other in rows. The building has all the normal stuff. Classrooms ( 33 ) on 2 levels and mine is 206 ( level 2 ) I can if I am lazy use a lift but we all mostly walk up the stairs and there are toilets / administrators offices and so on the ground floor and all teaching is on levels 1 or 2

You have to wear your ID at all times and the building is open 24/7 with security staff and reception area personnel on deck at all times. The library has about 3o computers or more.

There is a student program of events that are arranged for students for sights and things to do as well.

Buses stop off just outside the college ( small and out of sight from the road ) 2 stories and accom blocks ) A supermarket across the road and 10 - 15 min walk if you wish to Greenwich village or take the bus if in a hurry.

Thats it. You are now aware of my working environment. Cheers until next time.

5th week in London

Hi again. It is Saturday 9th Feb ( I have been here 5 weeks now ) Almost a local. The sun is shining ( well thats not quite right. It is somewhere up there ) and I notice some blue sky. I will get out n about soon.

It is great to hear that there are some people out there who actually look at our site. Make comments if you wish. You may have noticed there's a photo now so hopefully once June arrives ( tomorrow ) we can begin to show some photos. This may well become her task ( a delegation I suppose )

This week has been much like the others work wise ( Mon - Frid ) but last Sat was a buzz. I went and watched the opening 2 matches in the 6 Nations on TV at Battersea RFC in Earslfield ( near Clapham Jctn ) which was a noisy regular footie club crowd ( a few Welsh supporters as well ) but it became somewhat quiet when it became obvious that Wales was going to win.

I was dropped off later at Clapham Junction by my host and stayed around the area to soak up the atmosphere post game as the place was crowded as match followers made their way back thru Clapham Junction ( Twickers isnt too far from Clapham Junction ) so all the trains cruise through here. Met up with some Welsh supporters who as you can imagine were rapt and emptied their wallets for a beer or two with me. This was in the Falcon Pub ( supposedly the longest bar in the World ( it is like a running track.) It winds its way along and around through other areas and I took a walk around it stopping along the way as one does.

I also met up with some youger Welsh folk who showed me a couple of other bars and we had a good time. ( one of these fellows was an events manager for Welsh rugby ) so he is looking at securing a couple tickets for me and June for the Welsh v France match in Cardiff. Am crossing my fingers on this. He has been in touch so we will see.

Sunday was spent mostly looking at web sites for airline deals ( Easy Jet and Ryannair ) and other stuff ( Time out and TNT magazine for whats on in london ) for when June arrives and household chores ( washing clothes ) catching up with emails and reading over of some accounting stuff.

I cruised into Greenwich village on Wed and watched the England v Switzerland football match, topped up my oyster card / checked out whats on at the movies and Pier cruises. The opportunity was there to go to the footie match at Wembly but I put in my request too late and missed out.

Thursday was a real buzz. I went to watch We will Rock you ( a musical with Queen music ) at 7.30 pm which was simply brilliant at Tottenham court ( Dominion theatre ) Secured a ticket for £ 20 ( regular £ 55 ) through our student body here who have events for the students at student Group rates so I can see June and I hooking into this for future shows. The graphics / lighting/ set simply blew me away. I was foot tapping all night and it was a superb show. The singing was primo.

Last night ( Frid ) I was invited to a few beers for a birthday bash for one of the staff here. It was at the Queen Mary ship/ bar at Embankment beside the Thames. I had been there before so knew how to get there. The trains had a problen with the doors so there were delays which you kinda get used to but it can be interesting to observe how some pommies react to it all. The trains are a people watchers dream, you can observe so much about human nature cause you are so cramped up and its an experience in itself just travelling on the trains. It is still a novelty for me so I guess I am not phased by it all.

Being a teacher here means writing reports and its that time now. I will get onto this today cause they have to be completed by Tues cause June and I have an excursion to Lille ( Northern France ) planned which departs on Tues after my classes are finished for the day.

Am enjoying the teaching / establishing some rapport with my classes now, they call me Kevin, say gidday when they see me so its all good. I will write about life at Bellerbys College in a separate blog for those who are interested in how things are different from our good ol NPBHS.

Well thats it for now. cheers cya.

Junes Final Morning

Hi guys,

Last photo NZ, Paul, Mum & I.
Getting that suitcase to weigh 20kg has been trouble, on top of learning how to add photos to my blog - but i think i am almost there...1hr till take off, will miss you all but am excited about the adventures to come!

Fourth week in London

Hi again. Sat morning 2 Feb and yes today there is some sun shining ( just a little though ) The 6 Nations start today. Ireland v Italy and Eng v Wales. ( No club rugby on this weekend. ) I will see both I hope on TV at Battersea RFC with a Londoner who is friends with Keith Roberts ( Ex PE mate of mine who grew up here and now on contract in Japan as a trainer with a rugby club ) Will figure out how to get there soon so another adventure is likely but its all part of the fun.

Well I've done my stint as a BBC Radio reporter for now and it worked out well. It was at Rosslyn Park ( in Barnes near Richmond ) I got there in plenty of time. did some research and talked to a few people and set up the gear ( It had arrived on the Mounts Bay team bus. ( 6 hr trip.) Their HQ is at Penzance (Lands End) and its a surfing area so I would like to go there at some stage later in the year )

Did a test run or two with the gear and was ready for the match. It was a good match won 27 -17 by Mounts v Rosslyn Park ( Mounts are the top team in Southern Div 3 league ) The program takes in several sideline comments from various matches ( other reporters ) and this was one of them ( there were 2 others as well as a live match commentary from another match somewhere in the Cornwall area.

The program runs for about 3 hours ( 2 pm - 5 pm ) easily done when games are at staggered kick off times and we cross now to...... to give an update and so on. I interviewed the captain and their wing who scored 3 tries after the match ( pre recorded ) to air later on their Cornwall rugby show. It was a neat experience and I have been added to their list when games are in London again. This is a Cornwall BBC station and their top side was playing in London that week. I met up with the Mounts team players and management, had a few beers and then started the homeward journey this time doing some more exploring checking out the sights of London at night ( Leicester square, Charing Cross and surrounding areas before getting back to my unit in Greenwich. Quite an experience.

On Sunday I decided to stay with the rugby theme and since Saracens were playing Bath at Watford ( 2 top sides in Heineken cup ) this was on my radar so away I went ( 1.30 pm game ) It was a good match won by Saracens ( Sarries as they call em and with flags and banners everywhere it was another unique experience. ( I factored in 1 and half hours travel time and it took all of that. )

I was lucky enough to get into the members stand ( where all the players gather, with speeches and free food for all ) and talked with Census Johnson as well. Ex Taranaki prop playing for Saracens. He played well and has slimmed down alot and looked pretty quick at times around the track.

I was probably the only non member in this area but was shouted a beer or two and met up with some locals as well. Didnt get to meet up with the new Taranaki coach who is coaching at Saracens cause he didnt turn up at the afters but it was still an enjoyable outing. Chris Jack and Glen Jackson play for Saracens. Chris Jack was back in NZ for awhile but Jackson played. Managed a few words with him after the game as well. A local told me that Jack has signed for 3 yrs and is buying a house in Watford.

To get from Watford station to the ground ( also used as a football venue ) a taxi is required. They are all waiting for you at the station and the park ) otherwise its more walking. This cost me £ 5 but I shared the return journey with a Bath supporter I met.

That was my weekend. All focused on Rugby. It gets me out and about and I enjoy that.

Teaching this week has been good. I am starting to use past exam papers now which is good for specific question awareness which these student thrive on and it helps me too with the content and how they examine. There are differences in terms and formats so I am learning all this and staying at least one step ahead of my classes all the time.

No rugby coaching stint at Blackheath this Tues cause there are no club fixtures this Sat due to Eng v Wales this afternoon at Twickers. Would love to see this game live but even regular supporters have told me it is so difficult ( Often tickets are balloted as well ) so will see on TV this afternoon.

Went out to Charlton on Thurs to Asda ( a large supermarket / clothing store cause they had advertised suits for £ 15. This I had to see but yeah all sold by the time I arrived. Bought some undies ( 3 pairs for £3 ) and 6 pairs sox for £ 3 ) and a £ 3 toaster. This was my £ 3 day eh and I can now have toast again. Some good deals so long as you know where to go.

Had a few beers on Friday with a couple of teachers at the Union in Greenwich and that rounded off my week. Am establishing good rapport with my classes now and humour is beginning to show with the students and things I say. I have 3 boy students from Turkey and 2 of these are what can I say cheeky types and real casual and an occassion caused me to say ' What do you Turkish rebels think about all this now.' That created some laughter and rapport.

Thats about it for now. Its time to get ready for my trip to Battersea RFC. Cheers. see ya all next time.

3rd week in London

Hi again Yeah its Sat 26 Jan and its blog time again. Its 9.30 am and I am in an administrators office at Bellerbys College on a grey overcast day ( what else is new: Hey I have seen the sun but only briefly then it pops back behind the grey covers ) about to write this.

Last Sat I went out to Eltham in the morning looking for this leisure centre. I found it but not before I had walked to the old one which is now closed down then I had to backtrack and walk to where the new one is. A nice complex but different from NP Aquatic centre. Had a good look around but couldnt swim because I had forgotten my togs in my satchel and shops in Eltham didnt have any to buy so I flagged it and did some shopping ( couple shirts ) checked out their market place bought some food and just cruised before coming back to my unit in Greenwich.

Then it was off on my next adventure to travel to Twickenham to see Harlequins play Staide de France ( both quality sides ) but alas, my timing was out and I miscalculated how long it would take to get there and to make matters worse there were delays on the trains / line works just on my route and I was dropped off at Richmond and had to wait 3/4 hour at Richmond awaiting a special bus to get me to Twickenham, then the walk and seeking directions to the ground.

By now I knew the game was probably over. Yes it was but I kept going cause its all part of learning the routes to take for next time. The game had been played at the Stoop ( Not Twickenham ) but I did get a peek at Twickenham though.

I sneaked in ( a security man let me in for a preview ) and saw the field. I will hopefully see a match there at some stage this year. I also had a pee ( in a corner cause the toilets were locked and it was dark by now so thought I would fertilise some hallowed turf ) I cant imagine too many have done that.

I eventually arrived at the Stoop and everyone was leaving ( I was the only one arriving but I scored 2 really big hamburgers ( free ) with my cheek and had a chat to some people and then went under the East stand where the supporters were drinking. A Band was playing as well ( couldnt believe it. ) Even Abba music which I like so it was an enjoyable couple hours before the return journey.

On Sunday I decided I would see parts of Greenwich I had not yet seen ( The Observatory in Greenwich Park ) so took a walk up there and saw all the key parts there ( Stood on the dividing line between East and West ) for time recordings and had a few hours there just cruising around.

I then checked out the o2 ( o2 is a cell ph company ) millenium stadium in North Greenwich ( Massive place with plenty of cafes / beer places and a skating rink / stadium where major shows are ) Neil Diamond is due in June. ( Would love to see him perform, Tickets are almost sold out now so somehow doubt it ) The Spice Girls were on Monday night. No tickets though. They all get sold out months in advance but I had a good reconnaisance out there and know the ropes now so I am sure we ( June and me ) will visit this place sometime. Thats all I did on Sunday. It doesnt sound like much but with all the walking and bus travel the day / evening soon goes. Its just the way it is. You have to allow plenty of time.

The week ( Mon - Frid ) has been a regular teaching week. Just the normal stuff teaching and emails / cafetaria eating and washing clothes / housekeeping stuff.

I got a surprize on Mon with an email from BBC Radio Cornwall who asked me if I would like to do some sideline reports on a Rugby match this weekend in London ( Mounts Bay ( Cornwall ) v Rosslyn Park ( A london side )

It is National South Div 3. I said yes so today ( Sat 26 jan ) I will be reporting for BBC Radio. Hows that !! ' This is Kevin Gledhill reporting live from Rossyln Park for BBC Cornwall.' Kick off is 2 .30 pm so will leave here soon so I get to the match with plenty of time to get organised.

On Tues afternoon ( no classes scheduled ) I travelled to Eltham for my much awaited swim. Picture this. I had just dived in and had put my trusty flippers on when this attendant said. No flippers here mate. What!!. Why mate was my response. Its a health and safety issue. What !!! So that was that.

I proceeded to do 2000 m ( 25m pool ) without this aid. Tough going but stayed there long enough to get a workout. I argued my case as only I can ( all reasoned and so on but no deal ) and will get in touch with some official to make a reasoned individual case later. ( some staff agreed with me but most didnt. ) Apparently all London pools have this ruling. So stupid and bearucratic all this PC stuff. The only good thing was the water ( no chlorine issues ) I saw some pathetic swim coaching going on as well ( young kids swimming with heads and arms flaying all over the place and never corrected )

I have now got a brightly colourd ironing board ( borrowed from Cleaning staff ) which I can have for my time here which is good. Will now be able to iron my gear.
I was doing ledger work this week with one of my classes and when naming the debtors ledgers ( For all you accounting - knowlegable types ) You'll know what I mean I said P Smith R Jones K jackson then I said I suppose I should use one of your names as well and then said This ledger could be yu Brown. No laughter at all ( except me under my breath ) and so I quickly changed that as I silently chuckled away to myself.

My first Gledhillism or faux par and it wasnt even noticed. You should see the names of my students. They all have English christian names to make it easier on everyone but their surnames are a mission to pronounce.

A few beers on Friday completed the week with some teaching colleagues in Greenwich and thats the week all done and dusted. Thats all for now. I have to go. I have a BBC appointment. Signing off for now. Cheers.

2nd week in London

It is now Sat 19 Jan and it is time to update this blog. It is cloudy and grey skies above and windy but certainly not cold for me. I have my jeans and Taranaki hard core t shirt on as I write. Last sat I watched Blackheath Seniors play Halifax at Blackheath and it was an average match. Nothing to get excited about ( Div 2 ) and the quality was average. It was really cold though and I did feel the cold on this day.

I met up with some supporters and general manager and a NZ player in the team ( Matt Vaughn ) after the game and have been invited to attend some trainings which I will do. I was due to go on Tues but training was cancelled and they said to come along next Tues which I will.

On Sunday I went to Canary wharf ( Jan sales ) and spent a good few hours there just wandering around and buying stuff I needed ( Iron, jug, radio/alarm/ pillows/ and a suit ( £ 99 ) and a shirt ( £ 10 ) Travelled on the trains and I am pretty comfortable with the whole system.

Teaching this week has been good. I am getting a rapport with the students I teach and seeing them smile n laugh is a good sign cause they are rather serious in facial expressions. The content is fine.

The week has been mostly just teaching and relaxing in my unit / reading and emailing and so on. On Tues afternoon ( I have no classes scheduled ) so I went into Canary Wharf again and splashed out on a cell ph. I am up and running now and learning how to use it ( Vodafoan ) It cost me £ 20 and have loaded it up with an initial £ 25.

Because it gets dark by 4.30 pm and teaching finishes at 4.45 pm most days ( Tues excepted ) for me anyway, you just finish up and wander back to your place, do some emails, buy some groceries or whatever. Thats my week schedule at the moment.

There have been exams also and I have had to supervise ( the word they use here is to Invigilate ) so you become an invigilator. The exams are held in Jan for students who began courses in Sept. My classes are all students who began their courses in Jan bar 1 class who began in Sept and that class has had their exams this week. ( Unit 1 ) I am teaching them Unit 2 now and the Jan starters I am teaching them Unit 1 of the syllabus.

Its a good system. I have access to past exams and this can help in teaching what is needed. Text books as well.

I have been in touch with Murray Grimwood, Steven Owen and Rik Knight ( all ex NPBHS teachers who are teaching here ) as well this week. Steven isnt too far away and will meet up with them all sometime.

Have written a long letter to my Mum ( she doesnt have email access ) and now I have to go to a Post office today and get some stamps. Just for you Mum. ( I love ya Mum )

I enjoy the cafetaria at lunch here. A chance to talk with fellow teachers and relax. 3 hour teaching stints are quite tiring and lunch is a welcome break before you are straight back into it. I have 1 day ( wed ) where I have a full 6 hrs and I was quite tired that day and slept well that night.

Yesterday ( Friday ) I had a few beers in Greenwich with 3-4 teachers in a nice quaint pub. Walked from school and bused back at 11 pm.

Whats on my agenda today. Complete some emails. Read over the instruction manual for the cell ph and I am looking at heading to Eltham ( no its not Eltham as we say it It is Elt ham. I asked someone what bus I would need to go on and they didnt understand. Its all in the pronounciation eh There is a flash swimming pool there which I am keen to use my flippers in.

The Blackheath rugby team are playing out of town so I may look to going elsewhere to see some rugby or give it a miss and do some exploring this afternoon. I am keen to see some Heineken cup matches, I have a schedule now of games still to be played so will see to that also at some stage.

On Sunday it is my daughter Sarah 's 19th birthday. Have a good one Sarah. I miss ya and will be thinking of you.

Well thats all for this update. All is going well. I will now get out and about in amongst it all. Cheers for now. Kevin

First week in London

Hi all. Well I have just completed my first week in London so its time to start this blog. I am writing this on Sat morning ( Jan 12 ) at the college while my washing / drying of my clothes is taking place.

I arrived Thurs 3 Jan about 12 noon and it wasnt until 3-4 pm before I was away from Heathrow.

The travel over here was pretty uneventful. My large suitcase though did not arrive on my flight. I had to wait another couple hours before it arrived on another flight.

Then it was onto Piccadilly line. off at Holborn and onto Central line stopping at Bank then onto DLR and eventually Greenwich. My accommodation was pretty basic and small. It was a Bed and Breakfast.

Almost like a prison cell and no chair / table just a bed toilet and shower close together, with some cupboard space. I stayed here 5 nights. My first couple days was getting organised.

Meeting the Academic director at Bellerbys College ( where I will be teaching Accounting ) for the next 5 months and meeting up with the Teaching agency that secured the job for me. Also getting used to the train and Bus systems to get around.

I had a good walk around Greenwich and also checked out Blackheath RFC on Sunday as well as looking for my 2nd accommodation spot I had booked. ( Tonys ) What a mission. Took me a couple hours or more of wasted time but thats life.

Decided against it as it was too small yet again and too far from where I was to start work on Monday 7 jan. Booked into a hotel in Greenwich ( more expensive ) but then a lucky break came my way.

An opportunity for a twin unit at the accommodation block where the students reside suddenly was available and I was lucky enough to be in the right spot at the right time to sign up. Had to pay 5 months up front necessitating a trip to Bank ( More travelling time ) and getting my suitcases from the B and B and eventually settling into the unit ( G Block quite appropriate for Mr G Hill ) I am on the 6th Floor Room 6.

Now it was time to purchase certain essentials such as loo paper, linen and cutlery and so on. The room is spacious and ideal for me and June. June will be over her by Feb 10. No TV or radio or iron or coathooks just yet.

Further trips were necessary since Greenwich is mostly a tourist area and caters for eating and cafes mostly. A trip To lewisham solved that for a couple of shirts for teaching.

My first day at the school ( jan 7 ) was relaxing allowing me some time off to attend to all this stuff ( Classes werent finalised and so it was an orientation day and becoming familiar with the College.

I have been full on since Tues Jan 8 in the classroom with my classes. I must say I am enjoying the teaching and being here. I have some small classes which is great and I teach in 3 hr blocks ( 9.15am - 12.130 am with a 15 min break taken when I decide.

Then it is 1hr for lunch ( 12.30 - 1.30 pm ) and classes again ( 1.30 -4.45 pm with a 15 min break again wherever I decide. I have 25 hrs teaching and 5 spare hours of the total of 3o hrs ( 6 hrs per day )

I look forward to the lunch ( Main meal of the day ) and it costs me $ 2 ( hot meal ) so thats what I will be doing I reckon. Cuts down on costs elsewhere at this stage anyway.

On Friday I had a few beers with a couple of staff ( Firstly in Greenwich ) then on to a boat moored on the Thames in central London Quite an experience which involved a train trip into London via Charing Cross station and a late night return. All good stuff.

Today sat 12 jan I am going to see Blackheath RFC play this afternoon . Complete this blog and a few emails and purchase a few things for my unit and I 'll take it from there. Will sign off now. The first week in London has been a buzz. Cheers Kevin