Some days you can't help but think you'd have been better off if you'd stayed in bed. My observation by one of the senior staff this morning was, shall we say, less than successful - which as understatements go is on a par with 'Houston, we have a problem.'

I won't go into the details but I think it'd have been a betetr lesson if I'd stood in front of the class a recited the lyrics to Y.M.C.A - complete with arm movements, and dressed as an Indian. So much for all my preparation. At least the deputy head was pleasant enough about it - the school is good at having a supportive attitude rather than a 'you're fucking useless' attitude. She even found some positives though they seemed to be a bit like telling someone who's just had their right leg amputated that their left leg is fine.

And as if the morning weren't bad enough I had an afternoon to match. One of my year eights set fire - yes, set fire - to their bag. Well, at least someone can set the world alight in my classroom.

Roll on tomorrow!