As a year seven form tutor I get the pleasure of going camping with them later this month. Having done the same last year with another form I'm really looking forward to it. It's so nice to see the pupils in a different, more relaxed, environment. And it's nice to break out of the classroom and get some fresh air, even if it does rain on you whilst you're going for a bike ride so you get as muddy as you've ever been your whole life. I won't forget that for a bit.

So this morning when I was asked if I'd mind stepping to go on the year nine camp after someone else had pulled out I was a little unsure I could go. Could I really abandon my classes for another week? I know I'm not indispensible but I feel I ought to be doing some teaching this term. Year nines are harder work than sevens too, they're not scared of their own shadows anymore. In fact most of them are the things hiding in the shadows that actually do the scaring. And just think of all that cover work that'd need setting.

I guess it was inevitable then that I agreed to go. I find it very hard to say no. I'm sure it'll be a good trip too. We're off to Scotland which makes it my first trip north of the border. I'm trying to not imagine being greeted by a scene from braveheart.

The lady in charge of the trip is quite amusing so should make the trip quite funny. And one of the teachers who was an NQT with me last year is going too so I'm sure we'll have a laugh. Though I'm sure we'll jinx the weather as wherever we go we get wet. On last year's activity day we were posted to a swimming adventure centre so obviously got a thorough soaking, and we went on a bike ride last summer when it was pouring with rain. And we're going to Scotland which I'm guessing has more rain than, say, Majorca.

Anyway I'm feeling very positive about being asked to go. I get to look like a hero afterall: bravely stepping into the breach at the eleventh hour (well, ninth or tenth) to help out and head into the wild countryside. I'm sure it'll be fun.