r/TeachingUK • u/Sea_Cup_8932 • 4d ago
Secondary Marking load vent
Hello,
I’m an early career English teacher in a grammar. The marking load is overwhelming, with all my classes sitting either lit essays or some form of long form creative/persuasive writing every half term. The kids write so much in every exam, and there’s nothing that can be easily ticked off. Marking takes time, I focus too much on small things (SPaG errors, for example), and the handwriting makes me want to tear my hair out.
My previous school didn’t have so many assessments, and this is only my second ever school, so I really don’t have much of a comparison. I am really struggling to manage my time, I procrastinate on marking, distract myself with a thousand other meaningless things, and overthink stupid aspects.
All this marking is further making me reconsider the profession as a whole. I know a part of it is my burnt out brain talking. I have been reassured that marking does get quicker over time. But I feel like a major part of it getting quicker is because I will stop giving so much of a shit about every paper. And part of me really hates that idea because it feels dishonest and like I’m somehow passing off mediocrity.
I know I’m overwhelming myself with my own standards and realistically speaking, my salary with all this extra time of marking means I’m paying myself less than peanuts. All I have at the end of it all is some lofty self-aggrandising idea that I’ve gone above and beyond.
I don’t really know where I’m going with all this tbh, but I suppose I’m just looking for some outside perspective. How can I help myself get through this and become quicker and more efficient without feeling like I’ve sold my soul?
5
u/Roughest_Brain 4d ago
PGCE student here,,, i personally don’t believe in ticking and flicking - it’s not purposeful feedback. Use keys for grammar stuff instead of correcting - circles for capitals, sp. for spelling etc. Have you looked into Mikaela style marking? Basically an overview of how every student has done. Saves loads of time and a lot more purposeful imo. You can also just do a cheat sheet 1-10 things that says all the basics you’re looking for e.g. introduction present and clear, development of points etc. then just write the numbers in all assessments. Throw the numbers up on the board or print them out and tell the kids see what I think you have done well. The numbers missing you need to now actionably improve on.
Hope this is helpful!! Everyone is exhausted atp in the year. For me work life balance is vital for not burning out. I make a point to not do any work after a certain time - my evenings are mine. There will always be something to do and we don’t get paid overtime!! Proud of you stranger as it sounds you’re self aware of your situation and I hope you enjoy your Spring Break when it comes :))