ABSTRACT
Writing this last chapter constitutes a risk, in that it makes an attempt to relate my own experience of going back to the classroom to that of students who are training to enter the profession. Rereading my field notes, which were written up after each school day (a possible reason why my preparation sometimes lacked thoroughness), I am struck by their schizophrenic quality. I now understand why the headteacher, when he read them, described my account as 'self-indulgent'. At the same time, they do convey something of the nature of the activity that is primary teaching – the total absorption, the interest, the rewards when children begin to expand their ideas, the disappointment and frustration described by the teacher in the previous chapter when things go wrong and when one is at loggerheads with the class. Above all, there is the comradeship and support of colleagues who may laugh at one's mistakes but, providing that one can demonstrate care and concern about children, will give unstintingly of their time and support.
