I feel like the past month standards here have slipped. Not teaching, students, techs etc... Just overall good science practice. Teachers wearing shorts in science, high heels, applying make-up in front of students, giving students keys to classrooms to get their stuff and sitting in the classroom and having a Chinese takeaway.
Standards slipping
- Thread starter Spaghettification
- Start date
I totaly agree with you on the clothes and shoe issues. I appriciate we have had some difficult weather condntions but somedays over the lasrt few weeks its looked lie theyre remaking Whams club tropicana video!
We've got a lot of staff in shorts including me, but we have stopped practicals for the year now so its not a concern for H&S. We've got lots of other activities going on that are disrupting lessons and the students are in PE kits because of the heat so we made the blanket decision to scrap practicals. We've got a couple of A-level Biology required practicals going on next week, but that's all.
Wonderleah
Certified Lab Mouse Master Thread Derailer
I don't have any work appropriate shorts so I've been sweltering in my normal work cargos. SOOOO many staff in shorts. Even seen some flip flops around but thankfully not in science!
I have been wearing shorts and sandals - I am very heat intolerant due to medical issues, so I would literally pass out if I didn't wear cool clothing. It gets to 33/34C in my prep room! I do it at my own risk and am aware of the consequences. I don't care if the teachers do the same, as long as they understand it is at their own risk. I think you have to be flexible in this weather. I agree with the other things though. Maybe bring it up to your HOD?
Snow-Globe
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
Wonderleah
Certified Lab Mouse Master Thread Derailer
Yeah the 'not my circus not my monkeys' mentality has helped me a lot with this.
My circus, my monkeys = my problem
Not my circus, my monkeys = give advice/offer help (this I would explain as my area of expertise but outside of my school so helping others on here)
My circus, not my monkeys = inform the owner of the moneys (for example kids roaming the corridors/things broken outside of science)
Not my circus, not my monkey's = not my problem and no obligation
In general
my circus = my school
my monkeys = what's on my JD
Might be healthier to define my circus as just science but I like to help where I can XD
Helps me to not stress/overthink about things that aren't my monkeys!
Smithysaur
It/He
I was wearing shorts most of last week and I have worn sandals at some points, but as others have said we've finished practicals for the year and I'm also the only person dealing with the chemicals now so I take that risk myself. I've not had to get any chemicals out (aside from some distilled water and nutrient agar, and I still had my lab coat on for making those 2 demo plates) so realistically I don't think it's as much of an issue. Also, last week I was barely actually in the lab as I was helping with year 10 taster days mon-weds, going in and out of rooms that were almost certainly over 40 degrees, so I think I was justified lol
Slipped even further this morning. Just observed students eating and sat on the benches around the sides. Slippery slope.
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I wouldn't be in shorts as that's a recipe for injury, but I do wear my Nikes. There black and leather so not that far off what's allowed
Happily we got the go-ahead to wear shorts at the end of the day we'd finished disposing of a load of old chemicals.
I personally don't see the problem with this as
- drinks are free
- fun and sunshine (there's enough for everyone)
- all that's missing is the sea
- but don't worry, you can suntan
The issue for me is that we have had a few instances over the years here were students have ended up in hospital and the parents have tried to sue the school. The majority before my time and one since I have been here 4 years. When I started practicals weren't taking place due to these issues and there has been a stern warning they will be stopped indefinitely if they have any more major incidents. Which then means why do you need techs and job losses happen as they need to find cuts. We have seen the news reports of students snorting and drinking copper sulfate. The teachers letting students eat in the labs is a big no no. Teachers can eat in the labs and wear shorts fine, but it is taking the wrong "easier" options than just walking to the staff room or having legs covered when doing chemistry practicals.
Sorry, I'm in shorts here in the prep room. Apart from anything, due to medical reasons, I'm far more at risk of harm from overheating than from a theoretical accident occurring because I don't have 1mm of absorbent fabric trouser legs to protect me.
I don't really understand the issue about shorts. We don't say women can't wear skirts. We don't say you can't wear short-sleeve shirts.
I don't really understand the issue about shorts. We don't say women can't wear skirts. We don't say you can't wear short-sleeve shirts.
No they can't. COSHH law applies to them too. If they have that attitude to safety, no wonder the school has been sued.
Exactly. I am heat intolerant due to medical issues, so I wear whatever is most comfortable - currently shorts, t-shirt and sandals. There's more risk of me passing out from overheating than damaging myself with a chemical. If I'm working with something nasty, I'll put my lab coat on - simples!
We're just making the most of actually being allowed to wear shorts - they are normally extremely strict about 'business dress' here. Us technicians only get away without having to wear formal jackets around school because we have branded polo shirts!