Marking Season

It is almost that time again, where teachers travel in hoards, over bridges and through sprawling carparks, with bags filled to the brim with crackers, jelly lollies, and their favourite teabags and mug, where a blanket slung over a shoulder is a common sight to see, and every now and again, a scooter whizzes past... It is, of course, HSC marking!
 Corporate marking used scare the wits out of me. However, after marking School Certificate, NAPLAN a few times, the AOS: Belonging Paper 1, Section 3 essay a few times, and Module B: Hamlet, I have come to realise that it just takes a little time to get the clarity needed and that confidence and making copious amounts of notes really does help!
 Over time I have developed a bit of a system to get myself into the marking 'groove':


1. Read the prescribed texts nice and early. As you are preparing to embark on your marking journey, you may not have time to get all of the texts read so to avoid stress at the marking centre later, get reading! I found that I really enjoyed some of the other options on the prescribed texts list and I was able to add them to my Goodreads 'read' list. 


2. I often work back after school to complete paperwork, prepare lessons, make a few copies, book resources, etc. This is problematic when that time is no longer available. It means that all tasks need to be condensed and this can be really stressful. So, in the lead up to marking season I aim to get all of my lesson preparation, copying, organisation of digital resources completed. This gives me mornings, free periods, recess, and lunch to complete the last minute jobs that always crop up. Once marking begins I stop taking tasks home on weeknights. I have found that I can get a little bit of tinkering done during breaks at marking but eventually I end up too tired. So to maintain a chipper attitude I just focus on being present - enjoying my classes and then getting out of school as fast as possible to get to marking.


3. Food is very important during marking and a quick run to McDonalds on the way to marking leaves you feeling pretty terrible, quite quickly (trust me, I know). Be sure to ready meals ahead of time because packing lunch and dinner every day and is honestly the last thing you will feel like doing once you are home for the evening. Snacks like carrot sticks or fruit salad that can be eaten when you arrive at the marking centre can also provide a bit of sustained energy to transition into the night. Also, they ensure that you are getting something other than the glucose/caffeine drip you will inevitably be attached to. 


4. I have a little marking kit with items such as: Panadol/Nurofen, tissues, lip balm, pens, highlighters, post-it notes, note pad/book. Everyone will just be using a pen when they start training, but grab a highlighter as well. I found this is what really helped me 'get' the criteria, so highlight what helps you make sense of the criteria. Boiled sweets can help you stay alert, so pop a pack of those in your marking kit too. I usually take an insulated lunchbox with a frozen bottle of water or ice brick. I leave this in the car under my jacket and I have found that it stays cool until the evening even in warmer weather (try to park in the shade for extra insulation!). This is just one less thing you need to remember in the afternoon because it is already packed, ready to go.


5. Water bottle. Drink lots to ensure your blood type is not 'sugar'. Also, air conditioning can be really drying on the skin, or if you are marking in one of the sheds it can be quite warm.

6. It will always rain when it is time to go home. Always. Without fail. So, an umbrella and shoes that can cope with puddles are a must. If you have a bit of a walk from the carpark to the marking centre, pop your runners on, sometimes I would even wear thongs. You need to be comfortable - you have a lot of reading to do!


7. A jumper or a cardi is always useful, especially if you're sitting near a window and the weather changes. Feeling chilly for prolonged periods of time when you are aiming to maximise your output, is not helpful! I sometimes wear a cardi and put a jacket over my legs when I get cold. 


8. Don't forget your glasses! I have marked on screen and on paper and found my eyes got used to looking at both after a few days but I got a bit head-achey to start. Glasses, if you need them, definitely need to be on!


These are just a few things that I found help me to get through marking feeling healthy and happy. I have always enjoyed marking as it is such a valuable experience that has improved my teaching and understanding of the HSC. It is so interesting hearing about how different schools operate and networking is always positive as well.