Great news at work was that after months of involvement in the institutional initiative to develop a professional development framework, our framework was finalised and accredited by the Hgher Education Academy, a significant achievement for the group of colleagues that worked together on this. Also, over the last couple of months I have been working with colleagues to develop our Faculty Teaching and Learning plan and am now in the final throws of consultation on the draft.  There are so many exciting and innovative teaching and learning activities that it is difficult to reflect the depth and breadth of this, alongside our enhancement aspirations, in one accessible document.  The plan will be finalised in the new year. This month has also been a busy marking time, with more submission dates looming in January. 

At home the festive spirit is well underway; decorations are up, presents are nearly all wrapped.  It will be a lovely quiet family time.  December was a bit ‘dogged’ with car problems.  I drive long distances between University campuses and am heavily dependent upon a reliable vehicle.  Yet twice in the last couple of weeks, I have had the inconvenience of major faults and breakdowns.  Whilst repairs have been carried out under warranty, it being a fairly new vehicle, the inconvenience is significant. 

So, just a few more working days before a welcome break.  I hope that anyone reading this has a peaceful and restful break and a joyous new year.

At home, any spare time has been geared towards planning for the festive break.  We had a lovely weekend in Manchester, looking around the German Christmas market and enjoying a Tapas meal out.  So the focus has been on shopping for presents, planning meals, thinking about decorations – and wondering how we will manage the challenge of putting up a Christmas Tree with baubles and decorations, with two lively 6-month old kittens charging about….