Prefab sprout.

 Today marks the end of an era in my teaching life. The prefabs I've called home for the last ten years are being removed. In recent times my prefab has become 'the Leaky Cauldron', the Irish weather having finally penetrated the many layers of skin this old, temporary building has. There have been the inevitable four-legged visitors too as the prefabs became a tourist attraction. But generally this place, while resembling STALAG 17 from the outside, has in fact been the place where I grew up as a teacher, had the best laughs, and enjoyed awesome relationships with different year groups and teachers. 

There is something about a block of prefabs. You are a little closer to nature, the weather and your fellow man. You can make it a little bit of yourself too. I added a coffee machine initially to beat the mid-afternoon slump and soon found myself making coffee for soaked or frozen students in Winter. I decorated as best I could with students work and my own posters and as time went on those items covered water marks and a curious assortment of fungi that appeared. I arranged my desks the way I wanted but last year they were lined up to facilitate a line of leaks that ran front to back in the room.

But really it's the memories. I've laughed out loud so many times here. Had some craic with the older years in particular. Slagging, bragging and of course dragging the best out of each other. I've written an acre or two of notes and stories on a well-beaten whiteboard. I've shared my highs and lows, been very honest and told a million stories against myself.

And in return I've been looked after. A good cohort of students will take care of you. They will encourage you, make you a better teacher, test you and find your limits. These are all good things. And up in the prefabs there is a great sense of togetherness. Especially when it rains so hard there is no point in talking. Especially when it is cold and dark out. Yep, I'll miss the company of those students more than I'll miss the prefabs.

After today it will all be past tense. There was a map of the world on the wall that doubled as a window blind. There was a map to show everyone how small we all are and how much is out there. On the emergency exit hung a Banksy print that added a splash of colour. There were Christmas decorations in December, a mini tree and flashing lights. There was a press full of books to suit all abilities.

I've spent ten years up here... or forty seasons. Taught well over a thousand students. Yes, this place has mileage on it, but it's about to be scrapped for a brand new model. And that can't be a bad thing.