Search found 5 matches

by Blackbird
Thu Feb 27, 2020 5:26 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Situation in China
Replies: 37
Views: 81908

Re: Situation in China

Looking ahead to August this year, how likely do you all think it is that schools in China will need to reduce staff for financial reasons? I know it's crystal ball stuff, but interested in your opinions.
by Blackbird
Sat Feb 22, 2020 7:23 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: How to tell if Primary actually teaches?
Replies: 8
Views: 28905

Re: How to tell if Primary actually teaches?

Now I totally agree with you! That does sound like poor management indeed. I understand your frustration with lack of information regarding tracking, curriculum alignment etc. It is very hard to tell, IB scores are the only grades that are published in my experience and by then it's too late. International schools are very secretive about their assessment, especially in Primary. It's also fairly easy for a lazy teacher to 'hide' from scrutiny if they really want to. I have worked in schools where Primary teachers do what they want, my current school is the opposite - they produce copious amounts of data for each subject and teachers are expected to have a discussion about how they intend to lift low students or cater for high achieving etc. Guess it's up to reading the reviews a networking.
by Blackbird
Fri Feb 21, 2020 8:05 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: Doing something wrong?
Replies: 9
Views: 33624

Re: Doing something wrong?

Agree that you should add a sentence or two to your cover letter to explain what your spouse will be doing. Write from the angle that he/she is flexible and adaptable, positive towards new experiences and cultures. Some trailing spouses are just 'misery on legs'. Try and align your cover letter to the schools mission and values, without copying and pasting wording! Focus specifically on the job description and person specifications. Highlight your extra curricular experience, sports in particular are very desirable in my experience. You never know if it will be read properly or not but it's all good prep for potential interviews. Keep trying and good luck!
by Blackbird
Fri Feb 21, 2020 7:20 pm
Forum: Forum 2. Ask Recruiting Questions, Share Information. What's on Your Mind?
Topic: How to tell if Primary actually teaches?
Replies: 8
Views: 28905

Re: How to tell if Primary actually teaches?

Assuming primary students are actually the majority feeding the secondary? In a few schools I have worked in, students have entered secondary from other schools/countries. Many with variable levels of academic ability and English. International students are transient and I don't think you can ever assume a school has a high percentage of students moving right through the school.
by Blackbird
Sun Aug 04, 2019 6:23 pm
Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
Topic: Attending a fair - with kids
Replies: 5
Views: 7652

Re: Attending a fair - with kids

I agree with the babysitting option at the hotel. Once you are at an international school you'll need to find care for your child anyway, especially for induction week/s. Why not start gently with some babysitting at home for short periods to get him or her used to it. Once your child is reassured you will return they will be much more comfortable being left during the time at the fair.