NLCS Jeju
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Spawnboy99
- Posts: 138
- Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:14 pm
NLCS Jeju
Any up too date information on this school would be great
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Sonnypest264
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:02 am
Re: NLCS Jeju
New leadership team this year came in with a very refreshing and positive outlook. Things haven't quite been followed through, which is a shame, and the air of positivity has been tested many changes are in the pipeline re-structure but lack of communication is making it difficult to judge the effectiveness of this. There is a lot of "input" from NLCS UK in terms of oversight. They are tasked to "monitor" progress yearly but the issue comes when comparing an independent, highly selective girls day school in the UK, with a co-ed, allegedly selective, boarding school in Korea.
Despite the amazing range of provision for the students and focus on flexible teaching, ultimately it is very exam result driven, partly because NLCS UK want to be seen as reproducing their results in their franchise and partly because Korean parents expect entry to top UK, US or Korean Universities (and they are certainly paying a lot so that is fair enough). NLCS UK have been top of the UK IB tables for many years, although given they only enter their top 20 or so students for the diploma (the rest do A-levels) it is not comparable to Jeju. Apparently the UK ranking has now changed to take account of the size of a cohort so that will be interesting.
NLCS Jeju enters everyone for the Diploma, and obviously in a 2nd language too, so the expectation of Level 6 and 7 across the board puts big pressure onto students and staff. However the response to that has been incredible. NLCS Jeju IB results last year were more than solid (average 37 points I think) especially given the cohort. This year's results look like being much better, and year on year as the students have longer in the school, developing their English and adapting to a new system, results will go from strength to strength.
This is generally a very professional staff, a very hardworking staff and one which truly embraces challenge, change and extension of their professional development. Consequently you put in more than your pound of flesh in terms of commitment, but it is also a very stimulating environment with sharing of ideas and opinions. You are required to do 2 co-curricular activities per week, generally from 4.15 to 5.15 or 5.15 to 6.15pm. You also do a duty in one of the boarding houses every two weeks, from 5.15 to 1130pm ish (sixth form House operates differently). This takes new people some time to get used to, especially if you haven't worked in a boarding school before. You also do an activity on Saturday morning from 9-12pm. This is viewed in one of two ways really. If you get onto an activity that suits you it can just be a really nice way to spend a morning, out doing anything from golf, archery, climbing, hiking to making props for the school production. Others view it as time to do planning or marking on site which then makes it feel more like you are working.
The students on the whole are very motivated, sometimes too much so as the Korean culture sees education as being highly competitive and so parents and students put a lot of pressure on. There are very few behavioural issues, although as with education anywhere kids can be kids and not all are quite so motivated to keep up with tasks. The students are really good to teach, and many are incredibly talented. The development of them as students, exposed to a whole new philosophy of teaching (compared to the traditional Korean system) has been wonderful to see. They have really embraced the notion of a rounded education and one not driven by rote learning. Their creativity in class, with music and on stage is awesome.
This is still a new school and one which is profit orientated. The admin side is complex but essentially it is government funded and as such there is a constant pressure to accept more students to keep the fees rolling in. This is where the partially selective comes in as there is an entrance test but students do seem to make it through who aren't necessarily at the level you would expect. This then creates difficulties in gaining those Level 6, 7 or A* IGCSE which puts pressure on staff to do the "magical". This is something the school needs to resolve and accept the range of abilities and be realistic (without putting limits) on grades.
The location takes some adjusting to, although for young families it is very good. The School is part of the Global Education City, a purpose built and still developing region. Access to amenities close by is limited, but improving (a new Thai restaurant opened last week to great excitement!). There are local stores within 20 mins (a corner shop opposite schooll for emergencies) but a large supermarket shop is 30-40 mins away. Beaches nearby are lovely and the "season" is nice and long, generally March to November you can be in the sea. Lots of other outdoor things with plenty of hiking possibilities, mountain biking and road biking. Golf courses are a plenty but not cheap. Access to and from the Island can be a bit of a pain. There are direct flights to limited locations in HK, Japan and China but generally you have to go via Seoul or Busan which can add time to journeys.
As stated before great place for young kids with lots of expat families and local Korean families in the accommodation village or on site. I would be very wary of bringing teenage children. Integration is difficult, as effectively it is a 98% Korean school and the pressure to perform and work long hours (due to cultural reasons) will be alien to many western kids. We have had a number of unhappy kids who have joined directly into the senior school.
Package is good. I think the tax terms have changed recently and you now start off with a 25% subsidy of the 15% income tax rate. The subsidy then increases until in the 5th year you would be on zero tax. Salary is certainly highly competitive, housing provided with nominal management fee of around US$200 pm. A car is essential given the location, these can be leased of around US$350-500 depending on model or bought (I think 18 months of renting about pays for the purchase of a small car). Yearly flights, exceptional medical insurance, subsidy for 3 kids I think (may need to check this).
I've covered a lot of ground, tried to give a range of good and not so good, as impartial as I can to allow people to make up own mind. Turnover end of last year was 39 teachers (40-45% I guess) as the initial 3 yr contracts and second wave 2 yr contracts came up at the same time, this year apparently significantly less turnover (10-15% perhaps). Make of that what you will.
Despite the amazing range of provision for the students and focus on flexible teaching, ultimately it is very exam result driven, partly because NLCS UK want to be seen as reproducing their results in their franchise and partly because Korean parents expect entry to top UK, US or Korean Universities (and they are certainly paying a lot so that is fair enough). NLCS UK have been top of the UK IB tables for many years, although given they only enter their top 20 or so students for the diploma (the rest do A-levels) it is not comparable to Jeju. Apparently the UK ranking has now changed to take account of the size of a cohort so that will be interesting.
NLCS Jeju enters everyone for the Diploma, and obviously in a 2nd language too, so the expectation of Level 6 and 7 across the board puts big pressure onto students and staff. However the response to that has been incredible. NLCS Jeju IB results last year were more than solid (average 37 points I think) especially given the cohort. This year's results look like being much better, and year on year as the students have longer in the school, developing their English and adapting to a new system, results will go from strength to strength.
This is generally a very professional staff, a very hardworking staff and one which truly embraces challenge, change and extension of their professional development. Consequently you put in more than your pound of flesh in terms of commitment, but it is also a very stimulating environment with sharing of ideas and opinions. You are required to do 2 co-curricular activities per week, generally from 4.15 to 5.15 or 5.15 to 6.15pm. You also do a duty in one of the boarding houses every two weeks, from 5.15 to 1130pm ish (sixth form House operates differently). This takes new people some time to get used to, especially if you haven't worked in a boarding school before. You also do an activity on Saturday morning from 9-12pm. This is viewed in one of two ways really. If you get onto an activity that suits you it can just be a really nice way to spend a morning, out doing anything from golf, archery, climbing, hiking to making props for the school production. Others view it as time to do planning or marking on site which then makes it feel more like you are working.
The students on the whole are very motivated, sometimes too much so as the Korean culture sees education as being highly competitive and so parents and students put a lot of pressure on. There are very few behavioural issues, although as with education anywhere kids can be kids and not all are quite so motivated to keep up with tasks. The students are really good to teach, and many are incredibly talented. The development of them as students, exposed to a whole new philosophy of teaching (compared to the traditional Korean system) has been wonderful to see. They have really embraced the notion of a rounded education and one not driven by rote learning. Their creativity in class, with music and on stage is awesome.
This is still a new school and one which is profit orientated. The admin side is complex but essentially it is government funded and as such there is a constant pressure to accept more students to keep the fees rolling in. This is where the partially selective comes in as there is an entrance test but students do seem to make it through who aren't necessarily at the level you would expect. This then creates difficulties in gaining those Level 6, 7 or A* IGCSE which puts pressure on staff to do the "magical". This is something the school needs to resolve and accept the range of abilities and be realistic (without putting limits) on grades.
The location takes some adjusting to, although for young families it is very good. The School is part of the Global Education City, a purpose built and still developing region. Access to amenities close by is limited, but improving (a new Thai restaurant opened last week to great excitement!). There are local stores within 20 mins (a corner shop opposite schooll for emergencies) but a large supermarket shop is 30-40 mins away. Beaches nearby are lovely and the "season" is nice and long, generally March to November you can be in the sea. Lots of other outdoor things with plenty of hiking possibilities, mountain biking and road biking. Golf courses are a plenty but not cheap. Access to and from the Island can be a bit of a pain. There are direct flights to limited locations in HK, Japan and China but generally you have to go via Seoul or Busan which can add time to journeys.
As stated before great place for young kids with lots of expat families and local Korean families in the accommodation village or on site. I would be very wary of bringing teenage children. Integration is difficult, as effectively it is a 98% Korean school and the pressure to perform and work long hours (due to cultural reasons) will be alien to many western kids. We have had a number of unhappy kids who have joined directly into the senior school.
Package is good. I think the tax terms have changed recently and you now start off with a 25% subsidy of the 15% income tax rate. The subsidy then increases until in the 5th year you would be on zero tax. Salary is certainly highly competitive, housing provided with nominal management fee of around US$200 pm. A car is essential given the location, these can be leased of around US$350-500 depending on model or bought (I think 18 months of renting about pays for the purchase of a small car). Yearly flights, exceptional medical insurance, subsidy for 3 kids I think (may need to check this).
I've covered a lot of ground, tried to give a range of good and not so good, as impartial as I can to allow people to make up own mind. Turnover end of last year was 39 teachers (40-45% I guess) as the initial 3 yr contracts and second wave 2 yr contracts came up at the same time, this year apparently significantly less turnover (10-15% perhaps). Make of that what you will.
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Spawnboy99
- Posts: 138
- Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:14 pm
Re: NLCS Jeju
Great info thanks for this something to sit down and
seriously think about
seriously think about
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alwaysadjusting
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Tue Nov 24, 2015 6:54 pm
Re: NLCS Jeju
Sonnypest264 wrote:
> New leadership team this year came in with a very refreshing and positive
> outlook. Things haven't quite been followed through, which is a shame, and
> the air of positivity has been tested many changes are in the pipeline
> re-structure but lack of communication is making it difficult to judge the
> effectiveness of this. There is a lot of "input" from NLCS UK in
> terms of oversight. They are tasked to "monitor" progress yearly
> but the issue comes when comparing an independent, highly selective girls
> day school in the UK, with a co-ed, allegedly selective, boarding school in
> Korea.
>
> Despite the amazing range of provision for the students and focus on
> flexible teaching, ultimately it is very exam result driven, partly because
> NLCS UK want to be seen as reproducing their results in their franchise and
> partly because Korean parents expect entry to top UK, US or Korean
> Universities (and they are certainly paying a lot so that is fair enough).
> NLCS UK have been top of the UK IB tables for many years, although given
> they only enter their top 20 or so students for the diploma (the rest do
> A-levels) it is not comparable to Jeju. Apparently the UK ranking has now
> changed to take account of the size of a cohort so that will be
> interesting.
>
> NLCS Jeju enters everyone for the Diploma, and obviously in a 2nd language
> too, so the expectation of Level 6 and 7 across the board puts big pressure
> onto students and staff. However the response to that has been incredible.
> NLCS Jeju IB results last year were more than solid (average 37 points I
> think) especially given the cohort. This year's results look like being
> much better, and year on year as the students have longer in the school,
> developing their English and adapting to a new system, results will go from
> strength to strength.
>
> This is generally a very professional staff, a very hardworking staff and
> one which truly embraces challenge, change and extension of their
> professional development. Consequently you put in more than your pound of
> flesh in terms of commitment, but it is also a very stimulating environment
> with sharing of ideas and opinions. You are required to do 2 co-curricular
> activities per week, generally from 4.15 to 5.15 or 5.15 to 6.15pm. You
> also do a duty in one of the boarding houses every two weeks, from 5.15 to
> 1130pm ish (sixth form House operates differently). This takes new people
> some time to get used to, especially if you haven't worked in a boarding
> school before. You also do an activity on Saturday morning from 9-12pm.
> This is viewed in one of two ways really. If you get onto an activity that
> suits you it can just be a really nice way to spend a morning, out doing
> anything from golf, archery, climbing, hiking to making props for the
> school production. Others view it as time to do planning or marking on site
> which then makes it feel more like you are working.
>
> The students on the whole are very motivated, sometimes too much so as the
> Korean culture sees education as being highly competitive and so parents
> and students put a lot of pressure on. There are very few behavioural
> issues, although as with education anywhere kids can be kids and not all
> are quite so motivated to keep up with tasks. The students are really good
> to teach, and many are incredibly talented. The development of them as
> students, exposed to a whole new philosophy of teaching (compared to the
> traditional Korean system) has been wonderful to see. They have really
> embraced the notion of a rounded education and one not driven by rote
> learning. Their creativity in class, with music and on stage is awesome.
>
> This is still a new school and one which is profit orientated. The admin
> side is complex but essentially it is government funded and as such there
> is a constant pressure to accept more students to keep the fees rolling in.
> This is where the partially selective comes in as there is an entrance test
> but students do seem to make it through who aren't necessarily at the level
> you would expect. This then creates difficulties in gaining those Level 6,
> 7 or A* IGCSE which puts pressure on staff to do the "magical".
> This is something the school needs to resolve and accept the range of
> abilities and be realistic (without putting limits) on grades.
>
> The location takes some adjusting to, although for young families it is
> very good. The School is part of the Global Education City, a purpose built
> and still developing region. Access to amenities close by is limited, but
> improving (a new Thai restaurant opened last week to great excitement!).
> There are local stores within 20 mins (a corner shop opposite schooll for
> emergencies) but a large supermarket shop is 30-40 mins away. Beaches
> nearby are lovely and the "season" is nice and long, generally
> March to November you can be in the sea. Lots of other outdoor things with
> plenty of hiking possibilities, mountain biking and road biking. Golf
> courses are a plenty but not cheap. Access to and from the Island can be a
> bit of a pain. There are direct flights to limited locations in HK, Japan
> and China but generally you have to go via Seoul or Busan which can add
> time to journeys.
>
> As stated before great place for young kids with lots of expat families
> and local Korean families in the accommodation village or on site. I would
> be very wary of bringing teenage children. Integration is difficult, as
> effectively it is a 98% Korean school and the pressure to perform and work
> long hours (due to cultural reasons) will be alien to many western kids. We
> have had a number of unhappy kids who have joined directly into the senior
> school.
>
> Package is good. I think the tax terms have changed recently and you now
> start off with a 25% subsidy of the 15% income tax rate. The subsidy then
> increases until in the 5th year you would be on zero tax. Salary is
> certainly highly competitive, housing provided with nominal management fee
> of around US$200 pm. A car is essential given the location, these can be
> leased of around US$350-500 depending on model or bought (I think 18 months
> of renting about pays for the purchase of a small car). Yearly flights,
> exceptional medical insurance, subsidy for 3 kids I think (may need to
> check this).
>
> I've covered a lot of ground, tried to give a range of good and not so
> good, as impartial as I can to allow people to make up own mind. Turnover
> end of last year was 39 teachers (40-45% I guess) as the initial 3 yr
> contracts and second wave 2 yr contracts came up at the same time, this
> year apparently significantly less turnover (10-15% perhaps). Make of that
> what you will.
> New leadership team this year came in with a very refreshing and positive
> outlook. Things haven't quite been followed through, which is a shame, and
> the air of positivity has been tested many changes are in the pipeline
> re-structure but lack of communication is making it difficult to judge the
> effectiveness of this. There is a lot of "input" from NLCS UK in
> terms of oversight. They are tasked to "monitor" progress yearly
> but the issue comes when comparing an independent, highly selective girls
> day school in the UK, with a co-ed, allegedly selective, boarding school in
> Korea.
>
> Despite the amazing range of provision for the students and focus on
> flexible teaching, ultimately it is very exam result driven, partly because
> NLCS UK want to be seen as reproducing their results in their franchise and
> partly because Korean parents expect entry to top UK, US or Korean
> Universities (and they are certainly paying a lot so that is fair enough).
> NLCS UK have been top of the UK IB tables for many years, although given
> they only enter their top 20 or so students for the diploma (the rest do
> A-levels) it is not comparable to Jeju. Apparently the UK ranking has now
> changed to take account of the size of a cohort so that will be
> interesting.
>
> NLCS Jeju enters everyone for the Diploma, and obviously in a 2nd language
> too, so the expectation of Level 6 and 7 across the board puts big pressure
> onto students and staff. However the response to that has been incredible.
> NLCS Jeju IB results last year were more than solid (average 37 points I
> think) especially given the cohort. This year's results look like being
> much better, and year on year as the students have longer in the school,
> developing their English and adapting to a new system, results will go from
> strength to strength.
>
> This is generally a very professional staff, a very hardworking staff and
> one which truly embraces challenge, change and extension of their
> professional development. Consequently you put in more than your pound of
> flesh in terms of commitment, but it is also a very stimulating environment
> with sharing of ideas and opinions. You are required to do 2 co-curricular
> activities per week, generally from 4.15 to 5.15 or 5.15 to 6.15pm. You
> also do a duty in one of the boarding houses every two weeks, from 5.15 to
> 1130pm ish (sixth form House operates differently). This takes new people
> some time to get used to, especially if you haven't worked in a boarding
> school before. You also do an activity on Saturday morning from 9-12pm.
> This is viewed in one of two ways really. If you get onto an activity that
> suits you it can just be a really nice way to spend a morning, out doing
> anything from golf, archery, climbing, hiking to making props for the
> school production. Others view it as time to do planning or marking on site
> which then makes it feel more like you are working.
>
> The students on the whole are very motivated, sometimes too much so as the
> Korean culture sees education as being highly competitive and so parents
> and students put a lot of pressure on. There are very few behavioural
> issues, although as with education anywhere kids can be kids and not all
> are quite so motivated to keep up with tasks. The students are really good
> to teach, and many are incredibly talented. The development of them as
> students, exposed to a whole new philosophy of teaching (compared to the
> traditional Korean system) has been wonderful to see. They have really
> embraced the notion of a rounded education and one not driven by rote
> learning. Their creativity in class, with music and on stage is awesome.
>
> This is still a new school and one which is profit orientated. The admin
> side is complex but essentially it is government funded and as such there
> is a constant pressure to accept more students to keep the fees rolling in.
> This is where the partially selective comes in as there is an entrance test
> but students do seem to make it through who aren't necessarily at the level
> you would expect. This then creates difficulties in gaining those Level 6,
> 7 or A* IGCSE which puts pressure on staff to do the "magical".
> This is something the school needs to resolve and accept the range of
> abilities and be realistic (without putting limits) on grades.
>
> The location takes some adjusting to, although for young families it is
> very good. The School is part of the Global Education City, a purpose built
> and still developing region. Access to amenities close by is limited, but
> improving (a new Thai restaurant opened last week to great excitement!).
> There are local stores within 20 mins (a corner shop opposite schooll for
> emergencies) but a large supermarket shop is 30-40 mins away. Beaches
> nearby are lovely and the "season" is nice and long, generally
> March to November you can be in the sea. Lots of other outdoor things with
> plenty of hiking possibilities, mountain biking and road biking. Golf
> courses are a plenty but not cheap. Access to and from the Island can be a
> bit of a pain. There are direct flights to limited locations in HK, Japan
> and China but generally you have to go via Seoul or Busan which can add
> time to journeys.
>
> As stated before great place for young kids with lots of expat families
> and local Korean families in the accommodation village or on site. I would
> be very wary of bringing teenage children. Integration is difficult, as
> effectively it is a 98% Korean school and the pressure to perform and work
> long hours (due to cultural reasons) will be alien to many western kids. We
> have had a number of unhappy kids who have joined directly into the senior
> school.
>
> Package is good. I think the tax terms have changed recently and you now
> start off with a 25% subsidy of the 15% income tax rate. The subsidy then
> increases until in the 5th year you would be on zero tax. Salary is
> certainly highly competitive, housing provided with nominal management fee
> of around US$200 pm. A car is essential given the location, these can be
> leased of around US$350-500 depending on model or bought (I think 18 months
> of renting about pays for the purchase of a small car). Yearly flights,
> exceptional medical insurance, subsidy for 3 kids I think (may need to
> check this).
>
> I've covered a lot of ground, tried to give a range of good and not so
> good, as impartial as I can to allow people to make up own mind. Turnover
> end of last year was 39 teachers (40-45% I guess) as the initial 3 yr
> contracts and second wave 2 yr contracts came up at the same time, this
> year apparently significantly less turnover (10-15% perhaps). Make of that
> what you will.
Last edited by alwaysadjusting on Thu Jan 07, 2016 5:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
alwaysadjusting
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Tue Nov 24, 2015 6:54 pm
Re: NLCS Jeju
@Sonnypest264 thank you for your insights, much appreciated.