So 6 months on and I have to say I am really enjoying it here. I currently teach Y2 and this is my second in this year group. I love the fact that you can actually have a decent conversation with these habibis. But yes overall I am loving teaching here. There are always going to be pros and cons to any workplace but the pros outweigh the cons here.
Our school is currently housed in twin villas but the space has been utilised very well. I must say this school is much better equipped with resources than Kuwait. Even now the Principal has asked everyone to make a list of resources needed for next year. In comparison to Kuwait, we were given mismatched resources which didn't suit each year group and some units of work the children found it harder to grasp because we had no resources! So, bonus points for being a well equipped school!
We are following and teaching the new British curriculum but of course with some flexibility as the children here are second language learners. The children still are taught all of the subjects they are supposed to be taught. The differences are obviously the class size, school size, facilities available as well as climate. I have a class of 20 children which is so much better than in Kuwait when I had 31, having 10 less children really does allow you to work more with each child.
The school is much more international too with there being about 7-8 different nationalities in my class. I've got a great relationship with the parents and this is partly due to the use of ClassDojo! It is amazing especially now with Class Story, even I love reviewing the pictures I upload at the end of the week to see how well my children have enjoyed and progressed in their learning.
In terms of support in class, I have a permanent TA/LSA who is amazing! She is very organised and knows the ins and outs of the school. We get on really well and she is great at displays and ensuring everything is completed by the end of the day or week.
Another 'difference' is to gain your full 12 months salary you would have to work summer camp for a month otherwise you only get paid for 11 months Sumer camp usually runs for 4 weeks but this year is 6 weeks. I was only intending on working for 2 weeks and then going home but now I've decided to stay for an extra month. Obviously getting paid will be a big help! I'll still get a month at home though which will be great!
In comparison to Kuwait, it is similar as you got paid for 1 and half months over the summer ( 2 and half month summer break) but minus leadership pay ( yes very crafty!!). The remainder is paid upon your return so again it's very clever!
With regards to returning to the UK, I keep saying that I will eventually but I am not 100% sure. My teacher friends in the UK have told me because the new curriculum has raised higher expectations their workload has tripled. I do miss some aspects of teaching back home but here has been great to teach without the stress or SLT breathing down your neck or some sort of drama going on! I still get observed so of course that pressure is on but I feel much more stress-free that I did in London.
Would I recommend Oman? Definitely! It is quieter than Kuwait and not as hectic as Dubai but it is located in a great place to travel to various destinations to from Africa to Asia. The country itself is absolutely beautiful with so many places to explore at the weekend. I really am content here so I am happy to say that I will be here for another year :) YAY!
Love & Blessings,
Sara xx
