WORKING
TEACHING AT PANYATHIP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Panyathip – The British International School in Laos is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks, qualification checks, and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment and two satisfactory professional references.
TEACHER PROFILE
Teachers new to the school often comment on what a family-oriented and positive atmosphere exists in each campus. Our students – both Lao and international – are well-mannered and largely keen to learn. Relationships between adults and students are respectful and positive. In recent years Panyathip has expanded the number of campuses and now provides purpose-built campuses for each age-range in Vientiane. In Savannakhet our campus has been designed to be suitable for a small all-age school. Infrastructure and resources are improving as the school develops – though it should always be remembered that Laos is a developing country, so sometimes patience and a good sense of humour is needed when things do not go according to plan!
BASIC QUALITIES
We usually appoint Qualified Staff. Whilst experience is preferred, in some appointments we are able to take those who are newly qualified. We encourage teachers who are enthusiastic, keen to develop their pedagogical skills and are willing to learn to apply – even if they are newly qualified or without a lot of experience.
- Highly professional with high expectations
- Child focused – warm, caring and supportive
- Ability to work with parents and be part of a community
- Team player – collaborative, adaptable, positive and flexible
- Is tenacious and hard-working; delivering on commitments; possesses the willingness to go the extra mile
- Enthusiastic and positive with the ability to inspire others with a “can do” attitude and a well-developed sense of humour
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- General interest in Laos and SE Asia
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
We realize out teachers come to us from a wide range of different backgrounds, nationalities and cultures, but we appoint teachers who have some or all of these experiences – or a willingness to adapt to our requirements. Being experienced or understanding (or at the very least willing to learn) of working with students for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL).
- A strong advocate of differentiation in the classroom
- Competence with IT and experience of integrating IT with teaching
- Experience with contemporary practices
- A knowledge of different curricula and of effective Teaching and Learning practices with a broad understanding of contemporary assessment methodology
- Experience in organizing and supporting school events and extra-curricular activities
- Experience in coaching sporting teams and/or performing arts
- Experience in outdoor education & recreation programmes
PEDAGOGICAL PROFILE
Self-starters are welcome ! Although we are a British-style school using the English National Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum and Cambridge Checkpoints and IGCSE as starting points, the pedagogical experience of our teachers is less important than a willingness to adapt and share what they already know so that what we deliver across our campuses is enhanced. Inquiry-based, activity-based and hands-on learning is particularly welcome.
- Using local context and environment to enhance learning
- Multi-cultural approach or experiences
- Stimulating classroom environment
- Experience in differentiating teaching techniques
EXPECTATIONS
Panyathip International Schools are moving forward and rapidly expanding. Our Vision is to Become the Best that You can Be and therefore our teachers are part of a dedicated community with high expectations – excellence in teaching, full involvement in the school’s development and with extracurricular activities. Candidates considering working at PIS should be prepared to meet these expectations in addition to their regular teaching load.
SCHOOL YEAR
Each school year has approximately 180 contact days with additional days (approximately 10) for Professional Development and Preparation. The School Academic Year begins around the 15th August and ends around the 15th June. The first main holiday is in December for usually 2 or 3 weeks, and the summer break is usually 6 to 8 weeks, from mid June to mid August. There are numerous public holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Students normally start school in the last week of August right after the Teacher’s Planning Week. There is a New Staff Orientation programme usually in the second week of August.
SCHOOL HOURS
School normally starts at 08:30 for students, and ends at 15:30 for those in the international programme – later for the students who are also working through the Lao curriculum. In addition all teachers take their share of the usual playground duties, attending staff and departmental meetings, and support major school events. One Saturday in the year everyone supports the School’s Annual Family Fun Day which is on occasion when the whole community joins together to celebrate our school and its activities.
TEACHING HOURS
Each Campus has its own specific timetable and time allocations depending on the age of the pupils on the campus. However a full teaching load in a week is generally allows for a reasonable time allocated to non-contact periods/blocks which are used for planning, preparation, classroom management, marking and general meetings with colleagues and parents. In addition all teachers take their share of the usual playground duties, attending staff and departmental meetings, and support major school events. One Saturday in the year everyone supports the School’s Annual Family Fun Day which is on occasion when the whole community joins together to celebrate our school and its activities. During interview you will be able ask for more specific information about this.
SCHOOL MEETINGS
Staff meetings are compulsory for all teachers and are held once a week after school. Teachers are also required to offer an after school extra-curricular activity.