Job Discussion Forums

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The IB used to be only what is now called the diploma program. The earlier years would depend on the particular school.

I suppose they decided in the 90s that there were many schools who didn't want to follow curricula written for California or England and Wales at lower levels, and therefore decided to come up with their own offering. My apologies, I've been out of schools since 1996 and haven't kept up with latest developments.

Kepler · Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

Yes, Stephen, thanks for that...in the 90s the IBO broadened the system, though Dilpoma schools are in the vast majority as you mentioned.

To Trapezius, it is certainly true that the King Faisal School treats non-westerners less well and it is harder for (or impossible) for certain nationals to get jobs there. Saudis, as you would expect, get the best treatment. However, 'treatment by passport' is not unusual in national schools in Saudi and all over the east (and elsewhere) as I'm sure you know. Many international schools have a better record, but far from perfect. Personally, I want to work with good teachers and administrators, whichever country they hail from.

trapezius · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 5:03 pm Post subject:

Thanks Kepler.

Yes, it is a shame that people can't look at what's inside, preferring to look at what's outside.

I meet and exceed by quite a bit all their minimum requirements as listed on their job ads, and my degrees are from the US.

But alas, I didn't receive any reply.

BTW Kepler, I thought they were starting the IB Diploma program, or had started it? I quote from their website:

Kepler · Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

There are no lies on the website as far as i know...perhaps there is some miscommunication...

trapezius · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 5:12 pm Post subject:

Well that bit I quoted directly from the website, has been there for months and months, and perhaps years.

Kepler · Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

Yes, Trapezius, but it is not a lie. It is referring to the current international English section of the school, at least that is how I understand your quote. The IB Diploma starts 2008-2009 (hopefully) but there are programs currently in operation, including the Brown University Preparation Program.

trapezius · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 6:40 pm Post subject:

Ah I see... so the school currently *does* go to grade 12, just that it is not the IB program.

I stand corrected.

tomboy666 · Joined: 15 Nov 2005 Posts: 10

King Faisal School is a lovely place to work. 20 periods on average, 45 minutes each for 35-40k tax-free is great. Nice people there too. the campus is gorgeous, and if you like to swim the pools (yes, plural) are open all day. Useless moaners please stay away! Oh, and if anyone likes staff poker matches, please make sure you only apply to the school if you are rich and bad at poker.

007 · Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:41 am Post subject:

Kepler · Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

Poker games are at alternate weekends, I believe...

Trouble finding friends, "King Cobra 007"?

Don't worry, I am sure there are lots of people who would like to like you...

tomboy666 · Joined: 15 Nov 2005 Posts: 10

Why is everyone so negative???

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Whenever a couple of new posters show up to glorify with flowery praise a place that has been panned as one of the worst places in Riyadh to teach for the last ten years... there tends to be usually justified suspicion.

In all that time there has been one positive post and that was from a self-identified new manager.

Miracles may happen... management might have become better... Saudi parents may have stopped demanding (and getting) high grades for their little darlings... and the Saudi kids may have stopped including so many spoiled, demanding, undisciplined monsters. But, I suspect not. That said, all of the above don't bother everyone. A friend of mine taught there for a number of years - regaling me with tales of how awful it was and how rare it was for any teacher to last more than a year. But, he could accept it for the comfortable lifestyle and high pay as his retirement account needed it.

IMHO, any place that can't keep teachers for 3-10 years is probably not a great place to work and should probably be more honestly described. In one of the posts by a new posters, it was stated as a positive thing that the majority of teachers were able to complete their one year contracts. I would not consider it a positive thing unless a vast majority chose to renew those one year contracts. The good employers in the Gulf normally offer 2-3 year contracts since most people wish to stay. It is very difficult - almost impossible - to save money if you are moving to a new job every year.

VS

Kepler · Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 18

Hi Veiled...I think your post was fair comment. I agree that when people turn up to say something positive then suspicions can be raised. However, do you know how iritating it is to hear your school (and I'm going into my fifth year here...) being panned by all and sundry when you are working hard every day to improve things? My colleagues believe the same, former and current, and if I could persuade more of them to register here i would. The majority of teachers leave King Faisal with a decent view of the school but a negative view of the country.

You mention one year at a school being terrible compared with 3-10 in the Gulf. True, but this is not a typical Gulf destination and how many weserners stay in a Saudi school for 3-10 years? A handful. At King Faisal there are only a few westerners who have been here for more than 3 or 4 years because the country can be so tough.

Anyway...I appreciate what you wrote, but believe me the school is getting better and is a very good employer. I am not some management toady. If you are ever in Riyadh, i will show you our school. Enough said.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Since most of the people that I know in KSA spend ( or spent) more than one year, I would be curious to have a few of them post as to what is the norm at their employer. Do most bail out after a year? Because of the job or the fact that poor recruiting chose people with problems?

I can say that the problem with rapid bailing out of your establishment in the past seemed to be mainly due to their hiring people who had never left their home country and hadn't the slightest idea of what they were getting into. (generally Americans) An expensive error of judgment by whoever handled recruitment...

I suspect that it is unusual for people to only spend a year at a university gig. For instance, I know that people tend to stay at KFUPM for years and years. But, common for language schools as they are entry level and people join with the idea of moving up once the CV is padded. What about military positions... do most people bail after a year?

VS