Job Discussion Forums

[ChinaBob]

I saw this Korean International School KIS in Shenzhen has an ad up. All the talk on this board about this school is BAD. Have they changed with an Aussie principal and a new location? Anyone know anything?

thanks,
bob

[John Nesbitt]

I have been teaching ESL in China since September 2005.

In March 2007, I started working at KIS International School in ShenZhen.

I had heard rumors that the school had been experiencing financial difficulty and I had heard rumors about the conduct of the former administration.

I had a series of meetings with the new Principal and exchanged several emails.

He addressed all of the problems and rumors to my satisfaction up front before I had a chance to ask any related questions.

He said that he had the same concerns when arriving at the school.

There have been several changes since the current principal took over the school.

1. Administration and support staff. Some of the former administration and support staff are no longer working at KIS.

2. Academic Staff. The entire academic and ESL teaching staff was replaced in March 2007 by individuals that were hand picked by the principal to suit the new program. Only two Chinese Teachers and one Koren teacher from the former faculty remain on the teaching staff.

3. Payroll. Payroll is no longer a problem.

4. There are no discipline problems. Most of the students are well behaved. In the event that a student breaches the KIS School Regulations teachers receive the full support of the Principal and the senior administration of the school. One student was placed on academic suspension for one month due to behavior problems and one student was expelled for behavior and academic non-performance. (After the suspension the student complied with the KIS School Regulations.)

5. KIS is an English Immersion program. This new program, the first of its kind in China was introduced in March 2007. This program has met with an incredible amount of success since it was implemented. We have students whose English levels were beginning beginner and intermediate beginner that are now advanced intermediate after only four months!

All subjects except for Art, Chinese, and Music are taught in English. This includes the academic subjects -- Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Social Studies. Physical Education is also taught in English. These subjects are supported by an intensive ESL program. The students are required to speak English from the moment they set foot on campus until they go home at the end of the day. This includes breaks between classes, recess and lunch.

There is a heavy emphasis on critical thinking.

This is what attracted me to KIS.

After extensive experience in Canada in specialized education and training programs I was intrigued by the uniqueness of this program.

Beginning in primary school the students are encouraged to really think for themselves. In the Middle School program the students are taught to develop these skills and learn how to formulate and defend their own opinions. A heavy emphasis is placed on writing and creative writing skills. By senior school the students are able to engage in and debate high level oral and written conversations. By grade 12 they are functioning at an International University level.

The uniqueness of this program and the new management style has created a challenging and rewarding environment.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to discuss any aspect of KIS and our program in more detail.

John Nesbitt.