Job Discussion Forums

[lacsap]

This little spat seems to be "handbags at 10 paces". Both views have merit and if you look at both they are not really that far apart. Not really worth fighting about. Clearly you both have strong views about working for CFBT and obviously with 240+ people working for the company, views will be different. I must take issue however with boyhasher with his (her?) view that "Apart from the incoming Director of Education, can you name me one person at CfBT who would be caught dead teaching in a classroom?" All the ELTM's are former teachers. All have worked some time in the classroom in Brunei. Being promoted to the ELTM position is not one of those situations where people are desperate to get out of the classroom. How can you explain for example that there are two people who formerly held the position who voluntarily returned to the classroom. Just a thought, but I really have no intention of entering into any long discourse on the topic. Got other stuff to do!

[Javaggall]

Well phew! I haven't been on for a bit and can see things have developed here. I would have to agree that EVERYONE is entitled to an opinion but I also agree that we can never know how 240 (260 as of next week!) people feel. We are such a diverse bunch and that's what makes us great! CfBT is a coverall for everyone of us - we are CfBT as well as the "office" being a management team. I have had unending support from such a variety of people from the "office" that I would be hard pushed to mention it all here. I enjoy my teaching and have had very few visits from ELT - but I know they are there and I get immediate responses to any queries. Everyone in the office has some knowledge, if not experience, of the reality of life and teaching in Brunei - and it is for this variety that different folk are out on the recruitment trail. I would add though that even though no "real teachers" are out there with them, they have a whole host of video materials and testimonials from teachers giving an insight into the realities of Brunei and CfBT. And I know they are honest and not just "Ra, ra CfBT is marvellous!"
Anyone reading this thread may think that there is a lot of negativity in Brunei amongst the teachers but in my experience this is NOT the case - so many people feel this is by far the best job, and employer, they have ever had! I have a broad circle of friends but I think I only know abut 150 teachers so it's not representative of everyone!! Life is grand - and is SOOOOOOOO what you make it. You are able to get as involved as you want and if you want to remain on the outskirts of CfBT extras then that seems ok too. I have openly said I am a fan of CfBT - they are getting many things right - and I would be quick to support Bobbysue when I say I am also challnged and invigorated by the professional dialogue of reviews and performance management. I want to be the best teacher I can be - I have a lot to learn and can't wait for that new learning curve to begin.
So my $2 worth! For what it's worth!

[zootalaws]

Well I for one am looking forward to our move.

[zootalaws]

Well i have just gotten off the phone with my wife - I think she is feeling a little lost... it looks like all the other new intake are families and she is a bit teary and missing me (of course!) - well missing her children at least...

I don't know if anyone has a chance to maybe give her a ring and some local knowledge, I know she would appreciate it.

Her name is Ros and Maia will have her number - or you can PM me and I will give it to you.

Thanks.

Mike

[bruneiguru]

Good luck to you both on the move All moves need some sort of adjustment

[gajackson1]

Errrmmm, I try to generally stay out of turf wars, but I'd like to chime in a couple of things here:

1) You can be treated very well in countries such as Japan, Korea, etc. I can personally vouch for them, having lived and worked in both of these (as well as other countries) before Brunei. Flip the coin, and there are sometimes 'good' countries where teachers are treated poorly - yep, even in my good ol US of A, y'all. Definitely Dave's efforts, and other, similar boards go a long way in helping.

2) Glen A. Jackson. Same ID, same e-mail, same chat names. Same name as the Korean side of DESLC board, hmmmm, for 12 years now, I believe? For the first few years, we weren't required to register - until trolls/socks got bad - but I started using the chat & message boards here back in the mid-late 90s. And yes, even when I was a mod, I didn't set up a 2nd ID here - it was the same account, just a status change.

I do understand very well why people choose the sock option - and again, sometimes, this choice is for a valid/good reason.

3) The problem with rumors is the inconsistency thing. Like conspiracy theories, there are *just* enough of them proven true to keep people going. The problem is, some people seem to lose perspective, and will start to believe almost anything. Add those in with those who will intentionally 'elaborate' or twist . . . well, we can see where that goes, can't we?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For those beginning Puasa, best of health in the month ahead (I'm not Muslim, but will still be doing it, like last year). For those not participating, enjoy the off day (hopefully 2? 3? in a row!!!), and DEFINITELY indulge in the sungkai buffets!!!

Cheers, all!

~Glen~

[bruneiguru]

Yes best wishes to all during Ramadhan Thursday Friday holiday yayyy

[gajackson1]

Cheers!

Hmmmm - I wonder if a sungkai thread is in order here??? ^^

Even if we decide to make a separate thread, I will throw this link to you all now:

http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.org/

I got to know a number of these in my time as ed. of BiG. Bon appetit!

[BellaBrunei]

Hi there,

as much as I have enjoyed reading all the points of view in the sideshow, I wonder if there is anyone there who can help with the original question?

I haven't got any direct knowledge of what teaching at UBD is like but am curious to see how it compares to the CfBT package (knowing that times would be very gloomy indeed before I went near ISB or JIS- personal opinion. my kids go but that doesn't mean I would teach there).

Is there anyone out there who knows/ has a reputable source about the day to day teaching life there? It's the fourth option for ESL teaching/ teaching generally in Brunei isn't it? Anyone who can add further info about UBD? Thanks.

[bruneiguru]

I'm interested to find out too. Also, does anybody know the fees for postgrad study at UBD?

[Prog Rocker]

Hi there,

I thought I'd pop my first post in on this CfBT thread as it was the most modern one on this forum. I have a few questions regarding moving to Brunei & working with CfBT.

My application has been caught in the cogs of the MoE, so will have to wait for the verdict on that one. All being well and I get accepted (gotta think positive!! ), I shall hope to start this January. So, :

1. Anyone have any thoughts about shipping from the UK? I'm taking as little as possible, but some things just have to come with me. Any example quotes would be great.

2. I have 3 children, 2 of which are school age (6 and 9)...so JIS or ISB - former being better resourced and more expensive, I think? Not sure on exactly how much is paid by CfBT?

3. Is it possible for spouses to learn to drive in Brunei? My wife would like to learn there...doing the school run while I have to teach could be awkward!

4. Any gymnastics clubs in Brunei?

Many thanks for your help!

[Javaggall]

Good luck with your application - you should find out soon I hope! All applications take a varied length of weeks so can't help you in suggesting how long you can expect to wait!!!
I came from the UK last August and used Camair Air Freight out of Durham Tees Valley Airport. We sent 9 boxes about 22 - 25kg each in weight and paid 520 pounds (of which CfBT covered 300). Our boxes arrived 4 days after we did! Air freight seemed far more reasonable than we thought and SOOOO much quicker than shipping. We were very happy with the service and are going to do a similar number when we go back to UK for hols in
December!
3 children question - are you both teachers or just you? CfBT will pay about 80% of the school fees for 2 kids for one teacher in the family, for 3 kids for 2 teachers. This works out at about $300 a month to top up for 2 kids at ISB. Much more expensive for 3rd child as teacher must cover full cost. Worth looking at ISB website.
More to follow as lesson bell just gone and need to teach. Will complete this when I get back to my desk!!!

[Javaggall]

Having taught my one lesson of the day - I have returned!

Back to the school fees! Although ISB is "less well resourced and cheaper" I think you should consider what you want from a school. And I know everyone's opinion will differ on this one - so before I start THIS IS JUST MY OPINION! I love ISB as it is a small, community school with a welcoming feel and very friendly staff and students. My children LOVE it there - they are happy, have the best days and are well known throughout the school by both staff and students (and for all the right reasons). The school is very open and parents are encouraged to visit regularly. Although less well resourced, I do question what makes a school - a 50m pool and lovely looking buildings or the people? The feel and the ethos? That said, I would recommend ISB. And one thing that may or may not matter - it is much more central to where MOST people live.
Driving lessons - yes! Your wife can learn to drive here. Lessons are easily booked and first lesson to test seems a quick process (about 10 lessons???) although this will depend on how your wife does. Lesson and test are paid for in advance (about $270 - don't quote me on that will need to check) and additional lessons can be paid for later if needed. Driving standards here vary greatly to the UK so it may take a while to get used to driving here but the test is very doable and I now have 2 friends who have passed with flying colours and were quickly on the road.
There are many clubs here in Brunei - although I am not sure where there is a gymnastics club, I do know there will be more than one - there usually is. However, I do know that ISB offers gymnastics for Primary children as an ECA so that is always an option.
Hope this helps - and good luck. Let us know when you hear from the MOE!!

[jsteventon]

Quote:
'I do question what makes a school - a 50m pool and lovely looking buildings or the people? The feel and the ethos? '

I just have to add that one does not preclude the other! Just because a school has wonderful resources does not mean that it is lacking in other areas and cannot offer an excellent education!

Many teachers are extremely happy with ISB and that is great. However, many are also extremely happy with JIS - and feel it is worth paying the much higher supplement required to send children there. I agree that resources alone do not make a school - but JIS offers much more than beautiful buildings and pool. CfBT parents would not be paying so much more were that not the case.

However, just because I am very happy with JIS does not mean that I beliittle ISB in any way. Parents will make their own decisions there. Each to his own!

JS [/b]

[jsteventon]

Quote:
'I do question what makes a school - a 50m pool and lovely looking buildings or the people? The feel and the ethos? '

I just have to add that one does not preclude the other! Just because a school has wonderful resources does not mean that it is lacking in other areas and cannot offer an excellent education!

Many teachers are extremely happy with ISB and that is great. However, many are also extremely happy with JIS - and feel it is worth paying the much higher supplement required to send children there. I agree that resources alone do not make a school - but JIS offers much more than beautiful buildings and pool. CfBT parents would not be paying so much more were that not the case.

However, just because I am very happy with JIS does not mean that I beliittle ISB in any way. Parents will make their own decisions there. Each to his own!

JS