Job Discussion Forums

[Prog Rocker]

Many thanks for your replies. Great news about the driving possibilty, as obviously getting our two school age kids to school may be an issue long term.

From what I have read, it seems most people are happy with both ISB and JIS. JIS appears to be better, though more expensive. Downside with ISB is a hefty nonrefundable deposit and an increasing yearly fee. So expense is the main issue for me - my wife will be on a spouse visa (not working), and our 3rd child is 3 next year - so on her way to joining a school at our 100% expense! Hopefully we'll have time to visit both schools and make more of an informed decision. I don't know any exact figures for allowances and subsidies, so when we find that out (along with what my salary will actually be!) then that will help aswell.

I don't think I'll be air freighting - I need to get furniture and electrical stuff over, so slow shipping is the only option. I know most accomodation comes as furnished, but we've wittled it right down and only want to take the brand new stuff (just bought a brand new sofa before appyling for the job!!)

Good news is that I have heard from CfBT and now have an interview scheduled with them and a rep from the MoE. As it's a phonecall interview, it might only be an 'intial' one but I'm glad that things a progressing.

Fingers crossed - can't wait to get out there!

[Javaggall]

Sorry - didn't mean to suggest JIS didn't have the people! I did say just my opinion! I was simply suggesting that facilities/resources alone do not make a school and look at the ethos etc. I do not know JIS very well - only what I have seen on a visit and what I have been told - this means very little! I know ISB well so can comment more. I do, however, feel that ISB is a good school and should not be written off as "cheaper" or "under resourced" hence my comments.
Not sure about this but in terms of cost don't the two schools come more in line the further up the school you go??? Well grounded and supported children should benefit from an excellent education from either school and I feel we are lucky to have the choice. And my choice will continue to be ISB until the end of primary when I will look again.
I don't like getting into a "spat" about such things and will say again - this is MY opinion and should be taken as such. People need to make up their own minds - forums like this are here to offer ideas and help where possible. I do try to that. I even try not to be biased but may have got it wrong this time!
Driving lessons update - 10 lessons plus test now about $300, but need more lessons and have to put things back etc, costs can mount. Friend in that situation at the moment putting her ama through her test and she thinks the bill will hit $1000 by the time they're done! So it pays to get as much practice in as you can before you get here!
Good luck "Rocker" with the interview.

[Perilla]

Javaggall, are you referring to the cost of driving lessons in the Tees Valley, or Brunei???

[jsteventon]

Quote:

'Having taught my one lesson of the day...'

Just to point out that this is pretty unusual - don't want prospective applicants thinking this is the norm! CfBT teachers at our school are on 6 periods teaching per day. Some schools require slightly more, some less - but only one period in one day is rare!

JS

[Prog Rocker]

I don't think anyone would think one lesson a day! Sounds like a good retirement plan though

As for the driving lessons, even at $1000 it still beats the average bill for lessons and test in the UK - even if it is less rigorous!

Thanks for the info on the schools. For either, are there school buses? Just wondering how we might get the kids to school before my wife is able to drive. We wouldn't want an amah - but maybe someone who offers a drive service (failing that, expensive taxi!)?
Apart from my (potential) situation, I imagine there must be others in a similar situation - teaching couples with school children for example. How do they get there kids to school? Any thoughts on this?
As a last resort we might be limited to looking for a house within walking distance of either of the two schools, if there are any...

[BellaBrunei]

regarding the teaching couples question- We use a driver because our schools are nowhere near ISB which is where our kids go. On the days our driver can't pick up in the afternoon, there is after school care at ISB (can't say about JIS but would guess so) and the children can stay there until one of us is able to pick them up. School principals are usually understanding about this as long as you are doing your 3 afternoons each week...I have heard that some people in Bandar are close enough they are able to pick up kids from school, drop them home and head back into school for any afternoon duties.

There are some drivers who have vans and will collect children from two or three families and drop them at school, but the children would have to be old enough to get themselves to the classroom in this case.

Best bet- advertise on bobwhatson for a temporary driver if/when you are getting ready to come over so you can have some names and numbers lined up to interview as soon as you arrive and until your wife gets her licence.

[Javaggall]

Just to clarify! I do teach just one lesson (2 periods) on a Monday - nothing to hide! And I teach 2 every other day! Extra classes and intervention work 2 - 3 times a week. I teach far less here than in the UK - and in the UK I had a reduced timetable as I was in a management position. I enjoy an excellent work-life balance and find that I have plenty of time in school to do marking, prepare etc. As I keep saying - this is just me but it is not a false image. Many, many teachers here find they have been given the gift of time.
As to driving lessons - that would be here in Brunei as I have no idea about UK/Tees Valley prices! Although I have heard they are ridiculously high! I passed my driving test 22 years ago and have never really considered the cost since then - but $1000 from day one to test does seem affordable. This of course covers the written test too.

[Javaggall]

Just to add what I know about drivers. Many teaching couples use a driver to take their kids to school. But those with very young children, in my experience, also send their amah with the driver to take the children to their classes. Two friends of mine currently pay $50 a week for their school driver (for four days, taking their kids themselves on a Friday. There are no school buses sadly as this would greatly reduce the traffic congestion at key times in the day.
Sharing a driver works well if children are older and 4 kids can happily travel together.

[jsteventon]

Hi

I am the only driver in our family and have always been able to drop kids at school in the early morning. I think the parents who use a driver are in the minority. When my children were very small I took them and the amah to the school and she waited with them until their school started. She then got the bus back to our house - worked well .

JS

[Prog Rocker]

It's very encouraging to hear others having similar situations - so drivers are a commonly available, and/or it's possible to have time to lift/pick up, depending on the school that teachers work for.

That's one concern put to bed!

Another question...

Do CfBT pay/subsidise initial flights out for spouse and children - like I said, I have three monkeys and I'm sure there is a limit, as there is for tuition fees. Couldn't find this info in the job advert.

[BellaBrunei]

A teacher gets flights for their spouse and two children. Education allowance is for two as well, except in the case of a teaching couple both working for cfbt. Then you get flights and education for three children. Does your wife happen to be a teacher? After the next one arrives, it would cover them all.

[celtica]

Thought I would make a comment about the driver situation ... I personally dislike the idea of a driver.

I have seen many a car driven by 'drivers'...... and the children who have been entrusted to them. I sometimes wished I knew who the parents were so I could call and tell them exactly how their driver drives!
I know they would be as appalled as I often am at seeing the speeding, overtaking, pulling out in front of approaching cars, lack of indication, inability to judge speed or distance of other cars etc etc etc.

I have always driven my kids to school here and most of the time picked them up again too. Fitted in meetings, extra classes and other afternoon committments. While not always easy, there are many parents around who are willing to share the occasional ride and receive one in return. They feel as I do - do not want to trust their kids to the drivers they see!

Now I know ALL are not like this... but I have seen enough scary sights to know I don't want to try it out on a regular basis.

Kids not wearing seatbelts ........!

[celtica]

To Javaggall

I think you are in a fairly atypical situation. I do not disagree when you say we have the gift of time here in Brunei ...we do, compared to 'home'.
But more usual is a 24 - 28 periods a week teaching, plus CCA 3 periods , form teacher with all its admin forms in triplicate, and expectations of some afternoons - meetings, workshops if not extra classes.

Perhaps newbies should look at the thread started by lacsap asking about the frustrations experienced in Brunei. It is not a whingeing thread - just another aspect of life here.

It is too easy to take the positives as the only idea of what life in Brunei is like..... there is also a darker side....rats in staff-rooms for one.

... these are NOT whinges...just statements ....

[Javaggall]

Totally with you on that Celtica - there are many frustrations here as anywhere! But I do feel very positive about life in Brunei and I say it as it is at the time. We have had a rat in my staffroom, classrooms with no fans, I often find there is far more month than money, and so on. But I always remember that I go to work with a smile on my face and I come home smiling! My working day may be atypical - I teach 18 periods,plus 3 periods for CCA, 2 extra classes a week in the afternoon, and 2 intervention classes a week in the afternoon. I do work for CfBT, I am an oral examiner, I create exam papers, I am a form teacher and I am hoping to do ICELTS soon. And STILL I have more time than I ever had with my family - and that's why I love Brunei and what it has given me - quality family time. Everyone reading these posts must know that this is a tiny glimpse into life here - anyone interested in learning more - keep asking those questions and I will be as honest as the next person. But in very real terms, I have never looked back. I have had unending support from CfBT and my new friends - and it is these new friends who have kept me sane and helped me laugh about the frustrations. I keep my head down, I do my work to the highest standard I can - and then I go pick up my kids from school (something I NEVER did in the UK) and we head home or to the yacht club! Bliss - thank you Brunei!

[Prog Rocker]

Thanks BellaBrunei for the flights info. No, my wife is not a teacher...Looks like I'll be paying for my 2 year old in that case Can't have it all!

I agree with Celtica regarding the driving situation - having lived in Borneo before I know too well the average driving ability. Seat belts & car seats not being common place, and fitting in a family of ten in a Datsun Sunny (or on a motorbike) being more common! It was good to know there is the option of hiring drivers though.

Rats in staff rooms don't bother me, and I'm not looking for an air-conditioned classroom (unheard of in my experience!). I've spent a long time living amongst very poor communities elsewhere in Borneo, so I'm use to no frills. Working ceiling fans would be a bonus, however!

I've read many other Brunei posts here including the one by lacsap. I've found all very useful as far as forums are concerned. There is probably more information (from people) on this website than any other I have found.