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25 Irish Primary and Early Years teachers needed in Abu Dhabi at US curriculum school

Start Date: September 2010

Early years teachers to Grade 4 (9 year olds)teachers are needed for a local international school in Abu Dhabi. This school have specifically requested Irish trained primary and early years teachers.

Teachers who apply must understand that the school caters for a greater Arab population of children and must demonstrate cultural awareness and be prepared to differentiate work on an english language basis. Salary is good for new teachers and accommodation is provided free of charge either on the school campus or close by.

Employment package: 8000 AED/month (1780 euro tax free!), 2-3 year contract, flights to/from home every year, end of contract bonus, free furnished housing within close distance to school, and medical.

Exerpts from the Teachanywhere visit report from this school:

The school was founded in 1981 and has grown its student population to 3000.
KG (Kindergarten) to Grade 4 students are taught within the traditional primary framework, who have full time teaching assistants until Grade 1; The average class size across the school is 25.

The American curriculum is offered from pre-school to Grade 12, the British program from Grades 9 to 12, and the IB DP in Grades 11 and 12. Upon completion of Grade 8, students either continue in the American curriculum or select the British curriculum. The study of the French language is required in Grades 5 through 8, Arabic programs are offered as required courses for all grade levels for both native and foreign speakers and Islamic Studies are offered to all Moslem students and character education/ethics for non-Moslems. 62 nationalities are represented in the school, but there is a predominant presence of Arab nationals and expatriates. The school is co-educational throughout; in the high school they are separated during break times only. The day spans from 7.15am to 3.30pm for teachers, and after school activities/meetings are required. The school operates a standard three term academic year.

School Facilities
The school is located in a quiet residential area of Abu Dhabi very close to the city centre and the corniche. The campus comprises of several white washed buildings that are designed and positioned to separate the primary and secondary schools; there is an artificial grass playing field between the two. This is not a posh, shiny new school with interactive white boards and plasma screens in the corridor, rather it's a well established international school that serves a mix of nationalities, mainly from the surrounding countries.

Teacher profile
The school prefers single or married teaching couples of western nationalities. They would like teachers with experience but understand that the salary and package may deter the more experienced. This school will suit teachers who are looking to gain some solid experience working in an international setting within a more cultural educational framework, teaching children with a Middle East background. Teachers need to be aware that this is mainly an Arab expatriate school. They need to demonstrate a cultural tolerance and be able to adapt their approach with a patient and differentiated manner. English language ability will vary particularly in the lower school, and teachers need to be prepared for this. Teachers should have no problems with discipline. The superintendent plays a very hands -on role and has very high expectations of discipline and academic achievement / effort. Many children come from a maid / driver reared environment and tend to have less developed social skills and an over dependence on adult support.

ABU DHABI
As visitors are whisked from the state-of-the-art airport towards Abu Dhabi city, the passing panorama of flat arid coastland is no preparation for the magnificent sight which awaits them across the Al Maqtaa Bridge. The island capital of Abu Dhabi is a beautiful modern garden city graced with wide, tree-lined boulevards, lush, green parks, and cool, bubbling fountains. Abu Dhabi isthe capital of the United Arab Emirates and only an hour from Dubai.

It is a country of startling contrasts, fascinating sights and astonishing achievements. With many shopping centres, malls and bustling souks, Abu Dhabi is a city to entrance all visitors. The largest state within the United Arab Emirates, and the richest, Abu Dhabi is roughly twice the size of Belgium, with a population close to 800,000.

Until half a century ago Abu Dhabi was a simple, impoverished society battling for survival in a brutal environment. Today it is a prosperous country enjoying all the trappings of modern civilisation – plentiful water, air conditioning, cars, free medical care, free education, the latest goods and appliances – along with plenty of leisure time. Whether you want Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken or to shop at Next or Mango - it's all in Abu Dhabi.


Abu Dhabi’s commercial and tourist infrastructure is among the best in the Middle East. More than 46 airlines from all quarters of the globe land here en route between Europe and the Far East. Abu Dhabi has become as much a sunny playground for holidaymakers as a centre for business and investment. Luxury hotels vie with one another to provide the most lavish facilities and absorbing entertainment.

Good roads and air-conditioned cars and buses make travelling inside the Emirate easy and comfortable. That is just as well because there is much to see, and even more to do in this old new country.