The more reputable schools usually ask that you have at lease 2 yrs exp. in the UK (home country). This is even more crucial to the 'better' ENC International schools as they require prior exp. with the curriculum. Also, don't forget it is compulsory in the UK Govt. school system to have completed the induction year should you need to consider this.

So, to your question:I would say definitely get your NQT year under your belt for the reasons stated above and by others. It is possible to get into T1 schools without but your odds rise significantly,I would argue, with it. The PGCE would be enough for visas as far as I know in most, if not all countries. As far as those considering you 'certified' , well that's a little more contentious. From a strictly UK perspective they would probably not consider you fully certified unless NQT year has been successfully completed. If you are never planning on returning and only working overseas then I'll let you fill in the rest.....

To add further perspective, newly qualified teachers in the UK earn 23000 - 27000(inner London) pounds (27000-33000 euros)p.a. before tax in government schools. Tax is around 20-25%

Personally, I wouldn't touch that with a shitty stick.

Lots of schools on that list that are definitely not even close to what can be loosely termed, T1 schools.
It is a useful list though nonetheless.

All you need to do is apply for the position you are interested in and at the bottom of your letter of application state that you are a SA member and that they can view your file and refs. All Search schools have this facility, you don't need to provide a link JJ.

Good luck

BKK is a much more pleasant place to live than JKT. Can't speak for BJ. JKT sucks when it comes to traffic pollution, smoking everywhere pollution, getting around, things to do,cost, ease of living etc. No competition, BKK wins hands down. The one and only good thing about JKT from my own exp. is that the Indo's are much nicer people. Nicer in that they are genuinely interested and respectful towards westerners, something that disappeared from Thailand years ago unfortunately.

Indonesia on the other hand is a country filled with travel opps. to fascinating and relatively unspoiled places. However, you will have to use time and money to travel and it is more costly to do that than Thailand/BKK.

IN SUMMARY: BKK over JKT hands down. BKK has so much to offer and is such an easy place to live. JKT on the other hand sadly boasts none of those things. Great country......horrible capital city!

jmods: The biggest difference you will find as an educator is the philosophy/approach and coming from the ENC that could prove significant. Having said that, it really depends on you and whether you can embrace the IB philosophy to learning which is an enquiry based, student -led approach, as opposed to a teacher-led approach that most UK style schools will follow. There's an element of teacher/student freedom teaching the 'IB way' that some teachers embrace with both hands. Conversely, depending on the school, the curriculum may not be as structured and solid as a school following the ENC which may or may not bother you. Some love the IB,some hate it. Others can't really make their minds up.

Personally, I find the UK curriculum schools far too rigid and one-dimensional about too many aspects of teaching, planning, assessment etc which is perhaps a hangover from OFSTED induced nightmares that they don't seem able to shake off. Or perhaps it's just the 'British' psyche!? However, I do value the checks and balances that ensures a strong and regulated content based curriculum. (Yes, I guess I am contradicting myself somewhat). As for the IB.....I will tell you in a year or two which side of the fence I fell off.

Re. improving your chances: read up on inquiry based learning (Kath Murdoch), look on the ibo website, do an IB course?
I'm sure others more versed in the IB MYP will give you more pertinent advice and tips soon.

zanyplum: I'm sorry if I stepped on your over sensitive toes but this is a forum that seeks opinions -amongst other things-of those with personal experience of schools, places, situations etc. As far as I can see that's what my post contained. There is no personal attack on anyone or malice in anything I said.

The OP asked about JIS AND Jakarta. I gave positive feedback on JIS in my opening sentence as I know it's a very good school. I didn't have much positive to say about JKT as I personally disliked the place, my opinion that's all. I also discussed a few facts (not opinions) such as rubbish, traffic, noise and prices. Most who have experience of JKT would probably agree with those points, though not necessarily with my overall opinion of the city. They are probably not things the OP wants to hear but they are relevant and may be of some use to them in adjusting to their new home.

Finally I wish them all the best and sincerely hope it works out for them. I'd much prefer to give positive feedback when posting but in the real world this isn't always possible unfortunately.

Good luck CLB!

JIS is a reputable school.
JKT itself though is something else and I like others hated the place!
You won't be finding much greenery, rubbish everywhere yes. Beer is available but is expensive compared to other SEA countries. Service charge and tax at restaurants bumps bills up considerably. Make sure you do NOT end up near any mosques as they are loud and constant from 4 am! There are great places to visit but it takes time, flights and money to get there. As for the traffic.....I'm sure you know all about that!

Wish I could be more positive but perhaps you will see things differently and love it!

Sid and Kali give sound advice. I was hired under similar conditions as Kali. I did a self-financed IB course and then was given a chance by a school who probably recognized my commitment. As Sid implied, there were other more experienced teachers in the mix, so this lessened the schools risk. Right place at right time also had an impact but it is possible.

Decent.....2nd tier. Off the beaten track location wise.

I don't know of British School Phuket? BIS......yes.

[quote="whynot"][quote="Yantantether"]I'm pretty sure this in NOT an International School Per se, but a Chinese School with an attached International Program. Now I'm not saying this is a bad thing as I don't know enough but I would advise doing some further research if I was you. Director is also Chinese I believe, which is something else to consider.[/quote]

This IS a proper international school. I can see the angle you're coming from, but this is not one of 'those Chinese schools'. Director is Chinese, as it is invested in by the Chinese government. The knee-jerk reaction to this would be negative, but not to those of us on the ground. Head of School and Principal are expats. Good package, good conditions, PYP and MYP authorised and done well, excellent facilities, most well-resourced school I have ever been at. Good kids and parents.[/quote]


If that's the case then you have my apologies.
Any reason then why you are not registered on the IBO list of schools and have no IB authorised credits on your website?

Cheers.

I'm pretty sure this in NOT an International School Per se, but a Chinese School with an attached International Program. Now I'm not saying this is a bad thing as I don't know enough but I would advise doing some further research if I was you. Director is also Chinese I believe, which is something else to consider.

Absolute nonsense.

I really don't want to be a pedant but 'best school' is so subjective.

You really need to be more specific to enable this thread to have any worth.

Example: I can give you a list of the top 5 schools in Bangkok regarding salary/package. But that doesn't mean they are the 'best'. Some of the schools in that list would be undesirable for many people for many reasons....stress, politics, curriculum, etc.