School is fine, and I will not bore you with stories. Instead, I will give a rundown of the differences between Abu Dhabi School life and that of England (and probably the US and Canada too)
1. The students are in charge
Never have I worked in a place where students have so much power and influence over the administration. A couple of times the students have asked for a new teacher and they got it. They can also request to leave early en-mass and they get it. It is worth noting that it is usually the Emirati students that get this privilege.
(Emiratis are the cream of the crop here and can basically do what they want, don’t get me wrong, they are very good people and also generous and hospitable – its just that they get preference, and it is their country)
2. Things change – frequently
My timetable has been changed at least 3 times a week since I arrived. I have even been transferred to a different school. There is a great fluidity here that keeps you on your toes and stops you from falling into a routine.
3. It is more relaxed
This is already changing and creeping in, but there is an absence of homework, not much monitoring of marking, only for formal assessment, no deadlines and an embracing of the saying ‘insha Allah’ (which I spoke about in a previous post). Students cheating? No problem, let them. There is an attitude here of that if the student wants to cheat, he/she will be found out eventually and they won’t get far. There is also the fact that if a child cheats in a test by looking at somebodies work, it is not actually cheating because he now knows the correct answer. I love it.
4. There is no martyrdom in the school amongst teachers
Everyone leaves when the bell goes with the students. Principal, administration and the teachers. If someone ever does stay behind and work they are met with almost unanimous suspicion. In England there is little solidarity between teachers (there is some mind) and for some, it almost seems like they want to be seen staying behind as it makes them look dedicated and a Martyr or education. I think if it takes somebody 4 hours after school to do something and it takes me 30 minutes, I should be the one that is seen as more professional. Arabic culture has a hierarchal priorities list with family, friends and religion all coming above work. If you need to leave early to pick up children or see your Father, nobody questions it.
5. The students, contrary to popular belief, and stories from other teachers, are well behaved.
I can’t talk for all students as I only teach grade 12 and 11 with a small experience with grade 10 at the previous school, but they are immaculately behaved.
( I do know that people that teach cycle 1 (Kindergarten – grade 5) have a much more difficult time dealing with ‘feral’ kids )
It is hard to teach the boys, don’t get me wrong, but there is little rudeness and no threatening or intimidating behavior to deal with like it can be in inner city schools in the UK. The main problem is talking – which is cultural and ingrained into them (even during assembly when the kids are quiet, the Arabic adults all speak loudly to, and over, each other while the kids are reading verses from the Qur’an) but there is nothing I can do about that.
The other issue is Laziness, but that isn’t a difference so I don’t need to talk about that – Kids everywhere can be lazy.
All in all I am enjoying my teaching experience and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of coming here to work. The money is great – not like in England!
Monday, 15 October 2012
Bragging much?
The Yas Hotel
This is a bit braggy so feel free to skip over this post
- We get free breakfast and lunch
- Every evening we can help ourselves from the 5 star buffet
- We can get our laundry done for free
- THE FORMULA ONE ABU DHABI TRACK GOES AROUND THE HOTEL
- We have been go karting there
- We have cycled around the F1 track
More Bragging
- I stayed a night in Atlantis Dubai after enjoying Dizzee Rascal at Sand dance.
- I visited the Aquaventure waterpark in Dubai (it has slides that go uphill)
- I am going to watch 50 Cent, Craig David, Nelly and duffy in concert next week.
This is a bit braggy so feel free to skip over this post
- We get free breakfast and lunch
- Every evening we can help ourselves from the 5 star buffet
- We can get our laundry done for free
- THE FORMULA ONE ABU DHABI TRACK GOES AROUND THE HOTEL
- We have been go karting there
- We have cycled around the F1 track
More Bragging
- I stayed a night in Atlantis Dubai after enjoying Dizzee Rascal at Sand dance.
- I visited the Aquaventure waterpark in Dubai (it has slides that go uphill)
- I am going to watch 50 Cent, Craig David, Nelly and duffy in concert next week.
The Great Al Rayyana Collapse
If you read a few posts back – OK, I realize I haven’t written for a long time, you will see that I have recently moved in to my new apartments. I have just finished furnishing the place with bed, sofa, TV etc when, as I was just about to eat my dinner that Mother had made (Oh yeah, my Mum was visiting at the time) when there was a shake. At first I thought it was an Earthquake but then rested on the fact that it was just somebody upstairs washing their clothes in a noisy washing machine.
Then my phone started ringing, then I got a text, then a knock at the door. It was my friends, running around the corridor Rambo-esque knocking on doors and telling people to look out the window. I looked. This is what I saw –
Basically the carpark and courtyard area of our building had collapsed and it had fallen one story into the underground carpark. Luckily nobody was hurt (better get that bit out of the way – sorry to ruin the ending of the story) but we all had to stand around outside after being officially evacuated.
My Mum wasn’t wearing shoes and she missed her flight as the passport and luggage were left inside and nobody was allowed in to the building to retrieve them.
The collapse cause a fair amount of anxiety for a lot of people, especially those with young children as it made people think of all the inevitable ‘what ifs’ and obviously, the fact we were forced out of our homes.
Before you all feel sorry for me though – read on
About four hours after the collapse we were shuttled via bus, to this fine looking establishment.
The Yas hotel is amazing, just as I was getting used to having to cook and clean for myself I find myself in a world famous hotel (2 weeks and counting now) with all my friends. My Mum even got to stay a night.
Then my phone started ringing, then I got a text, then a knock at the door. It was my friends, running around the corridor Rambo-esque knocking on doors and telling people to look out the window. I looked. This is what I saw –
Basically the carpark and courtyard area of our building had collapsed and it had fallen one story into the underground carpark. Luckily nobody was hurt (better get that bit out of the way – sorry to ruin the ending of the story) but we all had to stand around outside after being officially evacuated.
My Mum wasn’t wearing shoes and she missed her flight as the passport and luggage were left inside and nobody was allowed in to the building to retrieve them.
The collapse cause a fair amount of anxiety for a lot of people, especially those with young children as it made people think of all the inevitable ‘what ifs’ and obviously, the fact we were forced out of our homes.
Before you all feel sorry for me though – read on
About four hours after the collapse we were shuttled via bus, to this fine looking establishment.
The Yas hotel is amazing, just as I was getting used to having to cook and clean for myself I find myself in a world famous hotel (2 weeks and counting now) with all my friends. My Mum even got to stay a night.
Friday, 14 September 2012
Planking in the U.A.E
I'm a bit of a child sometimes. I find really stupid things funny. Planking is one of these things. Here are some pictures.
Bars
In a bar. This was a great night as it was ladies night. This meant that women only paid 1 AED. (20p) for a cocktail. It was one of my favourite nights here as not only was I getting free drinks but I didn't have to go to the bar all night.
All night I had girls bringing me drinks from the bar. Suffice to say, I got very drunk and was in a brilliant mood. So I planked.
Ladies nights happen all over the city and there is one on every night of the week. This means that girls can pretty much drink for free every night of the week. And if I tag along, so can I. :) I love Abu Dhabi!
This is also in a bar. Surfing on top of me is my Habibi Andy. He likes to get involved and it makes planking more fun if an American is going to surf on you.
Hotel team plank
Planking is contagious. These are my new friends Kirby and Cory. They are great plankers and I hope to be planking with them again soon.
This was after a heavy night out in the lobby of a 5* hotel. Planking is more fun where people don't expect it. The concierge thought it was hilarious. (To our faces)
Water based planks
Planks don't have to be on dry land!
You can hardly see me in this one - but if you look closely. I am planking on an inflatable, water based climbing wall.
Nightclub plank
This is my favourite one. It is a shame you can not see the reactions of the people stood around.
Basically, there was a dance off going on and people were break dancing in the centre of a circle. I ran up, told people to stand back and to clear a space - I then made a show of psyching myself up, deep breathing as if I was going to do something spectacular. Then planked!
and finally....
The camel plank
I know, I know, I am not in a proper plank position. But the camel kept moving and I had to do it quickly or I may have got into trouble. (Thanks to Cathy for distracting the Bedouin for long enough)
My next post will be serious. Maybe
Bars
In a bar. This was a great night as it was ladies night. This meant that women only paid 1 AED. (20p) for a cocktail. It was one of my favourite nights here as not only was I getting free drinks but I didn't have to go to the bar all night.
All night I had girls bringing me drinks from the bar. Suffice to say, I got very drunk and was in a brilliant mood. So I planked.
Ladies nights happen all over the city and there is one on every night of the week. This means that girls can pretty much drink for free every night of the week. And if I tag along, so can I. :) I love Abu Dhabi!
This is also in a bar. Surfing on top of me is my Habibi Andy. He likes to get involved and it makes planking more fun if an American is going to surf on you.
Hotel team plank
Planking is contagious. These are my new friends Kirby and Cory. They are great plankers and I hope to be planking with them again soon.
This was after a heavy night out in the lobby of a 5* hotel. Planking is more fun where people don't expect it. The concierge thought it was hilarious. (To our faces)
Water based planks
Planks don't have to be on dry land!
You can hardly see me in this one - but if you look closely. I am planking on an inflatable, water based climbing wall.
Nightclub plank
This is my favourite one. It is a shame you can not see the reactions of the people stood around.
Basically, there was a dance off going on and people were break dancing in the centre of a circle. I ran up, told people to stand back and to clear a space - I then made a show of psyching myself up, deep breathing as if I was going to do something spectacular. Then planked!
and finally....
The camel plank
I know, I know, I am not in a proper plank position. But the camel kept moving and I had to do it quickly or I may have got into trouble. (Thanks to Cathy for distracting the Bedouin for long enough)
My next post will be serious. Maybe
Sunday, 2 September 2012
Bedaya
Today was the first official day at work and it was pretty eye opening. All 6000 teachers from Abu Dhabi were put into a room and were given a talk by the head of education. This was quite possibly the biggest room I have ever been in.
The speech, although long, was a little bit inspiring. The ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council) told us all about it’s aims for the next 30 years. They, in a nutshell, want all the Emirati students to be equipped for life in the 21st century. They want us to raise the standard in ‘Critical thinking’ and to equip students for jobs that have not been invented yet.
They want to invest in people for when the oil has run out (expected to be in 100 years) and would like to be leaders in future industries such as nanotechnology, robotics, bio-engineering, augmented reality and environmental conservation.
I am very impressed with what I heard and saw over the past few orientation sessions. Yes, it was self-congratulatory, but it is also extremely ambitious and I was impressed at the scope. It is not like England where things are talked about and not implemented. Here, it seems they really listen to educational experts and don’t let politics get in the way of progress.
They are mindful that the old ways were not going to be sufficient. There is no point in teaching kids to memorise facts and figures because all they need to do is look it up on their Ipads or smart phones and it will be in front of them in seconds. Who knows, in the near future we may have a computer chip in our heads as an implant with all the world’s acquired knowledge on it.
What we, as educators, are needed for is instilling a curiosity for new information, but even more importantly, how to judge the information (is it sound? Who says? What is the opposing view? How many people in the sample?) for validity.
The most important thing at all though is teaching them how to use the information once they have it up on their smartphones.
That, it seems, is what ADEC want to do, along with fostering social skills and working creatively with others.
That can only be a good thing right?
On the other hand, this was all talk at this stage. I have yet to teach a day in a school and I haven’t even spoke to a teacher who has. That will change tomorrow when I actually go into the school that I am working in and I am really hoping that ADEC’s views and ideas are being used rather than just paying lip service to them.
The speech, although long, was a little bit inspiring. The ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council) told us all about it’s aims for the next 30 years. They, in a nutshell, want all the Emirati students to be equipped for life in the 21st century. They want us to raise the standard in ‘Critical thinking’ and to equip students for jobs that have not been invented yet.
They want to invest in people for when the oil has run out (expected to be in 100 years) and would like to be leaders in future industries such as nanotechnology, robotics, bio-engineering, augmented reality and environmental conservation.
I am very impressed with what I heard and saw over the past few orientation sessions. Yes, it was self-congratulatory, but it is also extremely ambitious and I was impressed at the scope. It is not like England where things are talked about and not implemented. Here, it seems they really listen to educational experts and don’t let politics get in the way of progress.
They are mindful that the old ways were not going to be sufficient. There is no point in teaching kids to memorise facts and figures because all they need to do is look it up on their Ipads or smart phones and it will be in front of them in seconds. Who knows, in the near future we may have a computer chip in our heads as an implant with all the world’s acquired knowledge on it.
What we, as educators, are needed for is instilling a curiosity for new information, but even more importantly, how to judge the information (is it sound? Who says? What is the opposing view? How many people in the sample?) for validity.
The most important thing at all though is teaching them how to use the information once they have it up on their smartphones.
That, it seems, is what ADEC want to do, along with fostering social skills and working creatively with others.
That can only be a good thing right?
On the other hand, this was all talk at this stage. I have yet to teach a day in a school and I haven’t even spoke to a teacher who has. That will change tomorrow when I actually go into the school that I am working in and I am really hoping that ADEC’s views and ideas are being used rather than just paying lip service to them.
Prostitutes
It was my understanding that prostitutes would not be in residence in this very conservative, Muslim culture. They are. In abundance.
It was surprising to go to a bar the other night and realising that the patrons were either on the game or looking for a night of loving.
What annoyed me though is that it seemed everyone was being approached but me. Has my Abu Dhabi bulge gotten so bad that even a working girl will not look at me twice? Of course, I wouldn’t have one if I was propositioned but it was a bit embarrassing that I didn’t even get offered. Everyone else in the bar was, even gross old men.
It seems that there is a blind eye being turned in Abu Dhabi towards the girls, as they were pretty blatant about plying their trade. The bar I was in was more like a brothel than a bar to be honest and I wont be going back, I cannot get too much on my high horse though as we stayed for a couple of hours drinking beer. (The charge to get in included beer tokens so it would have been a waste to leave. That’s my rationalisation and I am sticking to it.)
It was surprising to go to a bar the other night and realising that the patrons were either on the game or looking for a night of loving.
What annoyed me though is that it seemed everyone was being approached but me. Has my Abu Dhabi bulge gotten so bad that even a working girl will not look at me twice? Of course, I wouldn’t have one if I was propositioned but it was a bit embarrassing that I didn’t even get offered. Everyone else in the bar was, even gross old men.
It seems that there is a blind eye being turned in Abu Dhabi towards the girls, as they were pretty blatant about plying their trade. The bar I was in was more like a brothel than a bar to be honest and I wont be going back, I cannot get too much on my high horse though as we stayed for a couple of hours drinking beer. (The charge to get in included beer tokens so it would have been a waste to leave. That’s my rationalisation and I am sticking to it.)
Insha Allah
Insha Allah is a phrase that gets used a lot here in Abu Dhabi and it translates as ‘God Willing’ and it is, by far, my favourite part of this country and culture.
It basically means you don’t have to commit to absolutely anything, which, for those of you that know me, is a perfect fit to me.
I get pretty annoyed when I have to commit to things that are more than a few hours away because I don’t always feel like doing it when the time actually comes. (or I prefer to do something else)
Insha Allah gets me out of this because I can say ‘I’ll be there at 8pm insha allah’ and that means I may or may not be there and it’s up to God’s will and people are not offended if you don’t make it as it is part of God’s plan. Perfect.
Now, of course this comes with a price, if I want my furniture installed, it will be done on Tuesday insha allah. If someone doesn’t turn up to meet me at the right time – insha allah!
I can see how that may be irritating. But I think I will just use it when it suits me. And hey, when in Rome!
It basically means you don’t have to commit to absolutely anything, which, for those of you that know me, is a perfect fit to me.
I get pretty annoyed when I have to commit to things that are more than a few hours away because I don’t always feel like doing it when the time actually comes. (or I prefer to do something else)
Insha Allah gets me out of this because I can say ‘I’ll be there at 8pm insha allah’ and that means I may or may not be there and it’s up to God’s will and people are not offended if you don’t make it as it is part of God’s plan. Perfect.
Now, of course this comes with a price, if I want my furniture installed, it will be done on Tuesday insha allah. If someone doesn’t turn up to meet me at the right time – insha allah!
I can see how that may be irritating. But I think I will just use it when it suits me. And hey, when in Rome!
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