Teacher Development Mentor - Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Role Profile
Job Description
Ref no: MAL-T-792
Job Title
Teacher Development Mentor
Directorate or Region
East Asia
Department/Country
ELTDP/Malaysia
Location of post
East Malaysia
Pay Band
ELTDP project pay scale (local contract)
Reports to
Project Manager
Duration of job
Contract ends 30 Sept 2015
Purpose of job To plan, deliver and evaluate quality teacher development opportunities for primary English language teachers working in Malaysian government schools in order to develop their teaching skills and knowledge, and monitor and support their ongoing professional development. Context and environment The post-holder will join a team of 120 teacher development mentors each providing on-the-job mentoring support to primary teachers working in a cluster of state primary schools in Malaysian Borneo. Working independently, without on-site supervision and often in remote and/or rural locations this post will suit autonomous self-starters looking to make a difference in a unique working environment and location. Accountabilities Support British Council’s global English strategy by • delivering teacher development activities to the highest standards of ELT • enhancing British Council’s reputation as a world authority in ELT • continuing professional development and sharing of best practices Responsibilities • • • •
Ensuring teacher development activities meet the individual needs of national teachers Ensuring teacher development activities meet ELTDP objectives Maintaining good relationships with project stakeholders and colleagues Supporting the ELTDP activities and British Council plans
Main duties 1
Plan, deliver and evaluate high quality teacher development activities that meet the individual needs of national teachers (NTs), take account of individual circumstances and enhance the British Council's reputation as a world authority in ELT.
2
Monitor progress and give regular feedback that helps to support NTs' performance throughout the project and actively promote continuous professional development.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland).The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 1 of 4
3
Work with school and district level management (Head Teachers, Heads of department, Senior Teachers, local Education officers) to ensure that professional development activities build on existing structures and systems.
4
Complete all project related administrative tasks to specified standards
5
Participate in the professional development programme of the project and work collaboratively and professionally with colleagues. This will include participation in zone and cluster meetings.
6
Ensure safeguarding and guidelines are applied and upheld in line with standards and policy including the following areas: • Child protection • Equal Opportunity and Diversity • Health and safety • IT and Data Protection
Key relationships: Relationship-building is a core component of the work in developing strong, trusting relationships with teachers, also extending to fostering professionally conducted partnerships with school heads and administrators, local district education officers and mentor colleagues in each district and zone. Other important features or requirements of the job
Mentors involved in the ELTDP project may need to work on weekends and, on occasions, unsocial hours.
This post will require frequent travel between schools in the teacher’s designated cluster, so an international driver’s license is essential.
Please note that it is very difficult for teachers’ spouses to get work permits in Malaysia. In addition, if you have school-aged children, there are few international/English medium schools in Sabah and Sarawak. The fees for these schools are also very high. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible for non-Malaysians to attend government schools.
Please specify any passport/visa and/or nationality requirement.
Due to restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Education, you must be between 27 and 63, and have a university degree to obtain a work permit for this post. Please also note that local restrictions imposed on us by the Ministry of Education (beyond our control) do not permit us to employ Malaysian nationals in these posts. The contract is also conditional on approval of the work permit.
Please indicate if any security or legal checks are required for this role.
UK nationals need to apply for a UK DBS check. Nationals of other countries need to provide an enhanced disclosure from that country. In addition all new teachers should acquire a police check from their current country of residence. All the above need to be applied for prior to post.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland).The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 2 of 4
Person Specification Essential requirements Behaviours
• • •
Desirable requirements
Assessment stage Interview only
Creating shared purpose (more demanding) Connecting with others (more demanding) Being accountable (essential)
Please note: the other behaviours below will not be assessed at interview. However, all behaviours will be used for performance management purposes.
Skills and Knowledge
• • •
Making it happen (essential) Shaping the future (essential) Working together (essential)
• • • •
Classroom management Curriculum planning and delivery Knowledge of ELT Understanding your young learners
Knowledge of state primary education systems and curriculum.
Interview only
Extensive Primary (aged 6-12) teaching experience i.e. more than 1200 hours.
Short-listing and interview
Driving license Working with children • Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of children • Effective communication and engagement with children and their families • Knowledge and understanding of child development and its impact on learning and behaviour Experience
2 years post-certificate i.e. Cambridge CELTA/Trinity certTESOL experience including 500+ hours ELT experience with primary-aged learners i.e. aged between 6 and 10
Experience of teacher training/development, line management or coaching/mentoring. Experience of working within State Education Systems
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland).The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 3 of 4
Qualifications
• •
•
Submitted by
Cambridge CELTA/Trinity certTESOL High proficiency in English i.e. full mastery of English across all 4 skills equivalent to user (CEFR C2) IELTS Band 8/9 in each of 4 sections of the academic module Undergraduate/university degree
Lynn Scarsbrook
B.Ed/PGCE (Primary) Short-listing with QTS or Diplomalevel TEFL qualification i.e. Cambridge DELTA/Trinity DipTESOL.
Date
24 July 2014
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland).The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 4 of 4
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
East Asia Teacher Recruitment Team, British Council Singapore, 30 Napier Road, Singapore 258509 E:
[email protected] Section A Information about the vacancy Recruitment Responsibility Location Job Title
East Asia Teacher Recruitment team East Malaysia Teacher Development Mentor
Date
July 2014
DAC code
MAL-T-792 Teacher Mentor (Local contract)
Job Type
Start Dates
1. 22 September 2014 Closing Date 2. 7 October 2014
Rolling exercise
Advertise job
Internal / external
5
Number of posts
Job Specific skills, knowledge, qualifications & experience Due to the outstanding success of the English Language Teacher Development Project (ELTDP) in East Malaysia from 2011 to 2013, we are now delighted to extend the duration of the project. We are looking for a team of independent, flexible, resilient and self-motivated teacher development mentors to join this exciting project with the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MoE). This is an excellent development opportunity for anyone interested in teacher mentoring in a rural, primary context and a unique chance to experience the biodiversity of Borneo from within its fascinating culture. You will be part of a team of mentors working to provide Malaysian primary teachers with continuous professional development in order to improve the teaching of English in Malaysia. Working as a local teacher mentor within a cluster of primary schools in Malaysian Borneo, you will provide on-the-job support through a variety of development activities depending on the individual needs and context of the teachers you are working with. An introduction to the project can be watched here. You should have a minimum of an internationally recognised TEFL qualification (Cambridge CELTA/Trinity certTESOL) and 2 years of relevant experience of which 500+ hours must be gained from teaching young learners. In addition you must be a highly proficient speaker of English with an undergraduate university degree. Experience of teacher training/development, line management or coaching/mentoring is desirable. Experience and knowledge of state primary education systems is also desirable. An international driver’s license or willingness to learn is essential however please note that placements for non-drivers are currently unavailable. Enquiries about the post can be sent to the attention of the East Asia Teacher Recruitment team. The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 1 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
These posts have a rolling application deadline as we will accept applications until we have filled all our posts. We encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible to allow for notice periods and time to process applications. Note: If you are applying for both projects (i.e. Teacher Development Mentor ELTDP or Trainer of English Pro-ELT Project), you will need to submit individual applications and indicate your preference on the form. Internal candidates only: please remember to include the full version of your most recent end-of-yearrecord of performance and confirm when the system prompts you to, and that you have discussed the application with both your line and centre manager. The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and is keen to reflect the diversity of UK society at every level within the organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. The British Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all of our partners to share this commitment. British Council appointments are contingent on thorough checks. In the UK, and in other countries where appropriate systems exist, these include criminal records checks. Local restrictions on employment (if any) Your passport must be valid for a minimum of two years from your start date. The bureaucracy is such that you have to enter the country as a tourist on a 1 or 3 month tourist visa (depending on your nationality), during which time we apply for the work permit. Due to restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Education, you must be between 27 and 63, and have an undergraduate/university degree to obtain a work permit for this post. Please also note that local restrictions imposed on us by the Ministry of Education (beyond our control) do not permit us to employ Malaysian nationals in these posts. The contract is also conditional on approval of the work permit. Section B Information about the Strengthening English Project: a brief overview The national policy MBMMBI (Strengthening English, whilst upholding the Malay language) included, from 2011: a new primary school curriculum (KSSR); a 90 minute increase in weekly English lessons for all pupils; and an emphasis on the professional development of English teachers. The English Language Teacher Development Project (ELTDP), being implemented on behalf of the Malaysian Ministry of Education by the British Council in East Malaysia aims to: improve the quality of teaching and learning; teachers’ language proficiency; teachers’ ability to utilise teaching and learning resources; and relationships between key stakeholders in and around schools. Essentially this is a mentoring project, with British Council mentors working alongside teachers in schools to develop their thinking and practice. The ELTDP’s mentoring approach is based on an increasing body of work which shows that engaging teachers in reflective thinking, classroom enquiry and collegial collaboration is the most effective approach to sustainable change. In practice British Council mentors help Malaysian teachers identify, investigate and The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 2 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
address the needs and opportunities presented in their classrooms and schools. This often leads to collaboration with other teachers, with pupils, school and district level administration, and the surrounding community. By supporting such processes and relationships we aim to build teachers’ capacities to engage in meaningful development work well beyond the life of the project. The project works over three main phases with continuous monitoring and evaluation activities throughout. Phase 1: Participatory needs analysis within schools. Facilitated by mentors, this phase enables them to gain a better understanding of the individual schools and teachers they will work with, and to engage key stakeholders in identifying areas for development and preferred ways of working. This happens in the first six weeks after mentors take up post. Phase 2: Mentor supported development activities Phase 3: Mentor supported project review and handover planning. This is undertaken in the final year of the project. Monitoring and evaluation is ongoing throughout, with an emphasis on formative and participatory approaches which aim to inform and improve practices. For this project, the Malaysian Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak have each been divided into four geographical zones. Each zone has a dedicated, on-site British Council Project Manager responsible for supporting approximately fifteen teacher mentors spread within clusters in each zone. A typical cluster of primary schools is covered by three mentors and each mentor has responsibility for their own sub-cluster of primary schools. Section C Information about the terms and conditions of service (TACOS). Whilst the information below was accurate at time of writing, specific details and entitlements are subject to change. Job Overview We are looking for teacher development mentors who: • • • • • •
Are sensitive to the communities and cultures in which they work and keen to learn about them and with them Build positive professional relationships with key stakeholders such as teachers in schools, school administration, communities and district education officials in order to identify and achieve shared objectives Engage teachers in evaluating their professional development needs, and plan and facilitate development activities that are appropriate to the teacher Can draw on and develop a range of teacher development activities and resources Can communicate subject knowledge of teaching methodology effectively and in ways appropriate to the local primary teachers and type of professional development being facilitated. Employ evaluation and assessment tools at various stages in the learning process.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 3 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
Contract Length Contract Type Contract Hours
Variable – dependent upon start date. All contracts end in Sept 2015 Full time – Local contract 38 hours/week
Renewable Period
N/A
No. of Staff Managed
N/A
Contact Hours
-
Monthly Salary Your starting salary will be at one of the bands below and will be dependent upon qualifications and experience. The 8 band pay system (A-H) ranges from MYR 8,660 to MYR 10,650 gross per month. Salary is paid locally in Malaysian ringgit into a local bank account. Exchange rate to the pound as of Sept 2014 = 5.24. Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H
Amount (MYR) 8,660 8,920 9,187 9,463 9,746 10,038 10,340 10,650
Project Completion Bonus For mentors joining the project starting in September 2014, upon successfully completing the contract until September 2015, you shall be entitled to a one-time payment equivalent to 1 month of your final monthly salary. This will not apply to mentors joining in October 2014. The completion bonus will be payable in your last payroll.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 4 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
Income Tax & National Insurance Income Tax All staff working in Malaysia is liable to pay local income tax. Staff are responsible for submitting their annual tax return and ensuring they are up to date with the ever changing tax rules. Depending on their point on the salary scale teachers are currently paying between 14 and 20% tax on their salaries, provided they qualify for resident tax. If staff join the project after 20 July 2014, it is not possible to achieve tax residency until July 2015 at the earliest and they will have to pay the non-resident rate (currently 26%) until that point. Provided tax residency is achieved in 2014 and/or 2015, they will be eligible for a tax rebate when their tax is cleared at the end of the project. Your salary and all allowances are assessed as inclusive of any local taxes of whatever kind that may be levied by the Government of Malaysia. The British Council is required by Malaysian law to make monthly Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions from your salary. You are responsible for dealing with the income tax authorities on questions of your tax and for acquainting yourself with details of the income tax systems. For details: http://www.hasil.gov.my/index.php When you come to leave the project the British Council is required by Malaysian law to withhold monies owed to you until all outstanding income tax payments have been made. Typically this will be your last month’s salary but it may be more, particularly if you have not met the residency requirements to achieve resident tax status. National Insurance Applicants who have been resident and working in the UK immediately prior to going abroad for employment, are liable for UK National Insurance Class 1 contributions for one year, and the British Council will pay the employer's contributions. Fares & Travel If you are stationed outside of Malaysia before the commencement of this appointment, you shall be entitled to accountable economy class flights for you and accompanying members of your family to Malaysia at the beginning of this appointment with British Council Malaysia. You shall also be entitled to accountable economy class flights for you and accompanying members of your family upon successful completion of this appointment with British Council Malaysia back to your home country, defined as the country of which you are a passport holder, or back to the country where you were previously stationed.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 5 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
Baggage Allowance If you are stationed outside of East Malaysia prior to commencement of this appointment, you shall be entitled to the following accountable baggage allowance at the beginning and upon successful completion of your appointment with British Council Malaysia: • •
up to £1200 for single employees, or up to £2000 for employees accompanied by family members
Please note: Staff claiming accompanied status benefits i.e. baggage, settling in and flights etc. must have their dependants join them in post within 3 months of commencing their positions. Dependants joining staff at post must also be declared in advance at the point of acceptance. Annual Leave Allowance Annual leave is taken in conjunction with the Malaysian school holidays as set by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Leave cannot be taken outside of the set school holidays. Evidenced by the last 2 years mentors can expect to take around 35 days of annual leave a year. Medical Allowance You and accompanying members of your family must register with the British Council’s Group Medical Insurance as soon as possible after commencement of this contract. The scheme is currently administered by BUPA. The scheme covers medical and hospital treatment, repatriation costs, personal liability and other items. Routine dental and optical treatment are not included in the policy and you must ensure that you, and accompanying members of your family, undergo dental and eye checks before you go to post, and on a regular basis thereafter. Settling-In Allowance A settling-in allowance equivalent to two weeks' salary for single employees or three weeks’ salary for employees accompanied by family members in order to help you to meet your initial expenses on first arrival in Malaysia. This applies to all mentor contracts. You will also receive up to two weeks' accommodation and up to two weeks' subsistence.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 6 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
Accommodation Allowance N/A Any Other Allowances Transportation Work-related travel will be arranged by the British Council’s approved agents in East Malaysia. For mentors holding a driving licence this will normally be provided through the use of a leased car for work which will also be available to use for everyday personal use. Lease car costs shall be covered by British Council Malaysia directly, with a monthly allowance (taxed) for work-related fuel payable to mentors based on distances between schools from the central school. This does not include your journey from home to your central school. All mentors holding a driving license must bring with them to post an international driving license (the cost of this is non-reimbursable). For mentors who do not hold a driving license a driver will be provided by our approved agents in East Malaysia for work purposes only. The number of posts for non-drivers is limited due to the remote posts available in Borneo. There is a lack of available public transport in Borneo and transport outside of work purposes is the sole responsibility of the mentor. Pension You have the option of either joining the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) of Malaysia or encashment. Should you choose to join the EPF scheme of Malaysia; British Council Malaysia shall make monthly payments on your behalf to the EPF scheme of Malaysia. These payments shall be at the rate of 11% of your monthly salary. You shall be required to contribute a minimum of 11% of your monthly salary. You may choose to increase your monthly EPF contribution. Should you wish to do so, an application must be made to the EPF Scheme of Malaysia. Upon your departure from Malaysia providing you have no intention of returning to Malaysia, you shall be entitled to withdraw the EPF contributions made by you and on your behalf together with accrued interest free of Malaysian tax as per current Malaysia Law covering EPF Scheme. British Council Malaysia accepts no responsibility for any changes under Malaysian law covering EPF Scheme. Should you choose not to join the EPF scheme, the 11% contribution from the British Council Malaysia will be paid into your monthly salary. Please note that if you choose this option, the 11% shall be taxable as per current Malaysian Law.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 7 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
Additional Information Visa You will need to enter the country via a tourist visa which is available on arrival. If any of you or your dependants are travelling on passports from the following countries http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/visa/visa-requirement-by-country please let us know immediately as we will have to make separate arrangements. Once you have arrived we can begin the process of obtaining an employment visa for yourself and a dependant’s pass for family members accompanying you at post. We are working with the State Immigration Departments to ensure that this is speedy and we have asked them to issue each of you with a letter that you can show on arrival. Whilst the above information was accurate at time of writing, specific details and entitlements are subject to change. Section E Information about the place Country Overview Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysia The Malaysian states of Labuan, Sarawak and Sabah make up more than half of the island of Borneo. They are famous for their ancient rainforests and wildlife, not to mention their world-renowned beaches. You can find rare species of mammals like the Sumatran rhino and Asian pygmy elephant as well as the orangutan, proboscis monkey, gibbon, lemur, civet, Malaysian sun bear, and lots more. The population of both states is made up of many indigenous groups with fascinating cultures and traditions. For more information about Sabah and Sarawak: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sabah http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak Climate The climate is equatorial (temperatures average 25 to 35 degrees centigrade and humidity averages 60-70% with little variation throughout the year. The rainy season is November to February, although it can rain at any time, especially in the late afternoon. The heat and humidity are rarely unbearable once you have fully acclimatised and the majority of shops, offices and homes are air-conditioned.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 8 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
Accommodation In smaller towns and villages a house will be between RM500 and 1200 per month. In the larger state capitals, a flat is between RM800 and RM2100. An apartment in a condominium with a swimming pool and other facilities is between RM1500 and RM2500 (only available in the 2 larger cities Kuching and KK) and a house in the major cities can be rented for between RM700 and RM1500. All teachers will be provided assistance through a contracted provider to find accommodation. Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation are available. In the smaller towns it can be harder to find accommodation and our agents will help but we do advise mentors to ask locals they come into contact with. Rental agreements are for one or two years and usually involve 2 months rent deposit and a month in advance. Electricity is 230 volts, 50 cycles AC, which is suitable for all normal British appliances and UK-style 3-pin plugs are generally used. General living costs & conditions The currency is Malaysian ringgit. Eating out, transport and hotel accommodation are relatively inexpensive within the cities when compared with UK prices. Shopping prices vary, depending on whether goods are locally produced or imported. Transport & Communication Communication You will receive a communications allowance of RM 150 per month towards internet and mobile phone charges, in return for which you will be expected to be contactable at all reasonable times. Like in most other S.E. Asian cities, mobile phones are very popular and quite cheap to buy - the majority of teachers have mobiles, using a pre-paid system. International calls to the UK, Australia and North America can be made for as little as 10p a minute using Malaysia Telekom "I-Call" cards. Regular IDD calls made on mobile phone and fixed landlines are more expensive. Internet connectivity can be an issue in the more remote districts, but USB mobile dongles are available where regular ADSL connections don’t yet reach and are affordable with wide coverage (though this can still be inconsistent in the most remote areas). Transport The Council’s appointed agent will provide appropriate transport for work-related travel in and around your cluster of primary schools. A driving licence or a willingness to learn is desirable, as drivers will be provided a lease car. Non-drivers will have a designated car + driver for less-flexible pre-arranged pick-ups and dropoffs for work purposes only. Travelling within the larger cities is quite easy by car, shared minibuses or express buses. However, roads The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 9 of 11
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Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
inland are poor and there are many places where the primary mode of transport is by air or by boat. There are a number of small airports offering domestic flights to the bigger airports in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu which offer some international flights. There is a lack of public transport in the smaller towns and for nondrivers this can put limits on everyday life. General Health, Medical & Dental Care Currently no inoculations are required except for yellow fever if you are arriving from a country prone to the disease. Please still check what you need to get before you come - contact your GP for information. The Scottish NHS has a useful website http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/malaysia.aspx that many British doctors and travel nurses use - this could be a good starting point, but please contact a medical professional for more detailed information. The project does not pay for inoculations against rabies, cholera, or anti-malarial prophylactics. The project pays for inoculations against Japanese Encephalitis for staff working in Sarawak, but not Sabah or Labuan. Malaysia is considered to be a healthy environment as there are no major health hazards, despite its equatorial location. Most people adjust quickly to the high temperatures and humidity, and are able to enjoy a wide variety of activities. Hygiene is generally good and stomach trouble rare. However, it is important to drink sufficient liquid to guard against dehydration. Job Opportunities for Partners Malaysian law does not recognise same sex partnerships. Therefore it is currently not possible for the British Council to obtain dependent passes/visas for same sex partners. Applicants with same sex partners are advised to contact the recruiting manager before applying. Opportunities for partners to find work are extremely limited. There are International Schools for qualified teachers but it’s best to be recruited from the UK. Some foreigners make a living giving private lessons for around £10 to £12 an hour although this is not legal without a work permit. There are certain conditions where a partner can volunteer or work on their dependent passes/visas but these are subject to approval from the Immigration Department (see: http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/mainservices/expatriate/facilities-for-dependants). Note that getting this approval is not within the British Council’s responsibility. Schooling & Childcare There are a very few International Schools in the two states, mainly in the two state capitals, and these are expensive including a large non-refundable registration fee. There are more choices of English medium nursery schools and these are much less expensive. Baby-sitters cost about £1.60 an hour. A live-in maid costs £650 up-front and £65 a month. A maid two days a week costs around £40 a month.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 10 of 11
Updated Aug2014
Teacher Development Mentor – Borneo East Malaysia (MAL-T-792) Vacancy Information
Any Other Information (Shopping facilities, entertainment, leisure) For more information about entertainment in Malaysia please click on this link: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/159/entertainment/South-East-Asia/Malaysia.html Food In multicultural Malaysia all kinds of Southeast Asian food can be tasted. Malay food concentrates on a blend of spices, ginger, coconut milk and peanuts. There are many regional types of Chinese cooking including Cantonese, Peking, Hakka, Sichuan and Taiwanese. Indian and Indonesian food is also popular. Japanese, Thai and western food are available in restaurants mainly in the larger towns. Although the country is largely Islamic, alcohol is widely available. Things to do: The unrivalled biodiversity of Sabah and Sarawak make it ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, including snorkelling and SCUBA diving, birdwatching, cycling and trekking. The larger towns have the usual malls and a reasonable range of bars and cafes, many of which stay open well into the night. Eating remains an excellent evening activity option, with food from around the region particularly great value in the ubiquitous night food markets. Most of the larger towns will have gyms and possibly a public swimming pool. In the smaller towns it can be difficult to find services like these. Many mentors currently on the project have found local zumba classes, Chinese line dancing classes and in some places a hash running/walking club. Life is very quiet here in Borneo and especially in the smaller towns there will be very little to do of an evening. This could be a good opportunity for mentors looking to do some personal study of their own.
Whilst the above information was accurate at time of writing, specific details and entitlements are subject to change.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales). SC037733 (Scotland). The British Council believes that all children have potential and that every child matters - everywhere in the world. The British Council affirms the position that all children have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse as set out in article 19, UNCRC, 1989 Page 11 of 11
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