British International School

[ceviche]

Hi,

I'm thinking of applying for a job at this school (formerly Dulwich's Phuket branch) and am looking for some first-hand opinions from people who work there or send their kids there. I'm particularly concerned that it's a business (because from what I can tell it is for-profit) first and foremost, followed by an educational institution. I'm also a bit worried about the whole Dulwich falling-out and am led to believe the school lost some prestige, staff and pupils as a result of it. Has it recovered? Are people happy working there and sending their kids there? What sort of reputation does it have? Any information whatsoever would be most welcome. Thanks!

P.S. I did find an older thread (Phuket-International-Schools-t80617.html - can't post complete URL) but it's old and things can change very quickly with schools so I thought I'd just start a new thread.

[ceviche]

Well, I applied anyway, but if anyone can be bothered I would really really appreciate any information on this school!

[CroBiker]

For all that is worth ceviche:

I took my 7 year old 2 years ago over there and he hated it. Teachers are too strict and full of themselves. Then we went to QSI and he loved it and still does. QSI is slightly cheaper but doesn't have top class facilities like BIS. Students are treated in friendly manner, American curriculum.

If you prefer British style then go to BIS.

[ceviche]

Sorry to hear your son hated it, CroBiker. I've never taught American and have trained and taught the British curriculum, so I'm limiting my job hunt like that. Also I want to teach at an IB school. Thanks for the information.

[PeaceBlondie]

The only story(s) I heard were second hand. Such as my friend who tutored a Thai 7th grader who had started at Dulwich six years before. The student was illiterate in English. But maybe things have changed, better or worse. The thing about institutional reputations is that they take ten years to change for the better, and one bad incident to ruin

[ceviche]

True, I've seen it happen where I come from. In this case the bad incident was not even within the school's control but it set its reputation back at least 7 years before they could get it back anywhere near where it had been.

It's so hard to tell. Just from a few forums and websites, plus word of mouth - I don't know how people could possibly know where they were heading before the internet. Surely it wasn't such a gamble?!

[mgs]

the teachers are great - as are the students! Worrying about a 'strict' teacher strikes me as strange. Also being a seven year old he/she would have had one teacher. Maybe he/she got told off one day and that was it. Not really sure what a teacher who is 'full of themselves looks like'. Also, remember people who post on here are not always who or what they seem. Not saying that is the case here, but you don't now who I am do you and I am giving an opinion. Do i work at the school, send a child there or know someone who does? Or am I making up what I know.

I would not base my decision on one 7 year old liking the school or not.

If you can go visit it and ask to see round.

Speak to students, parents and staff when you go there.

If you can't then guage it by the interview if you get one.

x

[maccaroni man]

For what it is worth I have had many meetings with the HM Dr. Hickman and he has done a great job of advancing the enrollment since the split as a matter of fact to quote him they much preferr promoting their own trade name British International rather than some one elses. The class sizes do sometimes push the limits allowed for International schools and they do have a large percentage of imported children from HK. As a parent it offers considerably more extras than many schools but you pay for it. I have several friends who have their children there and are happy with the school.

[ceviche]

Yes, mgs, you're right of course that everything should be taken with a pinch of salt. The vast majority of things I've heard were very positive. Unfortunately, my application was rejected today because I'm only an NQT at the moment, which I was pretty much expecting. I still hoped though.

Thanks for the replies everyone, much appreciated.