Teaching at Ascot International School

Ascot International School is growing and currently has around 220 students on roll. In September 2007 we opened our first Secondary classes, in Years 7 and 9.

Campus
The Ascot campus is very attractive and is set in peaceful surroundings in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok. Classrooms are bright and well resourced with interactive whiteboards. Construction of a Secondary school building is about to start, there being ample space currently in the existing purpose-built building. Sporting facilities are very good.

Curriculum
We offer the English National Curriculum and will introduce IGCSE in September 2008. In addition we place great emphasis on activities outside the classroom, with sport, music and drama all featuring regularly in addition to a host of other activities, plus school trips and visits. Academic excellence is one of our key aims and we also place great emphasis on the full development of each individual into a caring, thinking, responsible citizen of the future. As a British style school in Thailand, we regard Thai Culture and Language as strong and important features in the school.

Teaching Staff
The teaching staff is predominantly British. All teachers are well qualified and experienced and they are well supported in the Primary school by Thai Teaching Assistants, all of whom have degrees. We have a strong, enthusiastic and capable team of people.

Students
The majority of students are Thai or children from families where one parent is Thai. Many other nationalities are represented. The language of the school is English and many students are highly proficient but teachers need to be aware of the fact that many students are studying in their second language and should employ teaching strategies accordingly.

Activities
Our Activities programme is another important part of school life. During the week there are many different activities on offer and there are also weekend and holiday programmes. Each teacher is expected to offer at least one after school activity each week. There is also a growing Saturday morning programme.

The School Year
The school year begins in early September and ends in early July, with half term holidays of one week in late October and late February. Longer holidays are over the Christmas/New Year period and in April, coinciding with Easter and the Thai Songkran (New Year) holiday. The longest break is from early July until late August. Teachers return about one week prior to the start of the new academic year.

The School Day
Teachers are normally expected to be on site from 7.30am until about 4pm. Classes begin at 8am each day, Monday to Friday. Occasionally there are whole school events in the evening or at weekends. Meetings of various kinds are held on Tuesdays.

Contracts
Contracts normally are for two years, starting in late August. It is hoped that teachers wish to stay longer and many of the staff have extended their contracts. For full-time overseas appointed staff an accommodation allowance is provided, as is medical insurance. Flights at the beginning and end of contract are also provided. Details of salaries and responsibility allowances will be sent to all applicants called for interview. Local contracts do not have the same conditions as overseas hire contracts.

Our Expectations

The following points are regarded as normal requirements of our teachers:

• As representatives of Ascot International School, (AIS) teachers are expected to learn and consider the cultural traditions of Thailand and behave in a way which reflects the expectations of our community. As teachers you will be held in very high esteem and a great deal will be expected of you.
• Familiarity with the National Curriculum and awareness of new developments
• Thorough, well thought out short and long-term planning 
• Good teamwork to promote consistency within Key Stages and smooth progression from one year group to another
• Good personal organization and well ordered classrooms with good quality, regularly updated displays
• Respect for colleagues (all staff, teaching and others) and respect for students and parents. Of key importance is sensitivity towards our Thai colleagues and friends. We are privileged to be in Thailand and should be aware of cultural differences.
• Sufficient computer literacy to use IT for both teaching and administrative purposes.
• Flexibility. (Things do not always go to plan!)
• Punctuality and meeting deadlines
• Smart and conservative dress. See the dress code below.
• A good sense of humour and lots of patience
• A minimum of one after school activity per week. Full-time PE teachers are expected to offer three after at least school activities each week.
• Attendance at Tuesday staff meetings and meetings occasionally called at other times
• Cover at times for absent staff
• Active supervision when on duty
• Encouragement of students to speak English as much as possible in class and elsewhere
• Reasonable attendance at school events and gatherings

Staff Dress Code

Living in Thailand
A lot of information will be sent to staff when they are appointed. It is a good idea to do some research to gain some idea of what life is like in Bangkok and Thailand in general. In particular, for anyone unfamiliar with the country, such research should help you to decide if this is the place for you.
Broadly speaking, people who can cope with the heat and the traffic and with things not always going absolutely smoothly will be more than compensated by the highly motivated students, pleasant working conditions, a vibrant city and a beautiful country with friendly people.

Tim Creber
Headmaster
headmaster@ascot.ac.th