Just returned from the annual European Council of International Schools (ECIS) conference in Hamburg…
ECIS conferences are always very successful professional development opportunities for senior leaders, teachers and support staff

This conference was no exception with over 270 innovative seminars ranging from International Leadership and Management to digital storytelling in the classroom…

I really enjoyed meeting existing Eteach.com members both candidates and recruiters, including schools from Germany the host country PHORMS and the Bavarian International School

As you already know Eteach.com is committed to connecting teachers worldwide… to that aim we sponsored the ECIS conference Cyber Cafe… lots of delegates, many with IB experience joined Eteach.com between surfing the net and checking their emails…

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Stay in touch

Colin

international@eteach.com

Scrap the SATs? This is a really hot topic, which has generated lots of discussion! On Saturday at the NUT conference held in Cardiff, delegates chanted “Scrap the SATS.” Some delegates felt that the chanting episode was setting a poor example for children. Do you think this was the best approach from delegates to get their message across? And what do you think about the SATs?

Teachers at the NUT conference also voted unanimously to boycott tests for seven and 11 year olds. We’re keen to hear your thoughts whether you’re a teacher, member of support staff, governor or parent/carer.

Post your views on our blog…

Last week eTI attended the COBIS conference, which was hosted by the Prague British School, Czech Republic.

The conference was attended by delegates from COBIS schools across Europe and as far a field as Mumbai, India. Dr Fiona Rogers, the COBIS General Secretary welcomed delegates in the key note address by highlighting the changing world of global Education and the many positive features why teaching in International Schools is so rewarding.

The conference was an opportunity for COBIS schools to network, share good practice and work with internationally renowned experts to respond to needs of pupils in an ever changing world… A big thank you to John Bagust, the Head of Primary Schools at the Prague British School and all his team who coordinated a fantastic conference including a delegate dinner at the beautiful Obecni Dum (one of the many historic tourist attractions Prague has to offer…) John’s school is currently looking for a Yr 3 teacher for after Easter…do you know any suitable candidates? for these and other exciting opportunities go to the Eteach International Zone….

Last week I attended the Catholic Independent Schools Conference in Thame, Oxfordshire, and had the opportunity to meet many of their Heads and listen to some of the presentations. Fr. Michael Holman SJ posed the question, ‘What are we educating our children for?’ It would seem in the current economic climate it’s all about getting an education so the government can create a large work force that earns lots of money, which in turn it is encouraged to spend, thereby boosting the economy. In addition they then pay taxes to improve the country and the national services they use within it. Not much joy for children in that? Where are the needs and desires of the individual in all of this? What about their spirituality and creative sides? Where are the opportunities to challenge what they take for granted and develop their own beliefs and perceptions? How can they grow in self confidence and compassion for others? All those soft skills that are just as vital in the world as subject knowledge?