Starting a new school term in the UK can be daunting for any teacher, but especially for those who are from overseas. There are a lot of expectations, both for yourself and for the students you’ll be teaching, that you may not be used to. To help make the transition smoother, iCanTeachUK have come up with five tips to help you prepare for your new term as an overseas teacher in the UK. As an overseas teacher starting a new school term in the UK, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition. From understanding the expectations of the British education system to taking care of your wellbeing, there are many ways to prepare for the school year ahead. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with five tips to help you get ready for the new term. Whether you’re a first-time teacher in the UK or an experienced one who wants to brush up on their preparation, these tips will help you make the most out of the upcoming school year.
1) Research the curriculum
As an overseas teacher teaching in the UK, it is essential that you research the curriculum thoroughly. Doing this will help you to plan and deliver effective lessons to your students.
Start by familiarising yourself with the syllabus and assessment requirements for your subject. You should also be aware of any local or national variations to the curriculum. This will help ensure that you provide accurate information and relevant resources to your students.
You should also research the teaching methods used in the UK. This will help you to understand the expectations of your students and how to effectively engage them in the lesson. Knowing how to apply these methods is key to successful teaching.
Finally, researching the school’s policies and procedures will help you to understand how the school runs and what is expected of you as a teacher. This will help to make sure that you are working within the school’s guidelines and not overstepping any boundaries.
Researching the curriculum thoroughly before starting a new school term will help to ensure that you are prepared and confident when teaching your students.
2) Get to know your students
As an overseas teacher, one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for a new school term in the UK is to get to know your students. You will need to develop relationships with them to ensure they are comfortable in your classroom and you understand their individual needs.
One of the best ways to do this is to create an open environment. Begin by introducing yourself and getting to know the students as individuals. Ask questions such as their name, age, hobbies, and interests. This will help you build rapport and make sure your students feel valued and respected.
You may also want to ask each student about their learning style. Some students prefer visual or auditory learning, while others may prefer more hands-on activities. Knowing this information will enable you to create lesson plans that are tailored to their individual needs and make sure that everyone is engaged and understanding the material.
Finally, make sure you give each student a chance to share their thoughts and feelings. Encourage them to speak up in class and express their opinions. This will allow you to better understand how they view the topics being discussed and better gauge their level of understanding.
By taking the time to get to know your students, you’ll be able to create an atmosphere of trust and respect in the classroom. This will enable you to teach more effectively and ensure your students have a successful school term.
3) Prepare your materials
As an overseas teacher, one of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful start to a new school term is to prepare your materials in advance. This means that you should spend some time researching and gathering the necessary resources for each of your lessons.
One way to do this is by familiarising yourself with the national curriculum for the subject you’re teaching. Once you have a good understanding of the curriculum, you can begin to create lesson plans and gather resources to support them. You may also want to look into any digital resources that could be used to help engage students, such as videos, interactive activities, and games.
When gathering materials, it’s also important to think about the different learning styles and abilities of your students. Consider providing materials that are appropriate for various levels and skillsets, as well as materials that are suitable for different age groups.
It’s also helpful to make use of online tools and platforms, such as websites and online communities. These can provide a great source of information and support.
By taking the time to research, plan, and prepare your materials, you can ensure that you are well-equipped and ready to teach when the new school term begins.
4) Familiarise yourself with the school
It’s essential that you take the time to get to know your new school and how it works. It will help make the transition smoother and easier, both for you and your students. You should start by doing some research on the school – read up on its history, mission, and values. If possible, make a physical visit to the school so you can get a feel for the layout, atmosphere, and culture.
When you start your new job, take the time to introduce yourself to key personnel. This will give you an idea of who to go to for support or advice if needed. Make sure you take note of any school policies, procedures, and expectations, such as dress codes or behaviour guidelines. Additionally, find out about the extra-curricular activities available and which ones your students may be interested in. Familiarising yourself with the school will help you settle in more quickly and make your transition into teaching overseas much easier.
5) Set up a support network
It’s important to have a network of support around you as an overseas teacher in the UK. While preparing for a new school term, it’s essential to build relationships with colleagues, family, and friends who can offer advice and help out when needed.
When it comes to professional support, speak with your school administrators and look into joining local teachers associations or meet-ups. This will give you access to resources and support systems that can help you adjust and adapt to teaching in the UK.
Additionally, there are several online forums for international teachers that can provide valuable information on classroom management and lesson planning. Joining one of these groups could help make the transition easier for you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the UK’s education system.
Finally, don’t forget to reach out to the parents of your students. It's important to stay connected with the families of your students as this will help you understand their culture and how best to serve them.
Overall, creating a network of support is an important part of preparing for a new school term as an overseas teacher in the UK. Make sure to take the time to reach out to colleagues, join professional organisations, take advantage of online forums and engage with the parents of your students. Doing this will help make the transition smoother and ensure that you have the support you need to thrive in your new environment.