Abu Dhabi 2

It is the beginning of the first full week of school. The students came in today and I got to meet my classes all though only for a brief one hour, but that is of course the length of the normal class. When they come in tomorrow for the first full day we will be on Ramadan timetable which means the day goes from 8.30 am to 1.15pm. That means we have less than the normal two hours.

My two hours is made up of one hour of English and one hour of Humanities. Firstly with the girls, all 13 of them and then after lunch with the boys, oh and there are 10 of them! So what that actually means is that I prepare two classes, one English and one Humanties and then teach it twice. Although I do have to explain that at times I might have to prepare different content. I'm not sure the boys really want to read Little Women! I will keep all those who have an interest in this kind of thing posted.

For all the students out there who like to complain about their timetable and how much work they have to do, let me reassure you that things are a little different here. For a start they don't do electives!!! The students study English, Humanities, Science and Maths, each fo one hour per day. For the rest of the time they do French or Spanish or Arabic, maybe some computing and a little bit of PE, that's all. No music, no art, no drama, no design and tech! So be thankful for the variety to which you have access.

Now, a brief word on the staff, and then no more about school. The staff is as varied as the student body.With me arrived about 13 Canadians, a few other Aussies, some Poms, a Scot, and a variety of other nationalities. The school already has some of each of those, plus some Kiwis, Americans and the Irish. The students are also a varied bunch, although obviously lots of locals or those from the general area. The staff have all been very welcoming and helpful.