United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), a world-renowned international school in Singapore, has set up a second campus in the city state. This is in response to the surge in demand for placements in international schools as Singapore continues to grow as a compelling location for businesses and staff.
UWCSEA East will start in August and is recruiting teachers, administration, management and support staff. The new school will have about 28 full-time and six part-time teachers to start with.
'We have 220 full-time and 52 part-time teachers at our existing Dover Road campus. As all teachers at UWCSEA are on renewable contracts and the annual turnover runs at about 10 per cent to 15 per cent a year, the school needs to replace 35 to 50 teachers a year,' said Geraint Jones, assistant head of college (personnel and logistics) who is responsible for recruitment.
'This will grow to 50 to 80 teachers a year once UWCSEA East is open as a kindergarten to Grade 12 school. In addition to teachers, and other academic staff such as heads of department, we are also recruiting for middle and senior management positions and for support roles such as teacher assistants and counsellors.' Mr Jones said qualified teachers with at least a bachelor's degree, a recognised teaching qualification in their country of origin and relevant teaching experience were needed. People who have energy and enthusiasm for their job, and who are committed to the values and mission of UWCSEA and the United World College (UWC) Movement are preferred.
The UWC Movement comprises 12 non-profit colleges around the world. The emphasis in UWC education is on service, cultural and political sensitivity and all-round achievement in both the academic and activity areas. It has a strong tradition in experiential education and former South African president Nelson Mandela and Queen Noor of Jordan are the joint presidents of the movement.
Mr Jones said: 'The school derives much of its distinctive character from the broad level of commitment offered by its teachers.' Teachers at all levels are expected to lead extra-curricular activities based on their own interests and to be involved, alongside students, in regular service activities. They are also encouraged to accompany students on expeditions or other residential activities outside of Singapore.