South African Supply Teacher Kerryn: My Experiences of Teaching in Nursery and Key Stage 1 in London

The Differences Between Teaching in London and South Africa

In South Africa I worked at the same school for many years and had my own class of children aged between six and nine. But I decided to come to the UK to become a supply teacher in order to further my career. I read a lot of articles written by UK teachers on the internet before I came to find out as much as I could about the teaching culture here.

All my friends advised ‘whatever you do don’t get a full time permanent job first, get a supply job until you know the ropes’. It’s the best advice I could have had! What I like about pre-booked work is that I can go on to that school’s website and find out what their ethos, policy and teaching expectations are. And the nature of my day very much depends on what type of school I’m at, what area it is in and what kind of behavioural strategies it has in place.

I don’t know if it is because I’m a visitor but each school I have been sent to has been really friendly and welcoming. Both the teachers and the kids greet me the moment I meet them and the kids are really interested in where I’m from, as I am in them.

Whereas in South Africa the kids expect their teachers to do a lot for them, in the UK there is quite a strong emphasis on creating a spirit of independence in children from the moment they enter Reception, or even Nursery. There’s a much freer attitude to learning over here and kids are really encouraged to share their opinions with the rest of the class. I can’t believe how much five and six years old over here already know by comparison to the children back home. And whereas back home all the kids were South African, over here the classes are composed of many different nationalities and cultures with a variety of languages spoken.

In South Africa the teachers had to be at school by seven fifteen and the kids arrive at seven forty. There’s a fifteen minute break at ten and then the kids leave to go home at half past twelve. But despite the short days you still end up working a seven day week because almost every weekend you are expected to attend the school’s sporting matches and fundraising events. School obligations come first, your own family second. The only time you have off is during the school holidays. Yet in a way I miss the informality of the weekend work.

The challenges are greater over here, schools expect a lot from their teachers (for example highly detailed lesson planning and taking work home). And since it’s a long day for the kids, you have to keep their interest alive. But you get much more input from the teaching aides who play a big role in supporting your work as a teacher, including encouraging good behaviour amongst the children.

I am growing continually, and there are so many opportunities offered to UK teachers by their schools, including frequent courses and continued professional development.  I am very intrigued by what I am experiencing and want to climb the ladder. I’m definitely here to stay.

Are you an overseas teacher interested in moving to London?  Read the experiences of Australian, Kiwi and Irish teachers who’ve already made the move and found teaching jobs in the UK with Prospero Teaching. Find out how Prospero Teaching works with overseas candidates and how we can help smooth your transition to the UK.

Are you an overseas teacher who moved to London and has experiences you’d like to share here with the Prospero Community?

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