GOVERNMENT OF TRISTAN da CUNHA

Terms of Reference

Primary Teacher: Tristan da Cunha

Purpose of Job

To provide a primary teacher role within the school to develop in young people new skills and aptitudes and raise education standards to match international expectations in line with the island’s Sustainable Strategic Development Plan. In particular focus on numeracy.

Background

Tristan da Cunha is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom (UKOT). It is of volcanic origin and consists of four islands – Tristan (the main island), Nightingale and Inaccessible, which together form a group, and Gough Island which lies 200 miles to the south-east. Tristan is the only island with a permanent community: it has a population of around 260 people. It is the most remote inhabited island in the world, situated some 1750 miles south-west of Cape Town and only accessible by sea - seven days sailing away from Cape Town. A harbour allows for access to the island for approximately 60 days of the year.

Tristan da Cunha offers expatriates opportunities for walking and occasionally visiting the nearby islands of Nightingale and Inaccessible. Of particular interest is the wildlife and it is possible to observe at very close quarters the beautiful Yellow Nosed Albatross and the Rockhopper Penguin. Fishing is a rewarding pastime both from the shore and at sea. The island people are fun loving, friendly, kind and generous and it is possible to enjoy a lively social life. In the village there is a pub, cafe, dance hall, swimming pool, museum and tourist centre. The island shop sells most essential items and there is always an abundant supply of potatoes, fish and locally produced beef and lamb. There are three television channels provided by British Forces Broadcasting Service that provide a wide variety of films, dramas, documentaries, sports and soaps as well as UK news. Although the island is very remote the telephone service is good and the internet is available.

Tristan da Cunha is internally self governing and is part of the UK Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Constitutionally, executive authority rests with the Tristan Governor (resident on St Helena); in practice authority is delegated to an Administrator who is resident on Tristan and is the de facto Head of Government. The Administrator heads a locally elected Island Council, which is an advisory body on policy matters. The Administrator and Council are supported by government departments. These include: Agriculture, Conservation, Education, Finance, Fishing, Medical, Post Office & Tourism, Public Works and Telecommunications.

Tristan’s main resource is lobster fishing: product is exported to the US and Japanese markets, and a royalty agreement with the company that has exclusive fishing rights, generates income for Government. Tristan also earns limited income from the sale of stamps, coins and handicraft souvenirs. Modest revenue also flows from tourism and visitor accommodation. The UK Government provides some financial support in specific areas (notably in the healthcare sector).

Tristan’s financial situation is problematic: more needs to be done to ensure Tristan can maintain its financial independence and avoid insolvency. The island has a Strategic Sustainable Development Plan (SSDP) which maps out a way forward, but the Government does not currently have the capacity to deliver it. A National School of Government report (2009) has recommended a comprehensive package of changes, including reorganisation of Government Departments, implementation of a retirement and early severances scheme.

The Education Department is responsible for St. Mary’s School that caters for children from the age of 3 years to 16 years. Island staff includes a head of department, a deputy head, four other teachers, a trainee teacher, a playgroup leader and a librarian. None of the teachers are qualified but some have benefitted from training in the UK and all have benefitted from regular in school training led by the current Education Adviser. There have been significant improvements over the last two years in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and English throughout the school. There are currently 30 pupils attending the school organised in six classes including the playgroup. The 13 to 16 age range work towards IGCSE in English and Maths and the ECDL IT qualification. A recent development will enable a small number of appropriate students to attend a school in Cape Town and work towards Grade 12 (Matric) the equivalent of A Levels. It is the long term aim to broaden the school curriculum and expand the number of subjects offered at IGCSE initially by introducing Science at examination level. The school has recently invested in Science schemes and resources; a small well equipped Science laboratory has been completed recently.

Scope of job

  • The successful applicant will provide teaching at primary school level on all subjects as well as assisting fellow primary teachers if required.
  • The Primary Teacher will develop their students understanding and abilities in numeracy to UK standards
  • The job holder will ensure that progress in English and Mathematics is maintained and the students are ready for further education
  • The Senior Teacher will develop the ICT curriculum and ensure the ongoing delivery of training for pupils and adults
  • The Primary Teacher will assist on ‘Tristan Studies’.
  • The Primary teacher will review other Primary education areas and make recommendations for improvement
  • The Primary Teacher will maintain links with other education establishments to ensure the school follows correct guidelines
  • The primary teacher will actively work with all the other teachers, being sensitive to the culture of the school and community. Working with them, gaining their trust and support to enhance education standards.

Outputs and deliverables

  1. Deliver high quality teaching on all subjects especially numeracy.
  1. Mathematics and Science taught effectively
  1. Further improvement of standards across all subjects at Primary level to ensure students can go on to attain GCSE level exams
  1. Tristan Studies ensures that students have a sound knowledge and understanding of all aspects of their community, its government and economy.
  1. Overall primary curriculum reviewed to meet the needs of the island community as well as education opportunities overseas.
  1. Assist with identifying suitable Tristan students achieving South Africa’s Grade 12 at a Cape Town school and possibly moving into higher education.

Experience required

Essential

  • The successful applicant will be a qualified teacher with extensive experience of teaching at primary school level.
  • They must have a very good knowledge of current best practice and will have outstanding interpersonal skills being able to integrate, adapt and overcome living in such a remote location.
  • The ability to work successfully with the other staff and community is essential. They will also have an openness to the complexities and demands of Tristan’s unique setting and history and a willingness to share their skills.
  • Have experience of school leadership in terms of development planning and budget management.
  • Have good IT skills – sufficient to lead learning in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a small community
  • A wide range of hobbies and interests and keenness to provide extra-curricular activities

Key Competencies Required

In order to deliver results the successful candidate will need to be sensitive to the advantages and problems of living in a small and isolated community.

It is vital to be receptive to the views of the stakeholders and work with them to develop plans for school improvement. You will need to show enthusiasm, energy and commitment and have the qualities of resilience, patience, adaptability and resourcefulness in order to cope with the island’s remoteness and the length of time that it sometimes takes to get resources in place.

At St. Mary’s School it is important to be fair and impartial with all employees, build productive working relationships, promote teamwork and encourage staff to take on responsibilities. It is very important to respect confidences and a good sense of humour is an advantage!

Although the island education staff are keen for change that will improve their teaching skills and overall standards it will be necessary to have a positive attitude to change and encourage the teachers to develop their own initiatives.

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