REQUIRED FOR AUGUST 2009

One of the foremost schools in the region is seeking applications from candidates who share our philosophy and desire to nurture a love of learning in those who will be tomorrow's leaders .We are a Jordanian international school following the English National Curriculum in the Primary, the MYP curriculum (Strengthened by IGCSE) in the Secondary and are currently going through IBDP authorisation. Grade 11 will start with IBDP in August 2009

IAA is seeking applications from candidates for the following positions for August 2009:

Whole School 

Primary School - Click on the link for more details on Primary School vacancies

Senior School - Click on the link for more details on Senior School vacancies

Background

IAA is a non profit English medium International School. The 3-18 School (currently 3-16) has grown from its initial Primary roots over the last four years. Grades 11 and 12 (IB1 and IB2) have yet to be added. The Primary school now has 484 children and the Secondary School currently has nearly 243 students.

The school is housed in purpose built accommodation which was completed in August 2008, A virtual tour on the school website gives you an idea of what the site looks like. The school was envisioned by Queen Rania of Jordan and falls under the wings of the Jordan Education Society.

The learners

The school has children from a wide range of abilities most are bilingual or E2L learners. 87%  of the children are Jordanian and the rest are British, American and Canadian. The School has good SEN and E2L support.  We have three form entry from Reception 1 to Grade 8 and two forms in grades 9 and 10. Class sizes are usually 24 but can be 25 where staff children need placements.

Culture

The school builds its success on the belief that academic achievement comes as a result of the care we provide and therefore has as its core the welfare of the students while keeping a close eye on the academic rigour in the classroom. The school seeks to provide a broad experience for the development of the individual, which supports the academic studies and leads to further education at either university or college. The school is keen to develop its extra curricular involvement and make it a strong feature of the School.

Curriculum

The school follows the English National Curriculum in the Primary School, the MYP curriculum (Strengthened by IGCSE)  in the Secondary and is currently going through its IBDP authorisation. Grade 11 will start with IBDP in August 2009.

Primary-Secondary

IAA consists of both Primary and Secondary Schools.  We have a lot to learn from one another. Some staff work in both schools and we believe that both schools should encompass the best of practice from each school.

Structure

The Principal provides overall vision and direction for IAA. The leadership and vision for the primary and secondary schools is implemented by the Head of each school supported by the Deputy Heads.

Staff

Most of our staff are UK or overseas trained with the exception of some specialist staff. The school employs approximately 100 teachers. 50 of them are expats. Locally employed ‘teaching assistants' support teachers and individual learners in classroom activities.

School Facilities

The school is housed in a purpose built facility.  Each classroom has a networked PC and an interactive whiteboard. There are 3 ICT rooms for the Secondary School and two ICT suites for the Primary School. There are specialist rooms in the Primary building including a science lab, music suites and an Art room. The Secondary School has specialist Science labs, Music suites, Drama and Art areas. The DT rooms include a dedicated food tech room and 2 other classrooms which are being converted to offer RM and Graphics. The school has a 500 seat auditorium and a cafeteria.

Living in Jordan

The school is on the West Side of Amman next to King Hussein Mosque and King Hussein Park.

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts, a unique blend of old and new, ideally located on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley.  Jordan boasts a Mediterranean climate ideal for year-round holidays and travel.  Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average temperatures around 26°C.  Springtime is lush with greenery while autumn is equally mild and pleasant.  July and August are hot and dry.  Aqaba and the Jordan Valley are ideal winter resorts

Jordan is a safe and friendly country.  People are very helpful and it is generally safe to walk around at any time.

Time

• Jordan is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
• Daylight Savings Time occurs between April and October.

Dress code

• Although women don't have to cover their heads, Jordan is a Muslim country, and moderately conservative. Therefore, conservative dress is advisable for both men and woman.

Customs

• Items such as cameras, radios, hair-dryers are exempt from customs taxes.
• Cars and electrical appliances, including household goods and personal computers and video cameras, are subject to very high taxes.

Nanny/maid

• If you wish to bring a nanny/maid with you, please ask the Jordanian Embassy in your country of residence. The visas procedures and cost differ depending on the country/nationality of the nanny/maid. Roughly, the residence permit will cost around JD 400.

Pets - Please seek advice from the shipping company

• Animal Quarantine: there are no regulations about bringing pets into Jordan, but you are required to bring veterinary/health certificates.
• In general, landlords don't allow pets in their flats.

Driving cars and bikes

• If you are planning to buy a car, you can drive in Jordan using your national driving license for a short time, but should make arrangements to get a Jordanian license.
• For those who wish to use a bike/scooter, Amman is a very hilly city, and its rare to see bikes/scooters.

Health Requirements and Recommendations

• Jordan is one of the cleanest and safest countries in the region, but it is nonetheless advisable to take some precautions until your digestive system adjusts.
• Bottled water is recommended.
• You should carry prescriptions of any medicaments you may need, and make sure you have the generic name as your specific brand may not be available.
• At IAA, we have a group medical insurance policy which covers a wide network of doctors, hospitals, clinics, labs, etc.

Currency, Credit Cards, Bank Accounts

• The Jordanian currency is the Dinar, or JD. It is subdivided into 1000 fils, or 100 piasters.
• The current exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.71 JD
• You can change foreign cash or travellers' checks at any bank or exchange office in Jordan.
• Most credit cards are accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, car rental companies and tourist shops. The most widely accepted cards are American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. You can also use your cards to draw cash at any bank linked with your credit card network.
• Non-Jordanians are permitted to open accounts at Jordanian banks in either Jordanian Dinars or in foreign currencies. Please note that opening bank accounts is the employees responsibility and can take some time. We advise that you open bank accounts in advance of arriving in Amman.