[Timbo]

just spotted the following story in NZ herald. Does it sound a bit familiar?

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=43383

[Carol]

Working in primary I dont see as much of that...if any.
Again - it really comes down to the school you work in and the leadership and support you get.


Exactly the same as the UK


Carol

[veronica]

I think a lot is to do with the socioeconomic area you work in too. If these figures were put on a map it probably wouldn't be an even spread.

[ruthyroo]

This report probably backs up my DH experience teaching in NZ so far - though it is only one school and in a maori dominated area. Agree with the posts though that there is variation throughout the country, and it is dependent on the socio-economic level / ethnic area / leadership at the school. So don't take this report as indicative of teaching in NZ per se, but equally don't take the rosy Teach NZ marketing as the whole story either. Schools in poor areas, with lots of maori / pacific students will be far harder work than predominantly white ones, in richer areas - that's as true in the UK as it is here. Without the maori kids of course!

[art]

Well that report explains why there's a shortage of secondary school teachers. :no

Frankly, having a daughter soon to be secondary school age, I'm a little worried now about what I will put her through if and when we go over to NZ ...

[Graham Barnes]

My brother has taught Science/Biology in Dargaville High School (Northland, decile 3) for 18 months and despite certain frustrations, is really enjoying it.
Resources and time are always short, but he works with a great bunch of teachers (about a third are overseas-trained), and the school has a strong discipline ethic.
So don't be automatically turned off by a school's decile rating...much depends on the individual ethos, headteacher, local community support...about 40% of his pupils are Maori who tend to be rather transient and come from a culture which does not generally value Western-style education. He gets the odd headbanger (from any racial group) but they are effectively dealt with...result is happy staff and pupils.
Good example of how discipline can work...a group of local Maori pupils damaged some part of the swimming-pool which led to it being closed for nearly a month.
When caught, they had to give interviews and apologies to the local newspaper, a community meeting and local groups who wanted to use the pool and do local community service. The whole process made them realise the implications of their actions, and they had to work hard to get the respect of what is a small tight-knit community. No problems from them since then!