Teaching in Kuwait: A Day in the Life

Thinking of taking the leap and leaving the UK teaching system? Want to know what it's REALLY like day-to-day here? If you're wondering what time we wake up here, how long the school day is and how much contact time we really have, read on to find out!

5:00am

Time to wake up! Well, time to get out of bed. Another day has dawned and it's time to get up for school.

6:00am

Bus time. Most schools provide teachers with free transport from accommodation to and from school. These leave at the same time for everyone, regardless of year group or branch. The bus ride could be up to an hour if you're far away, but you'll most likely make good friends with the staff on the same bus as you. Watch out for the politics involved though... choose your seat and stay there!

6:30am

Arrival at school. Time to sign in and set up for the day before the kids arrive! Use this time wisely - you probably did your printing the night before so get gluing and giving books out. Prepare for your class' early morning activities too! For me, that means getting our book box out, and ensuring I have whiteboard pens ready for the maths and English activity cards.

7:00am

Collection of your class. Obviously every school is different, but I collect my early arrivals from the gym. They come into class, put their bags away and then get on with an assigned activity.

7:30am

Flag. This is a requirement of all schools in Kuwait. All children gather in the hall/gym and sing the national anthem. We also do a dance to the school's song, which is a nice way to wake the class (and yourself!) up in the morning!

7:40am

The first classes start. In KS1, classes run until first break at 9am. Classes are 40 minutes each, but I've saved this slot for double English as I find my class more responsive early in the morning, and as they are all EAL, it is crucial I have their full capacity!

9:00am

Break time! Depending on your school, you may be on duty, you may not be, or it may change regularly. Be prepared to have your after break lessons ready incase you are on duty. Break time for us is 40minutes: 20 minutes play outside and 20 minutes in class eating.

9:40am

We then have 3 more lessons until lunchtime at 11:40. It is very important to note that out of 40 lessons a week, we don't teach for 15 of them. These lessons are for Arabic, Islamic Studies, Art, Music and P.E., so there is more than enough PPA time a week!

11:40am

Lunch time! Again, you could well be on duty so be prepared for your after lunch lessons!

12:20pm

The final 3 lessons begin. The last one is 30 minutes long, so save this period for shorter lessons.

2:10pm

Bus time! The bus children in your class will leave ready to go home. The rest are still in your care until 3pm. I usually give them tasks to help tidy up (for a reward of class points if a bit of bribery is needed!) and set up for tomorrow. Kids love responsibilities, and as the same children stay, they know their role. I have one girl who puts up the visual timetable, one who does the date, one who sharpens pencils, one who collects the erasers.... it's handy to have this pick up time! You can stick songs on the whiteboard or cartoons and get games out or books...if you're lucky you can use this time for marking and lesson prep too. However, most days I'm in an endless loop of Just Dance-offs with the kids, which is a nice way to end on a high note! Children may leave at 2:15 on the dot, but some will be there until 3, after which they are sent to wait in reception.

3:00pm

Freedom! No members of staff need stay behind due to all that free time (use it wisely!). However, if you live in company accommodation, you'll have to wait for the bus, which is usually between 3:15pm and 3:45pm.

After school I usually come home and then go shopping, or I sometimes walk to the beach club that I joined. It's lovely to waste your afternoons and evenings at the gym and watching the sunset over a beach whilst doing yoga!

The view from Al Corniche Beach Club

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