Early Years Teacher (Foundation) & Phase Leader

Details for candidates

We are looking for an Early Years teacher to start working at the British International School of Cracow (BISC) from August 31st 2021.  

General info on BISC

The British International School of Cracow was founded in September 1995 to provide an English-medium education for the growing expatriate community. We are a sister school to the British International School Wroclaw, founded in 2006. Our students (aged 3 - 19) come from all corners of the globe. Our small classes provide a supportive, welcoming environment for both pupils and staff. We are registered with Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), International Schools Assessment (ISA), and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). We are also members of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

BISC is located in the historic heart of Krakow, just five minutes' walk from the main market square. We serve mainly the international ex-pat community, but also offer a condensed Polish programme (approved by the Ministry of Education) to our Polish families, who constitute approximately 30% of the school's student roll. Our educational programme is based upon the English National Curriculum, with our Key Stage 4 students sitting IGCSE exams, and our Y12 & Y13 students taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma. 

At present we have approximately 200 students, aged 3 - 19, who come from many different countries worldwide. The average class size is under 16. In view of these small numbers, the overall ambience throughout the school is warm, friendly and relaxed, yet at the same time academically demanding. Problems with discipline are very rare at BISC, but nonetheless we have a clearly defined Behaviour Policy. Policies also exist for Assessment and various other aspects of school life. The level of English in some classes varies from beginner to native speaker (especially in the primary), and so all our teachers must be prepared to cope with mixed language levels. In our older classes, most students speak good English.

Details of post

The successful candidate should have training and/or experience in the British education system. They will be expected to teach the Early Years programme in the 3-5 year age group of our school. Class sizes are relatively small, with the added benefit of having teaching assistants. The programme follows the English National Curriculum Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), taking into account the varied needs of our international pupils, in particular with regard to the low levels of English and therefore allowing more flexibility. Experience with very young children is highly desirable. There is also the possibility of the post being extended to that of a Foundation Phase Leader, if the right candidate is found.

We will be looking for the following qualities in our short-listed candidates: flexibility, good classroom organisation and management, a warm and child-friendly approach, clearly-set routines, the ability to differentiate and, above all, to challenge each pupil to the best of their abilities. In terms of personality, the candidate must be able to adapt to various situations, cope with mixed language levels, and be a cooperative member and leader of a small professional team of EYFS teachers.

Details of salary are available upon application.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Poland is lower than Britain. A single person will find the salaries we offer more than adequate to live on The currency is the zloty. (approx. 5 zlotys to the GBP.)

For people who like a cultural or social life, as well as a 'buzzy' and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Krakow is the place to be! The main market square in the Old Town (called the Rynek) dates from the thirteenth century and is the centre of city life. There is a wide choice of concerts, theatres, museums and cinemas, as well as a huge variety of charming cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants. There is also a fascinating historic heritage to explore, for example the old Jewish district of Kazimierz and the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, just one hour away. The Wieliczka salt mine (which is amongst the oldest in Europe) is just 30 minutes away, and various castles and medieval monasteries are scattered around the hilly, limestone-rock terrain surrounding Krakow. Skiing and hiking addicts will also be happy to know that the beautiful Tatra mountain range is only 2 hours away by coach.

In average places, a beer costs between 8 and 12 zl per ½ litre. The price of wine is more varied. Tea and coffee is priced similarly to England. In average restaurants, a main course is about 25 - 40 zl. You can also find eating places which are cheaper than this, as well as restaurants which have similar prices to those in Western Europe.

Accommodation varies according to location and size of flat. The rent for a small apartment near the centre would be approx. 1,800 - 2,200 zl. per month, plus utilities.

For further information about our school, please look us up on our website: bisc.krakow.pl

N.B. We take child protection seriously and have a clear policy on this. We require a criminal record clearance from the appointed candidate, as well as two references from all short-listed candidates, original ID documentation and teaching qualifications. Evidence of Safeguarding training is desirable

Letters of application (maximum 2 pages), CVs (maximum 3 pages, including photo) should be sent to Adam Miller primaryhead@bisc.krakow.pl and Dr Stanislaw Kwiecinski, Head of School, at: head@bisc.krakow.pl