MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION
FAQ
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Q1: Where will I complete my Masters?
Q2: Why is the Masters three years?
Q3: What is a typical day in Fairview?
Q4: Do I need previous teaching experience?
Q5: When do I begin teaching my own class?
Q6: What additional duties will be expected of me?
Q7: What curriculum does Fairview use?
Q8: When are the school holidays?
Q9: Does the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) count for exemption for some of the Masters modules?
Q10: Can I return home after the three years and complete my NQT?
Q11: Is there access to the Universities electronic library resource database?
Q12: What facilities does Fairview have?
Q13: When will I be paid my first allowance?
Q14: What happens after the Masters?
Q1: Where will I complete my Masters?
A: Teachers are currently being assigned to either one of our two campuses in the city of Kuala Lumpur.
Q2: Why is the Masters three years?
A: The unique element of this Masters programme is the opportunity for practical experience whilst acquiring the theoretical knowledge. Because of this, the postgraduate course is extended over three years to offer candidates the immersion and reflection opportunities in an IB educational setting to conduct an on-site research project. See Course Description for more details.
Q3: What is a typical day in Fairview?
A: A typical day starts at 7.20am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. However, some of the classes related to the Masters programme or other professional development modules may take place on weekends.
Q4: Do I need previous teaching experience?
A: While it may be advantageous to have previous teaching experience it is not necessary. Fairview provides assistance to all individuals with little or no teaching experience. This includes orientation to the fundamentals of teaching and learning, and, IB pedagogies. You will also be supported through Fairview’s network of schools through an online platform allowing for cross-communication throughout all campuses and continuous collaborative planning. This offers you the opportunity to learn from and share with a diverse range of academic staff across levels and departments.
Q5: When do I begin teaching my own class?
A: As this Masters is a praxis, teaching your own class will be alongside the acquisition of theory to the fundamentals of teaching and learning, and, IB pedagogies. All teachers will be acquainted with the IB curriculum framework and supported through their respective IB programme coordinator and colleagues. You will also be supported through Fairview’s network of schools through an online platform allowing for cross-communication throughout all campuses and continuous collaborative planning. This offers you the opportunity to learn from and share with a diverse range of academic staff across levels and departments. It is possible to be co-teaching to facilitate some teachers the extra opportunities to learn directly from an experienced IB teacher and/or be a provision of support for those concerned with teaching their own class independently.
Q6: What additional duties will be expected of me?
A: Co-curricular activities (CCA) offers teachers opportunities to develop and interact with students outside the classroom through a more social context of societies and sports. You may be required to supervise or assist a CCA, that may be an interest of yours and/or if you have relevant experience. Other duties (though not exhaustive) include class, break-time and dismissal supervision. The school observes and celebrates a variety of events of which all staff, academic and administrative, collaborate towards.
Q7: What curriculum does Fairview use?
A: Fairview follows the English National Curriculum.
Q9: Does the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) count for exemption for some of the modules on the Masters programme?
A: No, grades from PGCE modules cannot be used for exemption. This is because the postgraduate degree is a research-based Masters and therefore have very different modules.
Q8: When are the school holidays?
A: Semester dates and the dates of school holidays can be found from Fairview’s website.
Leave can only be taken during school holidays and not during scheduled professional development workshops/ classes. Additionally, Fairview may require you to attend some external workshops deemed to be useful to your professional practice that may fall during school holidays. Also, as part of the staff of Fairview International School, your participation in school events and celebrations is required which may again fall during school holidays.
Q10: Can I return to the UK after the three years and complete my NQT?
A: Yes, there is no time limit in England following the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by which you have to start your Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) induction. However there is a five year limit in Wales.
(For more information, visit the website below:
Q11: Is there access to the Sheffield Hallam University electronic library resource database?
A: Yes, once students begin their Masters modules teachers will have access to the electronic library resource database.
Q12: What facilities does Fairview have?
A: Sports facilities: basketball courts, badminton courts, sports hall, futsal area, playing field and swimming pool(s).
Halls of Residence (accommodation): Infinity pool on the roof of the building overlooking the lush tropical outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, pool tables, Wi-Fi and a communal lounge areas with cable TV.
Q13: When will I be paid my first salary?
A: Your first salary will be placed into your Malaysian bank account after teaching for one complete month. The school will help you set up your Malaysian bank account upon arrival. It is advised to come with some money for food and expenses to cover the first month.
Q14: What happens after the Masters?
A: Across the globe there is an increasing demand for creative, innovative education professionals who have highly developed skills and a deep understanding of learning. In many countries a Masters degree is becoming essential for career advancement in teaching and related careers.
On successful completion of the Masters you will have gained:
• A Masters of Art (MA) in Education qualification from a leading UK University, Sheffield Hallam University
• Eligibility to apply for IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning Research; because you are a graduate from an IB-recognised university (Fairview International University College) and from an IB-recoginised postgraduate programme
(This is a different certificate to those attained from a 3-day workshop)
• International teaching experience in an IB World School
• Secure employment with the network of Fairview International Schools
• Academic and leadership roles in international/private schools and IB schools
• Applied research contributing to the advancement of educational best practices in IB World Schools and other schools globally
• Eligibility to undertake doctoral study
APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS
Q15: What if I exceed the word count on the Case Reflection on the Application Form?
Q16: Should I get the letter of recommendation or reference from my referee, or should it be confidential?
Q17: What do I do if I have additional documents to submit?
Q18: What do I do if I am experiencing technical difficulties submitting the application form electronically?
Q19: If I apply when am I likely to be interviewed?
Q20: After being interviewed, how soon after will I know if I am offered the scholarship?
Q15: What if I exceed the word count on the Case Reflection on the Application Form?
A: It is advised for applicants to not exceed the word count. However, it is understood that flexibility may be required in certain circumstances.
Q16: Should I get the letter of recommendation or reference from my referee, or should it be confidential?
A: To submit an application online, a letter of recommendation is required to be uploaded. If, however, you prefer us to contact your referee for you just upload a Word document stating the below:
I,________, give permission to Fairview International School to contact the below referee for the purpose of the scholarship application to the Master of Arts in Education.
Name of referee:
Post/occupation of referee:
Relationship to applicant:
Referee’s email:
Q17: What do I do if I have additional documents to submit?
A: Email additional documents to Michelle Chian at chianmichelle@fairview.edu.my, upon successful submission of an application form.
Q18: What do I do if I am experiencing technical difficulties submitting the application form electronically?
A: Take a screen shot of the filled application form and email this to Michelle Chian at chianmichelle@fairview.edu.my
Q19: If I apply when am I likely to be interviewed?
A: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed within a few weeks after submission of an application to assess proficiency, aptitudes and attitudes towards working with learners in an international educational IB setting.
IF I AM AWARDED THE SCHOLARSHIP...
Q20: After being interviewed, how soon after will I know if I am successful?
A: Depending on the number of applications at that moment, it can range between a few days to no more than 2 weeks. If however you do not hear from Fairview within this period, do contact Michelle Chian at chianmichelle@fairview.edu.my for an update.
Q21: Is there anything I should consider bringing to Malaysia?
Q22: Is there anything I should do or read to prepare for the programme?
Q21: Is there anything I should consider bringing to Malaysia?
A: Some teachers do consider bringing teaching materials that they have used before. It is also advisable to bring your own laptop if you have one.
Q22: Is there anything I should do or read to prepare for the programme?
A: The advice we give is to enjoy your well-deserved break before embarking on this journey. If you are required to prepare with some prior reading, you will be contacted directly by our programme coordinators or HR department.