‘I’d be happy to teach in the Isle of Man.’
That’s the verdict of National Union of Teachers national president Max Hyde following her visit to primary and secondary schools last week.
She said: ‘I think it’s a very strong positive community and that’s something that’s being lost in England and something I really admire.’
Mrs Hyde visited St Mary’s, Laxey, Dhoon, Rhumsaa and Ashley Hill primaries and Ramsey Grammar School.
She said pupils of all ages were independent learners and have a ‘love of loving’ as well as the skills they will need in the outside world.
Mrs Hyde also met Department of Education and Children director Geoff Moorcroft and director of strategy and corporate services Heather Christian.
‘I welcome the fact there’s a much more professional dialogue between the department and teachers than you see in England,’ she said.
‘It’s clear on the Isle of Man teachers and the DEC are one in wanting high standards for the children and the island.’
Mrs Hyde said the main issue raised by teachers was their workloads.
For secondary school teachers this includes pressures due to the forthcoming move to IGCSEs.
‘It’s a big change,’ she said.
‘They want to be ready to do their very best when they are introduced.’
She described the island’s move to IGCSEs as ‘bold’, saying while a linear approach favoured those with a good memory, real learning was about ‘understanding what it is that you’re learning and how to apply it in the real world.’