PRIMARY SCHOOL

TIS's primary department, also taught in the English medium, was established in around '95, and was initially for children of teachers who worked in the main secondary school. When I arrived in August '97, the number of pupils had risen to twelve. I had assumed that my job would be a 'classroom assistant' of sorts, only I soon discovered that I would be responsible for a whole class - and on top of that, we didn't even have a school building yet!

In those situations you just have to get stuck in! Luckily we were able to buy a small building next to the school's dormitory just in time for the start of term. With great help from Shirin, the other permanent primary teacher, and teachers from the secondary school, I found myself teaching a group of three children aged 5-7. I also taught maths for some of the older children, plus I became the school's drama and music teacher!

Although it was extremely tough going, and there were times when I felt I wasn't getting anywhere with the kids, it was still a fantastic experience. There are too many stories and too many happy memories to describe here, so I hope the photographs will at least give you some impression of what it was like.