Special Educational Needs & Disability Coordinator (SENDCo)

RA International School is situated within the Nigerian LNG Residential Area, Bonny Island, Nigeria. It provides education to children between the ages of 3 and 11 whose parents work for NLNG. RAIS has an increasingly diverse student population of around 500 children. We currently have a 4-class intake although in some year groups there are 5 classes. Class sizes are small, supporting the teaching and learning dynamic.

RAIS benefits from a large, attractive learning environment - including an impressive modern building housing our Year 2 to Year 6 children. All classrooms are air-conditioned, with interactive whiteboards and internet connectivity. The school also benefits from two fully equipped ICT suites. Sporting facilities include an indoor sports hall, an Olympic-size swimming pool, soccer field and track - which are provided by the company Sports Complex, adjacent to the school. The children enjoy extensive play areas located around the campus.

An increasingly expatriate population of children and staff is anticipated alongside the company’s ongoing expansion project.

Curriculum

The school is international in nature and runs the English National Curriculum in English and Mathematics, alongside the International Early Years Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum. Specialist Subject Teachers provide Physical Education, Swimming, Computing, French, Christian and Islamic Studies, Music and Art. Lessons in these subjects are linked to IEYC and IPC Learning Goals.

After School Activities run each term, providing the children with a wide range of learning opportunities in skilled areas such as arts and crafts, sports, swimming, drama, music, dance, gymnastics, ballet, cooking and much more.

We have an active Student Leadership Team which runs various school activities and raises funds for charity to support the needy in the host community.

Wider learning opportunities are always actively employed to enhance the children’s learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Our children are very well-mannered and keen to learn. ‘Excellence and Enjoyment’ is the touchstone for all we do at RAIS! 

Learning Support Unit

RAIS is an inclusive school and accepts all children of NLNG staff, regardless of physical or learning needs. The Unit is supported by a large and dedicated learning support staff. The school is very proud to have received the NASEN Award for International Provision 2022.

The Residential Area

Bonny Island is situated at the southern side of Rivers State in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The island has two main towns, Bonny and Finima. The nearest city is Port Harcourt, a boat ride or short flight away. The Nigeria LNG Residential Area (RA) and Industrial Area (IA) are situated to the south-west of the island.

A number of small bars and restaurants operate across the camp, offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Some also serve food (e.g., local, Asian, fish barbecue). A pizza delivery service is also available.

All housing, shopping, medical and primary schooling needs can be met within the RA. The supermarket receives regular supplies and it is possible to order specific items that you may need. There is also a Saturday market within the NLNG RA that sells everything from local fresh produce and regional crafts to imported goods. 

All recreational facilities are free and include a 50-metre outdoor pool, a golf course and driving range, tennis courts, snooker tables, squash courts and a well-equipped gym. Free training in a range of sports is also available. Walking, jogging, running or cycling around the perimeter (6km) are popular ways to keep fit. There is also a public library, with a range of literature available. A variety of clubs may be joined, at no charge. 

The RA is very safe and secure. Movement outside the camp is possible to visit the towns of Finima and Bonny but restrictions are sometimes in place. The RA is low-level, green and spacious. Staff enjoy large, comfortable homes, with gardens. Power supply is constant, with 3-pin UK sockets. Satellite TV and internet are provided in all houses at no cost.

Travelling to and from Bonny

Given the island location, it is usual to arrive on an international flight in Lagos, be met by official representatives, and then escorted to a very comfortable company-approved hotel to stay overnight in Lagos. You will then be collected the next day and fly on a company- chartered airplane to Finima Airstrip on Bonny Island, close to the school. Flight time is around 1 hour. To leave the island, there is a late afternoon local flight enabling teachers to be in Lagos in time for an evening international departure and arrive in Europe early next morning. 

RAIS offers teachers a uniquely rewarding experience and a very enjoyable lifestyle!