EPG, Salwa White Building

Location: Kuwait

Curriculum Levels: Foundation, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two

The English Playgroup and Primary Schools (EPG) is a successful and fast growing education provider currently consisting of nine Early Years nurseries and two schools.  EPG’s mission is to provide English education at affordable prices to a large and growing number of families in Kuwait. We are responsible for the care and education of 4200 children. Children at our Early Years nurseries and schools are predominantly ESL students from local Kuwaiti and other Arab families.  Our bilingual programme teaches fluency in English and Arabic and we use the English National Curriculum as our foundation to deliver the best of Early Years and Primary education.  EPG aims to equip its students to face the challenges of a global world.

Our Early Years centres and schools are located on independent sites across Kuwait to meet the needs of the families we serve.  Each campus is equipped with art, library and music facilities and has a well equipped play area which has been adapted for use all year round in recognition of the hot summer months.

Salwa Infant School provides education for 580 students in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.  We use a subject based, team teaching approach. Our English teachers work closely with other specialist teachers in Arabic, Art, ICT, Islamic Studies, Maths, Music, PE and Science to provide a dedicated educational service for our children.  We keep our class numbers deliberately small (18-22 children) to ensure we provide the best support for our children.  We are proud to offer a wide range of school events, trips and activities to deliver the English National Curriculum, nurture confidence, independence, social skills, positive attitudes towards learning and develop the child as a whole.

We are committed to the continued professional development of our teaching staff.  This academic year (2013/2014) we have introduced a formal in-house CPD programme delivered through regular workshops across a wide range of pedagogical topics which have been identified through performance evaluation and requirements put forward by teachers themselves. 

EPG can offer teachers, who demonstrate commitment and strong performance, long term career prospects.  This year we have put in place career paths through internal recruitment and promotions, and are moving to a system of performance-based reward for 2014/2015. As a continuously expanding educational company, we offer opportunities for promotion to staff with the skills and experience to take up academic management and supervisory positions.  Working in our schools offers our teachers a privileged insight into Arabic culture.

Kuwait

Kuwait receives mixed reviews.  Those looking to teach abroad often dismiss Kuwait for other Middle Eastern destinations without seeing the benefits of living and working here. 

Feedback from our staff shows that Kuwait offers a good standard of living and a varied social life. Kuwait is a safe and stable country with a high level of political freedom and a fair and independent legal system. Women are encouraged to work, drive and vote. The veil is not compulsory in Kuwait. 

Kuwait offers the opportunity to save.  At EPG, accommodation including utility bills is included which keeps outgoings to a minimum and savings to a maximum.

Kuwait is a great base from which to explore.  Known as the jet capital of the Middle East, Kuwait has an extensive network of flights and destinations such as other Middle Eastern countries, as well as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.  Prices range from low cost budget airlines to the more mainstream.

There is a large and active expat community in Kuwait. A large proportion of this community consists of the Western teaching community.  Social life is centred around sports, shopping, eating out and enjoying the coffee-shop style culture.  Many of our staff members join beach clubs, which offer the use of gyms, swimming pools and the opportunity to soak up the sun away from public beaches.  There are a range of other clubs and social events to get involved in drama, music and literature.  EPG offers Arabic lessons for non Arabic speakers and expatriates can also take advantage of government Arabic and Islamic culture programmes through Kuwait’s heritage centre.

Climate

Kuwait has a continental climate characterized by its dry hot long summer and short warm winter with occasional rainfalls. Dusty storms often occur during the summer months.  The academic year ensures that children and teachers alike experience the best of Kuwait’s weather which allows for plenty of outdoor activities and sports and allows residents to benefit both from the coast and the desert. Teaching staff in Kuwait enjoy the long summer travelling to other destinations or spending a well deserved break in their home countries.

To find out more about EPG please click here [http://www.epg.edu.kw/home] to visit our website.