Cynthia Orr

Head of Department English

Cynthia has recently returned from two and a half years of teaching and travelling overseas.  Based in London she taught in a range of schools including a senior college and several private schools.

“My overseas experience was very beneficial as it reinforced through good feedback that we do things well here in New Zealand,” says Cynthia.  “New Zealand and Australian teachers are seen as valuable assets in the UK as they can deliver anything and are used to lesson planning.”

Cynthia strongly believes that time spent overseas is very valued by school employers.  “There are lots of opportunities for people returning who want a promotion.”

As a Head of English, Cynthia has a few overseas teachers in her department so her overseas experience has also enabled her to better understand where they come from.

Has she noticed any changes in teaching since she left?  “The biggest change is that NCEA level 3 has been implemented and the whole bedding down process of the national qualification has occurred.  I do however think that it has taken away a little bit of freedom as students think that assessment is now more important than learning.”

Cynthia had been teaching at Papakura High School before she left.  “Coming back to New Zealand in the middle of a school year is very hard so returning to the same school made the transition that much easier,” Cynthia believes.  “You have to be mindful of the fact that you will have been teaching for a longer than normal spell without the summer holiday break. “

Her advice to other teachers thinking of returning is to book a holiday so you have something to look forward to when you return.  “Otherwise you can get caught up in settling in and overlook having a break at the end of your first year back.”

Other essential advice is to obtain a fresh police clearance before leaving, and catch up with the changes in NCEA achievement standards, which can happen quite quickly.