TNT UK TEACHING DIRECTORY

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING & WORKING IN LONDON

UKTEACHINGDIRECTORYUK MAY 2009 ISSUE 4

✔✔ INSIDER INSIDER KNOWLEDGEKNOWLEDGE

✔ ✔ WHAT TO EXPECTWHAT TO EXPECT

✔ ✔ QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAININGAND TRAINING

✔ ✔ LATEST VISA LATEST VISA INFORMATIONINFORMATION

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Teaching directory editor Samantha Baden TNT editor-in-chief Krysten Booth Chief sub Claire Goodall Subs Janine Jorgensen, Jahn VannisselroyStaff writer Daniel LandonArt director Shabir MahmoodPicture editor Justine Walker Picture researcher Brendon BishopPre-press manager Jon Cooke Artworker Jana WaldmannHead of sales Jeff PerkinsSales Angela SwinburneMarketing manager Anna Williams Financial controller Nick CramptonChairman Phil ParkerCEO Jim Murray-JonesCOO Tony Goodman Pictures TNT Images

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tntmagazine.com 00FINANCE & ACCOUNTING DIRECTORY00 tntonline.co.ukTEACHING DIRECTORY CONTENTSUK 3

4 Head of the class Working as a teacher in the UK

8 Keep on training Is Qualified Teacher Status for you?

10 Make a plan Getting started in the UK

12 Child’s play Be a nursery nurse

14 Capita Education Resourcing

16 TimePlan Education

18 Jolly good show Try your hand at these British pastimes

20 London icons They’re stars of the capital’s streets for a reason

22 Your head start TNT is the bible for new arrivals in London

EDITOR’S LETTER

W elcome to the UK Teaching Directory. While other

industries suffer the effects of a subdued economy, teachers from Australia are still very much in demand in the UK.

In this directory you’ll find out everything you need to know about moving to Britain and working as a teacher.

For those looking to combine industry-specific work with regular travel, the directory offers a taste of what to expect and some tips on how to make the most of your time in the UK and Europe. You’ll also find teaching recruitment agencies who can help put you in exactly the right job to give you the flexibility to make the most of your time abroad.

KRYSTEN BOOTH

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Great jobs on offer and lots to keep you busy when the bell rings – be a teacher in London

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Australian teachers who are thinking about a move to the UK have cause to celebrate.

Even in tough economic times, the UK’s demand for teachers remains high. And with about 2000 schools in Greater London alone, the choices for teachers are nothing if not diverse.

ARE AUSTRALIAN TEACHERS VALUED IN THE UK?ITN Mark Education’s international division associate director Rachelle

TEACHING DIRECTORY WHAT TO EXPECTUK

Luxford says Australian teachers are regarded highly in the UK because of their strong classroom skills, work ethic and abilities.

“In the past, Australian teachers were mainly used for the relief work market, but now they are sought after for long-term jobs in schools as well,” Luxford says.

Melburnian Andrew Drago, who’s been teaching at a secondary school in Surrey for the past 18 months, says his colleagues have “huge” respect for

Australian teachers because they’re professional, reliable and flexible.

“Students like Aussie teachers too, and love the banter we give them,” Drago says.

“They generally already know a lot about our country, but are intrigued about why we would leave our sunny shores for theirs.”

IS THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT TO WHAT I’M USED TO?London is a big diverse city, so it’s

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very likely its classrooms will have a different look and feel from those at home. On the other hand, those in teaching recruitment, like Luxford, say Australian teachers are known for their ability to “arrive and thrive in the UK system”.

According to Luxford, what helps is that “the curriculums and training between the countries are similar.”

Drago says the main differences between British classrooms and Australian ones are pupils’ behaviour, the UK’s emphasis on results and more holidays in Britain.

“It was tough at first adapting – even to the language and slang used by the students,” he says.

“Behaviour is the main point of difference, standards aren’t as high as schools I’ve worked at in Australia. But if you show you care and plan to stick around for a while, you can win [students] over and have a rewarding teaching experience.”

In addition, Drago says there’s far greater scrutiny of teachers and their abilities in the UK, so “expect to be watched and critiqued”.

ARE THERE CAREER BENEFITS IN COMING TO THE UK TO TEACH?Recruiters in Australia say they’re very receptive to the professional experience gained in the UK, when candidates have shown their independence at getting to grips with and succeeding in a new and different education system.

WHAT’S THE PAY LIKE?Wages tend to be strong, but vary based on region and experience.

In the supply, or temporary, market you can expect to earn between £110 and £150 a day.

If you take a permanent role,

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TEACHERS’ PAY INNER LONDON £25,000-£34,768OUTER LONDON £24, 000-£33,554LONDON FRINGES £21,619-£31,138OUTSIDE LONDON £20,627-£30,148» Source: Pay scales 2008 teachernet.gov.uk

THOSE IN THE KNOWSIAN WHILEYAge: 25From Sunshine CoastLives: ClaphamJob: At Cardwell Primary School in Greenwich, covering for teachers while they have their allotted planning and preparation time out of the classroom.

How did you get your current job?When I first arrived in London I registered with three agencies recommended by other teachers. The first week of school was very quiet, but by the second week I had three days of work and it just increased from there.

How did you find your school?I did a day of supply work at my current school and they eventually offered me a permanent position.

What have been the main challenges in the UK?The hardest thing is hearing about some of the kids’ backgrounds. There are things that some of the students have dealt with or are still dealing with in their short lives that I can’t even comprehend. It can be quite upsetting to hear about how little Ugeoze was whipped at his school back in Somalia.

And that brings me to the students’ names – you won’t be able to pronounce them all, so apologise before you start taking the register.

THE BASICSYou can teach in the UK if you:» Are recognised as a qualified teacher in Australia.» Have a passport or visa that entitles you to live and work in the UK, such as a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa or ancestry visa.


TEACHING DIRECTORY WHAT TO EXPECTUK

starting salaries tend to be about £24,000 a year for schools in inner London and about £21,000 further out, but can rise to above £30,000 depending on experience.

“Many teachers came over initially just to work and travel, but are now saving the pound and setting themselves up financially for when they head back home to Australia,” Luxford says.

WHAT’S THE LIFESTYLE LIKE?If you like travel and adventure, then a job in London could be for you, and Luxford says many candidates make the move for precisely those reasons.

“The UK is great for those who

love to travel,” Luxford says. “Not only do they experience living in vibrant London or another great UK city, but with airfares as little as £10, Europe is only an hour away.”

Drago says living in London is a hugely important part of his overseas teaching experience.

“There are always lots of fun and exciting things to do,” he says.

”I’m into seeing bands and within a year saw pretty much every band I’d waited years to see in Oz.”

As for travelling, Drago says London is a great base.

“I’ve just been to Morocco and am heading to Paris. Last Christmas it was New York and then Madrid for

New Year’s – it’s a bit hard and costly to do that from Melbourne.”

WHAT TYPE OF WORK CAN TEACHERS DO IN THE UK? Luxford says there’s a wide range of work available for teachers across all school sectors. This can take the form of a permanent job, where you commit to a school for a term, a year or longer; or supply teaching where you may experience a new classroom everyday.

In a state-run school you’ll work in a large, diverse environment and gain exposure to a wide range of subject areas. The UK also has a range of independent schools.


THOSE IN THE KNOWADAM CAIRNSAge: 29From Bendigo VictoriaLives: ClaphamJob: Head of year 8 at Ravens Wood School in Kent.

Did you ever think you’d get such a serious job over here?No, never. I always thought I’d come over for just a year, but I absolutely love living in London.

How did you end up where you are today?I’m a PE teacher and I also teach maths. When I first got here I was the laziest bastard. I really didn’t do much. It got to the end of the year and there was no PE job, but there was a maths job so I applied for that and got it.

But now you’re head of year 8?I somehow got pretty interested in the department.

What’s the workload like?I work my backside off, but all the teachers do because it’s an outstanding school.

What’s your arrangement with the school?My school sponsors me and I’m on a work permit until August 2010, and then I have to reassess it all.

I know it’ll be a really difficult decision because it’s such a great career opportunity and the pay is way better than it is at home. At the moment I’m on about £40,000 [$88,000] a year.

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PACKING LIST» Passport/relevant visa.» Certificate of good conduct from the police in your home state.» Two written references from schools you’ve recently taught at or, if you’re newly qualified, from your practical experience gained as part of your degree.» Original or certified copy of your teaching qualification.» An up-to-date CV.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGEUK schools have three terms a year – from September to December; January to March; and April to July. Schools close for summer holidays from late July to early September.

HOW DO YOU GET A JOB TEACHING IN THE UK? You can either apply directly for a teaching position at a school or you can register with a specialist recruitment agency which will put you forward for roles.

Luxford says specialist recruitment agencies aim to give new arrivals support and advice before candidates even land in the UK, and some teachers begin working almost as soon as they touch down.

If you go through an agency you’ll most likely get help with things such as setting up a bank account, sorting out your National Insurance number and visa advice.


Expand your teaching qualifications and you’ll open even more doors in the UK

KEEP ON TRAININGIf you’re a teacher making the move to the UK, chances are you’ve heard about a qualification called QTS.

So, what’s it all about?Qualified teacher status (QTS)

is the accreditation that enables you to teach permanently in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

To gain QTS, you must complete a period of initial teacher training (ITT) during which you will acquire a formal set of skills needed to be an

TEACHING DIRECTORY QUALIFIED TEACHER STATUSUK

effective teacher in English and Welsh state and special schools.

I THOUGHT I COULD TEACH FOR FOUR YEARS WITHOUT QTS?If you qualified as a teacher in Australia or anywhere outside the European Economic Area, you’re eligible to teach in England and Wales only in a temporary position for up to four years. If you think you’ll be in the UK longer or want to get promoted, you’ll need to get QTS.

HOW DOES THE OVERSEAS TRAINED TEACHER PROGRAMME (OTTP) FOUR-YEAR RULE WORK?If you are an overseas-trained teacher and have not achieved QTS in the four years since you started teaching in the UK, you can no longer teach at state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

The four years start from the first day you teach in a mainstream school, and includes time out of service.

If you want to continue teaching

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ADVICE FROM THE FRONT LINE Stephen Byrne, originally from Warwick, Queensland, is acting head of the design and technology department at Coombe Boys’ Secondary School in New Malden. He has this advice for overseas-trained teachers:

“I completed my QTS in my second year here. If you are planning on staying for more than two years in England I’d strongly recommend doing it.

“The advantages are that you become a lot more familiar with the education system, you earn more money, and have better credentials when applying for positions at better schools or for promotions.

“Plus, gaining QTS is a relatively easy process for Australian teachers who have a Bachelor of Education.”

Rachelle Luxford, of ITN Mark Education international division associate directory, adds: “If you are looking to remain in the UK long term, it’s important to find a long-term placement in a school that can support your QTS training.”

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in England and Wales after four years, you will need to gain QTS, or else seek employment in an independent school.

SO HOW DO I GET QTS?Once you have found a teaching position, the OTTP will provide you with an individual training and assessment programme, which will lead to your qualification to teach permanently in England and Wales.

If you have been teaching for some time in the independent sector in England and Wales, you will still need QTS before you can teach in a state-maintained school. This is

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regardless of your experience.However, if you are experienced,

you won’t necessarily need to complete the full ITT programme. There are also options that include a QTS assessment-only programme and tailored training for overseas-trained teachers.

» For more information see the UK’s Training and Development Authority for Schools at tda.gov.uk.

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Get the essentials sorted early and you’ll be on track for success in London

MAKE A PLAN

TEACHING DIRECTORY ESSENTIALSUK

VISASYou might have heard about recent changes to UK visas, in which a points-based system for applications has been introduced. Visa rules and regulations change frequently, so check with your relevant embassy or government department before you apply. See ukvisas.gov.uk or workingintheuk.gov.uk.

TIER 5 The new Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa has replaced the working holidaymaker’s visa.

To get a YMS visa you’ll need to accrue points, which you’ll get if you hail from Australia, are between 18 and 30 years old, and have £1600 in the bank.

With the new visa you can stay in the UK for up to 24 months, and work for the full 24 months in any job (except setting up a business, playing professional sport or working as a doctor in training).

TIER 1The Tier 1 (general) visa has replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). For a Tier 1 visa you will need to accrue points based on education, previous earnings, employment, English language skills and funds in the bank. Applicants for this visa must have a master’s degree and have earned at least £20,000 in the 12 months prior to applying.

Working holidaymakers who want a Tier 1 (general) visa must now apply from within their home country.

TIER 2 The Tier 2 visa replaces the UK work permit scheme and is for people who

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already have a job offer from a UK employer. Applicants will need to accrue points based on qualifications, prospective wage, English-speaking ability and having funds (£800) in the bank.

Employers must now have a licence from the UK Border Agency in order to sponsor foreign workers.

ANCESTRYThe ancestry visa allows citizens of Commonwealth countries to work and reside in the UK if they have British-born grandparents. The ancestry visa is usually valid for five years, but can be renewed.

VISA-FREE TRAVELIf you’re a Commonwealth national with a parent who was born in the

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A PLACE TO LIVE Antipodeans call all areas of London home, but generally they tend to head west (Shepherd’s Bush, Fulham, Hammersmith, Acton), north (Dollis Hill, Kilburn, Willesden Green) or south (Tooting, Clapham, Southfields).

Dossing: Offer to chip in £5 a night minimum.

Hostels: Expect to pay at least £10-£25 a night.

Sharing: You can share a room for about £50 a week, while a room to yourself will start at around £100 a week.

Going it alone: A bedsit or studio costs a minimum of £150 a week.

Bills: Bills can include phone, gas, electricity, water, council tax and a TV licence.

Bond: This normally is up to one month’s rent, which you may have to pay in advance.

Leases: You may need to sign a lease, which will typically run for six or 12 months. UK, you should qualify for citizenship

or right of abode, which means that you can live and work in the UK without restriction.

Citizens of EEA (European Economic Area) countries can also live and work in the UK without a visa. If one of your parents was born in one such country, you may be entitled to citizenship, though this

varies from country to country.

TAXThe UK’s tax

year begins on April 6. If you work

only part of any tax year you should be able

to get some of your tax back. The tax threshold is £6475 per year, so if you earn less than this you won’t pay any tax.

NATIONAL INSURANCEYou need a National Insurance (NI) number to work in the UK. Once you

have landed call 0845 600 0643 to book an appointment to apply for one.

Some NI contributions go into a State Second Pension (S2P). You can contract out of this and direct the money into a private pension fund instead. You’ll need to do this before the end of the tax year.

HEALTHNational Health Service (NHS) treatment in hospitals and surgeries is free, but there’s a charge for prescribed medicines (though you won’t pay for contraceptives such as the pill).

Once you have a permanent address in the UK, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or see nhsdiret.nhs.uk, for a list of doctors in your area, and make an appointment with one who is taking patients.

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The role of a nursery nurse is far from being a glorified babysitter

CHILD’S PLAY

Nursery nurses are childcare professionals in the UK who specialise in looking after children in the infant to five-year-old age bracket. They work in nurseries, crêches, schools and even in private homes.

NEED TO KNOWThere are many different roles for nursery nurses, from nursery assistants to nursery managers.

“Nursery nurses look after children and provide them with relevant activities according to the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulations,” says

TEACHING DIRECTORY NURSERY NURSESUK

Sandrina Schurer, director of GEM Select Recruitment.

Nursery nurse duties include teaching kids early years curriculum, creating fun activities for them to do, taking children to the toilet and even feeding babies.

They are also responsible for monitoring children’s progress so they can report to parents.

WORKING HOURSNurseries are typically open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays, and nursery nurses tend to work 40 hours a week within those hours.

“One week you could be working

8am to 4pm and the next 9am to 5pm,” explains Caroline Broughton, a consultant at Bretsa Recruitment.

THE PAYSalaries vary depending on your experience and skill level, and if you’re working in a government or private institution.

Broughton says the average pay for a nursery nurse is between £12,000 and £16,000 a year.

QUALIFICATIONSThe right qualification is a must for this job.

If you have qualified as a child

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THE RIGHT SKILLSThese extras are essential for the job as a nursery nurse.

YOU GOTTA LOVE KIDS“That’s a prerequisite because being around children at 8 o’clock in the morning, you have to like it,” says Schurer.

FLEX THISNursery nurses work in shifts, so you need to be flexible with regard to your hours, especially if there’s an emergency and you have to work longer.

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carer in Australia you should approach UK Naric, the UK government agency that recognises diplomas from abroad, to investigate whether or not you can use your qualification in the UK.

Ofsted recognises a range of UK certificates and Schurer recommends you obtain the maximum qualification available and increase your skills wherever possible, even if it means doing volunteer work.

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CAN YOU KEEP UP?Little tykes can run around for hours – so you’ll need stamina to not tire before them.

BE ENTHUSIASTICNo one wants to be stuck with a whinger, and kids are no different. Enthusiasm is essential and creates a fun environment.

GET INVOLVED“Nursery nurses are expected to get down on the kids’ level,” says Broughton.

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SUPPLY IN DEMAND

Capita Education Resourcing wants to help make your

transition to the UK as easy as possible, but is also committed to ensuring your experience is an enriching one, both in and out of the classroom.

There is a wealth of education recruitment agencies in operation throughout the UK, so choosing which one to trust is a difficult task. However, the team at Capita stands apart from the crowd.

With its national network of schools and wide range of teaching

vacancies in more areas of England than any other UK agency, Capita is a clear winner for Australian teachers looking to work in Britain.

If you register with Capita, the choice is endless. You can spend a term in London, Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield or Newcastle. You could choose a mainstream school, a country school or even a special needs school. You only need to register once, and Capita will take it from there.

What sets the Capita team apart

CAPITA EDUCATION RESOURCING+44 (0)20 8600 13002 Hammersmith BroadwayHammersmithLondon W6 [email protected]

Capita Education Resourcing has every teaching position covered in the UK

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is they don’t consider their job over when the bell rings, but rather recognise the important social aspect of their candidates’ lives in the UK.

Capita offers advice to help you settle in quickly, including setting up a bank account and finding accommodation. They’ll also help you meet like-minded people via regular social events.

Capita’s strengths are well recognised. It was among the first supply teaching agencies to be awarded the Government’s Quality Mark as part of a joint initiative

between the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The Quality Mark indicates Capita’s high standards of vetting and the quality of the supply teachers it provides. In short, Capita wants to help you find the right teaching job and introduce you to like-minded people, which will hopefully make your travelling and work experience much more memorable.

“Capita wants to help you find the right job and introduce you to like-minded people”

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Twenty years’ committed to serving Australian teachers means you’ll be in experienced hands

THE TIME IS RIGHT

T he first teacher TimePlan ever placed in a school was an Aussie.

The school had such high regard for her that they began to demand more quality Australian teachers. That was back in 1989.

Now, there are so many teaching agencies operating in the UK, it can

be difficult making the right choice. However, TimePlan still stands apart as the first and most experienced agency in the UK.

TimePlan has always been at the forefront of shaping the industry, lobbying for better quality control and maintaining higher standards in the classroom. Plus TimePlan is one of few teaching agencies consistently awarded 100 per cent in Quality Mark inspections.

TimePlan is equally dedicated to making the transition to the UK as smooth as possible for Australian teachers by providing honest, specialist advice. Furthermore, TimePlan’s TouchDown package is free and ensures teachers can settle in

“TimePlan is dedicated to making the transition to the UK as smooth as possible”

TIMEPLAN EDUCATIONFreecall: 0011 800 8463 7526UK: +44 (0)20 8371 [email protected]

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upon arrival – this includes opening a bank account through to providing a free UK police clearance.

For those who want to explore Europe, TimePlan has teamed up with Contiki and Topdeck to offer you the opportunity to travel at discounted rates. And, if you’re

keen to stay fit and healthy, there’s also a special rate for you if you join a Fitness First gym.

TimePlan’s monthly social events are a great way to meet other TimePlan teachers. These events are held at convenient, central locations throughout the country, and TimePlan will even offer to shout the drinks.

On a more serious note, TimePlan is committed to professional development. There are free seminars and workshops held through the year to encourage and support the advancement of your career.

Get in touch with TimePlan today and their Australian representatives, who are all teachers themselves, will help you begin your move to the UK.

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• Teach in England or Scotland

• Primary or Secondary vacancies

• Earn £££s and travel Europe

• Short-term, long-term and supply work

• Comprehensive support package

Contact us today:Free call – 0011 800 8463 7526Email: [email protected] or visit www.timeplan.com

Hands up…

Because Teachers and Schools Matter

…who wants to teach in the UK?


Forget a snakie at the Walkabout – instead have a crack at these British-as-mushy-peas pastimes

JOLLY GOOD SHOWThere’s more to the Brits than bad teeth, a craving to queue and a ton of love for a steaming cup of tea.

They’re also famous for corgis, colonisation, and undressing in parks while sipping Pimm’s and lemonade – not to mention a few other pastimes.

FLOAT YOUR BOATForget kicking a drop punt for goal in an Aussie Rules game. When the Brits say punting they mean mucking about on the river in a flat-bottomed boat called a punt.

They’re easy to spot – you will see a punter using a pole to push off the river bed and get the punt moving.

Originally built as cargo or fishing boats, these days punts are only used

TEACHING DIRECTORY BEST OF BRITISHUK

for pleasure trips in the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as in a handful of summer regattas on the Thames.» See oxford-guide.com

HOLD YOUR HORSESThe horseback sport of polo was played by the Persians as far back as 700BC, and later in India. But the Brits are credited with spreading polo worldwide in the 19th century, and the sport’s governing body is the UK-based Hurlingham Polo Association.

Did you know a game of polo is divided into six seven-minute chukkas, with players changing horses between each chukka? Hang out with the upper classes and check out a game while you’re in the UK.» See guardspoloclub.com

MAKE A MEAL OF ITBrits love a big hearty feed of bangers and mash, fish and chips with mushy

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peas, pork pies or pasties. Curry also rates highly (a popular import from colonial days in India) along with a host of other dishes reflecting Britain’s multicultural population.

No stint in London would be complete without sampling British gastropub grub, a Brick Lane curry or a flash feed at a celebrity chef’s top class restaurant.» See tntonline.co.uk/tnt_today/pubs__clubs

CULTURE VULTURESEver wandered London’s streets and noticed some fascinating examples of British architecture, design, art, history and culture? It’s in your face at every turn, from the striking Romanesque architecture of the Natural History Museum to the vaulted ceilings of St Pancras Station, and the endless wealth of art in the corridors of the National Gallery (below) and Tate Britain.

You can’t say you’ve sampled the best of British without at least dipping your toe in the ocean of culture that’s on your doorstep in the capital.» See tntonline.co.uk/tnt_today/tourist_traps

CALLING THE SHOTSUsing hounds to hunt foxes was a huge tradition in Britain, dating

back to the 16th century. The sport was banned in 2004 amid a storm of controversy – those for fox hunting argued it was a vital part of rural culture, important for conservation and pest control; those against said it was cruel and unnecessary.

While you can’t chase a fox any more, stalking deer and hunting game birds such as pheasants and grouse is still common.

If shooting animals isn’t your bag, try less bloody high-brow aristocratic pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting or smoking cigars in the drawing room.» See countrysports.co.uk

EVERY LETTER COVEREDNeed more ideas for soaking up the best of British culture? Here’s the complete A-Z.

(A) Afternoon tea at a swanky hotel(B) Bad teeth(C) Corgis and chavs(D) Drinking Pimm’s in the park

on a balmy summer arvo(E) Elton John(F) Fox hunting, and shooting

other stuff(G) Guards – royal ones, that is

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(H) Healthcare. Gotta love the NHS!

(I) Invading other countries and setting up colonial regimes

(J) Jobs. Get one while you’re over here

(K) Kings and queens(L) London Bridge (M) Macbeth and Shakespeare’s other (happier) plays(N) Necking a pint at your local pub(O) Obesity(P) Punting(Q) Queuing(R) Rhyming slang(S) Strawberries and cream

at Wimbledon(T) Theatre in the West End(U) Undressing in parks (V) V Festival, among loads

of other great music festies(W) Whingeing(X) X-rated nights out. Have you

been to Torture Garden?(Y) Ye olde architecture(Z) Zebras at London Zoo

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LONDON ICONS

GAS LAMPSIn 1807 London showed the way for its citizens, and the world, when it introduced gas as a method for lighting the streets. There were once 60,000 gas-powered lamps in the city, but most now run on electricity.

Look out for the dedicated blokes who maintain the 1600 remaining lamps within the royal palaces and parks – one loves his job so much he won’t retire. BLUE POLICE BOXESDoctor Who is responsible for making them sexy, but these boxes once served a useful if mundane purpose. Before mobile phones and fancy

TEACHING DIRECTORY LONDON ICONSUK

radios they kept tabs on the bobbies walking the beat and let them rest their knackered feet. No self-respecting plod would be seen dead with scuffed boots, so each box was kitted out with a table, stool and brushes and dusters. There’s a replica blue box outside Earl’s Court Tube station – fight through the Doctor Who fans to get a look-in.

ROUTEMASTER BUSESThese open-backed red buses were removed from service in 2005, except for two tourist routes (9 and 15) to keep the whingeing public quiet. The buses were built in the 1950s and 1960s and were only designed

to last 17 years, so expect a few bumps along the way.

Jumping on a moving bus is hardly safe, but London Mayor Boris Johnson

Discover the story behind some of the UK capital’s most famous landmarks and symbols

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tntonline.co.uk

tntonlineFor more on enjoying life in London go to tntonline.co.uk/movingtolondon

has promised to bring the Routemaster back – not great news for anyone who values their legs.

RED TELEPHONE BOOTHSYou’re more likely to see a gaggle of Japanese tourists having a perv at these booths than a phone being used, but that hasn’t stopped public outrage at their gradual removal.

Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott in the 1920s to protect callers from the elements, most also provide info on a handy array of female services.

The UK’s 70 million mobile phones means demand for them is dropping faster than the stock market, but if you are feeling nostalgic a measly £2500 will buy you your very own.

BLACK CABSThese are the only cabs that can legally be “hailed” in the city, and great measures are taken to maintain their reputation. Vehicles cost £30,000 and drivers must pass ‘The Knowledge’ test, proving they know every road in inner London. The vehicle’s high roof was designed to allow enough room to sit while wearing a bowler hat, but only if you want to look like a wanker, of course.

BOBBIES’ HELMETSTraditional 12-inch bobbies’ helmets were designed to give the wearer an imposing physical presence. Despite them dropping three inches (there were complaints the ‘wobbly’ helmets caused head and neck injuries), the wearer is still instantly recognisable as a person of authority. Whatever their size, pregnant women will always have use for them. An old law states that a copper must not deny her his helmet if she needs a pee.

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NEW LONDON LOVESBuses, taxis and coppers aren’t the only icons on London streets. Here are a few others.

VOMITSaturday and Sunday mornings are the best times to see a delightful pile of carrots and peas on the pavement. For really impressive specimens you’ll need to head to the West End or the alley beside your local pub.

DOG POOLondon’s suburban streets wouldn’t be the same without a steaming pile of crap, so much so that dodging

turds while walking to the train has become a sport for residents.

FREE NEWSPAPER TOUTSFree papers are a fairly recent addition to the capital, but that hasn’t stopped their distributors becoming cult figures for their attractive purple and yellow attire.

ITALIAN TOURISTSItalians often visit London in packs. This leads to groups competing to see who can block the station entrance the longest, who can wave their arms most vigorously, and who can talk the loudest.

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TNT is your essential guide to travel, entertainment and jobs while you’re in London

YOUR HEAD STARTLike a best friend who provides you with insider tips, invites you out to the best parties and generally makes your life better, TNT will be your bible while you’re living in the UK.

READ ALL ABOUT ITTNT Magazine is a free weekly publication for Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans, and can be found in distinctive red bins across London every Monday.

New arrivals to the UK will find information on accommodation, landing a job and sorting out other essentials, such as healthcare, tax and national insurance.

WEB SAVVYTNT is also available on the web at tntonline.co.uk, where you’ll find events in London and destination ideas for your next trip.

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FIND A JOBGet ahead of the competition at tntjobs.co.uk, where there’s a tips section for finding and landing your dream job as well as links to leading recruiters, CV advice and jobs news.

FIND A FLATWhether you’re looking for a sharehouse or a flat of your own, log onto tntonline.co.uk/accommodation and find somewhere to call home. You can search by area or according to the kind of household you’re after. There’s also tips to make sure you understand your rights as a tenant.

OUT ON THE TOWNOnce you’re settled with a place to live and a means of paying the rent, you’ll probably want to start having fun. Count on TNT to let you know

about the very best of the capital, from films, theatre and exhibitions, to music and clubbing.

GET TRAVELLINGFrom a weekend at Germany’s Oktoberfest to a couple of weeks discovering eastern Europe, you’re probably planning on doing a fair bit of travelling once you’ve set yourself up in London. TNT brings you the best travel ideas in the magazine’s travel section every Monday. There are also more than 170 destination guides just a mouse click away at tntonline.co.uk/travel.

COMPETITIONS AND MORETNT likes to give something back to its readers, so keep an eye on the magazine and visit tntonline.co.uk/competitions for your chance to win some great prizes.

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Meet Bob...

With over 100 trips and festivals available to you, we’ll help you see the real Europe. If Europe isn’t your thing, then how about seeing the pyramids in Egypt? We’re all about great value trips for 18 to 30 somethings.

www.topdeck.travel Ph 1300 886 332

Bob is from Romania, one of the many gems you’ll discover on our Mega European trip. And don’t worry, he’s just chopping wood for us to prepare dinner tonight.

On a Topdeck trip, we’ll make sure you get to see Europe’s famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower. But we’ll also get you off the beaten track to see the real Europe and meet some local characters.


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TNT UK TEACHING DIRECTORY