Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Island.

Pitcairn Island is a small volcanic island situated in the South Pacific Ocean half way between NZ and Panama. The island is surrounded by cliffs and access is almost exclusively by longboats into Bounty Bay the only jetty and safe landing area on the Island.

At just 3.2 kms long and 1.6kms wide it has a land area of just 450 hectares however it’s rugged terrain means the island feels a lot bigger than it really is and hosts many spectacular landmarks including Christians Cave and St Pauls, a huge natural rock pool which offers spectacular swimming when the ocean allows.

The majority of the residents on Pitcairn are the direct descendents from Fletcher Christian and the other Bounty Mutineers and Polynesians who while fleeing the authorities settled on the Island back in 1790.

 The island’s current population of only around 50 residents makes Pitcairn one of the smallest and remote communities in the world with it’s nearest inhabited neighbour being Mangareva, a small island at the bottom of French Polynesia, some 480kms away.

Despite the islands remoteness and size it is still well serviced with a full-time doctor plus a teacher usually sourced from within the NZ education system and on one or two year contracts.

The teaching position on Pitcairn offers unique challenges and rewards. With just seven pupils ranging in age from five to 15, the teacher is able to give all the students individual attention and nurture their development and progress in a way that is difficult with larger class sizes.

The curriculum is based on the NZ system and it is hoped that the children will take up the opportunity to continue their studies in NZ once they reach tertiary level.

The school has also benefited from an on-going programme of infrastructure and development.

The teacher’s residence was built just five years ago and is a beautiful three bedroom home situated above the school with spectacular sea views.

The school was also rebuilt in 2006 and under the guidance of the current teacher is being restocked with up-to-date resources and equipment, including broadband internet access and a video conference facility.

As is the preference with all long term placements on the island, the Government of Pitcairn looks to recruit a teacher who is able to accept the contract along with their partner. This helps in coping with the isolation and also in becoming part of the community. Further requirements are that applicants do not take dependant children to the Island and candidates and their partners are in good health.

For the successful applicant a teaching position on Pitcairn offers excitement, job satisfaction and an experience of a life time.