I’d always been deeply interested in economics as a subject. But the teacher training program I was on had no option for economics. However, maths was also something that I was very passionate about. I had had experience tutoring in English and maths prior to that, so it felt like a natural progression. I ended up dual-qualified! I did my PGCE in maths, but my NQT Year was in economics, so I’m certified in both maths and Economics, which was a nice perk!

I was at Dulwich College London for about four years teaching 80 percent economics and 20 percent maths.

03 Why did you want to come to Dulwich International High School Suzhou?

Midway through my fourth year teaching a Dulwich College in London, I was beginning to really find my feet as a teacher and felt very comfortable in the job that I was part of. So, I started looking for possible next steps. I have always been very ambitious, so I wanted to take a positive step forward that would help develop my career path and aspirations. I had been brought up in London, now I was teaching back in London at the same school that I went to as a pupil. I felt I needed a greater breadth of experience.

I was offered a job at Dulwich International High School Suzhou that I was very happy with! Suzhou is a great city. I feel that I have developed a lot as a teacher by coming to a different environment. It was very, very different! I had only taught a very small proportion of Chinese or International students back in London (about 15-20 percent) most of them had English as a first language. So, it was a big step to come out here! It was a massive change, as I had never lived outside of the UK before.

The original arrangement I had with Dulwich London was that I would be seconded to China for one year, while my job in Dulwich London remained open. But coming out here, I really settled in fast and really enjoyed being here with the friendly people. The students are brilliant. I felt like I had a lot to offer. Mid way through that first year, the opportunity to apply for the head of department role arose. That was something that I was really excited about as I had been looking for that step up for a couple of years. I got the job, so I am now here for at least two more years.

It was a challenge, because I felt such a connection to Dulwich Generally, that having to formally give up my Dulwich College London role was quite a big moment for me. It was tough emotionally to part ways formally.

04 What is it like Teaching at Dulwich College London? How is it different from teaching here?

The first difference is that Dulwich College London is for boys only. That changes the classroom dynamic enormously. I’d only had one year’s experience of teaching girls before coming out here! But I really enjoy teaching girls. They tend to be very studious and more mature than the boys, so they help to balance out the classroom dynamic. Teaching back in London was very different. The classroom that I taught in was my old economics classroom as a pupil! Teaching at Dulwich International High School Suzhou makes me proud of the background I’ve had and my Dulwich heritage. I always feel very grateful for the start in life that Dulwich gave me. Part of the reason that I am here now is that I want to give back.