Teachers

Mr Mitchell graduated from the University of Swansea with a BA(hons) degree in Geography. He then completed his PGCE at University of Bristol. After teaching spells in Australia and Ghana, Mr Mitchell settled at Reading Blue Coat School. There he has been Housemaster, Senior Housemaster, School Partnership Coordinator, and his most recent role was Head of Year 8-13. At the school he was also a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Qualified Mental Health First Aider. Mr Mitchell is also a qualified rugby, football and cricket coach. 

Lisa graduated from University College London with a BSc in Geography and furthered her studies through a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, which is due for completion in August 2024. Lisa has taught in London for 12 years, working as a Teacher of Geography alongside roles as Head of Student Learning, Lead for the Progress of Pupil Groups across the school, Subject Lead for Geography and more recently as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.  

David brings a wealth of International teaching experience having spent over 18 years teaching abroad. He has earned a BA Hons in English Language and Literature, and PGCE in education from Nottingham University, UK.

Career highlights include developing the inaugural English programme at Thai Christian School in Bangkok, Thailand where David served as the head of English. In recent years David has gained vast experience of the Cambridge curriculum teaching both first and second language English IGCSE and English language A-level. During his time at Singapore International school, David has enjoyed mentoring the student council and organised several successful community projects including volunteer work at orphanages and animal charities.

David has a real passion for literature which he is very excited to instil in his students. Also a keen sports enthusiast who loves to spend his weekends on a rugby pitch. 

Justin graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MA in History & Politics. After working for a number of years in the business sector he gained his Postgraduate Certificate in Education in History in the UK and is now in his 20^th year of teaching. Justin spent 10 years as Head of Senior School in The Netherlands and Qatar and has also previously taught in China and New Zealand as well as the UK. In his spare time Justin enjoys playing the guitar, playing football and has contributed to football history books.  

Maria Ma graduated from the Ocean University of China with a Master of Mathematics. She began her teaching career as a Maths and Further Maths and progressed to Deputy Head of Maths at an international secondary school in Qingdao. She has worked closely with students for years and is passionate about cultivating students’ interest and proficiency in mathematics. Recently, she was awarded the winner in Pearson Edexcel China Teacher Competition for IAL Mathematics.

Mahesh Dewage is an experienced Mathematics educator with a career spanning over 15 years. His career spans teaching key stage 4 to advanced level Mathematics, combined with significant administrative and leadership roles. Mahesh has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering effective learning environments and leveraging the latest pedagogical techniques and technology to enhance students’ educational experiences, significantly improve their academic performance and deepen their understanding of Mathematics.

Mahesh holds a Bachelor of Science, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education specializing in Mathematics Education, and a National Diploma in Engineering Sciences specializing in Electronics Engineering. His commitment to professional development is evident through additional courses taken at prestigious universities and institutions worldwide.

Mahesh’s professional experience is rich and varied. He has served as a Mathematics Teacher at a leading American School in Shenzhen, a British Boarding School in Chengdu, and as the Head of Mathematics at Gateway College in Colombo. In addition to his teaching and leadership roles, Mahesh has been a visiting lecturer at Gateway Graduate School in Colombo and a marking examiner for Edexcel. He has also contributed as a textbook author and editor for mathematics textbooks within a larger school network in Sri Lanka.

Beyond his professional life, Mahesh enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, which enriches his personal experiences and brings a global perspective to his teaching methodology. His passion for cultural exploration allows him to create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, making students from diverse backgrounds feel valued and supported. 

I am pleased to introduce myself as a dedicated educator with a strong commitment to fostering academic excellence and holistic development in students. Originally from South Africa, I earned my Bachelor of Education degree with majors in Mathematics and Information Technology from the esteemed University of South Africa. This academic background equips me with the skills necessary to engage students effectively in these crucial subjects, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are essential in today’s technology-driven world.

With over seven years of teaching experience, I have developed a student-centered approach that emphasizes interactive learning and collaboration. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with diverse groups of students, and I take pride in the fact that the students I have taught consistently achieve commendable results. I believe in creating a supportive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to explore new concepts and express their ideas freely. My goal is not only to teach Mathematics, but to inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am an avid field hockey enthusiast and still actively participate in the sport. Through field hockey, I have learned the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience, which I strive to instill in my students. 

Nicolene Kuyper is a South African-Canadian educator with over two decades of teaching experience. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons) from the University of Guelph and a B.Ed. from the University of Western Ontario, with a specialization in Chemistry and Biology. Nicolene later earned her M.Ed. from the University of Hong Kong in 2016.

Throughout her diverse career, Nicolene has taught in various international settings, including Canada, Berlin, and Hong Kong, where she spent 11 years at an ESF IB World School. For the past three years, she has been Head of Year and Head of Experimental Sciences at a school in Suzhou, China.

While Nicolene’s professional life is filled with curriculum knowledge spanning IBDP, AP, MYP, IGCSE, and KS3 programs, her personal life is equally vibrant. She enjoys exploring international cuisines, hiking, scuba diving, and traveling with her family, all contributing to her holistic approach to education.