Natasha Jones – Meet the Teacher

As Key Stage 1 Leader, what is your vision for the 2020-2021 Academic Year and what would you like to achieve?

The most important part of my job as Key Stage 1 leader is to ensure that the children are happy and that they love to come to school! When children enjoy learning then they can learn so much more. In Key Stage 1, we are striving to ensure that the children make outstanding progress, particularly in reading and writing. We know that parents play a huge part in their children’s academic attainment, therefore, we have already shared our first virtual parent workshops for reading and writing. I believe that children benefit from a range of experiences therefore we are planning as many hands-on activities as possible for the children to enjoy. I am personally very excited about our first Key Stage 1 trip to the Bangkok Prep Forest Campus! 

What do you love about working at Bangkok Prep?

My favourite part of working at Bangkok Prep is the wonderful community. The children, parents, teachers and admin staff are all so wonderful and friendly. Bangkok Prep has a wonderful, diverse international community and it is beautiful to see the children from different cultures working and playing together. The teachers and teaching assistants at Bangkok Prep are so great, it is such an inspiring place to work as a teacher! 

What was the reason you initially decided to start teaching?

I started teaching because I wanted to make a difference to children’s lives. I have always loved children and I want to support their development both academically but most importantly, I want to help them to become kind, caring, responsible people who feel confident to achieve their dreams! The children make me smile every single day! 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

When I am not working, I love to cook and particularly enjoy baking! I love trying out new recipes and cooking for friends and family. I also really enjoy trying new restaurants and different foods. Bangkok has amazing restaurants! I regularly practise yoga and love going to yoga classes and retreats. Art is a passion of mine and I try to go to art classes whenever I have the opportunity. During the holidays, I love to travel and visit new places. Reading books is another thing that helps me escape and relax. When I can, I love to ski! My fiance, Chris Duffin, and I also have an adopted blind cat called Coconut (or Coco) who we adopted from PAWs, Bangkok. We always try to support PAWs whenever we can! 

Please can you give me a summary of your qualifications and previous work experience?

I did my degree in Primary Education with honours at Roehampton University in London. Then, I taught at schools in London and I particularly loved teaching Reception. When I moved to Bangkok, I taught in Early Years mainly Reception. I also was an English Coordinator for the whole of the Primary school at another international school. Then, I started teaching in Key Stage 1 mainly Year 1. I have completed my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education specialising in the transition from Early Years to Key Stage 1. In Bangkok Prep, I have been Art, Design Technology and Displays Coordinator, Year Group Leader, Associate Leader and now, Key Stage Leader!