BKK Prep, News, Primary, Secondary, Whole School September 4, 2020

We are delighted to welcome the following new teachers to the Bangkok Prep Community this year:

Nikita Arora – Business Studies and Economics Teacher

Mahidol University International College (MUIC) – Bachelors of Business Administration, Finance

University of Adelaide, Australia – Received scholarship for exchange programme

Assumption University (ABAC) – Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Finance

University of Manchester – MA Education (International), Received Platt Prize

University of Manchester – Post-Graduate Certification in Education

Hello, my name is Nikita and I am excited to be joining the Bangkok Prep community in August as a Business and Economics Teacher.

Having previously been educated in Thailand, I then traveled to Adelaide, Australia, to complete my degree in Business. After my degree, I completed my Masters and PGCE at the University of Manchester, England. I have been teaching Business, Economics and Computing at one of the UK’s leading secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Sandbach for the past four years.

Out of school, I love travelling and really enjoy learning about and experiencing different cultures. Recently, I travelled to Tromso, Norway and had the opportunity to witness the majestic view of the Northern lights, also called Aurora Borealis. I look forward to returning to Bangkok and experiencing the different opportunities that working in such an outstanding and international environment can offer.

Crosby Beynon – Secondary Biology Teacher

Bachelor of Science – McGill University

Bachelor of Education – McGill University

Originally from Canada, I have been teaching Key Stage 3 and 4 Science in the UK for nearly five years. I enjoy teaching all three sciences, but Biology is my particular favourite. I trained to be a teacher at McGill University while simultaneously getting my Bachelor of Science. I moved directly after graduating to England. While in the UK, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, I am looking forward to travelling next around Thailand and South East Asia. In my spare time, when not teaching or travelling, I enjoy reading, running, listening to podcasts, and playing the piano. I have run three 10K races but I am looking for the challenge of a half-marathon next (unsure if hot Thailand is the best place for the first time at that distance). I am incredibly excited for the move to Thailand and to begin at Bangkok Prep.

Martina Brady – Secondary Maths Teacher

PGCE Mathematics – University of Brighton, U.K.

Subject Enhancer course in Mathematics – University of Brighton

Fetac Children with special needs – Cavan College of Further studies, Rep. of Ireland

Degree in Product Design (Hons) – Dundalk Institute of Technology

Degree in Electronic Engineering – Dundalk Institute of Technology

Hello, my name is Martina Brady. I am originally from Ireland. I trained to be a Maths teacher in Brighton and then taught in London for 2 years. I moved to Bangkok 5 years ago and I love teaching in Thailand. Not including Ireland, I have lived in four different countries down through the years but it is here that I have stayed the longest. I think it is a fair description of me when people call me the social butterfly as I love to meet up with friends for dinner etc. in my spare time. In addition to this I love travelling, music, reading, festivals, trekking, cooking and playing sports. I am really looking forward to my new adventure of joining the Bangkok Prep community as a Maths teacher. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and I will see you in the next academic year.

Faye Cox – Secondary Faculty Leader – English, EAL and Media Studies

BA (Hons) English Literature and History

Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Secondary English, Institute of Education, London

I am very happy to continue to be a part of the Bangkok Prep English team having joined the team in January. My family and I have now been living in Thailand for one year and we are thoroughly enjoying living in the exciting city that is Bangkok and also exploring the many beautiful places in Thailand. Before moving to Bangkok, I lived and worked in London; the school that I taught at was a large comprehensive school and I held the post of Assistant Director of English Literature and Curriculum Leader of English. I studied at the Institute of Education in London for my PGCE and at the University of Leeds for my undergraduate degree in English Literature and History. Outside of teaching, my passions are: travelling, reading, writing and looking after my daughter. I first visited Bangkok eight years ago and I absolutely fell in love with its vibrant culture, so I feel very fortunate that I now live and work here. I am really excited about my continued role in Bangkok Prep’s English team and I look forward to many shared successes.

Rachel Croome – Head of Chemistry

Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Institute of Education UCL

Master in Science – University of Bristol

Hello, my name is Rachael Croome and I am looking forward to starting as the Head of Chemistry at Bangkok Prep. After six lovely years at High Storrs School in Sheffield, I look forward to teaching abroad for the first time. When I am not in teacher-mode, I enjoy reading, watching TV series, spending time with my husband, and everything Harry Potter. While this will be my first time teaching internationally, it is far from my first time living abroad. My father was a Mathematics teacher at international schools, and I spent time growing up in Malaysia, Yemen, Malawi, and India. I look forward to following in his footsteps. I completed my MSci in Chemistry at the University of Bristol (UK) with a year abroad at the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill (USA). After graduation, I did my teacher training at the Institute of Education in London before moving to High Storrs. I am especially keen to teach and support my students learning to the best of their abilities. I am also looking forward to learning about and seeing the lovely sights and people of Thailand!

Daniel Chandler – Primary Class Teacher

BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology – Sheffield Hallam University

Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Kingston University, London

TESOL – Chichester College

I am delighted to be joining the Bangkok Prep community as a Key Stage 2 teacher in the coming academic year. My teaching career started over nine years ago here in Bangkok before I then returned to England to qualify and work as a primary teacher in West London. Having thoroughly enjoyed my time living here previously, I then returned to Bangkok, where I have been teaching at another school in the city for the past four years. I have always felt very at home here and continue to enjoy exploring everything that this city and country has to offer. Aside from teaching, I am an avid football fan, musician and keen traveller. I very much look forward to continuing my development at Bangkok Prep.

Praveen Kumar Dolthatta – Secondary Teacher of Business Studies and Economics

Master of Education – International Education – Framingham State University, USA

Top in Thailand A Level Results (2019)

High Achievement award in AS Level (2017)

IB Economics Examiner

Cambridge Assessment International Education Examiner – AS / A Level

Master of Arts in Economics – Mangalore University

My name is Praveen Kumar and I am excited to teach Economics at Bangkok Prep in Key Stages 4 and 5. Having worked in a couple of well-established and reputed international schools in Thailand for 11 years, I am very familiar working closely with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. I hope to continue my understanding of and experience with methods for delivering high quality education in a learner centred setting. I am passionate about bringing the best practices to the classroom to reach out to students of different learning styles. I hope to continue to strive for excellence by promoting higher order thinking skills, independent learning among learners and encourage the young learners to develop international mindedness. I have always enjoyed engaging in critical thought and intellectually stimulating discussion with my students and colleagues and have always been impressed with their desire to engage with creative learning approaches.

Tom Dixon – Secondary Humanities Teacher

Post Graduate Certificate of Education – Secondary History, University of Sunderland

Master of Arts – International Studies – Newcastle University

BA (Hons) History and American Studies – Liverpool John Moores University

Leading and Managing Effective Human Rights Organisations – University of York

International Human Rights Law and Advocacy – University of York

Hi, my name is Tom Dixon, I will be starting as a Teacher of Humanities at Bangkok Prep’s Secondary Campus in August. I am looking forward to working as a member of what I know to be a great faculty and school. Before deciding to train as a teacher I was the Director of Programs for an NGO working to support the rights of Refugees. I also have worked in the past as an EAL teacher in Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Australia. I enjoy travel, sport and reading and have greatly enjoyed living in Bangkok with my wife and daughter for the last four years.

Sarah Doble – Primary Class Teacher

BA German and Teaching German – University of Minnesota – Duluth

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Gloucestershire University

German Studies – Concordia College

Hello, I am Sarah Doble and I am very much looking forward to joining the Bangkok Prep team as a Year 2 teacher. I grew up in Minnesota and I have learnt in all my experience that I prefer making sandcastles to snow people. After studying German at the University of Minnesota and doing a few jobs other than teaching, I decided to become a primary school teacher and work in Barking and Dagenham in London. Working in the UK was an enriching experience that has helped me shape my practice and know that what I do, actually makes a difference. For the last 5 years, I have been working at a British International School in Seoul, South Korea. When I’m not working, one can find me enjoying the outdoors, swimming and sharing some quality time with friends over a meal discussing a silly podcast or the latest good reads. I am looking forward to the perks of living in Thailand such as the warm weather, beaches and the food! Not to mention the wonderfully friendly people who make this country so special.

Jonathan England – Secondary Maths Teacher

Secondary Mathematics PGCE. – University of Lancaster, Bowerham, Lancaster, UK

Graduate Research Training Diploma in Applied Economics & Management – Queens University, Belfast

BSc Joint Hons in Computer Science and Business Administration – Queens University, Belfast

Hello, my name is Jonathan England and I am very much looking forward to joining the Bangkok Prep School community as a Secondary Mathematics teacher in the coming academic year. I trained as a Mathematics teacher 23 years ago in the UK and have taught ever since. My enthusiasm for teaching and learning very much continues to this day. I am currently studying part time, long distance for an MA in Education with Ulster University.

When I’m not teaching or preparing lessons I enjoy keeping fit and healthy, my main sporting interests are cycling and running. I am a member of Bangkok’s Mikkeller running club and I regularly take part in running events in Thailand. Aside from sport I have a keen interest in 35mm manual photography and am a member of the Bangkok Photographers Group.

My wife and I have lived and taught here in Thailand for the past 7 years. We thoroughly enjoy Thai culture, the vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok and the experience of living in South East Asia. We both feel very lucky and privileged to have the opportunity to live and work in Thailand.

Kyle Fiddler – Secondary PE Teacher

BSc (Hons) Sports Science – Kingston University

Graduate Teacher Programme – University of Sussex

Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Leader

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

Gym Training & Advanced Core Trainer

Hello, my name is Kyle Fiddler and I am a PE teacher from the UK. I am very much looking forward to joining the community at Bangkok Prep in the PE Department in August 2020.

I have worked in many sectors of the UK secondary education system, whilst holding numerous positions in and around Kent. I graduated from Kingston University with a 2:1 (Hons) in Sports Science and completed a Graduate Teacher Programme at Chatham House Boys Grammar School, in conjunction with Sussex University to gain my Qualified Teacher Status.

I am a keen sportsman and like to throw my hand at anything that involves exercise, with my preferences being in rugby union and cricket. I love socialising with friends and family. I am an avid gym user and this has been my main hobby for many years. I am a keen traveller and have just spent the last year travelling South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji with my wife. I fell in love with Thailand whilst there and decided I wanted to make it our home. The culture and the experiences I have had have been second to none. I have travelled parts of Africa, USA, Central America and Europe previously. I like to write a travel blog and take pictures to accompany my experiences.

I enjoy reading and history, with a further passion for wildlife. I cannot wait to get started at Bangkok Prep and relish working with the whole community, to really make a difference in all aspects of school and community life.

Olivia Gonzalez – Secondary – Head of Psychology

PGCE in Social Science 2014 Institute of Education – University College London (UCL)

Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) – London,

BSc (Hons) Psychology – University of Exeter

Hi, I’m Olivia and I’m from London. I graduated from Exeter University with a BSc in Psychology. Following this, I completed my PGCE in Social Sciences at the Institute of Education in London before continuing to teach there for the next 2 years. With an urge to travel and a desire to learn more about my mother’s homeland, I made the move to international teaching in Bangkok in 2016 where I coordinated whole school learning support and established a Psychology department. When I’m not convincing people I can’t read minds, I enjoy travelling, tasting all of the local cuisine and trying to recreate dishes in my own kitchen. I’m also an avid reader and enjoy a podcast or two. Psychology is such an interesting subject that can be applied to a range of interactions and events in the world around us and always evokes critical thinking in the classroom. I feel very lucky to get to teach this subject every day and can’t wait to do so at Bangkok Prep.

Claire Ireland – Secondary Counsellor

Master of Arts in Counselling (integrated) – Webster University, Geneva

MA in Education (Applied Linguistics) – Open University of the UK

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (P.G.C.E.) – Goldsmiths College, University of London

BSc (Hons) Psychology – Bristol University

Hello, my name is Claire Ireland and I’m excited to be joining Bangkok Prep as the new Secondary School Counsellor. A little bit about me: I love taking my dog for walks in the countryside, travelling to new exciting places and spending time with friends and family. I’ve been a teacher and counsellor for thirty years and am fortunate to have worked in some wonderful places with some amazing people. After getting a first degree in psychology, I trained as a teacher and started working in London. Later I moved to Switzerland with my family. Whilst there we got a feel for a new culture, and what life is like when you can’t speak the language. I started working in an international school, retrained as a counsellor, and happily learned to speak French!

After spending years in this wonderful, mountainous country, I was then lucky enough to get a job in Asia where I spent two happy years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am now delighted to be joining all of you in Bangkok. I am really looking forward to working with the students, keeping them safe and helping them to reach their full potential.

Andrew Jackson – Secondary Head of PE

Secondary Physical Education with QTS – Oxford Brookes University

PG Certificate in Advanced Education Practice

BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Sciences – University of Gloucestershire

Level 1 & 2 Rugby Coaching Award

Gymnastic, Badminton, Football Coaching Awards

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Bronze, Silver and Gold

I am thrilled to be joining the Bangkok Prep community as the new Secondary Head of PE. My teaching career so far has been in grammar and independent schools in north Buckinghamshire, UK. This will be my first teaching post abroad and I am sure it is going to be eventful, fulfilling and exciting. I look forward to building on the current successes of the Secondary PE department whilst bringing fresh ideas to the PE programme, as well as exploring the world of Sports Science with GCSE, A Level and BTEC pupils. My main sports are rugby, football and athletics, although my most recent participation in sport has been centred on endurance running and triathlons. As well as sport, I am also passionate about cooking and travel. My wife, Amy, and I, along with our two daughters, Pippa and Millie, cannot wait to explore Bangkok and South East Asia, whilst learning more about the Thai culture, food and language.

Adam Knight – Secondary Art Teacher

PGCE – Secondary Applied Art and Design – Edge Hill University, UK

Graphic Design BA (Hons) – Northumbria University, UK

BTEC National Diploma, Foundation Studies, Art & Design – Cleveland College of Art & Design, UK

Hello, I am Adam and I am originally from Hartlepool in North East England. I graduated with a BA in Graphic Design (Hons) from Northumbria University in Newcastle and completed my PGCE in Applied Art and Design from Edge Hill University in Ormskirk. After gaining my teaching qualification I spent my NQT year teaching Art and Graphic Communication in Liverpool, then moving to Hatyai, Thailand, teaching Art and Design for three years before moving to Zhuhai, China where I have spent the last two years teaching Art and Design, and Digital Media and Design. As a specialist in Graphic Design, I encourage students to develop both digital and traditional art skills, a combination of both better prepares students for their future in art, and also teaching a wide range of skills will help enable students to find out where their strengths are.

Other than art, my passion is in running, where I have competed in many races internationally including road, trail and obstacle races. I also enjoy doing HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) although the Bangkok heat will make this a REAL workout.

I will be joined by my lovely wife Tam, and we are excited to start our new chapter with the wonderful Bangkok Prep community.

Riett Kriel – Secondary Media Studies and English Teacher

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) – University of Waikato

Bachelor of Arts in English (Screen and Media) – University of Waikato

Diploma in Graphic Design – Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

Hi, my name is Riett and I was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand at a young age which is where I call home. I started my teaching diploma in 2016 at the University of Waikato, then I spent my first year as a teacher in Perth, Australia. I moved back to New Zealand and started working at a rural school called Matamata College where I taught English and was the Teacher in Charge of Media Studies. I consider myself a bit of a film buff and I enjoy getting creative, especially with photography. Getting outdoors and amongst nature keeps me relaxed and refreshed. I am looking forward to my move to Thailand and joining a great community at Bangkok Prep.

Marta Riera Lahuerta – Primary Spanish Teacher

Degree in Primary Education (SEN) – University Rovira I Virgili, Spain

Introduction to Language Education in the US – San Diego

Hi everyone! My name is Marta and I will be joining the Bangkok Prep team as a Primary Spanish teacher. I finished my degree in Primary Education about six years ago. Since then, I’ve taught in a Spanish Immersion school in San Diego, in an International English school in Spain and I’ve also volunteered as an English and Spanish teacher on board a Cruise Ship that aims for peace and sustainability (Peace Boat NGO). Besides teaching, I also love dancing. I was part of a women’s dancing team and I am looking forward to finding a dance academy close to my home in Bangkok. Maybe some of you also enjoy dancing and would like to join. Traveling is also one of my favourite hobbies. Before Covid-19 started, I was travelling Latin America during my year off work.

I love Southeast Asia. I visited Vietnam for 5 weeks and I absolutely loved it! I also had the opportunity to visit Thailand for a couple of days when I volunteered on board Peace Boat, and I can say I am really looking forward to living there.

Claire Parsons Lucena – Secondary Spanish Teacher

Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE – MFL) – Sheffield Hallam University, UK

MA in Translation (Spanish and German) – London Metropolitan University, UK

BA in Modern Foreign Languages (German and Spanish) – Newcastle University, UK

Hello, I am Claire Lucena and I am very much looking forward to joining Bangkok Prep Secondary as a Spanish Teacher. I am a graduate of Newcastle University (BA in Modern Foreign Languages) with an MA in Translation and a PGCE in MFL teaching from Sheffield Hallam University. As well as teaching languages, I also love to learn languages – I speak Portuguese and German too and I am always working on my French. Before teaching Spanish, I taught EFL (English as a Foreign Language) for five years in London, Brazil and Mexico and worked as a translator. Since then, I have been teaching Spanish at an outstanding secondary school in Sheffield. Aside from teaching, I play the clarinet, enjoy salsa dancing, and travelling to new places. My husband and I feel very fortunate to be moving to Thailand and I look forward to meeting my new students.

Karen Mavor – Primary Class Teacher

BA Primary Education – Edinburgh University

Group Leader training (for residential trips)

SEAL Champion (Stages of early arithmetic learning)

Hello, my name is Karyn Mavor and I am really excited to be joining the Bangkok Prep community in August as a Key Stage 2 Primary Class Teacher. I live in Edinburgh, Scotland and have worked at my current school for the past 9 years. Teaching has always been my passion. Prior to teaching, I attended The University of Edinburgh and then Camp America where my role was camp counsellor. I am a qualified gymnastics coach, and have enjoyed coaching for the past 15 years. Fitness also plays a key part in my daily lifestyle and I love to keep myself active, either at the gym or out running. Foreign travel has always been high on my agenda and I am fortunate to have visited Asia and Bangkok many times. The prospect of immersing myself in the great Thai culture excites me, and I really look forward to moving to Bangkok and working with you all.

Amanda McFarlane – EYFS Class Teacher

BA Primary Education (Early Childhood) with QTS – University of Surrey

NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Early Years care and education – Chiltern Training College

Sawadee ka, my name is Mandy and I joined the Bangkok Prep Community last year with my family. I’ve enjoyed teaching at Bangkok Prep in Reception, Year 1 and Playgroup whilst pregnant last year and I’m excited to permanently join the Early Years team in August. Having experienced the Early Years as a parent I can’t wait to be part of the action and fun.

During my training in London, I specialised in Early Years Education and have over 10 years’ experience teaching in London and Abu Dhabi. My passion is to instil a love and desire to learn in young children, which will set them up for their journey through education.

When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family including my 4 year old daughter and baby boy. We love to stay active together, swimming and enjoying the beautiful outside spaces Bangkok has to offer. We are also very keen travellers having spent 4 months in a motorhome travelling across Europe. I am excited to explore more of Thailand in the coming years.

Emma Parker – Secondary Psychology Teacher

MA International Relations Private Study – Leeds Beckett University

PGCE (Science) – Institute of Education, University College London

BSc (Hons) Biology – University of Manchester

My name is Emma and I am so excited to be joining you all at Bangkok Prep School in August! I have been to Thailand multiple times and I absolutely love it; I can’t wait to live in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. I will be teaching Psychology and some Biology when I arrive at school, two subjects that I am very passionate about. As well as being an educator, I love learning new things myself- I have been studying for a Master’s in International Relations for the past two years and this has helped me to develop an even greater fascination in different cultures and societies. Aside from being a student myself, I love to read and I am a keen golf and rugby fan (although I don’t have any skills in playing myself!). I have been teaching in Beijing for the past four years, which I have absolutely loved. Whilst being there, I have attempted to learn some Chinese and I hope to continue doing so even when I leave, as well as some Thai of course!

Lynne Pearson – Secondary EAL Teacher

ITS Language School, Hastings, E. Sussex

Certificate TESOL – Trinity College

B.Ed (Hons) Education (Biological Science & Maths) – Worcester College of Higher Education

Mental Wellbeing in Children and Young People, Level 2 – Educare

Hi, my name is Lynne Pearson and I will be joining the EAL team at Bangkok Prep. I began my international school experience in the UK and absolutely loved teaching students from a range of different cultures. I met my husband at this time, and after our son was born, we decided to continue our international journey abroad. We first moved to Cairo where our daughter was born and then onto Bangkok where we stayed for 12 years. Looking for a change, but wanting to stay in South East Asia, we moved to the beautiful island of Penang, but 5 years later, we are returning to Thailand. I am really looking forward to joining Bangkok Prep and meeting all the staff and students there. I am also excited about returning to Bangkok as it feels like I am coming home after a break.

When I’m not working, I love doing yoga or relaxing with a good book. I also enjoy fitness classes and love spinning and konga as well as other HIIT classes.

Katherine Rice – Secondary Geography and History Teacher

PGCE Secondary Geography – University of Bristol

MSc Political Science – University of Leiden, Netherlands

Graduate diploma in Law – University of Law, Birmingham

BA (Hons) Geography & Politics – University of Sheffield

Hello, my name is Kate and I am keen to join the school as a Secondary Geography and History Teacher. I spent the last three years living and working in China. Since living there, running has become one of my main hobbies and I would like to get involved in some trail running in Thailand. I am also looking forward to contributing to the Humanities Faculty and supporting the school with everything they have on offer in the classroom and beyond. I am particularly interested in helping support with the MUN programme on offer at the school. My partner and I both feel very lucky to be moving to such a beautiful country, with a rich history and incredible food.

Ellie Shepherd – EYFS Class Teacher

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (Hons) – King’s College London

PGCE in Education (Early Years) – London South Bank University

I trained as a teacher seven years ago in London. Following that, I remained in London to begin my career as a teacher and never looked back! I have thoroughly enjoyed my teaching experiences so far and have held a range of roles, with the most recent roles being Nursery Year Leader and Special Education Needs Coordinator. When I’m not in the classroom you will often find me on a mat practicing yoga. It has been a real passion of mine over the past five years; so much so, I decided to combine my love of yoga with passion for teaching children. I completed my training as a children and teen yoga teacher in November last year and since then has introduced yoga into the classrooms at my current school. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to deliver an extra-curricular activity at Bangkok Prep, where I plan to provide yoga that is fun, engaging and meaningful for the students. I feel very privileged to be joining the Bangkok Prep team as a Reception teacher and to be part of a large school community where I am able to continue doing a job I adore, joining the international school circuit in Thailand.

Pow Supatravanij – Secondary Music and Instrumental Programme Teacher

PGCE Secondary Music with QTS – University of Reading, UK

Master of Music (1 Year) – Royal Northern College of Music, UK

Bachelor of Music (Hons) – Birmingham Conservatoire, UK

ABRSM Grade 8 Piano and singing

Hi, my name is Pow, and I will be joining the Music Department at Bangkok Prep this year. I am from Thailand but I was educated in New Zealand and England. I graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire with a Bachelor of Music degree and did a further Postgraduate course at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. After that I realised my passion for music education and went on to complete my PGCE with the University of Reading. Since my graduation, I have worked in a few other international schools in Bangkok. I am really looking forward to starting this new chapter of my teaching career at Bangkok Prep, be a part of this exciting community and share my passion for music with all of you!