Teachers - Harrow Shanghai

Erik Apter

Teacher of EAL

Erik Apter

Teacher of EAL

Nora Bailey

Year 2 Class Teacher

Nora Bailey

Year 2 Class Teacher

Millie Ballard

Reception Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Millie Ballard

Reception Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Zach Bennetts

Teacher of History, Head of Higher Education and Careers

Zach Bennetts

Teacher of History, Head of Higher Education and Careers

Keira Black

Year 3 Class Teacher

Keira Black

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nancy Brundle

Year 1 Class Teacher

Nancy Brundle

Year 1 Class Teacher

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Mari Buma-a

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead, Assistant Lower School Leadership & Service Coordinator

Mari Buma-a

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead, Assistant Lower School Leadership & Service Coordinator

Toni Burns

SENCO

Toni Burns

SENCO

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Kelly Cui Edwards

Head of Mathematics

Kelly Cui Edwards

Head of Mathematics

Alice Freeman

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Alice Freeman

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Hailey Chicot

Nursery Class Teacher

Hailey Chicot

Nursery Class Teacher

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Kate Ellison

Teacher of PE, Admissions Assistant

Kate Ellison

Teacher of PE, Admissions Assistant

Richard Gater

Head of PE and Sport

Richard Gater

Head of PE and Sport

David Coath

Year 5 Class Teacher

David Coath

Year 5 Class Teacher

Stephen Eddison

Head of Science, Senior School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Stephen Eddison

Head of Science, Senior School Leadership and Service Coordinator

James Feeney

Teacher of English

James Feeney

Teacher of English

Hazel Gould

Lower School Music Teacher

Hazel Gould

Lower School Music Teacher

Amy Hanslo

Nursery Class Teacher

Amy Hanslo

Nursery Class Teacher

Rosie Jenner

Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Rosie Jenner

Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Michelle Hills

Year 4 Class Teacher

Michelle Hills

Year 4 Class Teacher

Ronan Jones

Teacher of Geography and Economics, Byron Housemaster

Ronan Jones

Teacher of Geography and Economics, Byron Housemaster

Amy Huang

Director of Chinese Language & Culture

Amy Huang

Director of Chinese Language & Culture

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama and Rothschild Housemistress

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama and Rothschild Housemistress

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Xing Li

Teacher of Mathematics

Xing Li

Teacher of Mathematics

Gray Lyons

Director of Co-Curricular

Gray Lyons

Director of Co-Curricular

Kimberley Macleod

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Kimberley Macleod

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Betty Meng

Teacher of Mandarin

Betty Meng

Teacher of Mandarin

Matthew Metcalfe

Teacher of Physics

Matthew Metcalfe

Teacher of Physics

Sana Mirza

Teacher of Science

Sana Mirza

Teacher of Science

Lelo Mzimela

Cubs Class Teacher

Lelo Mzimela

Cubs Class Teacher

Amy Naisbitt

Year 5 Class Teacher and Upper Key Stage 2 Coordinator, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Amy Naisbitt

Year 5 Class Teacher and Upper Key Stage 2 Coordinator, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Alex Oldale

Head of Economics and Business Studies

Alex Oldale

Head of Economics and Business Studies

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish, Churchill Housemistress and House Coordinator

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish, Churchill Housemistress and House Coordinator

Robert Parker

Year 3 Class Teacher

Robert Parker

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Hannah Phillips

Teacher of PE, Head of Aquatics

Hannah Phillips

Teacher of PE, Head of Aquatics

Paul Phillips

Head of EAL

Paul Phillips

Head of EAL

Lydia Ralph

Reception Class Teacher

Lydia Ralph

Reception Class Teacher

Sarah Seager

Year 1 Class Teacher

Sarah Seager

Year 1 Class Teacher

George Smith

Year 2 Class Teacher

George Smith

Year 2 Class Teacher

Wanda Stephens

Reception Class Teacher

Wanda Stephens

Reception Class Teacher

Matthew Turner

Year 4 Class Teacher

Matthew Turner

Year 4 Class Teacher

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Cassandra Waring

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Cassandra Waring

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Maureen Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Maureen Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Erik Apter

Teacher of EAL

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA English Language and Linguistics, Lancaster University

Teaching Experience:

I am a qualified EAL teacher with experience teaching in China. As well as having a TEFL qualification, I have Cambridge TKT Young Learners and Cambridge TKT Module 1 certification. In my most recent role, I was given responsibility in leading the parent-facing platform and ensuring that teachers were regularly uploading videos to the parents of their students.

Nora Bailey

Year 2 Class Teacher

Nationality: American

Degrees: MA in Elementary Education, The College of New Jersey

BA in Information Technology & Informatics, The State University of New Jersey

BA in French Literature Studies, The State University of New Jersey

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey 14 years ago specialising in Early Childhood in the United States before becoming an international teacher at a British school in Beijing. There I taught EYFS to Year 2 during my 6 years at the school. From 2019, I continued teaching Years 2 and 3 at another British international school in Malaysia. I led the primary schools as coordinator for both Speaking & Listening and Personal, Social, Health Education, developing each curriculum, respectively. I am looking forward to continuing to cultivate my teaching practise to high standards at Harrow and assisting the team to support our young learners as they progress to become well rounded achievers.

Millie Ballard

Reception Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Nationality: British

Degrees: BEd in Primary Teaching, Plymouth University

Teaching Experience:

I have been living and working in China for four years. Previously I have taught in a British international school in South Korea as well as a village primary school in England. I love teaching and observing ways in which children develop and progress throughout their time in Early Years.

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Nationality: Australian

Degrees: BEd Hons in Primary Education, Southern Cross University

Teaching Experience:

My teaching experience is quite diverse, having taught across Reception to Year 8. Prior to completing my degree, I coached gymnastics and competitive cheerleading where I took cheerleading teams to national and international competitions. Before moving to Shanghai, I lived abroad in the UK and taught at Dulwich Prep School London.

Zach Bennetts

Teacher of History, Head of Higher Education and Careers

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in History and Politics, University of Oxford

PGCE, UCL Institute of Education

Teaching Experience:

I am joining Harrow after five years at an international school in Washington, D.C., where I was Head of Humanities and Social Sciences. This was preceded by four years at a large comprehensive school in north London, where I was Head of Politics and a member of the Sixth Form Pastoral Team, focused principally on applications to higher education, alongside serving as a staff governor.

Keira Black

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in English Literature with First Class Honours, University of Essex

PGCE, University of Sunderland

Teaching Experience:

I am an experienced primary school teacher, having taught at international schools in Asia as well as a qualified TEFL teacher. In my most recent role, I was the Grade 4 homeroom teacher at the Singapore International School in Vietnam.

Nancy Brundle

Year 1 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Education with First Class Honours, University of Derby

Qualified Teacher Status, Primary Education

Teaching Experience:

I am an experienced Primary teacher who led phonics and Year 1 across all three schools in my Federation. Before joining Harrow, I was Head of House at a primary school in my federation at Cambridgeshire.

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Mathematics, University of Nottingham

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching Mathematics for over 20 years. I have taught in locations ranging from high-achieving international private schools in Dubai to inner-city state schools in UK, and even within a prison. Students achieving outstanding examination results and winning “Coach of the Year” (international football championship) are my career highlights.

Mari Buma-a

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead, Assistant Lower School Leadership & Service Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc in Mathematics, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

Before coming to Shanghai I worked in a school in West London as a Year 1 and Year 2 class teacher. As a Physical Education Lead, I supported teachers with their subject knowledge and thought of ways to promote a healthier lifestyle in the school community.

Toni Burns

SENCo

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Textile Design, University for the Creative Arts

PGCE, Canterbury Christ Church University

Teaching Experience:

Since starting my career in education, I have taught as an Early Years and Special Educational Needs Teacher in the UK. My previous experiences have been within a unique setting, bringing together mainstream pupils and pupils with profound and complex needs in a truly inclusive learning environment. I highly value a holistic approach to education that focuses on relationship building and engagement in which we celebrate diversity in an environment that recognises each individual’s achievements.

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Forensic Science, the University of Northumbria

Teaching Experience:

I have had the privilege of teaching English in both the Prep and Senior schools here at Harrow since 2018 and prior to that in the UK since 2015. In my classroom now, through fun, yet challenging, and interactive learning, I am always considering how the studies of language and literature can help individuals understand each other and themselves—with the end goal of gaining new perspectives on the world around them and developing my students’ own sense of self.

Kelly Cui Edwards

Head of Mathematics

Nationality: British

Degrees: MSc in Quantitative Finance and Engineering, University of Manchester

Teaching Experience:

This is my fifth year in teaching. Before arriving in Shanghai, I was teaching Mathematics in the lovely city of Bristol, in the south west of England. I worked in both a state school and an independent school. I have taught students across Key Stage 3, 4 and 5.

Alice Freeman

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Primary Education, the University of Brighton

Teaching Experience:

Before moving to Shanghai I taught for three years in England across Years 1-4. I have taught for two years in Year 1 at Harrow and I am really excited for the year ahead. I believe it is important to make learning fun, interactive and meaningful.

Hailey Chicot

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: Bachelor of Science (Honours), Open University

MA in International Education, Keele University

PGCE, Keele University

Teaching Experience:

I have over 10 years of Early Years and Pre-Prep international teaching experience. I started as a lead Nursery teacher in the UK, and then went on to teach Early Years in Tokyo, Munich and Ho Chi Minh City. Subsequently, I became Head of Early Years at an international school in Seoul, and then continued to teach Early years in Kuwait and Mandalay. Most recently, I was a Year 3 teacher at a British international school in Yangon, Myanmar.

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Nationality: Australian

Degrees: BA (Honours) in Media, RMIT University

Graduate Diploma in Education, Assumption University International Program

Teaching Experience:

I have been working in international schools in diverse places from Thailand to Panama. I have 20 years’ experience as Head of Technology in Middle School and as an Educational Coordinator K-12. I was accepted to the Tiger Woods Foundation STEM Scholarship Program in 2018-2019 and specialist AI workshops with Google.

Kate Ellison

Teacher of PE, Admissions Assistant

Nationality: British

Degrees: BEd Hons in Physical Education, De Montfort University

Teaching Experience:

I have taught within the British independent education sector for over twenty years including within all-through schools in the UK, Kenya, Mexico and Spain. I have spent many years within boarding schools and thoroughly enjoyed the role of Housemistress, running a boarding house for girls aged 13-18.

Richard Gater

Head of PE and Sport

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Secondary Education with Specialism in PE, Lancaster University

Teaching Experience:

The start of my life at Harrow marks my 11^th year in teaching, during which I have taught at state and independent schools in three separate countries. I began teaching in the UK, where I was a PE teacher and Head of Year. After relocating to Asia, I taught at a British independent school in Bangkok, Thailand for two years, before relocating to Tianjin, China in 2017. During my time in Tianjin, I was Head of PE and Sport before moving to Harrow Shanghai. As part of my teaching experience, I have coached students in a range of sports as well as having taught a range of examination qualifications, including both GCSE and A Level PE.

David Coath

Year 5 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Law, University of Wales Aberystwyth

PGCE, Bath Spa University

Teaching Experience:

After 10 years of teaching Year 5 and Year 6 in England, I moved to Shanghai to further develop my teaching vocation. During my last 5 years in China, I have taught a wide range of children from 3 years to 16 years of age. I was able to demonstrate my creativity and differentiation and was invited to speak at Suzhou’s 2019 G10 Education Summit delivering a seminar on the importance of child focused learning. My students understand what they will learn each day and how it will impact their life. Beyond the classroom, it has been a privilege to experience the culture of Shanghai; travel around different Chinese provinces and meet incredible people. I am delighted to join Harrow, an institution of education which nurtures a holistic teaching environment.

Stephen Eddison

Head of Science, Senior School Leadership & Service Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: MA in Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge

PGCE, University of Nottingham

Teaching Experience:

After graduating and completing an internship at the United Nations Environment Programme, I earned my PGCE through Teach First. For four years, I taught all the Sciences at GCSE and Chemistry at A Level. Next, I taught A Level Biology at Latymer Upper School in London for five years and for three of these was Coordinator of Applications to Oxford and Cambridge; 75 students received Oxbridge offers during this time.

James Feeney

Teacher of English

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Film Studies, University of Kent

Masters in Educational Leadership and Management, University of Portsmouth

PGCE, University College London

Teaching Experience:

I have over eight years of international teaching experience in the UK, Phillippines, and China (Guangzhou and Ningbo). I am also CELTA qualified, with strong EAL experience. My specialisation is in English and English Literature.

Hazel Gould

Lower School Music Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Music, University of Salford

MA Music Management, Northumbria University

Teaching Experience:

Throughout my career in the music industry, I have always been involved in the education sector with a specialism in voice; both in the UK and in China. In addition to teaching, I am an experienced studio artist and performer having toured worldwide, including some notable events in Shanghai such as the JZ Festival, Shanghai Rolex Masters and F1 events. I am excited to be joining the music team at Harrow and greatly look forward to the year ahead.

Amy Hanslo

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: South African

Degrees: BA in Organisational Psychology and Industrial Sociology, University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), University of Cape Town

PGCE, University of South Africa

Teaching Experience:

I have fifteen years of teaching experience mainly in Seoul, South Korea and Capetown,South Africa. My teaching career began at two private kindergartens in South Korea where I taught English as a Foreign language. I subsequently joined the International School of Cape Town and taught in the Nursery, Reception and Year 1 classes. Prior to joining Harrow, I was an Early Years teacher at an independent, private academy for children aged 2-6 years old in Seoul.

Michelle Hills

Year 4 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA with Honours, University of Brighton

Qualified Teacher Status, Primary Education

Teaching Experience:

I am an experienced teacher in Early Years and Key Stage 1 and 2 (ages 7-10). In my most recent role in the UK, I led Design Technology across the school and am a mentor for primary school teachers.

Ronan Jones

Teacher of Geography and Economics, Byron Housemaster

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Geography, University of Exeter

PGCE, University of Warwick

Teaching Experience:

Before coming to Shanghai I taught in a large mixed school in Watford, UK where I regularly helped coach various sports when not in the classroom teaching geography and economics. I have a big passion for my subject because geography can help us to learn more about all the different people and places around the world, and how together we can make the world a better place.

Amy Huang

Director of Chinese Language & Culture

Nationality: Australian Chinese

Degrees: Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts Double language major, Monash University

Undertaking Masters in Educational Counseling, Monash University

Teaching Experience:

I was born and raised in Shanghai and migrated to Melbourne, Australia with my family when I was 12 years old. I came back to my hometown when the opportunity to work for Harrow Shanghai came up back in 2016. Before then, I worked for a prestigious state school in Melbourne as a Chinese teacher for four years. I also taught EAL and Japanese back then.

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama and Rothschild Housemistress

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in English literature and Theatre Studies, Aberystwyth University

PGCE, Institute of Education, University of the City of London

Teaching Experience:

I began teaching English and Drama at Watford Grammar School for Girls, where I developed a Drama curriculum for KS3 and ran the GCSE and A Level programme. After three years, I moved to St John’s College in Portsmouth as the Head of Drama. I love running productions and performances, in particular musicals.

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: BA in Chinese Language and Literature, Shanghai Normal University

PGCE, Nottingham University

Teaching Experience:

I began teaching Mandarin over 10 years ago. My first teaching job was at Fudan Primary School. I then moved to Beijing and started the role of Head of Mandarin (Lower School) at Harrow Beijing. After five years’ service, I decided to return to my hometown, Shanghai. My main focus is teaching Chinese national curriculum, and developing school based language programmes.

Xing Li

Teacher of Mathematics

Nationality: Hong Kong SAR, PRC

Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Master of Philosophy, Division of Mathematics, Graduate School, Chinese University of Hong Kong

PGDE, Mathematics, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Teaching Experience:

I have over 9 years of teaching experience in middle schools and universities in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Most recently, I was a teacher of Mathematics and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award coordinator at an A Level center in Shanghai.

Gray Lyons

Director of Co-Curricular

Nationality: British

Degrees:BEd Hons in Physical Education and History, University of Exeter

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching internationally for 20 years having taught in the Philippines and Shanghai before coming to Harrow, and have held the positions of Head of PE and Director of Sport. Some highlights have been coaching the U17 Philippines women’s football team and hosting 3 FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) sports competitions. I look forward to the challenge of a more holistic role with Co-Curricular at Harrow.

Kimberley Macleod

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Applied Psychology, Heriot-Watt University

PGCE, Leeds Beckett University

Teaching Experience:

I have over seven years of international teaching experience, which includes teaching English as an additional language, as a specialist teacher and being a homeroom teacher. My degree is an asset to my teaching as I studied developmental psychology, language and perception, cognition, and emotions, learning and memory and educational practices. I see the child as a whole and go beyond teaching the academics by being consciously aware of the different areas of a child’s development. I am passionate about guiding students to take ownership of their learning and to develop a growth mindset.

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Chemistry, London Metropolitan University

D. Phil. in Inorganic Chemistry, University of Oxford

Teaching Experience:

After completing a Doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Oxford, I trained as a teacher at the University of Reading. I have eighteen years of teaching experience in the London area at three different schools that have all been rated Outstanding or Excellent. I was Head of Chemistry for ten years at St. Clement Danes School and joined Harrow from within the family having taught at John Lyon School, London.

Betty Meng

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: China

Degrees: BA in English, Hunan University

MA in Linguistics and Applied linguistics, Anhui University

Teaching Experience:

Commencing on my career as a teacher teaching Chinese as a foreign language more than ten years ago, I decided to study further and obtained the Master degree. After working in some institutions in Shanghai as a Chinese trainer, I transferred to be a Mandarin teacher working in a bilingual school and an international school teaching Year 6 and 7, being a class co-teacher in Year 4 and 5.

Matthew Metcalfe

Teacher of Physics

Nationality: British

Degrees: MSc in Mathematics and Physics, Univeristy of Warwick

PGCE, University of York

Teaching Experience:

After studying Mathematics and Physics at university I was accepted into the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst to become an Officer in the British Army. I served as a Technical Engineering Officer for 6 years (in addition to my normal responsibilities, I specialised in teaching Maths and critical thinking). Before joining Harrow Shanghai, I was a Teacher of Science at a school just outside of the city of Leeds. I am excited to have the opportunity to share my passion for learning and the scientific way of thinking with the students at Harrow Shanghai.

Sana Mirza

Teacher of Science

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc with Honours, Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Manchester

PGDE, Science, University College London

Teaching Experience:

I am currently a science teacher who has taught at schools in West London, teaching Biology and Chemistry to A Level standard, alongside teaching GCSE Science. I am very passionate about helping young people develop an interest and understanding in science from a young age.

Lelo Mzimela

Cubs Class Teacher

Nationality: South African

Degrees: MA in Education, University of Essex

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey in the early years, with the opportunity to experience child-centred approaches at Fortune Kindergarten and Kid Castle Education Institute in Shanghai. With over 6 years of teaching experience and a Master’s degree in education, I have the unique opportunity to practically execute the theory of early childhood education in the classroom.

Amy Naisbitt

Year 5 Class Teacher and Upper Key Stage 2 Co-ordinator, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc in Psychology, University of Nottingham
PGCE, Birmingham City University

Teaching Experience:

For the past five years, I have taught Upper Key Stage 2 in a large primary school in Stoke-on-Trent. For two years of this, I enjoyed being Head of Mathematics and developing reasoning and problem solving throughout the school. Before moving to Shanghai, I was Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for Key Stage 2 and curriculum development.

Alex Oldale

Head of Economics and Business Studies

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Business & Management, Leeds Beckett University

PGCE with QTS, Bradford College University Centre

Teaching Experience:

I have over 10 years of teaching experience in the UK, Qatar and China, with specialization in Business Studies & Economics. Most recently, I was Head of Business Studies & Economics at Nord Anglia British School of Guangzhou.

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish, Churchill Housemistress and House Coordinator

Nationality: Spanish

Degrees:

BA in English Language and Literature, University of Seville

MEd in Education, University of Seville

MA in Interpreting and Translation, University of Seville

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching for 10 years, both as an English and Spanish teacher across different schools and universities in Spain, the United Kingdom and internationally, including in Shanghai prior to joining Harrow.

Robert Parker

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Journalism with Honours, University of Lincoln

PGCE, Bishop Grosseteste University

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching for over 7 years in both China and the UK. During this time, I have taught across Primary in the public and independent sector using the Cambridge Curriuculum and English National Curriculum. In addition, I have gained experience in pastoral roles as well as teaching ESL students and pupils with Special Educational Needs.

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Nationality: British

Degrees: BMUS Hons, Trinity College of Music London

MA, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

After a career as a visiting Saxophone and Clarinet teacher in a number of schools, including Harrow UK, I relocated to Hong Kong to become an inaugural teacher of Harrow School Hong Kong. I then took up a Head of Music position at the ISF Academy before joining Harrow Shanghai. In addition to my teaching career, I am a published composer and arranger, an examiner for ABRSM and an experienced performer.

Hannah Phillips

Teacher of PE, Head of Aquatics

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSC Hons in Sports Studies, University of Sunderland

PGCE, Northumbria University

Teaching Experience:

I started teaching 8 years ago in Northumberland, where I taught in Year 3 and was PE and swimming coordinator. After 5 years of teaching in the UK, I moved to Penang in Malaysia, where I was a Year 4 teacher for a year, before becoming a PE teacher and swimming coordinator.

Paul Phillips

Head of EAL

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in English Language and Literature, MA in Applied Linguistics, Birmingham University

Teaching Experience:

I have been working as a teacher and teacher trainer since 2002. I have travelled extensively, working in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Since 2006 I have been involved in Educational Management, Teacher Training and working with pupils of all ages to help improve their English proficiency and communication skills. I am very excited about the huge potential at Harrow Shanghai and look forward to supporting our students’ journey throughout their journey with us.

Lydia Ralph

Reception Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Honours, Primary Education, University of Brighton

Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years and Science

Teaching Experience:

Throughout my teaching experience of over six years in the UK, I have prided myself on being a motivating, engaging and approachable teacher. My passion lies in Early years, where I aim to shape young children into model citizens. Most recently, I was a Reception class teacher, and EYGS and Science Lead, supporting the setting up and then leading the opening of a school nursery.

Sarah Seager

Year 1 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in English with Honours, University of Reading

PGCE, Kingston University

Teaching Experience:

I have over 10 years teaching experience in the UK (independent and states schools) and Thailand. In addition, I am a qualified EAL teacher. In my most recent role in Thailand, I have gained experience in providing boarding and pastoral support for international students from China.

George Smith

Year 2 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Education Studies, Liverpool John Moores University

PGCE with QTS, Kingston University

National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership

Teaching Experience:

I have extensive teaching experience across a diverse age range, from primary school, where I have taught predominantly in Year 2 and Year 4, to secondary school, where I taught GCSE Ethics. In addition, I have held the position of Pastoral and Safeguarding Lead on the Senior Management Teams of both good and outstanding schools in London and the wider UK. I am innately passionate about teaching and learning and helping children grow and develop in all areas of their educational journeys.

Wanda Stephens

Reception Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Education, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

I have over 10 years’ teaching experience. Before moving to China, I worked in a preparatory school in Reading. I helped to achieve ‘Excellent’ with aspects of ‘Exceptional’ during their last inspection. During my teaching career I have become increasingly influenced by Reggio Emilia and the Curiosity approach, and I have adapted my classroom practice to encompass the core philosophies.

Matthew Turner

Year 4 Class Teacher

Nationality: American

Degrees: BFA in Visual Communication, Northern Arizona University

CELTA Certification, St. Giles International

MA in Curriculum and Instruction, Arizona State University

Professional Educator’s Certificate, State of Florida Department of Education

Teaching Experience:

I am an experienced teacher of primary and English as a second language, and have worked in Asia for over 10 years in South Korea, Indonesia and China. In my most recent role in Beijing, I was the Head of Grade 5, where I developed curriculum planning, organized field trips and worked closely with other grade and subject leaders.

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Metalwork/Silversmithing and Ceramics, Camberwell College of Arts, London

PGCE, University of Central England

Teaching Experience:

I was based in the Midlands in the UK for twenty years, teaching in a range of schools in Coventry, Birmingham and most recently in Wednesbury in the Black Country where I was Head of Department for Art, Design Technology and Food Technology. I am very excited to be given the opportunity to work for, and become part of, the Harrow community here in Shanghai.

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in International Education of Chinese Language, Fudan University

Teaching Experience:

I worked in a public Middle School and High School in Shanghai before joining Harrow. Working at Harrow is a lovely experience. It enables me to utilise both traditional Chinese teaching practices alongside different teaching methods to help students reach their potential. In my opinion, learning Chinese isn’t simply learning a language, but a complete way of thinking.

Cassandra Waring

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Lead

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Arts (Honours), University of Cumbria

Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Education

Teaching Experience:

I have extensive teaching experience at two state schools in the UK. Prior to arriving at Harrow, I was a Reception teacher, and developed curriculum in Early Years there to ensure it reflects both children and the school’s needs. I am passionate about putting children first and providing an inclusive environment for development.

Maureen Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: BA in Primary Teaching, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology

Master of Education, University of South Australia

Teaching Experience:

I have a background working as a Chinese teacher both in public and private school in Shanghai for seven years, as well as a Chinese teacher working with bilingual students in Australia for a short while. I am passionate about education that it has impact on society and individuals. And I am grateful for the experience that I had in Australia which has paved the way for me to be an open-minded teacher in an international setting.

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: BA in Chinese Literature, Shanghai Normal University

Teaching Experience:

I am a native Mandarin speaker with twenty years’ experience of teaching Mandarin and Chinese Culture to first and second language speakers. I was a class teacher and Year Group Leader at Ping He Bilingual School, YCIS and Dulwich College Shanghai. I have had the opportunity to be employed in a variety of educational settings, from the public to private sector and local to international schools; this has enabled me to adapt to new situations and faculty curriculums.

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in Landscape Architecture, Tongji University

Teaching Experience:

I have been working at Harrow School for 5 years. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing the children having fun learning Mandarin, knowing that the lessons I give them will make a positive difference.

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in Arts, Shanghai Jiaotong University

Teaching Experience:

With over ten years of Mandarin teaching experiences across all ages, I enjoy teaching in an orderly and lively classroom atmosphere. I like to accompany and support the students to develop their Mandarin education.