Teachers | Harrow Shanghai

Gabriel Adedipe

Year 1 Class Teacher

Gabriel Adedipe

Year 1 Class Teacher

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher

Richard Brooks

Head of Mathematics

Richard Brooks

Head of Mathematics

Richard Castle

Teacher of Economics, Rothschild Housemaster and House Coordinator

Richard Castle

Teacher of Economics, Rothschild Housemaster and House Coordinator

Heather Chimbani

Cubs Class Teacher

Heather Chimbani

Cubs Class Teacher

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Alice Freeman

Year 1 Class Teacher

Alice Freeman

Year 1 Class Teacher

Amy Huang

Head of Mandarin, Byron Housemistress

Amy Huang

Head of Mandarin, Byron Housemistress

Grace Kim

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Grace Kim

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Carol Liu

Head of Lower School Music

Carol Liu

Head of Lower School Music

Neve Mealy

Year 4 class teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Neve Mealy

Year 4 class teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Leigh Orman-Rutene

Nursery Class Teacher

Leigh Orman-Rutene

Nursery Class Teacher

Felix Baden-Powell

Head of Higher Education and Careers

Felix Baden-Powell

Head of Higher Education and Careers

Natalie Bowen

Year 2 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Samantha Castle

Prep School Teacher

Samantha Castle

Prep School Teacher

Man-Yee Coleman

Teacher of Science and Biology

Man-Yee Coleman

Teacher of Science and Biology

Kelly Cui Edwards

Teacher of Mathematics

Kelly Cui Edwards

Teacher of Mathematics

Roger Groenink

Teacher of Geography, Upper School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Roger Groenink

Teacher of Geography, Upper School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Neil Hudson

Head of Science

Neil Hudson

Head of Science

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama

Neil Hudson

Jessica Learwood

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Amy Naisbitt

Year 4 Class Teacher, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Amy Naisbitt

Year 4 Class Teacher, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish

Millie Ballard

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Millie Ballard

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Sean Boyes

Physical Education and Swimming Teacher, Churchill Housemaster

Sean Boyes

Physical Education and Swimming Teacher, Churchill Housemaster

Mari Buma-a

Year 2 Class Teacher

Mari Buma-a

Year 2 Class Teacher

Cathy Chen

Teacher of Mandarin

Cathy Chen

Teacher of Mandarin

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Kate Ellison

Admissions Assistant, Teacher of PE

Kate Ellison

Admissions Assistant, Teacher of PE

Blaise Hawkins

Year 3 Class Teacher

Blaise Hawkins

Year 3 Class Teacher

Joseph Jedrzejczyk

Prep School Teacher, Upper School Leadership and Service Assistant Coordinator

Joseph Jedrzejczyk

Prep School Teacher, Upper School Leadership and Service Assistant Coordinator

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Paul McFadden

Teacher of Computer Science

Paul McFadden

Teacher of Computer Science

Kathryn Oldroyd

Year 3 Class Teacher

Kathryn Oldroyd

Year 3 Class Teacher

Dale Paterson

Nursery Class Teacher

Dale Paterson

Nursery Class Teacher

Lisa Paterson

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Lisa Paterson

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Avril Connolly Phillips

Acting Principal of Harrow Little Lions

Avril Connolly Phillips

Acting Principal of Harrow Little Lions

Paul Phillips

Head of Language and Learning

Paul Phillips

Head of Language and Learning

Thomas Ready

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Thomas Ready

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Linh Rowland

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Linh Rowland

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Kiran Sharma

Year 4 Class Teacher

Kiran Sharma

Year 4 Class Teacher

Tess St Clair-Ford

Head of English and Whole School Literacy Coordinator

Tess St Clair-Ford

Head of English and Whole School Literacy Coordinator

Wanda Stephens

Nursery Class Teacher

Wanda Stephens

Nursery Class Teacher

Roxanne Stirk

Reception Class Teacher

Roxanne Stirk

Reception Class Teacher

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Gary Willis

Director of Co-curricular and Director of Sport

Gary Willis

Director of Co-curricular and Director of Sport

Hannah Wray

Reception Class Teacher

Hannah Wray

Reception Class Teacher

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Sarah Zhu

Teacher of Mandarin

Sarah Zhu

Teacher of Mandarin

Gabriel Adedipe

Year 1 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Aeronautical Technology, Staffordshire University

PGCE, Nottingham University

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey in the United States coaching football in 2008. I moved to China in 2011 and taught at a Chinese school in Zhuzhou Hunan. A year later, I moved to Shanghai and taught at a bilingual school before joining Harrow in 2017.

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher

Nationality: Australian

Degrees: BEd Hons in Primary Education, Southern Cross University

Teaching Experience:

My teaching experience is quite diverse, having taught for five years 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.

Richard Brooks

Head of Mathematics

Nationality: British

Degrees: MEng in Aeronautical Engineering, University of Bristol

Teaching Experience:

Having begun my teaching career at a school in London, I moved to Shanghai in 2016 to join Harrow. I have since served as Housemaster of Churchill House, and I am now the Head of Mathematics.

Richard Castle

Teacher of Economics, Housemaster of Rothschild House and House Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Management, Lancaster University

PGCE, University of Brighton

MA in Educational leadership, University of Chester

Teaching Experience:

I have taught in the independent sector for over 16 years, the last 10 of which, prior to joining Harrow were in boarding schools in both the UK and Malaysia. This included having the privilege of holding the post of Head of Boarding, Housemaster and Head of Economics and Business, as well as OC of the RAF contingent and area assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Cumbria.

Heather Chimbani

Cubs Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons Degree in Primary Education, the University of Winchester

Teaching Experience:

I have fifteen years’ extensive experience working with children and I have taught in both mainstream and SEND schools. Whilst in England I was a Speech and Language Teacher in a specialist unit. I then went on to work internationally in Tanzania, as SEND lead, Year 1 and FS1 teacher, then relocated to Kuala Lumpur to teach the EYFS.

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.

Alice Freeman

Year 1 Class Teacher

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. This is now my second year working 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.

Amy Huang

Head of Mandarin, Byron Housemistress

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.

Grace Kim

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc in Psychology, City University of London

PGCE, University College London

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching for 6 years; 2 years in the UK and this is my 4^th year teaching in an International School in Shanghai. Previously, I was the Head of Year 4 and currently I am the year group coordinator for Year 3. This is my second year at Harrow Shanghai.

Carol Liu

Head of Lower School Music

Nationality: American

Degrees: BA in Piano Performance and Composition, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

MM in Music Education from New York University

Teaching Experience:

I am passionate about early childhood music education because of the impact music has on my life beginning at a young age and I love to introduce students to the joy of music. I have taught music for over 20 years, and it has been a pleasure to working with the students at Harrow.

Neve Mealy

Year 4 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Childhood Studies, University of Bristol

PGCE, University of Cambridge

MEd, Researching Practice, University of Cambridge

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey seven years ago in North London, where I taught in Year 5 and 6 and was Maths lead, following a Masters focusing on reasoning and mathematical efficacy. After four years teaching in the UK I moved to Suzhou in China, where I was a Year 6 teacher and English coordinator.

Leigh Orman-Rutene

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: New Zealander

Degrees: BA in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood); PGC TESOL University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Teaching Experience:

After training as a teacher, I taught in a range of Early Childhood settings in New Zealand. I then moved with my family to teach internationally in 2007. I am experienced in teaching English as a Second Language and I enjoy applying my knowledge in an early years context.

Felix Baden-Powell

Head of Higher Education and Careers

Nationality: British, Indian and American

Degrees: MA in International Relations, University of Edinburgh

MSc in Development Management, London School of Economics

PGCE, University of Nottingham

Teaching Experience:

My teaching at Harrow has been influenced by my schooling at Westminster School which encourages debate, questioning and discussion. At Harrow, I am Head of Higher Education and Careers and teach History and Business Studies. In my spare time, I love to play squash, a sport invented at Harrow School in 1830!

Natalie Bowen

Year 2 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Drama and Theology, The University of Hull

MA in Educational Leadership, The University of Manchester

PGCE, Birmingham City University (Teach First)

Teaching Experience:

I have worked in a variety of schools in the UK, most recently in Manchester. Alongside my teaching responsibilities, I have taken on many leadership roles which includes Wider Curriculum Lead where I transformed the curriculum and provision for the children. I am passionate about all aspects of primary education and am committed to providing an outstanding, balanced learning experience.

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Mathematics, University of Nottingham

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching Mathematics for 22 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.

Samantha Castle

Prep School Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA (Hons) Business and Education, University of Nottingham

Diploma in Business and Finance with agriculture, Cranfield University

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching for over twenty years. I first taught GCSEs and A Levels in an all-boys grammar school. After I had my children I returned to the classroom and worked as a Prep teacher. I have worked in international schools for seven years.

Man-Yee Coleman

Teacher of Science and Biology

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc (Hons) in Neuropsychology, University of Bristol

MSc (Science Understanding and Research in Education), University of Bristol

Teaching Experience:

I came late into teaching (2003). I started as Key Stage 3 science coordinator at Ridgeway School in Swindon for two years then spent the next ten years in several positions at Prior Park School, firstly as Head of Science then Teaching and Learning Coordinator. I was also the school’s designated teacher trainer for the University of Reading. I spent one year in Kazakhstan as a school science consultant before moving to Shanghai.

Kelly Cui Edwards

Teacher 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.

Roger Groenink

Teacher of Geography, Upper School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Nationality: South African

Degrees: BA in Primary Education & BA in Education, University of South Africa

Teaching Experience:

Originally from South Africa, I have taught internationally in seven different countries over the last twenty-two years. My experience includes both primary and secondary education, but mostly teaching senior school geography and global perspectives. At Harrow, I coordinate the senior school leadership and service programme and serve as examinations officer.

Neil Hudson

Head of Science

Nationality: British

Degrees:

BSc Hons in Environmental Science, University of Plymouth

MEd in Educational Leadership and Management, University of Bath

Teaching Experience:

I teach Physics alongside STEM, rugby and swimming. I train teachers for the exam board CAIE and I love meeting educators who deliver concepts with practical applications in order to make them relevant and memorable. I’m a firm believer in making confident, responsible and scientifically literate members of society.

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama

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.

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.

Amy Naisbitt

Year 4 Class Teacher, 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.

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish

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 9 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.

Millie Ballard

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BEd in Primary Teaching, Plymouth University

Teaching Experience:

I have been living and working in China for three 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.

Sean Boyes

Churchill Housemaster, Physical Education and Swimming Teacher

Nationality: Australian

Degrees: Bachelor of Commerce, Deakin University

Bachelor of Education, Edith Cowan University

PGCE, Buckingham University

Teaching Experience:

I have gained valuable experience working at fantastic schools around the world, having had the privilege to teach in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Malaysia and now China. I aim to bring out the best in each pupil in my care and I look forward to another successful year at Harrow.

Mari Buma-a

Year 2 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc in Mathematics, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

For the past two years, I have been working 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.

Cathy Chen

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MSc in Social Science Education, The Education University of Hong Kong

Teaching Experience:

I have been working for Harrow Shanghai since its opening in 2016. I also taught in Hong Kong for two years before then. I am committed to deliver the Chinese language to every Harrovian and helping them enrich their knowledge of China’s profound cultural heritage. I now mainly teach in the Pre-Prep and Prep phrases, to both native and non-native Mandarin learners.

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.

Kate Ellison

Admissions Assistant, Teacher of PE

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.

Blaise Hawkins

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc International Equine and Agricultural Business Management, Royal Agricultural University

PGCE, Kingston University, London

Teaching Experience:

It is my first year teaching at Harrow international School and I am thrilled to be living in Shanghai. Prior to this position I was a Year 3 Class Teacher in Hampshire, UK. I first discovered my passion for working with children whilst teaching horse riding. I relished in the rewards of watching them grow in ability and confidence. I am excited to continue my teaching career at Harrow, having the opportunity to support, encourage and motivate children in all aspects of school life.

Joseph Jedrzejczyk

Prep School Teacher, Upper School Leadership and Service Assistant Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: Law LLB, University of Westminster

LLM in International Law & Human Rights, the University of Warwick

PGCE, Durham University

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching in British international prep schools for over six years now. I am a huge supporter of the prep model and particularly enjoy the challenging English curriculum that students are faced with. I enjoy coaching football teams, leading Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and running team building weekends.

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 eleven 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.

Paul McFadden

Teacher of Computer Science

Nationality: British and New Zealander

Degrees: BSc Hons in Geography, The University of Edinburgh

Postgraduate Diploma in Education in E-Learning and Digital Technology, The University of Canterbury

Graduate Diploma in Teaching, The University of Auckland

Teaching Experience:

Before starting at Harrow in 2019 I taught in New Zealand for thirteen years. Prior to Harrow I taught Computing Science at IGCSE and A-Level at Springbank School in Kerikeri, an independent school that teaches the Cambridge International Curriculum.

Kathryn Oldroyd

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Politics, Keele University

PGCE, University of Warwick

Teaching Experience:

I started my teaching career in the UK where I taught children in Year 1 and Year 6. Having visited Shanghai during my travels, I decided to continue my career teaching English to children in Grades 1-8 before moving to Harrow this year to teach Year 3.

Dale Paterson

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: Scottish

Degrees: BEd Hons in Primary Education, University of Edinburgh

PGCE, University of Edinburgh

Teaching Experience:

I have taught for over twenty-two years in the UK, as a class teacher for ten years and a PE teacher for the remainder of my career there. I have taught all stages of primary school in that time and also worked in a school for children with social and emotional needs.

Lisa Paterson

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: Scottish

Degrees: BEd Hons in Primary Education, Edinburgh University

Teaching Experience:

I have a wealth of experience in a variety of roles and have worked with many different children from age 2 to 12 for nearly 25 years. Before moving to Shanghai, I led Learning and Teaching in a sector leading nursery school. I have delivered numerous staff training sessions, mentored and guided practitioners, formulated and evaluated schools’ improvement plans and introduced reading, spelling and homework programmes. I believe in lifelong learning and strive to nuture a growth mind set in all learners.

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.

Avril Connolly Phillips

Acting Principal of Harrow Little Lions

Nationality: Irish

Degrees: BA Hons Communications, University of Wales

PGCE, University of Nottingham

MA in Education, Nottingham University

Teaching Experience:

Before coming to Shanghai, I was the Principal of a large British kindergarten for eight years with over 200 children and 30 + nationalities. This role gave me a wonderful opportunity to work and learn alongside many nationalities and to share our love of teaching and learning. Before living in Bahrain, my husband and I lived in Kuwait, Portugal and Vietnam.

Paul Phillips

Head of Language and Learning

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.

Thomas Ready

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in French and English, University of Liverpool

PGCE, University of Manchester

MA in Education, University of Manchester

Teaching Experience:

I taught in the North West of England prior to Harrow, training with Teach First. I have been proud to work in numerous contexts, upholding high standards of behaviour and progress in my classes. I am a believer in teaching through high expectations and positivity; cornerstones of my practice.

Linh Rowland

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Nationality: Canadian

Degrees: BA, BEd, MEd in Special Education, University of British Columbia

Teaching Experience:

In Canada, I worked as a Special Education Teacher and taught high school humanities. I then spent three years as a Behavioral Support teacher in England and two years as a SENCo in Vietnam. Moving down to Latin America, I taught 5^th grade for two years in Honduras and was a primary and secondary Learning Support teacher in Uruguay.

Kiran Sharma

Year 4 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Psychology, University of Sheffield

PGCE, Birmingham City University

Teaching Experience:

I have a range of experience working in high performing schools in both the state and independent sectors in the UK. I am well practised in challenging students to extend their learning and widen their thinking, elevating the standard in the classroom. Harrow Shanghai is my first international teaching post.

Tess St Clair-Ford

Head of English and Whole School Literacy Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: MA in Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge

MA in Creative Writing, University of Chichester

Teaching Experience:

I began teaching at an international school in Sri Lanka and since then have spent 10+ years in British independent schools in and around London, most recently at Epsom College where I was Head of Year 11.

Wanda Stephens

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Education, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

I have ten 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.

Roxanne Stirk

Reception Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in History, University of Huddersfield

PGCE, University of Leeds

Teaching Experience:

I started teaching internationally in 2013 when I moved to Kuwait. Whilst in Kuwait, I worked for two British schools, teaching Year 2 and Year 3. I progressed to an NQT Mentor and became Head of Year 3. Since moving to China in in 2018 I have worked as a Year 2 teacher and now a Reception teacher.

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.

Gary Willis

Director of Co-curricular and Director of Sport

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Sport, University of Durham

PGCE, Birmingham University

Teaching Experience:

With twelve years teaching experience, comprising Director of Co-curricular, Enrichment and Sport, I am extremely privileged to have gained a wealth of experience across a range of high performing schools. I have taught in the UK, Vietnam, Brazil, Japan and China and this is my third year at Harrow Shanghai.

Hannah Wray

Reception Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in French, King’s College, University of London

PGCE, Goldsmith’s College, University of London

MA, Bilingual Learners, Institute of Education, University of London

Teaching Experience:

I began my career teaching English to adults in London and Modern Foreign Languages at secondary school level. I moved to teaching French at primary level and finally specialised in Early Years. I was lead teacher for Languages in the primary school I worked at in London.

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in Landscape Architecture, Tongji University

Teaching Experience:

I have been working at Harrow School for almost four 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.

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.

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in Arts, Shanghai Jiaotong University

Teaching Experience:

With 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.

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.

Sarah Zhu

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: BA in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Shanghai University

MA in Humanities, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Teaching Experience:

I have qualifications for teaching Chinese as a native language and as a second language. In my teaching career, I served as a Chinese teacher in an international school, a bilingual school and a university in Shanghai. I am so happy to be a member of Harrow Shanghai.