A bit about Brian R

Having qualified from university I had a hunger to see different countries. Therefore, I used my English degree, plus my PGCE, to work at a number of international schools abroad. I enjoyed seeing and experiencing a variety of cultures and honing my teaching skills as I went along. I have taught mainly ks3 English and History as well as IGCSE in both of these subjects. While working in Thailand I also gained experience of ESL. It was in 2000 that I first travelled to SE Asia and worked at the first of a number of international schools in the area. Last year I decided to return home, having completed my contract at St Joseph's International School in Malaysia. I start with a learning objective, based on the student's needs allied to that of the curriculum. Next, I look for appropriate resources that will engage the student as well as challenging the student. While the teaching and learning is taking place, I will give myself ample assessment opportunities to ensure the student is making suitable progress. At the end is a plenary and - if appropriate - homework to reinforce the teaching and learning. I have been teaching for over 20 years and during that time I have had a number of private students. These students have been keen to do well in their subject and curriculum, usually ks3 and IGCSE. I have enjoyed the mixture of students from those who are gifted to those who find the subject a challenge. I have always loved reading from an early age. It's a thrill to share this passion with students. English allows students to be creative as well as analytical, with all the skills in between. And I remember reading a number of great books as a teen. I am always keen to pass this love on to students. For students to engage with the lesson, to enjoy it, to have a curious mind and not to worry about making mistakes. Indeed, making mistakes is the best way to learn. Mistakes + Corrections = Progress. Simple but very satisfying. I think they love the enthusiasm that I bring to the lesson. In addition, I believe that resources are very important as they help to engage and stretch the student. Any student who achieves his or her potential in the subject I would consider a great success. We all have strengths and weaknesses in different subjects. But we all have the ability to try our best to be the best we can. That gives me a lot of satisfaction when that happens. I have an M.A. in English/History as well as a PGCE (Secondary) I love poetry, novels and drama. It's great how authors can create distinct worlds of their own at the same time as using our own world as their influence. Moreover, I get a lot of satisfaction working with students, seeing them make progress and interact with one another in the classroom. I love sport of all kinds, but nowadays the main sport I participate in is long-distance running. Of course life wouldn't be complete without music and books. That would be my trilogy. It's also true to say that I enjoy travel very much. I have taught mainly National Curriculum at KS3 and Cambridge IGCSE at KS4.