I have been an EAL teacher for 15 years both here in China and in the UK. Before coming to China, I taught at Sheffield Hallam University and then came to China to manage an English programme here in the capital. I have extensive experience teaching in both high school and university and have run a number of teacher training sessions.
I began teaching at BSB in March 2014 and have loved every minute of my time here. The school has given me the opportunity to further my experience of teaching some wonderful students and my qualifications as an examiner for a number of Cambridge University examinations has been well used at the school.
As a parent of two young children, I have lots of fun biking, hiking and cooking. I also play the guitar and have performed locally in a band. I like to go jogging whenever I get chance, especially in the Olympic Park in Beijing which has a great running track and some difficult climbs (and also plenty of kiosks selling ice cream).
What the students say:
- ‘Mr Burnham sometimes lets us become the teacher and use the electronic whiteboard during class.’
- ‘I like some of the quizzes and competitions we do in teams.’
- ‘I feel more confident about speaking English in other lessons now.’
High Quality Learning helps to give students the confidence and ability to face academic and social challenges by allowing them to take control of their learning. In the EAL class, this means making innovative and exciting lessons and tasks where students take the lead. We use a variety of peer led activities, making sure that all students play an important role in the class, regardless of language ability. BSB gives students the confidence to take what they have learned into mainstream lessons and academic areas which they previously found very challenging. In EAL students are encouraged to realise how important they are to the school and how vital their views and opinions are. Our students can hold their heads up high and become valuable members of the school and wider community.