Meet our Teacher - Neil Pettitt

Countries of Origin:  United Kingdom

University Education:  B.Sc(Hons) Environmental Science, PGCE both University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

Total number of teaching experiences: 25 Years

Q：What brings you to Léman International School Chengdu?

I am excited to join the lively and growing learning community at Léman, contributing not only in terms of teaching science but across the wider school environment. I am excited to also experience the culture of Chengdu and China. I looked into many options in China and the one city that always seemed to be talked about fondly was Chengdu.

Q：Can you please introduce yourself to our LIS community?

I am a native of the United Kingdom, having been born close to London. Following an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, I chose a career in teaching by initially completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Subsequent to qualification I worked in a range of UK schools where as well as subject teaching I held a number of pastoral roles. Making the choice to move into international education in 2005 I have been lucky to teach in Spain, Oman, Russia and Malaysia, holding further academic and pastoral roles in the process. I bring with me close to 25 years of teaching experience. I arrive in Chengdu from Malaysia where I have been teaching mathematics and science for the last three years. Joining me in Chengdu are two of my three sons. The eldest has returned to Europe where he is continuing his studies. I look forward to making your acquaintances.

Q：Why did you choose Nord Anglia Education to expand your career?

Over the time I have been in international education Nord Anglia has grown into and become acknowledged as one of the world’s most renown international education groups. Their educational philosophy ties with my own and I feel I not only have a lot to offer Nord Anglia but that they will provide me with the structure and opportunity to continue on my own learning journey, and in doing so enhance the learning of those I teach.

Q：How are you going to work with your students to encourage them “To Be Ambitious”?

I am a great believer in creating value and ownership of learning for the students in my classes. By developing keen critical thinking skills and an applicable set of diagnostic tools I look to develop not only knowledge but skills and deeper understanding of the subject matter. By always encouraging students to ask the next question, to solve the next problem and to be able to reflect on what they have observed and experienced I believe students learn to value their learning experiences as something they have created themselves. In doing this they also learn that the greater their ambition, in any pursuit, the greater the potential reward.

Q：What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school I enjoy exploring the natural world, both urban and country. I am a keen amateur musician and enjoy home recording and music making. I like to play and watch sports, particularly cricket, rugby and football. I am a keen fan of modern technology and enjoy building and fixing electronic equipment. I enjoy learning about language and culture and of course doing all this with my children.

Q: What do you plan to bring to the school? 

I believe I bring a wealth of experience, international mindedness and enthusiasm for international education. I look forward to immersing myself in the school community and bringing an inherently positive and active style of teaching to the students.