I have been teaching in China for over 15 years at various different levels, from kindergarten, through middle school to university and business level English. I joined BSB in 2008 and spent my first two years teaching English as an Additional Language – a course designed to help those students with weaker English to improve and access the curriculum. From this, I moved into mainstream English before setting up and running our Psychology department which is now well established.
I completed my BA (Hons) degree in English and Psychology at University of Worcester and went on to take my PGCE here in Beijing. I completed my MA in Psychology at University of Roehampton after conducting my research project on examining the effects of culture on risky behaviour. I continue to develop my psychological knowledge through the development of our GCSE and IB programmes and I am an examiner for both programmes. I have also completed the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), Level 1 Counselling Qualification and Level 1 British Sign Language Qualification.
After being Head of Year for 7 years at BSB, I am now the Assistant Head (Pastoral). It is an exciting role with a new set of challenges and I am eager to use my experience to help maintain the happiness and wellbeing of all our students, as well as continue to grow and develop our school.
My biggest passion is playing squash and I try to play as often as possible. As my two daughters grow older, we often spend time playing chess and different board games together which is another of my passions.
Click here to see a video about Jim and click here to read his interview.