I joined BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen in August 2024 after spending four years at my previous school, where I was the STEAM teacher for Grades 1 through 6. I had always heard great things about BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China and knew it had a strong reputation for academic excellence and professional growth. When I saw a job opening, I decided to apply and ended up speaking with James Rock and Ms. Pan. After those conversations, I knew this was the right place for me, and I was excited to join a school with such a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and student success.
Professional Development That Inspires Growth
The emphasis on professional development at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China has been incredibly impactful for me as an educator. The opportunities to engage with highly experienced teachers, exchange ideas, and learn from different perspectives have helped me refine my teaching methods. Whether it’s new classroom strategies, student engagement techniques, or project-based learning approaches, I’ve gained insights that have directly influenced my practice. The constant exposure to fresh ideas has kept me motivated and always looking for ways to improve.
A Culture of Collaboration and Support
The sense of community at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen is one of the strongest I’ve ever experienced. From my first day, I felt like part of the team. Our upper primary office is a dynamic, eclectic mix of nationalities, subjects, and personalities, yet we come together to create an incredibly supportive and collaborative environment. There is a real sense of teamwork, where everyone is willing to share ideas, offer support, and work together to ensure the best outcomes for our students. It’s an environment that not only makes daily work enjoyable but also fosters professional growth in a way I haven’t seen at other schools.
Memorable Moments of Learning and Laughter
There isn’t just one standout professional development experience—there have been many. Dave Marks’ Laughing Yoga was a fantastic session that brought a fresh perspective on well-being. It was a reminder that a positive mindset and a sense of humour could go a long way in creating an engaging learning environment.
Kieran Woods and Aoife Costello’s Engaging Students through Active Learning was both informative and entertaining. They demonstrated practical strategies for making lessons more interactive and student-centred, which reinforced my belief in the importance of hands-on learning.
Matt Koo’s Promoting Student Learning through Projects stood out because it directly aligned with my teaching philosophy. He emphasized the value of student-driven exploration and real-world applications, which is exactly what I strive for in my Science/ STEAM lessons. His session gave me new ideas for structuring long-term projects to maximize engagement and learning outcomes.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
So far, my first year at BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The strong sense of teamwork, the emphasis on continuous professional growth, and the engaging professional development opportunities have all contributed to my development as an educator. I look forward to many more years of learning, collaborating, and growing within this amazing school community.
James Colquhoun
Grade 5 Science Teacher
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen
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