Welcome to WIS! What would you like us to know about you?
Thank you for the warm welcome! I am Italian, I completed my degrees in the UK and have spent most of my career working as a primary teacher in Africa. I started teaching in the 90s, so I am old enough to remember chalk and blackboards! I will be coming to Namibia with my wife, Natalie.
Could you tell us a little about your philosophy of education?
I am attracted by the vibrant atmosphere of international schools, the mixing of languages and cultures, and the shared values. I have always liked inclusive, safe, calm and purposeful school environments, where children and adults alike feel valued and motivated.
I enjoy helping students make sense of an ever changing world. I share with them a few basic guiding principles: resilience, flexibility, and acceptance of others’ views, even when they do not coincide with ours.
I appreciate working in an environment which is organised, professional, compassionate and caring. ‘People work over paperwork’ is my motto.
People often like to know their teacher’s academic background and professional experiences. What and where have you studied? Where have you worked?
I attended secondary school and college in Italy. I then moved to the UK, where I graduated with a BA in education, with a special focus on Science (Biology), from the University of Brighton. Since then I have taught in the UK, Zimbabwe and, for the last 20 years, Malawi, in both British International schools and IB/PYP schools. I also have a Masters in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland.
What do you do when you aren't teaching?
Outside of school I enjoy reading and learning about health, fitness and nutrition. I also like to exercise and to spend time outside with a pair of binoculars, birdwatching. And I like cars, and pretending that I know a lot about them...
Why did you choose WIS?
It was the coming together of a couple of factors. Having visited a few times, we always felt that Namibia was a special, rare place, an incredible combination of interesting, warm people and amazing natural landscapes. More importantly, I found the people I interacted with at WIS really welcoming and friendly, and so positive about the school and its community.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
I am a qualified FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) guide. During weekends and holidays I love spending time in the bush with family and friends.
Comentários