Our Teachers

Ms Rebecca Ngakane joins LEH Foshan as Head of English. Previously, Ms. Ngakane worked in London as the English Curriculum and KS4 Lead as well as the Head of House. She has also taught in Tanzania, New York and in the UK. She has a first-class English degree from Queen Mary, University of London.

"My goal in life is to make every child fall in love with reading. I have regularly organised theatre trips and believe in broadening students' appreciation of English culture. I have also helped to lead Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and Cambridge University outreach programmes for sixth form students. I can’t wait to meet some of my future students!"

A native of Hubei, with a first-class degree from Hubei University, Mr Yan joins LEH Foshan as Head of Chinese. Mr. Yan has lived in England for the past 20 years and is excited to be returning home to teach at LEH. Previously Mr Yan was Head of Chinese at Oundle and Wycombe Abbey, two of the most prestigious private schools in England. He was among the first Chinese nationals to obtain qualified teacher status in England and has a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with research focused on student autonomy. Well known within the Mandarin teaching community in the UK, he has authored textbooks and run training courses for teachers. Under his leadership Oundle School was granted the status of Confucius Classroom by Hanban, the Office of Chinese Language Council International.

"I believe that languages cannot be taught, they can only be learnt. My job is not to teach but to motivate pupils. I am keen on facilitating Chinese learning through sketches. Beyond the classroom, I have also helped to forge links with local communities and expose pupils to opportunities to understand that helping others bring its own rewards. I will relish the challenge of tackling new ideas in LEH Foshan, as I always do.”

Mrs. Carolyn Jones has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature as well as a Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Previously, she held positions in international schools as House Mistress, Head of Gifted and Talented Programme as well as teaching English Language.

“I am looking forward to meeting the LEH Foshan students! I am a lifelong learner and I hope to share this passion with all the students so that this paves the way to future success, whether this is at university or their career.”

Mrs. Kathryn Chapman joins LEH Foshan as a Teacher of English, specialising in Literature. She has taught in London and Lincolnshire in a wide variety of different types of school, most recently selective. She has also been a Subject Leader in Drama, introducing it as a subject as well as running the school's theatre company and their ambitious productions, and loves bringing drama skills into English learning. She has also worked as a Sixth Form tutor, supporting pupils into their preferred universities.  

“Instilling a culture of reading for pleasure amongst students through peer-to-peer reading programmes is one of the proudest things I've done. I have also led extra-curricular clubs in creative writing, film, drama and debating, and can’t wait to see how imaginative our LEH students are going to be!” 

Mrs Deborah Kirk joins LEH Foshan as Head of Mathematics. She graduated from the University of Exeter with a Mathematics degree and since then, Mrs Kirk has taught Maths for over 30 years around the world in top international schools, including Bogota (Colombia), Barcelona, Dubai and Bangkok. Most recently, she was teaching in the UK where she was not only teaching Maths, but also a Sixth Form Tutor supporting pre-university preparation as well as an A-Level Examiner. 

"I want students to see how they can use maths to build creativity and critical thinking skills. I will encourage my students to go on Mathematic trips such as joining competitions such as SEAMC and the UK's Maths Feast. I am looking forward to meeting LEH Foshan students very shortly!"

Mr Adam Stenning joins LEH Foshan as Head of Computer Science. Previously, he worked as the Head of Technology in an international school in Dubai as well in North London. He has taught a wide range of subjects in Secondary including Computer Science and ICT. Mr Stenning has a First class Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Network Technology.  

"I am looking forward to meeting LEH students and sharing my interest in technology! When I am in China, I hope to learn more Putonghua and my goal is to be able to order a coffee in Chinese when I arrive!"

Miss Nicola Pritchard joins LEH International School Foshan as a Teacher of Mathematics from an outstanding school linked to University of Warwick, ranked 4th in the UK for Mathematics. With her focus on innovation in learning, she joined the UK Department of Education's 'Accelerate' programme, designed for talented young teachers. She has a range of interests outside of the classroom including Forensic Science and Yu Gi Oh and is excited to be fully involved with the wide range of extra-curricular activities offered at LEH.

“I believe mathematics is a fantastic life skill that is used in so many careers. I want students to realise that mathematics is everywhere, and the logic and problem-solving skills used in maths are transferable to many aspects of academic life and also life outside of education. I can't wait to embark on my international teaching journey with our LEH Foshan students.”

Dr Martin Kirk joins LEH Foshan as the Head of Science. Previously Dr Kirk was in the UK teaching IGCSE and A Level Chemistry, and he has also taught Science in British international schools around the world including in Thailand, Dubai and Spain.

Dr Kirk had coached rugby and cricket sports teams and led students through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, both from the University of Leeds.

"I am keen to start teaching and getting to know the students at LEH Foshan. Science is a fascinating subject and I hope to inspire all our students to be curious, to explore and continue learning. At the same, I am excited to learn more about China and the wonderful things it has to offer." 

Mr Peter Farnsworth joins LEH Foshan after 15 years of teaching of Design and Technology in the UK. He is experienced in teaching all aspects of the subject to GCSE and A Level but specialises in electronics and engineering. During his career Mr Farnsworth has successfully guided student teams to the finals of national competitions.

Outside of the classroom He has led students through the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and has coached successful school Rugby teams.

“I am looking forward to working with the students at LEH Foshan to develop their skills in designing modern and functional products, solving real life problems and addressing the needs of society in the 21^st century”.

Mr David Hobourn joins LEH Foshan as Director of Music with over twenty years’ experience in music education and performance. He is a Graduate of Trinity College of Music as well as Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. He has worked in schools in the UK, France, and Thailand, having started his career as a cathedral organist in Canterbury and Bristol, UK. As an organ soloist and choral director, Mr Hobourn has performed in many countries around the world. He has been on the music examining panel of Trinity College London since 1999, and has also worked as an adjudicator, including twice at the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival.

Mr Hobourn loves the outdoor life and keeping fit, whether running, walking, or climbing mountains. As a teenager, he was an All-England Athletics Champion.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to working as the Founding Director of Music at LEH Foshan, forming a Music Department that will very much be a centre of school life and a binding together of school society. I hope that LEH Foshan will soon have a music foundation of which to be truly proud, following in the footsteps of its sister school in the UK.”

Ms Helen Hayward joins LEH Foshan as the Head of Art. She graduated from Chelsea School of Art with a Fine Art degree and later from the University of the Arts London, Camberwell with a Master of Arts in Visual Arts: Printmaking, with Distinction.

Ms Hayward has been teaching Fine Art for 17 years in secondary schools and colleges. She is a practising fine artist and exhibits her work internationally.

“I am very excited to be working with students at LEHF. I love teaching art and I love making art. I am looking forward to sharing my passion, skills and knowledge with LEHF’s future generation of artists and art lovers”.

Mr Stuart Savill joins LEH Foshan as the Head of Drama. With over 18 years of teaching experience, Mr Savill has been Head of Drama for the last 11 years in Essex, UK. He has also held positions including Student Council Coordinator, Senior examiner and moderator for GCSE Drama. He has led students to expeditions for Duke of Edinburgh Awards and adventure activity trips such as a month-long stay in Kenya. Mr Savill has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Theatre Arts with English Literary Studies from the University of Middlesex.  

"I can't wait to get started working at LEH Foshan. I am keen to begin developing an exciting drama curriculum and fostering a life-long passion for drama and theatre in the students!"

Mr Darren Cowan joins LEH Foshan as the Head of Humanities. Previously he was Head of Key Stage 4 at a leading international school in the UAE. Throughout his career he has held posts as Head of Humanities and Head of Geography at schools in the UK, Germany and the Middle East. He is a qualified Rugby and Tennis Coach. Mr Cowan has a Bachelor of Science in Geography and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Warwick.

Mr Cowan was asked what he would want for his LEH students. Whilst exams are important, he says that LEH Foshan isn’t an exam factory. “We want students to have their passions, to grow, to have their interests and put a lot of effort into that and ultimately to enjoy learning and become better citizens for tomorrow," he explains. 

Mr Mark Bannister joins LEH Foshan as the Head of History. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he was Head of Humanities Faculty at a leading international school in Bahrain. Throughout his career he has taught in schools in the UK, Cyprus, the Middle East and Australia specialising in History. Mr Bannister has a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from the University of Keele. He enjoys travelling and experiencing new cultures and is very excited to be moving to China.

“I can’t wait to begin teaching at LEH Foshan, to meet the students and help engender a love of learning and History. History is my passion and I hope to enthuse and motivate the students to excel in the subject.”

Mr Lee Jones joins LEH Foshan as Head of Physical Education. He was leading PE and Sports in a British school in India and prior to this, he held a senior positions in schools in Mongolia, Kenya and in the UK. Mr Jones enjoys outdoor sports and activities including hiking, kayaking and rock climbing. He is an avid Rugby player and trained with the Mongolian National Rugby Team. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences.

Mr Sam Ghomashchian joins LEH International School Foshan as Teacher of PE and Swimming. Previously, he was the Swimming and PE / After-school Activity Coordinator for an international school in Malaysia. Prior to this, Mr Ghomashchian taught Mathematics at another international school also in Malaysia. He has a Masters degree in Project Management (Sustainability) from Robert Gordon University, UK.

"I believe in enabling students to take risks and to challenge themselves through outdoor activities offered in the Duke of Edinburgh 'Adventurous Journey' trips, such as rock climbing, caving and white-water rafting. I love leading sports clubs like Football, Basketball and Swimming and I can see there are huge benefits for young adults and children to be involved in sports."