Our Teachers
Our goal is to prepare students to be the leaders of the future. They are lifelong learners who are unafraid to tackle new and challenging ideas, prepared to take risks and develop into intellectually curious young people.
我们的目标是将学生培养成为未来领袖。他们是不惧挑战、勇于创新的终身学习者,是时刻准备迎接挑战、充满求知欲的优秀青年。
The quality, experience and commitment of your teacher is the single most important factor in the academic success of any student. We are proud to introduce our colleagues, all of whom are experienced, inspirational and proven in teaching the British curriculum.
Our native-English speaking teaching staff are recruited from leading schools around the world, and bring maturity and dynamism to the classroom. Most hold Masters or PhDs in Education and have, on average, 15+ years teaching experience.
With smaller class sizes, our students benefit from a highly individualised teaching approach, where each teacher has a firm knowledge of his or her student’s strengths and challenges. Our teachers have the support and resources they need to personalise their teaching to ensure that each student achieves their personal best.
MEET OUR TEACHERS
Led by the Head Master, our dedicated team of Specialist Secondary teachers are highly experienced at delivering the English National Curriculum in an international setting.
Mrs Jane Arden, Headteacher
Jane Arden joins as Acting Headteacher of LEH International School Foshan. She studied at both Liverpool, John Moores University and Liverpool University where she was awarded a BA (hons)in History, and a PGCE. Prior to this role, she was the Deputy Principal of Chengdu Westminster founding team, as well Director of Teaching and Learning and Head of English. Before that, Jane spent four year as Head of Academics and English at Wellington College International. With over 20 years in education, she has led schools to achieve outstanding IGCSE and A level results. Jane Arden has also worked as Assistant Principal examiner for AQA English language. Training and mentoring teachers is key for Jane in creating schools fit for the 21st century.
“I am looking forward to guiding and teaching the students at LEH Foshan and providing them with opportunities at school to help them develop the skills required to be an internationally minded citizen. Similarly, I am excited to work with a group of committed and inspiring teachers who will bring the best of a British education to Foshan!”
- Languages
- mathematics & computer science
- creative arts
- science & technology
- humanities
- pe, sport & activities
- Librarian
Languages
- Ms Rebecca Ngakane, Head of English & Languages Faculty
- Mr Hua Yan, Head of Chinese
- MRS CAROLYN JONES, ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPECIALIST TEACHER & HOUSE PARENT
- MRS KATHRYN CHAPMAN, TEACHER OF ENGLISH
- DR CHENGMING XIE, CHINESE LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
Ms Rebecca Ngakane, Head of English & Languages Faculty
Ms Rebecca Ngakane joins LEH Foshan as Head of English & Languages Faculty. 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!"
Mr Hua Yan, Head of Chinese
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, ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPECIALIST TEACHER & HOUSE PARENT
Mrs. Carolyn Jones joins LEH Foshan as an English Language Specialist Teacher & House Parent. She 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, TEACHER OF ENGLISH
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!”
DR CHENGMING XIE, CHINESE LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
Dr Chengming Xie joins LEH Foshan as a Chinese Language Specialist. She has a PhD in Chinese Linguistics from Peking University and a Mandarin Chinese PGCE with EAL from the Institute of Education, University College London.
Dr Xie taught Chinese language and literature to both native speakers and foreigners in Beijing before she relocated to the UK, where she taught Mandarin to beginners, GCSE students and A Level to Chinese heritage speakers. Dr Xie had led a Chinese language and culture club in Oxford, teaching Chinese characters and classics to both foreign and heritage learners.
"I am keen to start teaching and getting to know all the students at LEH Foshan. Chinese is a beautiful language with a long history and rich culture. I hope to inspire intellectual curiosity, creative thinking and a lifelong love of learning in our students. Meanwhile, I am excited to learn some Cantonese and explore local culture, such as Gongfu and Cantonese opera, with my students."
mathematics & computer science
- Mrs Deborah Kirk, HEAD OF MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE FACULTY
- Mr Adam Stenning, Head of Computer Science
- Miss Nicola Pritchard, Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs Deborah Kirk, HEAD OF MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE FACULTY
Mrs Deborah Kirk joins LEH Foshan as Head of Mathematics & Computer Science Faculty. 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, Head of Computer Science
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, Teacher of Mathematics
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.”
creative arts
- Mr Stuart Savill, HEAD OF DRAMA & CREATIVE ARTS FACULTY
- mr David hobourn, Director of Music
- Ms Helen Hayward, Head of Art
Mr Stuart Savill, HEAD OF DRAMA & CREATIVE ARTS FACULTY
Mr Stuart Savill joins LEH Foshan as the Head Of Drama & Creative Arts Faculty. 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 David hobourn, Director of Music
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, Head of Art
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”.
science & technology
- Dr Martin Kirk, Head of Science & Technology Faculty
- Mr Neil Cairnie, Head of Biology
- Mr Peter Farnsworth, Head of Design and Technology
Dr Martin Kirk, Head of Science & Technology Faculty
Dr Martin Kirk joins LEH Foshan as the Head of Science & Technology Faculty. 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 Neil Cairnie, Head of Biology
Mr Neil Cairnie comes to LEH Foshan as the Head of Biology and brings experience teaching sciences in public and international schools in Canada, Malaysia, and China. He followed his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Master’s in Science in Biology at the University of New Brunswick in Canada. His scientific interests include human origins and evolution, environmental sustainability, the molecular nature of life processes, and forest ecology.
He is excited and grateful for this opportunity in China at LEH Foshan. "I’m looking forward to returning to China and to teaching, learning, and living at LEH Foshan. It’s going to be an amazing opportunity and experience for us all."
Mr Peter Farnsworth, Head of Design and Technology
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 21st century”.
humanities
Mr Mark Bannister, Head of History
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.”
pe, sport & activities
- Mr Lee Jones, HEAD OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION FACULTY & HOUSE PARENT
- Ms Danielle Morgan, Head of Sport and Activities
Mr Lee Jones, HEAD OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION FACULTY & HOUSE PARENT
Mr Lee Jones joins LEH Foshan as Head Of Physical Education Faculty & House Parent. 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, and was awarded his MSc Mental Health & Well-Being in Education with distinction.
Ms Danielle Morgan, Head of Sport and Activities
Ms Danielle Morgan joins us from the UK as the Head of Sport and Activities. Ms Morgan previously taught Physical Education in Birmingham and worked as a Head of Year for several years in London.
Ms Morgan has a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Surrey and a Master of Science in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy from the University of Birmingham. Ms Morgan has taught Dance, Yoga and Fitness in the UK and in Australia.
“I am looking forward to inspiring students to find joy in movement and physical literacy and encouraging them to value a physically active lifestyle. I am looking forward to joining LEH Foshan and creating opportunities for students to enjoy the fantastic benefits being physically active and of participating in a wide range of creative activities can bring throughout their lives.”
Librarian
Mrs Ruth Farnsworth Joins LEH Foshan as school librarian. She has had experience in various departments within public libraries before moving to managing the library in a large secondary school in Lancashire for the last ten years. She has developed reading schemes, supported literacy and promoted reading throughout the school with various activities and reading clubs.
“Reading plays an essential part of learning which is also a pleasurable pastime. I am looking forward to building a welcoming and relaxing library that can support learning, reading for pleasure and is the central hub of the school.”