Hi, my name is Rich and I have been teaching History at Headstart since 2015 and became Head of Humanities in 2020. My experience as an English and History teacher in international schools, along with a strong EAL background, has given me the tools to effectively teach students of differing abilities from all over the world. I am also in a position to empathise with international school students, having been one myself (I spent my first 12 years in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan). As a History teacher, I will ensure that students not only access the History curriculum, but do so in a lively, engaged classroom that inspires a love of history while developing the knowledge, skills and concepts needed to make sense of the world. Every student has a higher potential that must be unlocked, nurtured and encouraged continually. I do this by creating an active and engaged classroom culture where formative assessment is the nexus of their learning. Involving students in the learning process and nurturing a mind-set approach to their learning not only manifests excellent progress but, more importantly, creates happy and confident learners for life. Apart from teaching, other passions include music (listening and composing), travel, quoting Alan Partridge and being a consistently disappointed Tottenham Hotspur fan. To be able to live near the coast and teach a subject I’m so passionate about is fantastic. My wife and I are enjoying teaching and living in Phuket, especially because the lifestyle here gives our two children (also at HeadStart) an opportunity to grow up in the great outdoors.