Timothy Davidson

My name is Tim and I have been teaching at HeadStart International School since 2018. I was born and raised in the beautiful county of Cornwall; located in the southwestern tip of the UK. After sitting my A-levels at Cornwall College I was awarded a scholarship from Pilkington Optronics to study Physics at Reading University. Post University I entered research at the National Physical Laboratory researching the use of quantum dots to replace fluorescent tag molecules for medical diagnosis. However the life of a researcher often left me in need of human interaction and I decided to opt for a career change; studying a PGCE at the Institute of Education, in London. After my PGCE I took up my first full time teaching post in West London. I remained at this school for seven and a half years during which time I took on a variety of roles including Head of Physics, running the school’s science specialism and Learning Leader; a role which saw me helping to develop the teaching practice of my peers. I then took up my first International post in Prague where I worked as both the Head of Physics and the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for four years. Post Prague I moved to Phuket where I took on the role of Head of Science at HeadStart. My approach to teaching has been formed from educational research and personal experience. The key to creating lifelong learners to is to give the students ownership of their learning and ensure they are suitably challenged and engaged throughout their time in education. To do this I endeavour to create an environment that fosters deep learning and stimulates students’ curiosity. In Science we are blessed as we can not only apply the teaching strategies used in other faculties but we can also give the students the opportunity to carry out practical investigations. On top of this the key concepts they learn can then be seen/experienced in their everyday life. So far my first year at HeadStart has been the only year where every lesson was taught face to face. With these constant challenges to their learning I have been impressed by the resilience and attitude of the students; attributes that have led to continued increase in attainment across the science department. I have no doubt that the current cohort is capable of continuing this improvement and I look forward to helping, and ensuring, that this prediction is proven to be true! I am excited about continuing my adventure at HeadStart International School and being given the opportunity to further aid the students in exploring the rules that shape our Universe.