New Secondary Teachers in Academic Year 2019/2020
Ms. Laura Hill – English
Ms. Hill is from the UK originally but she has been living and working in Hong Kong for six years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (specialising in English and with QTS) from Brighton University, UK.
Ms. Hill comes to SISHK with over a decade of teaching experience in English Language and Literature at all levels, including IGCSE and IBDP. Her past leadership roles include Head of Department for Upper School English, Key Stage 3 Coordinator and Gifted and Talented Coordinator. In her free time she enjoys music, art and travel.
Ms. Hill believes success stems as much from a person’s strength of character as it does academic attainment. Your values will define your legacy.
Ms. Georgina Smith – English
Miss Smith graduated from the University of Exeter with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with areas of study including place theory and dystopian fiction. After university, she spent time travelling through South America independently, developing her ability to speak conversational Spanish.
Returning to the UK, she then embarked upon her teaching career in London, training through the charitable organisation Teach First, where she has been a dedicated English teacher for the past 5 years.
In her spare time, she is an avid reader but also enjoys spending time outdoors, be that at the beach or hiking.
As an educator, she channels her father’s belief: life is a series of doors and education is the key.
Mr. Bob Lo – Mathematics
Mr. Lo graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Applied Sciences (electrical engineering), a teaching degree at the University of Toronto and completed his masters at the University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Lo has taught Mathematics and Physics at another International School in Hong Kong for the past 9 years. He is a qualified assistant instructor in Taekwondo and he loves to use sports sciences to show how mathematics and science can be linked to our health.
Mr. Timothy Ng – Mathematics
Mr. Ng grew up in Hong Kong and holds a degree of Civil and Structural Engineering from a local university in Hong Kong. After working in the field of engineering for three years, Mr Ng taught Mathematics in a local school for twelve years.
Mr. Ng enjoys teaching and cooperating with youths as they are happy and energetic. He believes that instilling proper moral values is as important as encouraging care, love and passion, particularly when the environment in the community has become increasingly difficult.
In his leisure, he enjoys playing the violin, table tennis and contract bridge. He would love to share his interests with students if there are opportunities.
Ms. Rebecca Youde – Geography
Ms Youde is from the UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography from Plymouth University and a Geography PGCE from the University of the West of England, Bristol. Ms Youde comes to SISHK with over five years of teaching experience in Geography. She has also been a Head of Geography for four years and has taught History and Religious studies too. She’s really excited to meet all of you and explore Hong Kong.
Ms Youde is a keen traveller and she also enjoys music festivals and exercise. As a teacher, Ms Youde believes all students can succeed with passion, commitment and support from their teachers, family and peers.
Mr. Elliott Rees – Computer Science & Information Communication Technology
Mr Rees was awarded a first class degree in Computer Science from the University of Wolverhampton. During the final year of his studies, he took his first teaching job working for the university as an assistant lecturer in the Computer Science department.
Upon leaving University, he was employed as a Aeronautical Engineer with the company General Electric. During his employment, he volunteered at a local school with some of his colleagues which led him to return to university to study a postgraduate teaching certificate at Sheffield Hallam University. He has since worked at numerous schools in the United Kingdom and has spent the last two years teaching in Italy.
He enjoys winter sports such as ice hockey and snowboarding and music where he plays the drums and guitar. He also enjoys reading and travelling to new countries and learning about new cultures.
Ms. Queenie Cheung – Economics
Ms. Cheung is from Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Queensland. After moving to Hong Kong, she decided to pursue her passion in teaching and completed further studies in education at The University of Hong Kong.
Ms. Cheung taught Business and Economics in St. Paul’s Convent School (Hong Kong) for the past 8 years, where she has had extensive experience teaching international curriculum including BTEC, IGCSE and IAL.
Ms. Cheung enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures. As a teacher, Ms. Cheung hopes she can continue to inspire her students and instill a love of learning.
Mr. Brent Kotze – Physical Education
Mr Kotze is originally from Durban, South Africa. He graduated from the University of Kwa Zulu Natal with a Bachelors Degree in Education, majoring in Sports Science.
Mr Kotze had previously taught at some of the top schools in South Africa, before moving to Hong Kong, where he has been teaching at International Schools for the past 8 years.
As an educator, Mr Kotze strives to bring out the best in his students. His aim is to provide learners with a platform where they are able to exhibit their talents and develop their unique character strengths to the best of their ability, be it in the classroom, socially, on the stage, or on the sports field. As an avid sports fan and traveller, Mr Kotze loves to explore new cultures and compete in sports such as Rugby, Golf and Mixed Martial Arts in his spare time.
Ms. Lisa Curley – Physical Education
Ms Curley is originally from the UK, but has lived overseas in Kenya for the last 6 years before deciding to move to HK. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Exercise Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Lifelong Learning and Educational Studies and a Masters in Sport Science. She is currently studying via distance learning at the University of Bath, UK, for a Doctorate in Education.
Ms Curley comes to SISHK with 9 years of teaching experience across both Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education. In Kenya, she assumed the role of the Director of Sport and Assistant Houseparent at St Andrew’s School followed by the Head of Sport and House System. Throughout this time she taught iGCSE, A Level and BTEC Sport and Physical Education programmes.
Ms Curley really enjoys playing rugby and squash, and is looking to get back into the two sports in Hong Kong, as well as joining a Kayaking Club in the near future. She also enjoys travelling and is looking forward to exploring Hong Kong and Asia. Ms Curley wants to remind you that every winner was once a beginner and that hard work always beats talent when talent does not work hard. So, never give up!
