Nurturing Excellence: Wellington College Hangzhou's New Teachers

Gigi Hu

Mathematics Teacher,

HAH Primary

Gigi Hu graduated from University College London with a Master's degree in Primary education. She finished her undergraduate study in Shanghai International Studies University, majoring in finance. She holds the National Middle School mathematics teacher certificate. 

She has worked in two bilingual schools in Shanghai before as a teaching assistant and then a primary school math teacher and was deeply loved by the children. While teaching pupils subject knowledge, she has a deep understanding of the inner needs of her pupils and grows with them to enhance their happiness both on and off campus. In her spare time, she loves traveling, photography, and playing badminton. 

Isabel Zheng

Mathematics Teacher,

WCCH Senior Schools

Isabel Zheng is a passionate and experienced mathematics teacher. She graduated from the University of Melbourne and holds two Master's degrees in Teaching and Management and a New Zealand teaching certificate. She has rich experience of teaching maths at international schools in Shanghai and Melbourne and has taken on leading roles such as coordinating grade-level affairs and mentoring new teachers.  

Isabel is an enthusiastic, dedicated, professional, and well-organised teacher with a passion of using a range of pedagogies to adapt to different learning styles and assist pupils to reach their true potential. Also, she is highly motivated and committed to providing pupils with an inclusive, supportive, and safe learning environment that positively enhances every aspect of their learning experience and needs. This is because she always believes that the sense of security is the cornerstone of the real learning, so all learning is social and emotional. 

Clare Russell

Lead Teacher of Biology,

WCCH Senior Schools

Clare holds a Master’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD in molecular biology. She has over twenty-five years’ experience teaching Biology, Psychology, and General Science in the public and independent school systems both in the UK and overseas. In Kenya, she was Head of Biology in a prestigious boarding school in a rural setting. She then led the Science Faculty in a thriving bilingual school in Ningbo, China. Clare comes to us from Thailand where she also managed the Science Faculty of a prominent boarding school in Bangkok. Clare is currently training as an Executive Coach and has set up her own coaching business. She places a high value on building positive relationships and is passionate about the power of coaching to bring about positive and transformational change. 

In her spare time, Clare loves to cook and has enjoyed learning new skills in the kitchen during her travels and time abroad. She is a Pilates enthusiast, amateur artist, avid reader, and devoted mother. 

Neena Bharani

Assistant Head of Primary, HAH

Neena Bharani holds a Master’s degree in International Education from King's College London. With over a decade of leadership experience in education, Neena has consistently fostered academic excellence and created inclusive learning environments. 

At a British international school in Dubai, Neena served as an Extended Primary Senior Leader and Head of English. Her innovative approach included implementing targeted literacy initiatives and delivering professional development programmes that empowered teachers to embrace new, effective instructional strategies. Through her work, Neena consistently strived toward academic excellence and continuous improvement, creating a culture that has left a lasting impact on the school's educational standards. 

Neena's international experience includes her time at a top British international school in Beijing, where she advanced the curriculum in English and served as Head of Year. Her commitment to professional development is reflected in her completion of the NPQ Senior Leader course at Best Practice Network UK. 

Outside of work, Neena is passionate about exploring new cultures, which enrich her perspective and fuel her creativity. She has a deep appreciation for classic literature and enjoys delving into timeless works, which inspires her to foster a love of learning in her pupils. 

Neena is eager to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to Hiba Academy Hangzhou and looks forward to collaborating with colleagues, pupils, and parents to continue building a vibrant and supportive community. 

John Carrol

Atelierista, HAHN

John arrived in China by ship as the sun rose on the horizon in the Winter of 2007. Since his arrival, he has made Hangzhou his second home and has been teaching here ever since. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, a Master of Art's degree in Interactive Media and Design, and an Associate's degree in CELTA and TEFL. He has always been motivated by his passion as a creator of art and music in many forms. He is a proficient painter, animator, illustrator, as well as being highly inspired by his native Gaelic-Irish musical and cultural traditions as a songwriter and seanchaí. He is also conversationally fluent in Gaelic Irish, Hiberno-English, and Chinese. 

Steven Hart

Head of DT,

WCCH Senior Schools

Steven holds a Master’s Degree in Design and Technology from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. He also has numerous other qualifications as well as qualifications that relate directly to his teaching subject, such as Cabinet Making, Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and industrial experience in these fields. Steven has been teaching professionally since 1995 and has taught in a diverse range of educational settings, including Special Education, Mainstream, single gender, and mixed gender schools. He has taught in several areas of the UK (including London) as well as teaching in the Middle East and China previously. He has been a teacher, head of department, whole school health and safety coordinator as well as a member of senior management throughout his career. He believes in creating independent learners so that pupils can continue to grow both inside and outside of the classroom; in addition, he believes that it is possible to learn something from everyone, we just have to learn to listen hard enough. 

Steven enjoys making a diverse range of personal projects for himself as well as commissions for other people; he also likes undertaking repair and restoration tasks. He has been studying various martial arts as a spiritual and physical self-development medium for more than forty years. Prior to being a teacher he was a machinist with W F Stanley and Co , a Technical Officer with British Telecom, a vehicle Mechanic and Electrician with the British Army and a Metropolitan Police Officer , he has also had a variety of other employment positions in a diverse range of industries , this means he is able to offer real world experience to enrich the classroom experiences of his pupils.  

Musa Abdi

Physics Teacher,

WCCH Senior Schools

Musa is an accomplished educator with a robust background in mathematics and science education. He holds a degree in Mathematics from Queen Mary University of London, a prestigious Russell Group university. Complementing this, Musa earned a teaching degree from Goldsmiths, University of London, known for its excellence in teacher education. 

Before joining WCC, Musa has garnered over eight years of experience, skilfully instructing pupils in Mathematics, Physics, and Key Stage 3 Science. His versatility is highlighted by his comprehensive understanding of various educational syllabi, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), iGCSE, and GCSE across multiple exam boards. 

Musa’s career is distinguished by significant international teaching stints, having spent four years in Malaysia and two more in the United Arab Emirates. These experiences have enriched his teaching methods, enabling him to adapt to diverse cultural and academic environments while meeting the unique needs of his pupils. 

Throughout his career, Musa has been dedicated to fostering a deep connection to his pupils. A connection that helps engage pupils with lesson content and deepen the experience of the learner. This along with his progressive and global view of learning hopes to create well rounded pupils with a broader appreciation of both their learning and the context in which it can be applied. 

Kathleen Dunn

KS1/KS2 Teacher, WCIH

Kathleen is an enthusiastic educator with a rich background in international teaching. She earned her BA (Hons) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Portsmouth. Furthering her educational journey, she obtained a PGCE from the University of Sunderland in 2011 and a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) from Cambridge English.  

With 14 years of experience in British international schools, in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, China, and Qatar. Kathleen has enjoyed teaching in a multicultural environment. Teaching across various primary year levels during her career has provided her with a distinct understanding of the developmental stages in a child's learning progression. Kathleen has embraced various teaching roles which has exposed her to different learning opportunities and has enhanced her growth on both a personal and professional level.  

Kathleen's holistic teaching approach centres around fostering strong, positive relationships with her pupils. She tailors her instructions to accommodate individual needs and preferred learning styles, while also consistently integrating essential skills. This dedication aims not only to nurture each child's unique strengths but also to inspire them to become global thinkers. 

Kathleen has a passion for learning new languages and embracing new cultures. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, travelling, and exploring new places alongside her husband and son. Kathleen and her family are looking forward to moving back to China to continue their adventure and travels through Asia. 

Jamie Speakman

KS1/KS2 Class Teacher, HAH

Jamie has been teaching for over 12 years across the UK, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. He has spent the last 7 years in Malaysia where he has taught across the Primary year groups, led the Learning Innovation team and most recently been the Head of Year 6. Over this time, he also became an Apple Distinguished Educator through a passion for incorporating technology into his lessons. 

In his free time, Jamie enjoys playing golf, tennis, and basketball. He has also recently discovered the joys of Gaelic football. On a weekend, he can also be found suffering through Manchester United games, clinging on to the hope that one day they rediscover their winning ways. 

Coral Thomas

Mathematics Teacher,

WCCH Senior Schools

Coral started her teaching at a young age (16), working as a locally trained teacher on St Helena Island, her homeplace. After three years, Coral was sent to the UK to become a British qualified teacher. She completed her BSc in Mathematics and Education at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, and a Diploma in Secondary Education at Stirling University in Scotland, UK. As a newly qualified teacher, Coral returned to St Helena Island taking on the role of Head of Faculty for Mathematics, Business Studies, and Physical Education. 

Coral’s desire to travel and education experience in other countries then led her to take up a teaching post in Botswana for five years, before moving back to the UK. In England, Coral has taught in what was the biggest school in Europe – Stantonbury Campus and also in a school in an area ranked in the top 3% of the most deprived areas in England. During her career in England, Coral has been a Head of Key Stage 4, Deputy Head of Department, Head of Department and a Director.  

Coral has led residential trips for Year 11 pupils to provide mathematics enhancement and team building trips for Year 6 pupils to develop the independence and resilience needed for life as secondary pupils. Coral was involved in an International Exchange Schools Project with Tanzania. She has been an examiner for Edexcel and has been involved with writing a problem-solving book. 

During her spare time, Coral enjoys walking, swimming, and reading.