2017–18
Teacher of Biology · Desheng School
My first year in full-time teaching after five years in laboratory research: learning to turn scientific expertise into teaching that works for 14- to 16-year-olds.
Moving from a research laboratory into a classroom taught me that knowing a subject deeply and teaching it well are different skills. This year I focused on structure: clear objectives, careful sequencing and regular checks for understanding.
Reflection. My research background was a strength for depth and practical work. My next step was to plan more deliberately for students who were learning science in a second language.
Goals for the year
- Make the move from researcher to classroom teacher
- Plan coherent units for three different biology programmes
- Build routines that support students learning science in English
What I did
- Taught Grades 9 and 10 across IGCSE Biology, Pre-DP Biology and Junior Middle 3 Biology
- Designed lesson sequences such as “Organisms and their environment” for Grade 10
- Worked with the Head of Department on curriculum alignment and assessment moderation
Impact
- Established consistent, benchmark-aligned assessment across biology courses
Professional learning
- IBDP Chemistry, Category 2 workshop (International Baccalaureate, 2017)