在北京的学校教学五年后，我之所以选择佛山霍利斯，有以下几个原因：互动性强的课程体系、一流的设施、学院制度以及教职员工的专业能力。这些因素共同营造了一个有利于教学和学习的环境。加入佛山霍利斯是一个宝贵的机会，让我能够在一个充满活力和支持的社区里继续开展我的教育事业。还有一点就是我很喜欢广东这里温暖的气候，北方太冷了！

我最喜欢的应该是我们举办的第一届地球日活动和环保大使计划，这培养了我们学生的环保意识。此外，去年五年级的班级剧目是表演特里·普拉切特（Terry Pratchett）的《The Wee Free Men》，这为学生们提供了一个发挥创意、展示才华的平台。孩子们在写作技能上取得显著进步，以及他们对写作的信心不断提高，并出版了一些自己的作品，这都令我感到十分骄傲。

我对学生们有很高的期望，我致力于培养孩子们的成长型思维，鼓励他们不断追求进步和挑战自我。例如，我给学生们奖励学院积分，不仅只是因为他们作出了正确的答案，而且也是激励他们在面对难题时积极寻找解决方式，发挥出高水平的个人表现。这种方法培养了学生们的韧性、决心以及对待学习工作的态度，这些品质对他们的学术和个人发展至关重要。

在五年级结束之际，我希望学生们能够掌握好关键阶段二的基础技能，为迎接六年级及以后的挑战做好准备。此外，我还希望他们能够掌握关键的计算机技能和对技术的理解，这对他们未来的发展大有裨益。最重要的是，我希望我的学生们能够培养成长型思维，这将会帮助他们在日后获得更大的成功，无论是升读世界顶尖大学还是追求他们的人生道路。

在佛山霍利斯，我们致力于给学生们赋能，鼓励他们去创造积极影响，环保委员会正是这一理念的体现。通过为学生提供一个发表个人想法和积极参与环境倡议的平台，我们在他们的心中种下了“主动性”和“责任感”的种子。通过参与环保活动和项目，学生们不仅发展了实用技能，还深化了对自己在创造可持续未来中角色的理解。这种实践经验还能培养领导力、团队合作精神和主动创造积极影响的品质，这些对他们个人成长和全球公民身份发展都是宝贵的品质。

这使我能够更有效地跟中文为母语的学生建立联系，令课堂上的沟通更加清晰以及更加调动了学生们的积极参与性。此外，能够用中文与家长交流，也展示了我对他们语言和文化的了解和尊重，有利于促进彼此的信任和合作。这项语言能力弥合了沟通可能存在的障碍，确保家长也能积极参与孩子的教育过程，最终有助于营造更加支持和包容的学习环境。

如果您想跟 Mr Lewis 以及我们的预备部英籍教师见面交流，欢迎参加我们3月16日的预备部开放日活动，深入探索我们的教育理念，了解我们如何帮助学生发挥自己的天赋潜能。

After spending five years teaching in Beijing, I was drawn to LEH Foshan by several factors. The engaging curriculum, outstanding facilities, house system, and the professionalism of the staff all contributed to my decision. These elements create an environment conducive to both teaching and learning, and I saw joining LEH Foshan as an exciting opportunity to continue my career in education within a vibrant and supportive community. An additional factor was the warm climate that we enjoy in Guangdong, which was a refreshing change from the north of China!

Perhaps my favourite was the establishment of the first Earth Day and the Eco Ambassadors programme, fostering environmental awareness among our students. Additionally, last year’s Year Five class play, where we performed Terry Pratchett’s "The Wee Free Men," providing students with a creative outlet to showcase their talents. I've also witnessed significant improvements in students’ writing skills and  pride in their work, including the publishing of their pieces, which is truly inspiring to see. 

My approach to teaching revolves around setting high expectations for my students. I believe in fostering a growth mindset, and encouraging students to constantly strive for improvement and challenge themselves. For instance, I encourage students with house points not just for correct answers but for demonstrating a willingness to tackle difficult questions and exceed average expectations. This approach cultivates resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic among students, which are essential qualities for their academic and personal development.

By the end of Year 5, my hope is that students will have acquired foundational UKS2 skills, preparing them for the challenges of Year Six and beyond. Additionally, I aim for them to develop key computing skills and a solid understanding of technology, equipping them with essential tools for the future. Most importantly, I aspire for my students to embrace a growth mindset that will propel them towards success, whether in top universities or any path they choose to pursue.

At LEH Foshan, we believe in empowering students to make a difference, and the Eco Committee embodies this ethos. By giving students a platform to voice their concerns and actively engage in environmental initiatives, we instil in them a sense of agency and responsibility. Through participating in eco-friendly activities and projects, students not only develop practical skills but also cultivate a deeper understanding of their role in creating a sustainable future. This hands-on experience fosters leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to positive change, which are invaluable qualities for their personal growth and development as global citizens.

It allows me to connect more effectively with Mandarin-speaking students, facilitating clearer communication and deeper engagement in the classroom. Moreover, being able to converse with parents in Mandarin demonstrates respect for their language and culture, fostering trust and collaboration. This linguistic ability bridges communication barriers and ensures that parents are actively involved in their child's education, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. 

If you would like to meet Mr Lewis and our team of British Prep educators in person, we warmly invite you to our Prep School Open Day on 16 March. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore our educational ethos and learn more about how we nurture every student's potential.