Educators
English Teachers:
With over 34 years’ teaching experience, for 24 of those Steve was Head of English at King’s College. He holds an MA in English Literature from Cambridge University and, prior to teaching, enjoyed a successful business career. After leaving King’s, Steve taught at Glendowie College then headed up the English Department in the start-up of the online school, Crimson Global Academy. His students have won Top of the World in A Level, and in IGCSE in both English Literature and Language. They have also won Top of NZ in AS Literature, and twice in the old Bursary and NZEST qualifications.
Tēnā koe! He uri ahau nō Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Maniapoto me Te Arawa. I have just under 19 years of experience in Education, with my last roles being Assistant Principal at Kelston Girls College to Head of Bilingual Units and Head of English. I am currently working as the Personal Development Manager at Super Rugby Blues where I foster the growth and development of elite athletes. I believe in a holistic education which sets and maintains high standards, success and achievement, in partnership with whanau and the wider community. Nga mihi.
Alex Birchall has a BA (Hons) First Class in Sociology and is an experienced teacher of English Language and Literature in both the CIE and IB systems. His classes consistently obtain top results in these examinations. He has been teaching for six years, with a particular specialisation in Language. Currently, he is an IB Extended Essay Coordinator at one of New Zealand’s top high schools, and a long-serving teacher-in-charge of debating, with a passion for oratory.
Mathematics Teachers:
Mr. Riley holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. At the age of 14 he decided that he wanted to be a maths teacher, inspired by his own maths teacher and the fact that he loved maths.
Physics Teachers:
Omar earned a First-Class Honours MSci in Natural Sciences (Astrophysics) from UCL before completing his teacher training and MA in Education through the Teach First program in the UK. After a brief time at PwC, he quickly realized his true passion lay in teaching. He returned to education as a Physics teacher and assistant housemaster at Rugby School before moving to New Zealand to continue his teaching journey. He has now taught Cambridge physics for approximately 15 years. He loves helping students discover the beauty of physics while challenging them to reach their full potential.
Mr. Garcia is a Physicist, with a degree from State University of Londrina. His journey teaching began seven years ago in Brazil, tutoring students while working with applied nuclear physics.
Chemistry Teachers:
Allan gained his MSc from Waikato University and commenced teaching in 1979. He taught for 42 years, including 7 years at UK independent schools, 6 years at ACG schools and 20 years at King’s College, Auckland. He marked Combined Schools and NZEST Scholarship Chemistry examinations. Allan has extensive experience of CAIE Chemistry and enjoys the academic rigour that each level provides.
Professor Allan Blackman has been teaching chemistry at tertiary level for 34 years, at both the University of Otago and Auckland University of Technology. He is the lead author on the largest-selling first year chemistry textbook in Australasia (Chemistry, by Blackman, Bottle, Schmid, Mocerino, and Wille) and his YouTube channel ‘Chemistry Matters’ explains fundamental chemistry concepts and provides worked examples to aid with understanding of these. He has obtained teaching awards from both University staff and students, and has been a nominee for the National Tertiary Teaching Award. He is absolutely committed to student success.
Biology Teachers:
Dr Gordon Whittleston, BSc, PhD, QTS, has 40+ years experience of teaching GCSE, AS and A2 UK Biology syllabuses – including 4 years as a Chinese International School Headmaster. He also has 30+ years experience of 1:1 or small group tutorial support. His student destinations have included Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and Imperial College in the UK, together with top Universities in the US and Canada. He has 30+ years as an Examiner with a range of UK examination boards, including Cambridge International Examinations. Posts held incl
English