Meet the New Teacher – Collette Blackman – Secondary English Teacher, Year 9 Tutor

Colette earned her BSc. in Anthropology from the University of Southampton, and her PGCE from the University of Exeter. She is currently working on her Master’s from University College London in Education and International Development.

“I grew up in a very small town near Brighton and went to university in London. I really enjoyed Sociology, I knew I wanted to learn more about cultures. I am working on my Master’s in International Development and my dissertation is due soon, I am looking forward to freedom in the evenings! I don’t have a lot of free time, but I recently started cycling with my partner who is here working at another international school. We both travelled and we found that we liked Bangkok and it was where we wanted to go.

I started teaching with Teach First, which puts teachers in schools in more underprivileged areas. I wanted to work in a school like that because of my background in Social Sciences. This is my first international school, the facilities alone blew me away, the opportunities for the kids are really obvious. The staff are all friendly, approaching and welcoming. I’ve only been here a short time and I already feel comfortable. The communication has been so amazing.

A good teacher is someone who is really passionate about their subject and their students and shows enthusiasm in their teaching.

I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing and will work hard to pass that love along to my students. I think it is important to be approachable and creative. Kids don’t read as much as they used to and don’t seem to enjoy it as much – I want to grow that love of reading and writing and show kids how important it is and to enjoy it.

The Kite Runner is my favourite book because of my background in conflict and culture, it’s the only book I have re-read, I don’t normally re-read books but this one really speaks to me. I want the kids to have that same experience and have the same love of reading.

I am looking forward to building really strong relationships with the kids, to get to know the school and the local community. I am looking forward to getting involved in different activities, becoming a part of the school and the Bangkok Patana family.”

Read about all our new teachers here: https://www.patana.ac.th/new-teachers-2019-20/