Teacher spotlight series: Gemma Archer

Teacher spotlight is a series introducing our dedicated and talented Secondary School teachers. This week we hear from our Assistant Head of Secondary School (IB), Gemma Archer.

In my sixteenth year of teaching and leadership, I am delighted to be joining the BISHN team. As a British 'northerner' at heart and after working in BISHCMC for the past 4 years, I am looking forward to cooler times of year and having different seasons again. I am also excited at the prospect of getting into the natural areas surrounding Hanoi when our current circumstances allow. As a self-professed lifelong learner, I am relishing the challenge I have set myself in completing a Master's in Systems Thinking in Practice. I am really enjoying learning new things and having my perceptions challenged by the experience. 

 As Assistant Head Teacher, my responsibilities largely lie with the academic provision in our International Baccalaureate (IB) years. The IB is an exciting phase in the academic journey of Year 12 and 13, when they get to choose which subjects they would like to study at greater academic depth. The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect (IBO, 2010). To this end, the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is more than individual academic subjects; the whole programme is greater than the sum of its parts.

The IB years are a challenging and rewarding experience for all our students. The study of six academic subjects, along with the IB core of Creativity Activity Service, Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, is recognised by universities around the world as a rigorous education programme that prepares students for university and adult life.  

The IB encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners through developing the IB Learner Profile. The IB Learner Profile outlines ten attributes that are invaluable in developing your child to go beyond academic success. All aspects of the IBDP have been designed with a view to developing these qualities. These Learner Profile attributes and the wide variety of subjects, ensure that as your child matures, their life choices are not limited to just one field of study. 

For your child to choose principled actions that will help them to navigate the world with integrity they need to have an increased focus on how they can develop their learning skills with the support of their teachers. Through this, we prepare your child for a future where they can become curious inquirers, increase their levels of critical thinking, and view issues and concepts in a more open-minded way. 

Teaching and learning during our Virtual School Experience is an inclusive blend of academic and pastoral, employing dynamic strategies that cater to a range of individuals, enabling their academic progress whilst ensuring their wellbeing. This allows our learners to thrive through a combination of personal care and a process of improvement in learning.  

I am especially interested in current research on cognitive load theory and proven effective study strategies that support students' approaches to developing good and time effective study habits. I believe that this can contribute to student wellbeing during their journey to academic success. You can support your child's approach to this at home through discussion over dinner that might include questions like: 

• Do you have a study schedule? 

• What does your study schedule look like? 

• How have you spaced out your learning? 

• Did you get at least 8 hours of sleep last night? 

• How many times have you returned to that challenging topic? 

• How are you making time for you and your wellbeing? 

It is a privilege to work with your family, supporting your child in their journey to university and beyond. If you have any questions about our academic offering in the IB years please get in touch.