Teacher Profile January 2019 - Rebecca Wykes

Teacher Profile January 2019 - Rebecca Wykes For each newsletter this year, we will interview a BSB Teacher so that parents and students can get to know interesting facts about our teachers. This month, we interviewed Ms. Rebecca Wykes, Assistant Head of Early Years, who has been teaching at BSB since 2010.

For each newsletter this year, we will interview a BSB Teacher so that parents and students can get to know interesting facts about our teachers. This month, we interviewed Ms. Rebecca Wykes, Assistant Head of Early Years, who has been teaching at BSB since 2010.

Rebecca completed her 4 years teaching degree (BA Ed. Hons) at Durham University and began teaching in 1995. She taught for 2 years in the UK, worked in 3 international schools in Kuwait before joining BSB in August 2010. She has taught children from Pre Nursery up to Year 9.

What first brought Rebecca to BSB?

I was working in Kuwait and it was time for a change. I sent my application off to several schools and was given an interview here at BSB. The night before the interview I was looking for something to wear when my daughter Nancy asked me what I was doing. After I had explained to her, she disappeared off to her bedroom and returned a little bit later with a book she had borrowed from the library. It was all about The Great Wall of China. I think it was meant to be.

Rebecca’s family in Beijing

I am here with my three children who are all studying at BSB. Nancy is 18, Anna- Sophie is 16 and Dominic is 14. This is Nancy's last year of school and she is going to study in the UK to be a midwife. Anna-Sophie will be following in 2020 and she intends to train to be a teacher. That will leave me here with Dominic who is currently in Year 9. He isn't sure about what he wants to do yet but he still has time to decide.

A day in the life of BSB Early Years

It is very busy in Early Years, there is never a quiet moment. The children arrive and then the fun begins. Each day is different. Some mornings are calmer than others and the children happily say goodbye to their parents and go and explore the classroom. On some mornings a few more reassuring cuddles are needed as saying goodbye isn't always easy. As we follow the children's interests and follow a play based curriculum, I may need to pretend to be a dinosaur, or crawl around the floor as a little cat, or practise my ballet dancing skills. There is always a lot of talking, singing, smiles and laughter as I support and extend the children's learning. There are so many amazing moments of learning that I feel very privileged to be a part of. Early Years really is a very special place to work, the foundation to their learning. Click here to learn more about our Curriculum.

Friday’s BSB Baby Group

I have been running the Friday mornings BSB Baby Group for the last three years. It started with 10 families and this term I have over 30 names on my list. This is free for families with little ones aged 0-18 months to come and meet other expat families. It is a lovely opportunity for the young children to become familiar with the school whilst having their mummy or daddy close by. It is great to see the children start to interact and begin to be interested in each other’s play as they explore the different activities. It is also a good opportunity for the parents to meet up weekly. It has been wonderful to see some of the children start in Teddies after attending the Baby Group. Click here to read more.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at BSB?

There are a few things I appreciate about teaching at BSB. The friendships I have made; to work with so many experienced teachers. Then there are the children I have taught. They are all very special and it has been a privilege to be part of their learning. Finally the parents at BSB are really very supportive and very appreciative of everything we do for their children.

Please tell us about your other hobbies.

When I am not at school or at home with my children or in my kitchen baking cakes you will find me at my second home Crossfit 86. I train each morning before school and am there at the weekends. My girls have also started Crossfit for teens and we are all working on getting Dominic to attend.

A couple of years ago the Spartan races came to Beijing and I excitedly signed up. I think that it was at this point my children decided I was having a 'mid life crisis' I like to think of it as my second childhood. I am doing things that I never thought I would ever do and get excited about the prospect of a 50km walk with a steep incline or doing 100 burpees in 7 minutes! If you would like to try Crossfit please just let me know I will happily take you to try a class.

As my children are nearing the end of their school careers, I have started to think about what I will do next. As some of my friends know I intend to get my license and drive a Heavy Goods Vehicle. This summer I will be spending a day driving one just to make sure I like it otherwise I will have to think of what I can do next.......

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