Amanda Thorp

BSc, B Arch, TEFL, PGCEi

Since graduating from Dundee University, Scotland, with both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees, Amanda has worked extensively with children, primarily through her passion for swimming. Alongside a 20 year career in construction, she devoted the majority of evenings and weekends to teaching and coaching swimming, from early years up to adulthood, with coaching roles both at regional and national level as part of English Schools Swimming in the UK.

Following two years living in Bangkok, Thailand, Amanda joined BSB in September 2017 and gained her TEFL certification, working first in Early Years, then in Year 4 and Year 5 (SEN). Her experience confirmed her desire to be a primary class teacher, so she could be a part of ensuring that each child’s individual potential is unlocked and realised. This led Amanda to complete her PGCEi teaching qualification in 2019 and became a fulltime Class Teacher. She is very excited to be promoted to the role of Head of Year 4 in 2023.

Amanda has been living in Beijing with her husband, son and daughter, who are also all at BSB. The school is an integral part of their lives, as they make the most of the many opportunities on offer here. There is rarely a weekend when they are not in school for some activity. Outside of school, she loves cooking with her daughter and playing board games with her family. She particularly loves to travel and still has a passion for architecture, so she never misses an opportunity to visit new places.