Meet Pan Clark, a passionate Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) teacher at Dover Court International School. Pan has been a Doverian for seven years and is dedicated to nurturing happy and curious learners. Influenced by the renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy, she fosters curiosity and exploration in her students, encouraging them to take an active role in their learning journey.
We spoke with Pan about her passion for early years education, her approach to creating a child-led learning environment, and what makes Dover Court a special place for her. We also talked about her life beyond the classroom.
Passion for Early Years Education
Pan Clark's educational journey began in China, where she graduated from Sichuan International Studies University with a major in English. Her dedication to nurturing young minds inspired her to complete a Diploma in Montessori Education with distinction, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Nottingham, UK.
“My passion for early years education stems from a belief in the importance of supporting each child as they develop into an independent individual. The early years are a time when neurons in the brain form connections, absorbing knowledge, experiences, and skills at an incredible rate.” Pan shared. Her approach to education is deeply influenced by the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and its concept of the hundred languages of children, which recognises that young children express themselves in many creative ways. This holistic view of education motivates Pan's work to create rich, responsive learning environments.
Creating a Child-Led Learning Environment
In her Nursery classroom, Pan strives to create a child-led learning environment that empowers young learners to take ownership of their experiences. She believes in the importance of observing and listening to each child to understand their interests and unique ways of thinking. These observations allow her to tailor learning experiences, ensuring they resonate with the children’s curiosity and developmental stages. "By providing open-ended materials and opportunities for collaboration, I create an environment where children feel safe to experiment, ask questions, and develop problem-solving skills." Pan explained.
In her child-led learning environment, she emphasises the importance of relationships and the co-construction of knowledge. She believes that children, families, and educators should actively engage in a dynamic learning process together. “This holistic approach nurtures a love for learning and supports the development of well-rounded, resilient learners.” she added.
Fostering Resilience in Children
One of Dover Court’s core values, resilience, is a critical skill for children to develop. Pan offered practical advice for both educators and parents on how to cultivate this trait in young learners. She encourages a slower pace, promoting independence while focusing on effort and curiosity rather than just the end results. Pan highlights the importance of being a good listener; she suggests listening to children’s ideas and validating their feelings. Additionally, she believes in modelling resilience and encouraging teamwork among peers, allowing children to benefit from the support and perspectives of their peers as they work through challenges together. “Promoting self-reflection through open-ended questions encourages children to think critically about their experiences and feelings,” she added. This empathetic and intentional approach ensures that children are not just academic learners but also well-equipped to handle life's ups and downs.
A Life Beyond the Classroom
Outside of her classroom, Pan Clark enjoys participating in various physical activities, including running, triathlons, and sailing. She regularly takes part in local running events that range from 5K races to half marathons. Additionally, she achieved an incredible feat by completing a 250-kilometre hike across the Gobi Desert in 2010, which highlights her adventurous spirit and commitment to personal growth. Pan values the lessons she learns from these challenging sports and incorporates them into her teaching. She believes that engaging in difficult physical activities is one of the best ways to build resilience. “The lessons learned from pushing both physical and mental limits translate meaningfully into the classroom, contributing to children’s holistic development—both mentally and physically,” she explained.
Dover Court: A Place to Grow and Thrive
When we asked her what makes Dover Court special, she emphasised the wonderful children above all else. “Their kindness, curiosity, and eagerness to learn and explore create a truly unique and inspiring environment,” she shared. Additionally, she noted that the support and encouragement from the Early Years team have been invaluable to her professional learning journey, helping her to grow and thrive at every step.
Pan's journey as an educator reflects her strong commitment to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. With her passion for early years education and dedication to nurturing resilient, empathetic learners, Pan Clark embodies the core values of excellence, resilience, creativity, and kindness that define Dover Court International School.
