Every 1-2 months International School Community will highlight one of our members in our Member Spotlight feature. This month we interviewed Richard Yates:
Tell us about your background. Where are you from? Where have you worked? What experiences have you had living abroad?
1. I started my overseas teaching at Colegio San Silvestre in Lima Peru — that was 30 years ago — as Head of Economics and Teacher of History. I was fortunate that Mr Derek Pringle was Head of History who went on to be one of the leading ‘lights’ of IBO in South America. In 1982 posts were difficult to get in the UK and the Headmistress of San Silvestre Mrs. Beryl Milburn gave me a chance — for five years!
2. Then moved on to the Gulf in Kuwait and taught at the NES and KES for two years — very hot and very dry.
3. Moved to Malaysia and again spent 5 years at Sayfol International School as first teacher then Deputy Head and finally Head. Was asked to set up a new school Mutiara International Grammar School again in KL. Later I was recruited to set up another International school at Malacca but after 6 months preparation it failed to take off due the the economic downturn.
4. In between most of these contracts I returned to the UK to ‘update’ myself on current trends but sadly the UK was in educational decline as it still is.
5. Recruited to India to set up a school in Pune called the Lexicon International School and after two years was then asked to Head a new school just opened in Ahmedabad, Gujarat called Springfield International School.
6. The school’s name was changed to Olive Green International School and we are authorized for IB PYP and CIE IGCSE. We are currently in the process of candidate school for IB MYP and in two years will apply for DP.
7. All schools are unique and all have their own ‘feel’.
8. Culturally all countries are different and have both pros and cons. For me this diversity is both rewarding and gives immense satisfaction.
9. Do I have one favourite school? the answer is no. I have enjoyed all and hope that my many students have benefited from their interaction with me.
10. To use an old cliche “Education is for Life” — and for me each day is a new experience.
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Thanks Richard! Want to know more, feel free to check out his profile page on our website.
If you are a member of International School Community and would like to be our next member spotlight, contact us here. If we choose to highlight you, you will get a coupon code to receive 6 months free of premium access to our website!
Want to teach at an international school in India like Richard? Currently, we have 42 international schools listed in India on International School Community. Some of our members have left comments and information on the following schools in this country:
• École Mondiale World School (7 Comments)
• Dhirubhai Ambani International School (5 Comments)
• American School of Bombay (5 Comments)
• Canadian International School Bangalore (8 Comments)
• Stonehill International School (India) (7 Comments)
• International School Aamby (6 Comments)
• International School of Hyderabad (8 Comments)
• Kodaikanal International School (15 Comments)
