Teacher Professional Development at BBSG

The challenging aspect of education is that we are teaching our students knowledge from the past while expecting them to solve problems in the future.

- Professor Gao Song, 

Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor of Chemistry

In the ever-changing landscape of education, where technological advancements and diverse student needs continuously reshape classrooms, the commitment to lifelong learning is not merely an aspiration for educators—it is a necessity. 

At BBSG, we believe that continuous professional development (PD) is the cornerstone of effective teaching. It empowers our teachers to inspire, innovate, and make a lasting positive impact on their students. Through regular collaborative research and professional development sessions, our educators refine their skills and share insights. This continuous growth ultimately enhances the learning experience for all students.

The Three “E”s in Quality Teaching

This year, our whole-school professional development day focused on "Quality Teaching: Expectations, Empowerment, and Excellence." Teachers from different disciplines came together to exchange best practices. This fostered a culture of collaboration. 

Ms. Jennifer Ma, Honourary Executive Supervisor, Benenden Schools (China), raised two challenges to our teachers: designing lesson plans for the Grade 6 English Unit and developing a whole-school inquiry-based learning project for our Enquiry Week. The energy in the room was palpable as teachers engaged in meaningful group discussions on how to implement the three “E”s for a successful lesson plan.

School Section PDs:

Cross-disciplinary Learning and Teaching

In Junior Secondary, the monthly PD workshops have become a crucial platform for teachers across all subjects to explore specific pedagogical strategies.

Secondary Teaching and Learning Coordinator and Head of Chinese, Ms. Qingfang Wei

Ms. Qingfang Wei holds a Master of Education in Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. She is certified by the Chinese Ministry of Education to teach Chinese at the secondary school level and is a CBCI (Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction) Certified Trainer.

With 16 years of experience teaching IB and IGCSE curricula, Ms. Wei emphasizes enhancing students' conceptual understanding and real-world application skills through inquiry and project-based learning. Her teaching philosophy centers on developing critical thinkers prepared for lifelong learning, believing this approach is more valuable than mere knowledge transmission.

A recent workshop sparked a discussion on “What constitutes a good lesson?” using a history lesson on dynastic revolutions as a case study. Teachers explored ways to cultivate students' mindsets by designing meaningful activities and inquiries through backward design and assessments. Educators from various disciplines and teaching backgrounds shared their insights and perspectives.

These discussions extended beyond history instruction as pedagogical approaches and unit designs across different subjects often share common principles. Teachers exchanged their varied definitions of what makes a "good lesson" and proposed innovative ideas for various projects.

This collaborative spirit not only improves teaching practices but also fosters a supportive community among educators.

Daily and Continuous Learning

PD does not always mean meetings and workshops. Our teachers have also embraced it through weekly open class sessions, where peer teachers observe each other's classroom lessons and share feedback to improve teaching and learning efficiency. 

Primary Chinese Lead and Primary Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Ms. Jiang jingjing

Ms. Jiang holds a dual bachelor's degree in Education and Literature from South China Normal University. With her passion for education, she further pursued a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Ms. Jiang's exceptional academic performance earned her a first-class scholarship.

She has nearly 10 years of teaching experience in the field of international bilingual education and has played a leading role in curriculum development and classroom instruction in international schools. She is very interested in creative writing and has received the Outstanding Guidance Teacher Award at the International School Chinese Poetry Contest for four consecutive years. She also won the Outstanding Guidance Teacher Award in the first National Creative Writing Competition.

Recently, a group of Chinese teachers travelled to Macau to study the latest trends in international Chinese education at the 11th International School Chinese Language Education (ISCLE) Conference. They collaborated with university professors and local educators, gaining fresh insights and exploring innovative teaching methods. 

Ms. Jingjing Jiang, BBSG Primary Teaching and Learning Coordinator, led a workshop on critical thinking in reading

The quality of education depends on effective teacher-student interaction. Teachers' understanding of education and their approach to teaching significantly impact the efficiency and quality of this interaction. This, in turn, ultimately shapes educational outcomes. At its core, the quality of education is reflected in students' learning and growth. As the driving force behind this, teachers must continuously enhance their skills to ensure that students learn effectively, grow healthily, and achieve sustainable progress.

Kindervarsity Hub has launched the T-CAP programme (Talent Capability Advancement Programme) to enhance educators' capabilities. This initiative reviews school process and practices in teacher recruitment, development, and evaluation. It also offers tailored advice and resource support.

- Ms. Louisa Shen

Chinese Principal of BBSG

Our teachers actively embrace lifelong learning, setting a powerful example for students. They demonstrate the importance of growth and adaptability in both education and life. As we continue to invest in our educators, BBSG is shaping a brighter future for our entire school community.