Teacher Tuesday : Ms Rose Tooley

Following a little break, Teacher Tuesday is back! Our first interview this year is with Ms Tooley, a secondary science teacher who just joined KIS this term. Find out more about Ms Tooley in this week’s Teacher Tuesday:

How many years have you been teaching?

This is my 5th year teaching. I spent two years teaching in the UK, followed by two years teaching in Moscow, Russia. 

This is your first time teaching in Sabah, Malaysia. How are you finding it?

I love the positive atmosphere and enthusiasm shown by the students. Living in Sabah is incredible; the weather is such a nice change from Russia and the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful.

How would you describe the KIS community?

The KIS community encourages pupils to thrive in any area they are interested in, the pupils combine their ideas to perform as a successful single unit. Every student’s voice is heard. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a teacher?

I take great pride when watching a young person flourish; I am devoted to teaching, specifically improving student wellbeing and maximising student attainment. Science is a stimulating subject, and I find it very rewarding to enthuse pupils, impart my knowledge and watch students succeed. I especially adore my subject specialism, Biology, because it is relatable to real life and thought-provoking. My teaching goal is to motivate and encourage pupils to be just as inspired by Science as I am.

You were recently appointed to the role of Student Council mentor. What does this involve?

The goal of the student council is to improve the wellbeing of every student and to ensure that their voice is heard. The student council discuss ideas with their forms and collaborate their ideas together once a week in a meeting. They also work together with other societies to plan fun activities and events throughout the school year.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I believe that science lessons should be looked back on with pleasure. I like to implement a student-led classroom as I believe that learning is not passive process but active. I think it is important to always link topics with intriguing, relatable facts and fascinating practical experiments. My goal in education is not only to get pupils to pass examinations but to create young scientists.

Tell us something that is little known about you?

I am from the same town (Northampton) as the famous Francis Crick, one of the scientists who facilitated the discovery of the structure of DNA with James Watson!

What do you enjoy doing in KK when you’re not working?

I have a keen appreciation for travelling, especially learning new skills and experiencing other cultures. Other personal pleasures of mine include cooking, reading and watching documentaries (my favourite being presented by David Attenborough).