Teachers in Profile丨Meet our Educators
In this Teachers in Profile Series, we speak to our educators to learn more about why they chose teaching as their vocation, about what plans they have for the future and why Wellington College Tianjin was their school of choice. In this article, we discuss aspects of teaching and learning with Mr Elks from our Wellington College Bilingual Tianjin Nursery.
Rikki Elks
Nursery Teacher
Q
You have been teaching for nearly 10 years across a variety of educational settings. Could you share more about your previous experiences?
Rikki: I have worked in many different settings, including Primary schools, Junior schools and Infant schools. I started my teaching career in Key Stage 2 (teaching Year 3 and Year 4). Eventually, I moved to Key Stage 1 (teaching Year 1). My most recent experience was teaching Reception. I have led many subjects, including Computing, Design & Technology, Art & Design, PSHE and History. Furthermore, I have learned to use Cued Articulation and Makaton to support children’s communication skills.
Q
What attracted you to come and work at Wellington College Tianjin?
Rikki: I was aware of Wellington College China’s outstanding reputation, and I believed that the college offered excellent support for children. I was also impressed by how knowledgeable and passionate the teaching team were. The Nest appeared to be a wonderful place for children and adults to enjoy teaching and learning together.
Q
What made you passionate about Early Year Education?
Rikki: I enjoy teaching because I find it fulfilling. Forming positive relationships with children; nurturing their wellbeing; engaging their interests; enabling them to overcome challenges; and watching them grow as individuals - this process is very rewarding. I particularly enjoy teaching in Early Years because I get to be involved in a key developmental phase for children – they learn and progress very quickly. It is a pleasure to witness the progress that an Early Years child makes in 1 year whilst knowing that I have supported them with their progress.
Q
What do you think are the advantages of male educators in Early Years education?
Rikki: The advantage of male educators in the early years is that children are provided with positive male models. Children can see that men enjoy communicating with children – they can be patient, caring and fun.
Q
What are your greatest achievements in your previous role?
Rikki: In my previous role as a Reception Teacher, I helped to embed the new Early Years Framework through my team’s planning, continuous provision and learning environments. I enjoyed promoting digital literacy and STEAM-based activities through cross-curricular activities and ASAs. Furthermore, I am proud of the connections that I made with the children and the support that I provided them to fulfil their full potential as learners.
Q
As a Nursery Teacher, what will be your major priorities this year for teaching and learning?
Rikki: I believe that children communicate and build their resilience more within an outside environment. I aim to improve our outside learning environments, making them more practical for the children. Additionally, I aim to promote outdoor learning and establish strategies to continue outdoor learning through all types of weather.
Q
What advice would you give to parents in the Early Years about supporting their children who are at the start of their learning journey?
Rikki: Parents need to encourage their children to be as independent as possible and to be as resilient as possible. Children learn by making mistakes – they learn best when they don’t give up after making a mistake but keep on trying. If children are more independent, they will be willing to try new activities and find new interests.
Q
What are your hobbies outside of teaching?
Rikki: I am trying my best to learn Mandarin and learn more about Chinese culture. I enjoy learning about History, through reading and visiting historical places. Also, I like exploring nature by hiking or cycling in the countryside.