Name: Sean Mackin

Education: Post Graduate Certificate in Education

​

Professional Background: My teaching career started 10 years ago, starting in Qatar in 2014. During these 10 years, I have gained experience in both KS1 and KS2 in different International School settings. In 2019, I moved to the Phoenix Private School as the Year 4 class teacher. In my 5 years since, I have gained experienced as the English Subject Lead and more recently, promoted to Head of Key Stage 2.

​

Educational Philosophy: 

Learning is not a linear process. All children develop differently. They make progress at different speeds, at different times and in different ways. I believe my role as a teacher is to guide them through this progress but more importantly, I want to make a positive impact of their lives; to make a difference; not just academically but on their overall development.

In my classroom, I aspire to create student-centered learning environments in which the student is in the driving seat of their own learning. My classrooms are spaces for exploration and discovery. I favour practical lessons in which students get hands-on real -life experience of the subjects, and instil a love of learning, promote critical thinking and encourage problem solving skills in all my students.

​

What is Key Stage 3: 

The transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 can be a big step for children. In Key Stage 2, students are expected to take responsibility in their learning, increase their independence and confidence in what they can achieve, and understand that mistakes can actually be a bridge to new learning. To help progress students, teachers in Key Stage 2 ensure that the curriculum is carefully planned to reflect what is relevant to the backgrounds and experiences of our international student body. The teachers provide a challenging and stimulating classroom environment that encourage the students to show initiative, realise their potential, share ideas and become lifelong learners while building positive personal and social traits.

 

We actively encourage parents to be involved in their child’s education. Throughout Key Stage 2, there is an emphasis on teachers and parents working in partnership to address the individual needs of each child. Regular meetings, email communication and, where needed, requested appointments allow parents to discuss with teachers any issue which may impact their child’s learning.