The King's School Canterbury offers a truly all-around education with a wide-ranging curriculum blending with the co-curriculum and supported throughout by the highest standards of pastoral care in a long and full school day, encouraging pupils to discover, learn and express themselves. Our philosophy behind the pursuit of academic excellence is that talented pupils are stretched but not stressed, stimulated but not overwhelmed by an enlightened approach to teaching and learning.

Mr. Cole has excellent academic ability and rich teaching experience. Mr. Martin was the Academic Principal of Shenzhen College of International Education, mainly responsible for many important teaching-related tasks. He is currently the Academic Principal of Adcote School (Suzhou), and was recognized as the "favourite foreign teacher" by the students.

 

 

A well structured curriculum that offers breadth and depth is the cornerstone of KSS to cultivate outstanding students; for this we need a strong academic faculty team. Nearly 90% of the teaching staff at King's Prep and Senior School will be British or Irish. All teachers have graduated from excellent universities and have an average of 11 years teaching experience. Mr. Cole joined our Prep School team to develop our curriculum and oversee the teaching & learning, ensuring students have a full and challenging education which sets them up for our Senior School and gives them a foundation for the prestigious universities in the world.

 

 

Martin Cole Interview

Mr. Cole brought his rich teaching experience and innovative project ideas to KSS. We specifically interviewed Mr. Cole, the Deputy Head for Academic. We invited him to share his thoughts and ideas about education, as well as what he has brought to the KSS.

 

A / About Martin Cole

 

Q1 | Why did you choose teaching as your career?

I took up teaching after working 5 years in industry. I had a young family at the time and during the week I did not get much time to see them. At the same time the company I was in was becoming smaller, so I took the decision to take up teaching. A close family friend had always said I would make a good teacher and it looks like they were right.

 

 

Q2 | Could you tell us how you came to teach in China?

I came to China after 16 years working in the UK in 2014. I was the head of department of an outstanding academy called the Kennet Academy and had always thought I would be able to travel. My children had grown up and no longer needed me, so I took the decision to apply to international schools. Once I arrived in China I was hooked.

 

 

Q3 | You have worked in Shenzhen before, why do you want to return?

My first school internationally was the Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE) in Shenzhen where I started out as just an ordinary teacher but was quickly promoted to head of department and then to become the Academic Deputy Principal. During my time in Shenzhen at SCIE, I met and married my second wife, Ms. Cai. She is from Shenzhen, and we have lots of family in the city and, although I decided to leave to get additional experience in other international schools, I was always going to return to the city.

 

Q4 | Tell us your hobbies and interests.

My hobbies and interests are cooking, reading and swimming. I like to cook for my wife’s family and introduce them to some of my favourite dishes. They also like the things I make and tell me they are very delicious. I read both for pleasure and to keep up my knowledge of both my subject and the latest in education. I swim to keep fit.

 

B / About Education

 

Q5 | What in your opinion makes a good international school today?

A good international schoolhas a clear purpose and direction. It is led by people who understand international education and embrace the main principles. It needs to hold academic excellence at its core, supporting its students to become global citizens. It also needs to have great partnerships with the local community as well as with global international networks.

A great international school also has an excellent faculty and facilities to provide students with the support and development opportunities for success. Finally, a great international school has a great history with balanced programmes that develop the student as a whole person so that they are fully prepared for the ever-changing world.

 

Q6 | Could you tell us more of your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is grounded in my practice. I want students to be engaged in my lessons and realise that success comes not only from learning the content but also learning how to think, to take a risk, be enquiring and be able to communicate ideas in an open-minded way. I want my students to be well-balanced and reflective as well as being able to think outside the simple facts so that they can to apply their skills and knowledge in inventive ways.

 

Mr. Martin is concentrating on his chemistry experiment

 

Q7 | What are the aspects of the British education system and teaching methods that you see more beneficial to Chinese children in particular, over other education systems?

The British education system is one of the oldest systems in the world. It is designed to develop the student mastery of the subjects they study but also to help to the develop higher order thinking skills for further study in the future. 

The British education system encourages student to develop a deep the conceptual understanding needed to make links between different aspects of the subject. It also encourages critical thinking, problem solving, independent research skills, collaboration and presenting arguments. It also develops transferable skills that will last a lifetime preparing students for the future, making learning enjoyable and rewarding.

 

Q8| What do you see as essential in developing high standards which enable students to succeed and to grow?

The essential things needed to develop high standards are focused on teamwork and teacher development. 

 It's important for teachers to keep developing their skills and understanding through training and collaboration. It is also essential to ensure that the programmes that are developed are designed to bring the best outcomes for students. Developing the skills and understanding that will ensure they become lifelong learners.

 

Mr. Martin conducts teacher training

 

Q9 | You were Academic Principal of Shenzhen College of International Education. Can you share some of your observations about what it takes a run a high-performing school in Shenzhen?

As Academic Principal of Shenzhen College of International Education the most important feature for student success is for them to have a clear focus on the goals they wish to achieve and then providing them with the support to help achieve those goals. It is important to have good teachers who develop the student holistically. Encouraging those key skills that ensure a student success as well as supporting students to develop as young people so that once they move on to further education, they can be successful.

 

Q10| What qualities does a good teacher need to have?

The qualities of a good teacher are that they are caring, progressive, patient, passionate, engaging, organised, flexible, inspiring, and enthusiastic.

 

Q11 | What have been your main achievements as a member of leadership teams? 

As an academic principal I have so many achievements that it’s hard to choose a few to talk about. Personally, the thing I'm most happy with was becoming an accredited Cambridge Assessment International Education teacher trainer. This has helped me to be the leader for teacher training in every school where I have worked, thereby helping teachers to develop skills and practice which enhances the teaching and learning of the whole teaching faculty. 

 

C / About KSS

 

Q12 | What attracted you to KSS?

I was attracted to KSS as it is a new school that will allow me to develop all the programmes instead of trying to adjust things that are already in place. I also really like Dr Zhou and I think we would make a great team.

 

Q13 | How would you apply your previous experience to achieve KSS' VISION? 

I have been asked to support the school in the development of the teachers to the highest standards as well as supporting the development of the facilities to ensure that KSS is one of the best schools in Shenzhen. I can support the development of both the Prep and Senior schools so that students get the best opportunities for the future.