Graham Nuttall teaches Year One at The British School of Beijing (BSB Shunyi campus). The UK native was living in the Middle East for three years having previously worked in both Vietnam and Thailand. Intrigued by eastern Asia’s rich history and culture, Nuttall made his way back to Asia last August. Nuttall shares more about himself with beijingkids.
What’s was your favorite subject when you were a student?
Geography. I have always enjoyed learning about other parts of the world and it was through my geography lessons that my passion for travel started to develop.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? What other career options did you explore before teaching?
It might seem strange, but I always wanted to work in a supermarket! As an undergraduate I studied retail marketing and then became a buyer for a UK supermarket before deciding to train as a teacher.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I like to listen to my students’ interests and develop a curriculum based around them. My classroom is currently a fairy tale forest!
What was your favorite book growing up? What are you currently reading? When I was a kid my favourite book was The Twits by Roald Dahl. I am currently reading The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan.
How do you like to relax on the weekends?
As I am new to Beijing, I enjoy getting on the subway to explore different areas of the city.
Where do you like to go on holiday?
My wife is Filipino, so I enjoy taking her and our two children to the beautiful beaches there.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Looking at me, you may not think that I have run 3 marathons in the last 2 years.
What’s currently on your playlist?
Ghost – Ella Henderson, because my wife and kids keep on singing it all the time at the moment!
What’s do you find most rewarding about teaching?
As an early years teacher with many years of experience working with children who have English as an additional language, the best moments for me are when I am able to have a conversation with a child who had no English at the start of the school year.
