Are you as curious about who’s shaping the young minds of our kids as we are? We’re sitting down with teachers and staff from Beijing’s vibrant international schools to learn more about their unique stories, experiences, and perspectives. From the challenges of adapting to a new culture to the joys of building connections across borders, these conversations will shine a light on those who make up our education community. Whether you’re part of an international school yourself or simply curious about life in Beijing’s globalized education hubs, join us as we get to know the people behind the classrooms, hallways, and campuses that shape this extraordinary world.
This week’s #BeijingEducators features Ms. Poppy Thompson, the newly appointed Assistant Head of Early Years at British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun.
My name is Poppy Thompson, and I am excited to begin my role as the newly appointed Assistant Head of Early Years for the 2025/2026 academic year. I’m originally from a small town in Shropshire, and I moved to Beijing over six years ago in search of new challenges and to expand my experience of working with children by joining an international school. Since then, I have had the privilege of growing both professionally and personally within the vibrant and diverse community here in Beijing.
Let’s talk a bit about the school.
How do you define high-quality early years education, and how does it align with the mission and values of BSB Sanlitun?
For me, high-quality early years education is centered around creating an enriching and engaging environment where young children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. The children should be encouraged to explore, experiment, and express themselves in ways that promote curiosity and a lifelong love for learning.
At BSB Sanlitun, our mission and values are deeply aligned with this vision of early years education. We aim to provide a learning environment where each child is seen to be involved in their own learning journey, where they thrive academically but also emotionally and socially. Our values of respect, responsibility, and community play a role in shaping our approach.
How does BSB Sanlitun create a safe and inclusive environment for early years students?
BSB Sanlitun creates a safe and inclusive environment for our early years students by prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being and making our school a place where every child feels valued and respected. The school supports diversity and celebrates different cultures and backgrounds while adapting teaching strategies to meet individual needs. With a child-centered approach, the curriculum promotes social and emotional learning, encouraging kindness, cooperation, and positive relationships. Through strong partnerships with families and a commitment to safeguarding, BSB Sanlitun ensures that all children, regardless of ability or background, have the opportunity to grow and feel part of the community.
How does BSB Sanlitun support the social and emotional development of early years students, especially those who may be new to Beijing and the international school environment?
We support the social and emotional development of early years students, particularly those new to Beijing and the international school environment, by promoting a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that helps them feel secure and welcomed. Through our orientation, we get to know the children more. They can spend time in the classrooms getting to know other children and seeing a school day in action. The communication with parents is continued throughout their settling-in periods as we know how important it is for the parents to feel reassured as well as the children.
Now let’s get to know you a bit.
What will your new role as Assistant Head of Early Years entail?
As Assistant Head of Early Years, I will work closely with staff to continue to provide a collaborative, positive learning curriculum and environment for children to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. I will continue to build strong relationships with parents and ensure that all children receive the care and attention they need to thrive. I will also track student progress to ensure all children are supported and challenged to develop in all areas of the curriculum.
What inspired you to get into education?
What inspired me to get into education was my deep passion for helping children grow and develop. I’ve always been fascinated by how children learn and how those early experiences shape their future. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact during such an important time in a child’s life, guiding them not just academically but socially and emotionally, really motivated me.
What’s the best part of your day working at BSB Sanlitun?
The best part of a day comes from seeing moments of growth, such as a child achieving something they have been working hard to understand or developing social skills through play and collaboration. Building strong relationships with children, seeing their confidence grow, and listening to their stories – having those special conversations about life, and celebrating their achievements make this job worthwhile.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on these…
For children who show signs of advanced learning in certain areas, what are the best ways to nurture their talents without overloading them?
Differentiating activities and challenging children who show signs of advanced learning has to be done in a fun and engaging way. They need to be able to explore and be creative with their learning, without pushing them too much. Letting children work at their own pace, with room for choice and reflection ,will give them a sense of accomplishment. This keeps the children motivated but also doesn’t overload them so that they are able to enjoy their learning.
In your opinion, what are the emerging trends in early years education that international schools should pay attention to and incorporate into the curriculum?
There is an emphasis on emotional well-being and self-regulation within young children, and ensuring social and emotional skills are integrated into our curriculum such as resilience, communication, and resolving conflict are critical for their development. I also think recognizing that every child learns differently and that having an approach that will cater to all needs and interests is something that needs paying attention to, and having a play-based and children-led curriculum enables children to problem solve and encourages critical and independent thinking.
What role do you think technology should play in early years education? Do you have any advice on integrating technology into daily teaching effectively with young kids?
I think it is important that technology is included within early years, but we have to be mindful that technology is not a replacement for important interactions with adults. The use of whiteboards allows the children to work collaboratively with others, express themselves creatively, and for information to be presented. Devices for listening to stories, where a child can sit with headphones and get lost in a book or listen to music, [enable]them to dance, sing, and represent their own thoughts. We ensure a range of opportunities such as early coding strategies through programming a simple robot toy to develop these skills.
Can you tell us a bit about what to expect at the upcoming Open Morning on Mar 26?
At the Open Morning, parents will have the chance to meet our senior leadership team, learn more about our early years department, see a lesson in action, and have a tour around the early years building. I love to meet and make connections with our families, so I would be delighted to meet any new families who wish to visit.
Images: British School of Beijing, Sanlitun
