NEW: Head of Senior School & Director of Business Administration

To kick off the new school year, let's have a Q&A with our two new College Leadership Team members, Head of Senior School Rachel Edwards and Director of Business Administration Kevin Elliott. Both have already been working hard for weeks on a smooth transition, and we are very excited to have them!

Rachel Edwards - Head of Senior School

Ms Edwards has a BA (Joint Hons) in History and Sociology from the University of Surrey and a PGCE Secondary, History and Modern Studies from the University of Glasgow. She completed the International Leadership and Management Programme (Senior Leader) in 2014 and is currently completing her MA in Applied Leadership and Management. Ms Edwards joins DCB with over 21 years of international teaching experience and 11 years in senior leadership roles in British international schools in Asia. Having lived in Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia, Asia has definitely become home. Her prior experience includes the post of Head of Secondary at British School Jakarta, and the majority of her career to date has been in IB schools. 

What motivated you to come to China?

DCB.

When I started seriously looking at the values of the College, the exciting opportunities for learning and the warm community atmosphere, it aligned with all I think a school should be. I have worked in Asia for over 20 years, even taught some China history to various age groups (don’t test me though!), so the opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture and see such incredible history around me was also very exciting.

Can you sum up your educational philosophy in one sentence?

Young people thrive and become truly future ready when they are inspired by people who love what they do, who challenge them to think and nurture them to develop into people of integrity who show compassion for others and a commitment to making a difference.

What is your impression of DCB so far and what do you hope to bring to the school?

There is something quite special about DCB. The emphasis on relationships across the College and the passion of all the staff (teaching and non-teaching) to go the extra mile and to be the best they can be, echo around the school. I hope to build upon the significant success of the Senior School with all teams so that our students receive the top learning experiences and achieve their personal bests to take them into the future.

What was your favourite subject and your worst subject at school?

My favourite subjects were history and art. I loved drawing and was not too bad at it. My worst subject was PE. I wish my PE lessons were like lessons I see now, but don’t tell my husband this; he’s a PE teacher!

Coffee or tea?

Coffee every time, nice and strong, but not too many cups in a day!

Kevin Elliott - Director of Business Administration

Originally from Stratford upon Avon, Mr Elliott has spent the past 20 years overseas in Spain, Hong Kong SAR, Japan and now China. After graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a degree in Business and Finance, he completed a Master of Modern East Asian History at Durham University, a Master of Education at The College of New Jersey, and most recently an MBA in Educational Management at Keele University.

Mr Elliott has taught drama, English, ICT and business. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator who also has hotel management and dark scare attraction experience.

What motivated you to come to China?

This is a move back to China for me. In 1996 I spent a life changing year in Hong Kong. And now, 23 years later I am back to experience a very different part of the country.

Can you sum up your philosophy for the business administration of a school in one sentence?  

I strive to make complex situations easier to understand and accessible to all whilst looking for true win-win solutions.

What is your impression of DCB so far? How will your experience with dark scare attraction add to your job at the school?  

My experience in the dark scare industry will come in very useful here in DCB; it was all about construction, customer experience and health and safety – plenty of transferable skills there.  The reason I accepted the role here was due to the excellent reputation DCB has well beyond China. During the interview process I was able to see this first-hand, and I am very glad to say my first impressions of being a DCB community member have been overwhelmingly positive.  The staff are friendly and helpful, and everything about the school is child centred. This is a school that knows how to get the most out of all those lucky enough to be here.

What was your favourite subject and your worst subject at school?  

Although I majored in business and finance, I really enjoyed the sciences at school. It might be surprising to know that maths was my least favourite subject, but give me a spreadsheet, business plan, currency hedging and related scenarios and I will be right at home.

Coffee or tea?  

Tea please, ideally jasmine or green.