Teacher Talk
Featuring Simon Hanks
Who we are...
1. Name and position in AJAC?
Simon Hanks, Learning & Teaching Leader
2. Where are you from?
Born in England but have had a home in Wales for over 20 years.
3. Family?
My family are back in the UK. My wife, Sian, works as a manager in the NHS. I have three grown-up children - two of whom are at university.
4. Childhood nickname?
The nicknames I was given as a child were cruel and have been confined to the dustbin of history. This is why I am passionate about stamping out bullying in schools.
5. Favourite food?
Caribbean aubergine and squash with rice and peas - home cooked!
6. Hobbies?
Listening to music, cycling and cooking.
7. Favourite place in the UAE?
The Louvre in Abu Dhabi - the best place to spend a whole day feeling all cultured and enjoying real coffee.
8. Most memorable experience as a teacher so far?
Taking a group of sixth form students to Berlin and watching an outdoor screening of the movie Metropolis, at the Brandenburg Gate, in the snow!
9. Funniest moment in your teaching career?
Dressing up as Uncle Gomez from the Addams Family for Halloween.
10. The most challenging moment in your teaching career?
Moving to Dubai and joining a Canadian school - it was a huge challenge to move country, change curriculum and work with teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 10. Such an amazing learning experience.
11. Childhood hero?
David Bowie
12. If you weren't a teacher, what would you be?
I would return to my earlier career of running a live music venue.