Teacher Profile: David Hinsley

Year(s) and Subject(s) Taught 

Year 5 (Primary)

How long have you been teaching? 

23 years.

Why did you become a teacher? Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

It was something I always wanted to do. I was lucky enough to live overseas as a child and attend some amazing schools. Becoming a teacher was a very natural process for me and I’ve never looked back!

Tell us about your own education journey.

I studied Geography for 3 years at Huddersfiled University. I then took a PGCE course at Aberystwyth, University of Wales. I taught at a beautiful school in High Wycombe for 4 years before my dream of living and working overseas came true. I have lived and worked in Nigeria, Malaysia and Russia.

What is the most memorable moment in your teaching career so far?

When I worked in the UK my young team of underdogs won their football league for the first time in 32 years. Our celebrations are something I will never forget!

What do you like most about teaching?

I like learning something new every day. I like the way that every day is different. I have never been bored whilst teaching!

What is the best thing about teaching at your school?

The children here are full of life and very friendly. Everyone is so keen to learn! The school is well-resourced and our extra-curricular programme is very impressive. Being in Putrajaya we have lovely, open grounds. It’s a refreshing oasis in KL!

Who or what inspires you?

I am constantly amazed by new children who arrive at school not speaking a word of English. Within a very short period of time they are communicating and joining in lessons, and within a few months they are speaking and writing like a native English speaker. I find this resilience very inspiring!

Describe the ‘perfect’ student.

There is absolutely no such thing as a ‘perfect’ student. Everybody is different and unique. Some students make me laugh, some teach me something new, some may have great stories to tell me. All children are amazing in their own way!