Patric Elder
Secondary School Design Technology Teacher
Although I am Swedish, I studied at the University of Alberta (Canada) (B Ed) and started teaching in Canada. I have spent the last 14 years working in international schools in Sweden, Azerbaijan, Qatar and now China. I have been a Technology Coordinator and taught Technology, Mathematics and Science across both middle and high school.
In addition to teaching Technology for grades 9-12 at SSIS, I enjoy coaching volleyball.
My E-mail address is: patricelder@ssis-suzhou.net.
Julian Manders-Jones
Secondary School Technology Teacher
I originate from Wales and I studied Computer Science and Mathematics at Liverpool University, United Kingdom, before training to be a secondary teacher at the University of Bath in 1994.
I started teaching in international schools straight after becoming a certified teacher and my experience spans the ages of 11 to 18 years old. Along the way I have discovered the IB Diploma, the MYP, the AP, the CXC, the IGCSE and the A Level. I have been teaching Computer Science, ITGS and Mathematics and I have experience in developing new e-Schools in both Europe and North America. I believe in a 21st century approach to learning and it is a great opportunity for me to soon teach at SSIS.
I am married with two children and I very much look forward to working and living in Suzhou in my new role as Teacher of Computer Science.
My E-mail address is:julianmanders-jones@ssis-suzhou.net
Sue Ferguson
Secondary School Technology Teacher
I joined SSIS last year along with my husband Ian. In 2011~2012 I will be teaching MYP & HSD Foods Technology. I have a Bachelor of Education from the Tasmanian State Institute of Technology.
Ian and I come from Tasmania, the southernmost state in Australia. We live in Hobart, the capital. I have been teaching for 20 + years mainly in the foods, textiles and design tech areas although I enjoyed teaching Science (MYP) while at Dusseldorf in Germany. I was fortunate to obtain IB MYP training in Marrakech in 2003 while at the International school of Dusseldorf. I have also taught in the UK (GCSE) and Qatar.
At ‘home’ I am a keen gardener while I also enjoy cooking (of course), bike riding around the sites of Suzhou, eating out and going to the movies.
My E-mail address is:susanferguson@ssis-suzhou.net
Brent Clark
Secondary School Computer Technology Teacher
I studied my Bachelor of Business (Information Systems) at the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Bachelor of Education at Queensland University of Technology, both in Australia. I have been teaching IT for 7 years in Queensland, Australia. I have also begun teaching Year 10 Mathematics at SSIS. I also have experience working with other teachers integrating technology into their curriculum. For fun I play several sports including golf, rugby league, rugby union, touch football, AFL, soccer, tennis and (recently) gaelic football.
My email address is: brentclark@ssis-suzhou.net
Geoff Derry
Secondary School Computer Technology Teacher
I have lived and worked in Townsville, Australia for most of my life. Townsville is a tropical city close to the Great Barrier Reef. We used to live only 50 metres from the beach. I have also spent time living and working in both the United Kingdom and the USA.
In the past ten years I have been a deputy Principal of a school of 500 students, Principal of a small country school and a primary school teacher in both Australia and England. During this time I have held many Information Technology (computer) positions.
My interest and skills lie in the area of integrating IT across all subject areas. I am passionate about education and the use of IT to promote student learning. I am currently working as one of the school Learning Technology Teachers and work with teachers, admin staff, parents and students helping them to integrate technology into education.
I have a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, a Bachelor of Education degree and a graduate Diploma of Leadership studies.
I recently was selected
to become an Apple Distinguished Educator and attended the training earlier this year.
I live here in China with my Wife and Daughter.
My email address is: geoffderry@ssis-suzhou.net
Ian Ferguson
Secondary School Technology Teacher
My name is Ian Ferguson. This is my second year teaching at SSIS. I teach grade 6,7 and 8 Technology in combinations of Computer (CT) and Design Technology (DT). I am really enjoying it, especially the wonderful students we have.
I am a Tasmanian, arguably the best state of Australia, so I do miss nature, clean air and the surf. My wife and I come from the southern city of Hobart but we spend most of our time at our beach house on the east coast when we are at 'home'. I have been teaching since 1992 in Design or Graphic related subjects and also taught middle school Math and Science in Tasmania.
I am a keen soccer and volleyball player while also enjoying surfing and skiing. My interests include product design, drawing and architecture, interests that fit my subject area well. In Suzhou I ride my bike to and from school to stay fit.
I have a bachelor of Education from the University of Tasmania and have had certified IB MYP training. I have predominantly taught overseas since 2001 and have held teaching and HOD positions in the UK (GCSE and Product Design), Germany (IB MYP), Qatar (IB MYP) and Hong Kong (IB MYP). I look forward to this year at SSIS.
Gabriel Evans
Secondary Food Technology Teacher
Head of Grade 7
I grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand. I have spent most of my adult life overseas and now I call the UK home. I am passionate about good food, writing and nature and I love teaching and working with young people.
I graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a degree in Combined Studies (Health Education and Sports Nutrition) and I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the Christchurch College of Education. I also hold various food related advanced trade certificates awarded to me by the New Zealand Trade Certification Board and City and Guilds of London.
I taught MYP Food Technology and Applied Nutrition at SSIS from 2007-2009. I have also taught a variety of food subjects at schools in Kuwait, New Zealand and the United Kingdom during my eleven year teaching career. I am currently teaching Food Technology on a part-time basis at Torpoint Community College in Cornwall, England.
Prior to teaching, I was a professional chef in various restaurants, hotels and resorts around the world. The highlights of my ten-year career as a professional chef included owning and operating an award-winning restaurant and appearing in Rick Stein's BBC cookery series Taste of the Sea.
I met Silvana while working at SSIS and we returned to the UK to get married last summer. I also returned to the UK to finish writing my first book, which was published in July 2010.
I am very excited about returning to teach at SSIS. In my spare time I enjoy playing sports, reading and travelling.
