James is a passionate primary educator with over 12 years of teaching experience across the UK and China, including several years in middle leadership roles leading curriculum development and supporting teacher growth. Originally from Durham in the UK, he is currently based in Shanghai, where he works as a Lower Primary English Lead, guiding both students and colleagues in developing strong foundations in literacy. James believes that children learn best when they are actively engaged, thinking deeply, and making meaning for themselves. His classroom is a space where learners take responsibility for their own learning, connect ideas to their own experiences, and develop independence through curiosity, reflection, and discussion. He is particularly interested in nurturing student voice and supporting children to think critically and creatively about the world around them. He holds a PGCE in English and a master’s degree in education, where his research focused on using analytical rubrics to improve assessment and feedback. He is an Oracy Lead at Hiba Academy Shanghai and enjoys making connections between children’s use of talk and their engagement with Thinking Moves, supporting them to think metacognitively about their own learning.