Adam Johnson

Adam Johnson - Headteacher at the British School of Yangon (BSY)
1. How many years have you worked for the BSF and where? 

I have worked for BSF since Beijing opened its doors back in 2003.

2. Why did you choose to work for the BSF?

It chose me not the other way round!

3. What positions, and for how many years, have you had at the school(s)?

  • British School Beijing (San Li Tun campus) Teacher/subject leader for 2 years.
  • British School Beijing (Shun Yi campus) Head of Primary for 2 years.
  • British School Nanjing – Head of school for 2 years.
  • British School Kuala Lumpur – Deputy Head and Head of Primary for 5 years.
  • British School Yangon – Head of school for 3 years.

4. What do you love about your current school?

The school has a great set-up and I feel part of a community here. 

5. What do you love about the area/country?

Yangon is new and fresh. It's a tough challenge at times but the friendliness of locals makes it a lot easier. 

6. What do you like most about teaching internationally? 

I don’t get into classrooms to actually teach anymore – but I still love the occasional assembly or cover lessons/days for teachers.

7. What strengths/skills helped you get to where you are today?

Smiling, being humble and listening to people. There is always a solution even when it feels there is not.

8. Which of your childhood teachers stood out and why?

Greg Yates in Year 6 – my last year of Primary school in Australia. He was tough; if his favourite rugby team lost you knew about it and you didn't want to get on the wrong side of him! But he was very pastoral; he treated us like young adults and helped me through some issues as a young kid. He taught me rugby and helped me gain confidence.

9. What are your most treasured teaching resources? 

I have some Aussie stuffed animals that seem to have travelled with me for the past 12-13 years.  

10. What is the most memorable lesson you have taught?

Too many great ones to remember! I'll have to ask the students. 

11. What do you like to do outside of work? Do you have any hobbies? 

I don't have much time for hobbies really anymore with two kids. But I love my rugby, bike riding, and reading and listening to music.