Tutor profile - Chris

Most recently Chris taught IB Diploma SL and HL Psychology at Montreux International School, January to August 2022.

Previously Chris was subject leader for AS/A level Psychology and GCSE Psychology at Surval, Boarding School Montreux. In addition, he taught English Language and Literature from IGCSE up to AS/A level. He was the form tutor for the Grade 12 (A level) students and was responsible for delivery of their pastoral PSHE curriculum and preparation for university by advising and assisting in the writing of personal statements for a variety of destinations and courses. Chris has a great deal of experience designing and adapting the curriculum to suit the requirements of students, whilst still keeping them on track for specific qualifications.

Chris was offered the opportunity to teach IB Diploma (HL) Psychology at La Côte International School, Aubonne 2013-2015. He taught the key areas of biological, cognitive and socio-cultural levels of analysis. He particularly enjoyed teaching Abnormal Psychology and discussing the various explanations behind symptoms and illnesses. His students conducted their IA on the positive effects of sport and exercise upon depression. Both these LCIS students attained a Level 7 at IB Higher Level and went on to study Psychology at university in the UK.

Chris attended the IB workshop (In-Thinking) in Berlin in 2014 led by IB examiner John Crane. He enjoyed working with fellow Psychology teachers on a number of topics, and participating in a range of activities and discussion topics. He was also present at the inaugural meeting of the Swiss Psychology Teaching Conference at Leysin American School, Switzerland which again proved profitable in terms of sharing best practice with colleagues. He joined the Association of Teachers of Psychology in 2016, in order to gain access to journal articles, CPD opportunities and to correspond with fellow teachers. Chris also attended the EFPTA Conference in Prague, which gave him a chance to attend workshops covering both the A level and IB curriculum.

Chris studied and passed the 6-month ‘ALISON’ online Psychology diploma in 2015 and gained a Graduate Certificate in Psychology from London MetropoIitan University in 2017. He is also a member of The British Psychological Society.

Chris enjoyed the pastoral roles of Head of House and Sixth Form Tutor in both Malaysia and Switzerland. In both posts he supervised Extended Essay work and was involved in the university application procedure for his tutees, writing references for them at that vital point in their academic careers. He worked as a member of an action team which re-defined the provision of Learning Enhancement for the students at Alice Smith Junior and Senior School. He attended a valuable ‘Critical Thinking’ in-service training and consequently employed this learning method in his teaching.