Paul has been teaching middle school for 25 years, and the fact that he is still in the classroom says a lot about how much he enjoys this age group and the curiosity they bring. He first discovered teaching as a cover teacher at his father’s school, where the pupils were actually older than he was. It was a baptism of fire, but it showed him how energising it is to be in a classroom—learning alongside students as much as teaching them.
Teaching Philosophy
Paul brings his love of music and DJ-ing into his teaching to show that holistic, interconnected learning is the way to see the world in a more vivid way. He encourages students to find links between their subjects, believing they will be rewarded when they do. Whether it’s connecting history to art, science to music, or literature to current events, he helps students see learning as one big, connected story rather than a series of isolated subjects.
Memorable Moments with Students
A highlight of Paul’s career was kayaking the Ardèche River with Grade 8 students in the south of France. On the same trip, they visited the famous Chauvet-Pont d’Arc cave painting museum, which brought history, art, geography, and adventure together in one powerful experience.
Another standout memory came last academic year when his advisory created a football chant in support of the Dwight School Hanoi football teams, called “Lions’ Roar.” It was a fantastic opportunity for them to use the recording studio together. They learned about the hardware and software involved in recording and remixing a track, and the students saw how creativity, technology, and teamwork all come together.
Life Beyond the Classroom
Outside of school, Paul enjoys immersing himself in books, exploring new places, and finding meaningful ways to help others, teaching allows him to keep doing all three every day. He spends his free time hiking, reading, studying, and making sure his screen time stays under 1.5 hours a day. He believes boredom is vital for deep thinking and imagination, so he tries not to overstimulate his brain and instead gives it space to drift, reflect, and daydream.
