The Learning Curve

Meet Siobhan! With over a decade of experience in international education across Brazil, Italy, and France, Siobhan brings a unique perspective shaped by teaching subjects like History, English, and Theory of Knowledge in globally recognised programmes. Her approach is grounded in a human-centred, peace-building philosophy, emphasising the importance of student well-being, resilience, and character. Dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, she believes that true education lies not only in knowledge but in building the foundations for a compassionate, purposeful, and globally minded community.

Could you introduce yourself

I have been teaching within the international educational field since 2013 and have worked in Brazil, Italy and France. I have taught History, English and Theory of Knowledge on the International Baccalaureatte and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Having read History and Politics for my first Degree, I went on to specialise in Value-Creating Education for Global Citizenship. This has a peace building approach through a human centered lens. The focus is on the well-being of each individual and it encourages teacher-student relations that foster character, resilience and a sense of purpose in each student. I believe the goal of education is the happiness of each student and I aim to nurture character value in each person towards this end.

Tell us about your greatest achievement

My greatest professional moment happen each day when I am able to inspire great dialogues amongst my students, a self-motivated attitude to learn and a feeling of well-being and self-actualisation. A sense of connection and belonging, a feeling of fulfillment and self worth; all of these are important to me because I know I am fostering the future.  

What has been your steepest learning curve?

When I had to learn to ride a scooter in order to get to work! The school was in a nature reserve and the only way I could get there was by motorbike. Having not ridden a scooter before I had to take a leap of faith in myself and get on with it! At first I was really scared but after a few days I became used to it and enjoyed it a lot. It taught me that we can do anything if we overcome the tendency to over think things too much. I learned that my fear can stop me from achieving, progressing and getting the most from life.  

Mougins School is a great place because...

I really enjoy the fact that Mougins is a values based school. The four values of Respect, Learning, Integrity and Community can be sensed in the very fabric or ethos of the school. There is a lot of care and commitment from both the leadership team and the members of staff, and I really appreciate this. I also love the fact that the older students do the "Thrive" activities with the younger students. I support an activity on Monday and Thursday and I am always so appreciative to see the spirit of contribution and selflessness in the Grade 11s and 12s! Finally, the environment is just so gorgeous, and with the sun shining, it gives a sense of well-being, a feeling of ease.  

What would you like to share with the community

I am about to embark on a doctorate in Value-Creating Education for Global Citizenship. This will enable me to do further research into the field of humanist education. Whilst I am in accord with the wonderful breakthroughs that technology (AI) can afford us, I strongly believe that until people can learn to engage with one another, it will inevitably result in less favourable outcomes. My doctorate will take the value created from any endeavour as its focus point; the value a student feels in terms of enjoyment of the task, the value that is created through progress being made in that student's learning experience and the value that is created in terms of a common good or social contribution. When students recognise that whatever endeavours they choose to pursue, the fundamental point should be the value it is creating - for both themselves and their local and global communities -then a more healthy approach to AI will be adopted and humanity will thrive. I believe this to be true both for innovation & progress and for academic integrity. As educational theorists Mingyaun Gu and Ikeda have argued, “Machines can not create human beings. Government policies can not create human beings. Human beings can polish their lives and grow only by interacting with other human beings and bringing their respective characters to shine” (Gu & Ikeda, 20212,p.311). With the many traumas taking place in the world today, and whilst the world stares on with bloodshot eyes, I believe that education can and must be the way forward to find our common humanity. Engaging in dialogues, building empathy, upholding each person's dignity or worth; all of these are everyday educational values that need to be learned. I hold these values to be just as important as our present focus on knowledge, skill and technology. I think this type of pedagogy is the only way to build a more peaceful world. My decision to pursue my doctorate has given me a great sense of purpose and I have gratitude for this.