Waheed Bhatti
Bachelor of Education

Sheffield Hallam University, UK









I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Education degree primary honours, with English as my main subject and Drama as a secondary specialist subject.

I then worked in a primary school in Sheffield for a year where I took on extra curricular roles and extra teaching responsibilities. Hearing news of a member of staff teaching overseas prompted me to be as adventurous.

In 1999 I arrived in Singapore, on National Day! Teachers from the company joked when the fireworks went off that Lorna Whiston always welcomed her new staff this way! (I believed them!) I taught at the Parkway Parade branch until December 2001 when I decided to return to the UK, as I felt a little homesick.

On returning to the UK I taught at a multi-cultural inner-city primary school for 18 months. I then realised that I actually felt more homesick for Singapore – so returned to teach at the United Square branch in June 2003 until December 2006. At the end of last year I was promoted and now I am currently head teacher at the Forum branch where I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

The learning environment in Singapore is wonderful. Students are very hard working, conscientious and have a real desire to learn. The people of Singapore are so friendly and as the island is relatively small, getting to places is quite accessible, (except when there is heavy rain at makan time!)

My spare time is largely consumed by my little boy, Adam, who is becoming a real handful. It really is such a special feeling, watching your own children grow and develop.

When he is asleep, I try to remain semi-healthy. I play football and golf once a week and try to get in the swimming pool a couple of times a week. I also enjoy playing pool, having the odd night out at karaoke and socialising with friends.