With a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication and Culture and a specialization in Language and Literature, complemented by an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies, Thena brings a profound command of linguistic structure and narrative craft into her teaching practice. She is currently an active member of the CIE Cambridge Support Hub group, contributing to forward-thinking discussions on the Future of Education, where she engages with global educators to reimagine learning for the next generation. Thena’s expertise extends to curriculum writing and development, with a particular focus on English First Language pedagogy, where she integrates innovative teaching methodologies and skills-based learning to foster academic excellence. Her commitment to education is underscored by a passion for continuous professional development, viewing herself as a lifelong learner who is constantly refining and evolving her teaching practice.
Her educational career spans several continents, encompassing vibrant, multicultural schools in London and prestigious private institutions in South Africa, the tranquil academic landscapes of Japan, a distinguished tenure in Dalian, China, and the serene educational setting of Jeju Island, South Korea. These international experiences have shaped a globally attuned approach to teaching and learning. As an external examiner for both International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge IGCSE curricula, Thena plays an integral role in maintaining rigorous academic standards across diverse educational frameworks worldwide.
Guided by curiosity, empathy, and critical inquiry, Thena cultivates independent thinkers who are not only intellectually discerning but also socially conscious and resilient. Her classes are dynamic spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and every lesson becomes an invitation to connect language with the world.
Beyond the classroom, Thena finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, quality time with her family, getting lost in the pages of a good book, unwinding with feel-good family films, and savoring moments of solitude that refresh her creative spirit.
“We need to be taught to study rather than to believe, to inquire rather than to affirm.” Septima Clark