English Language and Literature
Steve BOLTON
My background is primarily in international teaching. I have worked at schools in the UK, Peru, India and Venezuela. I have been associated with the International Baccalaureate in various roles for over 20 years and have taught English and English Literature for as long as I can remember. I am a keen guitarist, surfer, photographer and scuba diver. I’m also a dad who tells bad jokes – as all dads should!
Claire NEALE
Originally from Yorkshire, UK, I have lived and worked in Hong Kong for many years. I have three children – one is a student at Discovery College and two are currently studying at universities in England. My hobbies are reading and travelling. I love animals and this is reflected in the menagerie that is my home.
Alan KIRK
I am originally from Birmingham, England and grew up there, but have since travelled and worked in different locations both within the UK and overseas. In particular, I spent nine years in Istanbul, Turkey and three years in Manila in the Philippines. I have taught English and Theory of Knowledge for over a decade now and I am thrilled to be part of the Discovery College team. In addition to my school work, I love reading, swimming and – even if it is getting harder in my 40s – a good game of football.
Paul MCGOEY
Originally hailing from a suburb of Toronto, Canada, I taught in Sierra Leone and South Korea before making Hong Kong my home in 2013. I am an avid consumer of literature and news media, and I feel lucky to be able to share my love of the written word with my students. When I am not teaching, I enjoy hiking, playing hockey, going to concerts, and, most of all, spending time with my wife and dog.
Fiona TATE
I was born in Hong Kong but was educated in Mauritius, Hong Kong and Canada. My upbringing has made me interested in exploring the connection between language and culture, which is a very exciting topic in the Language and Literature program. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading, exploring the world with my family and practicing yoga.
Vanessa VIIRRET
Most of my teaching experience has been at an independent school in Melbourne’s inner north-west where I taught VCE English and Media Studies, however, I have also spent time teaching in north London. My interests lie in films, particularly those of the thriller genre, and I am loving the current ‘Golden Age’ of television with so many great series to choose from. I also enjoy reading, running and eating – especially desserts.
Barry WILKINSON
Originally from Manchester, UK, I now call Hong Kong my home and have done for many years. I began teaching in further education in the UK and since moving to HK I have taught mainly within international schools. I love teaching language and literature and believe that the classroom is a place where the diversity of opinions we hold can be celebrated, and study and discussion has the power to change those opinions. I also have a passion for music, film and the arts in general and am a self-taught guitarist – a fact that becomes quickly apparent to any audience.
