Global Educator, IB Teacher
Stuart Piper, IB Teacher
Passionate about the education of our future generations.
I am an IB Teacher of Theory of Knowledge, English Literature and Language, Drama (and an Extended Essay Supervisor).
I hold a PGCE with QTS from University of York and am now studying for a MA in Philosophy, Religion & Ethics from University of Birmingham after which I have plans to pursue a PhD in Education. I was formerly an Actor (West-End, TV & Film), Arts Industry Professional & Youth Theatre Director for more than 20yrs.
Before teaching, I built a career at the highest levels of the creative arts industries. I bring that professional focus to the classroom: I hold myself to the highest standards, and I invite my students to do the same. My own academic path - from BA (Hons) to PGCE with QTS to MA - all since 2021 - reflects the same standard I set for them.
I teach English, Drama, and the Theory of Knowledge because storytelling is how we make sense of the world, rigorous enquiry is how we test that understanding, and moral imagination is how we act on it.
I do my best to embody the IB values myself, being an active, compassionate and lifelong learner (which has also included language learning, passing the Japanese JLPT N5 exam in 2024). I strive to stay physically active and healthy, doing my best to model to students the importance of nurturing mind, body and spirit. Placing a high value on wellbeing treats it not as an optional addition but as a foundational element of learning, growth, and flourishing.
My journey from industry to education
Following a long and varied career in the Creative Arts Industries (including 20+ years as a part-time extra curricular Drama Teacher & Youth Theatre Director), I returned to Education in 2021, to retrain to become a full time, fully qualified English Literature and Language Teacher via a PGCE with QTS from the University of York, having received an English Literature degree with First-Class Honours from York St John University (as well as obtaining CELTA TEFL certification) where I was the recipient of the 2024 English Literature Undergraduate Dissertation Prize, awarded to the highest-marked dissertation. In 2024, I also passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N5), after a year of self-study part-time, having never studied a language previously, and unexpectedly falling in love with language learning.
I received Introduction to Diploma Programme (DP) Course certification from the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) in Dec 2024 and Theory of Knowledge Category 1certification in 2026. I am next studying for a Masters in Philosopy, Religion & Ethics (MA) from University of Birmingham to inform my teaching of. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and other additional subjects on the IBDP.
On my PGCE I was placed teaching English at Archbishop Holgate’s School and Joseph Rowntree School via Pathfinder and University of York, with professional enrichment at the Steiner School, while teaching Drama in-person, across Yorkshire for the last 5 years, and online, internationally.
“Stuart provided consistently excellent tuition for our students on a weekly basis for many years, making a meaningful difference to their lives and future careers.”
Francesca Cottrell, BijouTalent Acting Course - references available on request - also see Testimonials on LinkedIn
Connect
Email
stuartmarkpiper@me.com
LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-piper