My name is Robert James Azopardi and my wife and I are both very proud and feel truly blessed to have two wonderful daughters.
I have been a teacher for over 20 years, and I have had the unique experience of teaching in the primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors. My teaching career started at the Folkuniversitet in Västerås, Sweden where I lived for three years and learnt how to speak Swedish.
I have an BA Honours degree in Social Anthropolgy from the University of Sussex and attained my PGCE at Middlesex University.
I have taught mostly humanities subjects in secondary schools in the UK and Gibraltar, teaching in both the private and public sectors. My most recent employment was with Prior Park School, where I was a head of house and coordinator for the Duke of Edinburgh award. As one of the founders of the school, I was able to see it grow into the wonderful school it has become today.
When I moved back to Gibraltar, to be closer to my family and friends, I started working at Loreto Convent primary school. This was something close to my heart as I had spent many years as a student there. I also gained seven invaluable years of experience working within the primary sector. This is where I met my wife Nina, who is a gifted music teacher. Both of our children have also attended Loreto Convent School.
My teaching philosophy is centred around the child first and the idea that every student can succeed with the right support and guidance. I believe in creating an environment where children have a thirst for learning and are comfortable asking questions which will feed their innate curiosity. As a teacher, I want to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Building a child’s resilience and preparing them for life’s challenges is paramount and I encourage students to find courage. It is important for children to not only know the meaning of respect but to act with respect for those around them, as well as to respect their culture, traditions, nation and the planet which we all share.
The experience of having taught in two faith schools has been truly inspiring. As a religious Catholic, I believe in the importance of religion in an individual’s life and how it adds a greater sense of respect, purpose and meaning to oneself.
The Hebrew Primary School will be somewhere where children, staff and parents will feel a sense of pride. We look forward to not only making it a centre of excellence for teaching and learning but also a place where children will feel valued and happy, an environment where the individual will flourish and thrive.