Cliff studied Pure Mathematics and Statistics at UCW Aberystwyth  gaining a B Sc (hons) and then went on to gain his PGCE at the same university. He taught at a variety of schools in the UK for fourteen years before moving to Hong Kong in 1991. Since moving to Hong Kong he has taught mathematics at Sha Tin College, Discovery College and KGV within the ESF, teaching Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE and A-level followed by IBDP Mathematics HL and SL and MYP to years 7 to 8. He also teaches the Maths part of SAT.

On becoming a teacher:

When I was studying A-levels at school I had a really poor maths teacher, but I could understand the textbooks pretty well and was able to explain the concepts to my friends who were really struggling. They said I should become a maths teacher as I was really good at explaining things in a simple way. So, I did! And I continue to thoroughly enjoy the interaction with students in the classroom.

Other interests that reflect on my personality as a teacher:

I like all sorts of team sports, reading, cooking and baking. Team sports are important in helping you to build relationships, reading helps you to broaden your knowledge, cooking demands patience and baking needs precision. I like to think that all of these qualities are present in my teaching.

A person I find inspirational and why:

Professor Andrew Wiles who proved Fermat’s Last Theorem. I watched a BBC Horizon programme about how he did this and was just amazed by his brilliance. I was even more taken by his humbleness and sheer persistence in adversity.

I am inspired by my wife who went through so much hardship in her early years and still has a generous and giving nature. She is also a great dancer which inspires me to get better!

Top tip to younger self:

Learn a musical instrument at an early age. Wake up with a smile.