My name is Peter Ward. I am from Christchurch and have been working in English language education for nearly twenty years in New Zealand, Japan, Spain and Australia. I have a Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) and a Master of Arts degree in English. I have been Principal and Director of Studies of several large English language schools in New Zealand and Australia. I am first and foremost a classroom teacher.
I worked with a wide range of students in Japan, living in Kumamoto for two years and in Yokohama for three years. While in Japan, I taught at universities, high schools and businesses. I have also worked with hundreds of Japanese students in New Zealand and Australia. I have an understanding of Japanese language, which is useful when helping students from Japan. My wife is Japanese and my children are bilingual and bicultural, speaking Japanese at home.
Japanese students usually have a very good foundation in English grammar and vocabulary, having studied English as a school subject for six years. Once they come to New Zealand and are placed in situations where they can utilise and develop their skills in speaking and listening, they invariably progress rapidly. My role is to encourage and build confidence in speaking and communicating, as well as developing a student’s potential in all areas of their understanding and use of English.
I have been an IELTS speaking and writing examiner for several yeas and have taught many IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation classses as well as General English. I have an in-depth understanding of the requirements of the IELTS test and can work with students to maximise their strengths and give them individualised feedback and training. I was also an EIKEN examiner while in Japan and have taught and administered TOEIC and TOEFL.
I love teaching and leading learning and have been incredibly lucky to work with wonderful students from more than fifty countries. I have taught students of all levels from absolute beginners to students seeking IELTS Band 8 and 9 or CPE. I really enjoy watching the improvement in our students’use and understanding of English and in seeing people from all parts of the world form life-long friendships from learning English together .
