People of Nobel Algarve: Andrew Beavon

Hello, I am Andrew Beavon and I am the Head of Primary International Section at Nobel Algarve Lagoa. While I only joined the school in September, I have been working in educational leadership for over 20 years. Until recently, I was based in Málaga, Spain at one the oldest British schools in the country. I became a teacher to make a difference to the lives of the young people I worked with, and this remains my passion to this day.

Where did you grow up, and what was it like there?

I grew up in Birmingham, UK with four brothers and my parents. I had a happy childhood and I remember spending a lot of time outdoors, despite the terrible British weather.

What’s a tradition your family had while growing up that you still cherish?

Food played an important part in my childhood and I loved baking with my mum. I still love cooking today.

What’s your all-time favourite book, movie, or TV show?

I have so many favourite books, but the original Paddington books by Michael Bond are probably the ones which got me interested in reading in the first place, They have a special place in my heart.

What’s a favourite memory from your childhood?

I loved acting at school so I was very excited when I was chosen to play Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer in my primary school Christmas show.

How did you become interested in working in education?

I used to work at a summer camp as a teenager and that is when my interest in working in education started. That said, I trained as a teacher later in life, after working in marketing for 10 years after finishing at university.

Tell us about your greatest achievement

When I moved to Spain, I really didn’t think I would be able to learn Spanish as my previous attempts at languages had been unsuccessful – but I can now speak Spanish (in a fashion).

What is your steepest learning curve?

I think starting over is always challenging, whether it’s a new job or new home, which is why you need to set yourself realistic goals and not be too hard on yourself when things don´t go according to plan.

How do you remain curious?

I think learning to appreciate and value the world in which we live makes you naturally curious. And reading too, of course!  

What motivates you to keep going during challenging times?

When things get tough, it is important to remember the bigger picture to help navigate the inevitable bumps in the road.

Who is someone in your life who has had a significant influence on who you are today?

I am lucky enough to be surrounded by many inspirational people – friends, family members, colleagues – who constantly exert a positive influence on my life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

This isn’t really advice, but it is a quote I love from Dr. Seuss...
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

Nobel Algarve is a great place because...

it is a community of people who work together to ensure the best for our students.

What would you like the community of Nobel to know about you?

I believe one of the main purposes of education is to ignite a spark, and we do this best when learning is fun and inspiring.

What’s something you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

I am looking forward to playing a role, however small, in the future success of our students. And I also hope to be able to speak better Portuguese than I can now!