Xinkes High School

Faculty

Our Esteemed Academic Staff

At Xinkes High School, we pride ourselves on a team of exceptional educators and mentors. Our academic staff comprises individuals with profound subject-matter expertise, diverse international backgrounds, and an unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and personal growth in every student. Recruited from leading universities and educational institutions worldwide, they bring a wealth of experience, innovative teaching practices, and a shared passion for shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers.

Dr. Alenka Novak

Head of Humanities & Ethical Inquiry Collective, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy

  • Education: PhD in Continental Philosophy (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia); MPhil in History and Philosophy of Science (University of Cambridge, UK); BA (Hons) in Philosophy & Literature (Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic).
  • Experience: Formerly an Associate Professor at the University of Maribor and a visiting fellow at Boston College. Dr. Novak has extensive experience in curriculum development, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to ethics and critical theory.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “My aim is to cultivate a space where students dare to ask profound questions, engage critically with complex texts, and develop a nuanced understanding of the human condition and their place within it.”
  • Specialisation: 20th-Century Continental Philosophy, Bioethics, Epistemology, Socratic Pedagogy.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Novak, A. (2022). The Socratic Classroom in the Digital Age: Fostering Dialogue. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-5275-8843-1.
    • Novak, A. (2019). “Rethinking Responsibility: Levinas and Modern Bioethical Dilemmas”. Journal of Ethical Inquiry, 45(2), pp. 115-134. DOI: 10.1007/s10892-019-09311-x.

Dr. Tiago Mendes

Head of Advanced STEAM & Robotics Integration, Senior Lecturer in Physics & Engineering

  • Education: PhD in Applied Physics & Robotics (Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal); MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Delft University of Technology, Netherlands); BEng in Physics (University of Coimbra, Portugal).
  • Experience: Dr. Mendes led research projects at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany before transitioning to education, where he established award-winning STEAM programmes at international schools in both Europe and Asia.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “I believe in learning by doing. STEAM is not just about subjects; it’s about a mindset – one that embraces collaboration, iterative design, and the creative collision of disciplines to solve real-world problems.”
  • Specialisation: Mechatronics, Control Systems, Artificial Intelligence in Robotics, Project-Based Learning, Physics Education.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Mendes, T., & Bakker, L. (2021). Project-Based Physics: A Mechatronics Approach for Secondary Education. Springer International Publishing. ISBN: 978-3-030-76543-2.
    • Mendes, T. (2018). “Swarm Robotics Algorithms for Environmental Monitoring”. Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), pp. 2450-2456. DOI: 10.1109/ICRA.2018.8460912.

Ms. Kärt Pärn

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Coordinator, Lecturer in Global Politics

  • Education: MEd in International Education (University of Bath, UK); MA in International Relations (University of Tartu, Estonia); BA in Political Science (Tallinn University, Estonia); IB Certified Educator & Coordinator.
  • Experience: Ms. Pärn has over a decade of experience in IB World Schools across Scandinavia and the Benelux region. She has served as an IB examiner and workshop leader, deeply involved in promoting global citizenship education.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “The IB programme empowers students to become inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring young people. My role is to guide them through this rigorous journey, fostering intercultural understanding and a commitment to creating a better world.”
  • Specialisation: IB Programme Coordination, Global Politics, International Education Policy, Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
  • Selected Publications:
    • Pärn, K. (2020). “Navigating the Core: Integrating TOK, CAS, and the EE in the IBDP”. IB Journal of Teaching Practice, 8(1).
    • Pärn, K. (2017). Cultivating Global Citizens: Case Studies from IB World Schools. Council of International Schools. ISBN: 978-0-9554-4829-5.

Dr. Jānis Bērziņš

Head of Computational Science & AI, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

  • Education: PhD in Artificial Intelligence (University of Edinburgh, UK); MSc in Computer Science (University of Latvia, Riga); BSc in Mathematics (University of Latvia, Riga).
  • Experience: Dr. Bērziņš worked as a research scientist focusing on natural language processing before bringing his industry and research insights into the classroom. He pioneered AI ethics curricula for secondary students in the UK.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Computational thinking is the new literacy. My goal is to demystify AI, equipping students not only with coding skills but also with the critical framework to understand and shape the future of intelligent systems ethically.”
  • Specialisation: Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, AI Ethics, Algorithm Design, Python & Java Programming.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Bērziņš, J. (2023). “Teaching AI Ethics in High School: A Practical Framework”. ACM Transactions on Computing Education, 23(4), Article 38. DOI: 10.1145/3599999.
    • Bērziņš, J., & MacDonald, F. (2020). Foundations of Machine Learning for Young Scholars. MIT Press (Youth imprint). ISBN: 978-0-2625-3910-8.

Dr. Līga Kalniņa

Head of Biomedical Sciences & Bioethics, Senior Lecturer in Biology & Chemistry

  • Education: PhD in Molecular Biology (Karolinska Institute, Sweden); MSc in Biochemistry (University of Helsinki, Finland); BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (University of Latvia, Riga).
  • Experience: Dr. Kalniņa conducted post-doctoral research in genomics before dedicating her career to science education. She has a strong interest in developing research skills and ethical awareness in young scientists.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “The living world is infinitely complex and fascinating. I aim to inspire awe whilst providing students with the rigorous scientific tools and ethical compass needed to explore the frontiers of biology and medicine.”
  • Specialisation: Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioethics, Cancer Research, Advanced Laboratory Techniques.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Kalniņa, L. (2021). “CRISPR in the Classroom: Engaging Students with Gene Editing Technologies and Ethics”. The American Biology Teacher, 83(5), pp. 302-308. DOI: 10.1525/abt.2021.83.5.302.
    • Kalniņa, L., & Svensson, P. (2018). A Student’s Guide to Modern Genomics. Nordic Academic Press. ISBN: 978-9-1886-6177-0.

Mr. Matej Horvat

Head of Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation Lab, Lecturer in Economics & Business

  • Education: MBA (INSEAD, France/Singapore); MA in Economics (Central European University, Hungary); BA in Business Administration (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia).
  • Experience: Mr. Horvat enjoyed a successful career in venture capital and social enterprise start-ups in London and Berlin before transitioning to education. He is passionate about empowering young people to create sustainable, impactful ventures.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Entrepreneurship is a mindset of seeing opportunities where others see problems. I foster a lab environment where students learn to blend creativity with business acumen to design and launch initiatives that matter.”
  • Specialisation: Social Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, Design Thinking, Business Model Canvas, Sustainable Business.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Horvat, M. (2023). The Changemaker’s Toolkit: From Idea to Social Impact. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN: 978-3-031-25678-9.
    • Horvat, M. (2020). “Incubating Innovation in Schools: A Case Study”. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 23(2).

Ms. Aoife O’Malley

Head of English Language & Literature

  • Education: MPhil in Irish Writing (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland); PGCE in Secondary English (University of Oxford, UK); BA (Hons) in English Literature (University College Dublin, Ireland).
  • Experience: Ms. O’Malley has taught English in top independent schools in both the UK and Ireland. She is an advocate for creative writing and fostering a lifelong love of reading.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Through literature, we explore diverse worlds and understand ourselves. My classroom is a space for critical reading, thoughtful discussion, and finding one’s own voice through the written word.”
  • Specialisation: Modern & Contemporary Literature, Irish Literature, Creative Writing, Literary Theory.
  • Selected Publications:
    • O’Malley, A. (2022). Sparks: A Creative Writing Anthology for Young Adults. The O’Brien Press. ISBN: 978-1-7884-9311-5.

Dr. Lars Andersson

Head of Mathematics

  • Education: PhD in Pure Mathematics (Uppsala University, Sweden); MSc in Applied Mathematics (ETH Zurich, Switzerland); BSc in Mathematics (University of Copenhagen, Denmark).
  • Experience: Dr. Andersson held a post-doctoral position at MIT before finding his passion in pre-university mathematics education. He focuses on problem-solving and making abstract concepts accessible.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Mathematics is the language of the universe, and it is beautiful. My goal is to help students appreciate its elegance and power, building their confidence and problem-solving abilities along the way.”
  • Specialisation: Number Theory, Abstract Algebra, Mathematical Pedagogy, Competitive Mathematics Coaching.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Andersson, L. (2019). “From Conjecture to Proof: Guiding Students through Mathematical Discovery”. The Mathematics Teacher, 112(7), pp. 516-523. DOI: 10.5951/mathteacher.112.7.0516.

Mme. Élise Dubois

Head of World Languages, Senior Lecturer in French

  • Education: MA in French Didactics as a Foreign Language (Sorbonne University, Paris, France); BA in French & Spanish (University of Geneva, Switzerland).
  • Experience: Mme. Dubois has taught French and Spanish across diverse international settings, including the Lycée Français network. She champions immersive learning and cultural understanding.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Learning a language opens a window onto another world. I create immersive experiences that build fluency and foster a deep appreciation for the cultures connected to the languages we study.”
  • Specialisation: French Language & Francophone Cultures, Spanish Language & Hispanic Cultures, Language Acquisition Theory, Immersive Pedagogy.

Mr. Nikos Papadopoulos

Head of Arts, Lecturer in Visual Arts & Art History

  • Education: MFA in Painting (Athens School of Fine Arts, Greece); MA in Art History (The Courtauld Institute of Art, London, UK).
  • Experience: Mr. Papadopoulos is a practising artist whose work has been exhibited internationally. He brings a unique blend of practical studio skills and deep art historical knowledge to his teaching.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Art is a way of seeing and a way of thinking. I guide students to develop both their technical skills and their critical eye, empowering them to express their unique vision and understand the visual world.”
  • Specialisation: Contemporary Painting, Art History & Theory, Curation, Digital Art.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Papadopoulos, N. (2021). Studio Conversations: Exploring Contemporary Painting Practices. Phaidon Press. ISBN: 978-1-8386-6334-9.

Dr. Ewa Nowakowska

Lecturer in History & Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

  • Education: PhD in Modern European History (Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland); MA in History (University of Vienna, Austria); BA (Hons) in History (University of Warsaw, Poland).
  • Experience: Dr. Nowakowska specialises in 20th-century Central and Eastern European history and has a keen interest in historical methodology and its links to TOK.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “History is an ongoing conversation with the past. TOK asks us how we know what we claim to know. I challenge students to think critically about evidence, perspective, and the construction of knowledge itself.”
  • Specialisation: Modern European History, Cold War Studies, Historiography, Theory of Knowledge.

Mr. Valtteri Koskinen

Lecturer in Chemistry & Environmental Systems (IB)

  • Education: MSc in Environmental Chemistry (University of Helsinki, Finland); BSc in Chemistry (Aalto University, Finland); PGCE in Secondary Science (University of Jyväskylä, Finland).
  • Experience: Mr. Koskinen worked as an environmental consultant before becoming a teacher. He is passionate about linking chemical principles to real-world environmental issues.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Understanding chemistry is key to understanding our world and its challenges. I strive to make chemistry relevant and engaging, fostering scientific literacy and environmental stewardship.”
  • Specialisation: Environmental Chemistry, IB Environmental Systems & Societies, Green Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry.

Ms. Chiara Rossi

Lecturer in Economics & Business Management (IB)

  • Education: MSc in Economics (Bocconi University, Milan, Italy); BSc in International Economics (Bocconi University, Milan, Italy).
  • Experience: Ms. Rossi worked in international finance in London before joining Xinkes. She brings practical, real-world business insights into her IB Economics and Business Management classes.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Economics and business shape our daily lives. I aim to equip students with the analytical tools to understand these forces and make informed, responsible decisions as consumers, producers, and citizens.”
  • Specialisation: International Economics, Corporate Finance, IB Business Management, Behavioural Economics.

Dr. Ruben Vella

Lecturer in Music & Music Technology

  • Education: PhD in Music Composition (University of Malta); MMus in Music Technology (New York University, USA); BMus (Hons) (University of Malta).
  • Experience: Dr. Vella is an award-winning composer and sound designer. He integrates traditional music theory and performance with cutting-edge music technology in his teaching.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “Music is a universal language and a powerful tool for expression. I encourage students to explore diverse musical traditions whilst embracing new technologies to create their own sonic landscapes.”
  • Specialisation: Music Composition, Electronic Music Production, Sound Design, Music Theory & Analysis.
  • Selected Publications:
    • Vella, R. (2020). Sonic Architectures: Composing with Space and Technology. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-3674-3112-6.

Mr. Tomáš Dvořák

Director of Athletics & Physical Education

  • Education: MPE (Master of Physical Education) (Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic); BSc in Sports Science (Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic).
  • Experience: Mr. Dvořák is a former professional athlete with extensive coaching experience at elite youth levels in Europe. He believes strongly in the link between physical activity and academic success.
  • Teaching Philosophy: “A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Our programme promotes physical literacy, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong commitment to well-being for every student, regardless of their athletic ability.”
  • Specialisation: Sports Coaching, Biomechanics, Physical Education Curriculum Design, Student Well-being.