Dear Avenues Families,
Welcome to Avenues Shenzhen Secondary Division! We are thrilled to begin this journey with your child and feel honored to be part of your family’s story this year.
To support a smooth and confident start to the 2025–26 school year, we’ve prepared a Welcome Guide that includes key class information, important dates, tips to help your child transition into school, and introductions to your teaching team. We hope this guide helps you and your child feel ready, supported, and excited for the year ahead.
We look forward to partnering with you and watching your child grow, explore, and thrive—together.
Class Information
Please click the button below to view the class list and schedule：
WoW Days
August 21 & 22 | Welcome Days
During the WoW days, students will experience special schedule, get to know their teachers and classmates, and get ready for the new school year.
- Arrival Time: 7:45–7:55 a.m.
- Location: A8-5F Common Space
- Dismissal Time: 4:00 p.m. (Wed 3:00 p.m.)
- Drop-off and Pick-up Location: School gate of A8, Lishui Road
The regular learning journey will start from August 25.
Meet Your Dean and ADH
Hannah Cooper, Dean of Students
Ms. Hannah transferred from Avenues Silicon Valley, where she connects students with external learning resources and supports projects with real-world learning opportunities as the director of community engagement. She holds undergraduate and master's degrees in English and English Language Teaching. Over the years of teaching, she has gained a wealth of project-based teaching experience. This year, she will be the dean of upper-grade students, supporting their growth.
Nico Wu, Associate Division Head
Ms. Nico graduated from Sichuan University and the University of Edinburgh and holds a master's degree in linguistics and a master's degree in education. She is a founding member of the Avenues Shenzhen Secondary Division. She participated in the localization of Avenues' global curriculum and building the secondary faculty team. During her 15 years of experience in education, Ms Nico has been a language teacher and a project teacher, dedicated to innovative educational research and teacher training.
Email: xun.wu@avenueschina.cn
Meet Your Teachers
Daniel Bench, English Project Teacher
Since beginning his career 23 years ago in Anhui, China, Mr. Dan has earned a master’s in Education, taught American Literature in the United States, and spent the last 18 years in Thailand’s international schools serving in numerous educational roles related to Social Science, English, Thai Language/Culture, Head of Instructional Technology, and Design.
Eve Wan, Chinese Project Teacher
Ms. Eve joined Avenues Shenzhen in 2021 and is one of the founding teachers of the Secondary Division. She graduated from the University of Nottingham and University College London in the UK and has extensive teaching experience in primary and secondary schools. Ms Eve is strong at integrating real world problems into the Chinese projects, expanding and deepening students’ thinking skills.
Jerry Yan, Math Teacher
Having worked in bilingual schools in both China and the US, Mr. Yan connects mathematical concepts to everyday life. He believes that math transcends knowledge and skills, serving as a mindset that enables students to analyze the world through logical reasoning, ultimately empowering them to live better. His teaching style seamlessly blends meticulous planning with captivating, thought-provoking activities that foster both academic prowess and critical thinking skills.
Luccas Neves Stangler, Humanities Project Teacher
Mr. Luccas has spent over a decade teaching English and humanities across Brazil, Thailand, and China. Currently, he is completing a master’s degree at Brandenburg University of Technology, focusing on urban villages in Shenzhen.
Emma Ge, STEM Project Teacher
Ms. Emma joined Avenues Shenzhen in 2023. Prior to that, she has 9 years of teaching experience in science subjects in US public high schools, IB schools and innovative schools.
Oscar Yu, Chinese Language and Culture Teacher
Mr. Yu is a Chinese language and culture teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature and a master’s degree in Global Communication. Over the past 11 years, he has taught Chinese language and literature in Shanghai, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Jessica Smith, English Project/Art Teacher
Ms. Jessica joined Avenues Shenzhen in 2022. She graduated from Arcadia University with a degree in Art Education and has been teaching in several international schools in China for many years.
Chee Kang Koh, Music Teacher
Dr. Koh, a Singaporean educator, joined Avenues Shenzhen in January 2022. He received his master and doctoral degrees in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was Head, Performing Arts at the Singapore International School (Hong Kong) and worked as Senior Music Specialist with the Ministry of Education, Singapore for many years.
Tim Lu, Technology Integrator
Mr. Tim joined Avenues Shenzhen in 2023. After receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees in information science from Cornell University, he started as a Product Designer/UX Designer and has taught at Avenues New York.
Ignacio Blanco, WAM and Athletics Coordinator
Mr. Blanco has a Bachelor in Physical Education by Universidad de Oviedo (Spain) and a Sports Nutrition certification by FC Barcelona. He has over ten years experience teaching and coaching sports teams across various levels and disciplines.
Wilson Wang, School Counselor
Mr. Wilson holds dual master’s degrees from East China Normal University and Lesley University. As an experienced counsellor for students and families, he is well-versed in engaging families and school communities and creates counseling, social-emotional learning, and embodied parenting workshops that incorporate varieties art.
Personal Belongings Preparation
Please bring the following items to school:
ID Badge
iPad
Laptop
Water Bottle
School Bag
Exchange cloths after WAM
Communications in Secondary Division
Strong school–home communication is key to a successful start to the school year. We encourage you to stay closely connected with the Deans and teachers—whether through email, scheduled phone calls, or in-person conversations—to support your child’s growth and exploration throughout the year. Deans will be in regular communication with students and provide prompt advise and encouragement to students and families.
We look forward to starting this new adventure with your child soon!
Best Regards,
Grade 9 Teachers
