Team with Global Expertise

Richard Biggs – CEO of Global Educational Venture and Former Headmaster, King’s College based in the UK

Richard Biggs studied physics at Cape Town University, and then mathematics and philosophy at Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

He began his teaching career at Magdalen College School in Oxford, where he became Director of Studies. In 2001, he was appointed Second Master at Lancing College in Sussex and, in 2007, became Headmaster of King’s College, Taunton, a leading British co-educational day and boarding school.

Richard played a key role in expanding the King’s College brand internationally, including projects the Middle East, and India. He retired as Headmaster in 2022, and now, in addition to his work as CEO of GEV, continues to lecture and to teach.

MESSAGE FROM RICHARD BIGGS

“I believe that King’s College offers an approach to education that is of immense value to children everywhere. It is an approach that looks to develop fully rounded, thoughtful, creative, confident, and interesting human beings. Our schools challenge and inspire young people to discover who they are, to think for themselves, and to develop a deep love of learning and a regard for the world and the people around them. Above all, King’s College schools are happy, vibrant, busy places, which are a joy to work in and always a pleasure to visit. I am delighted that I have a chance, through GEV, to take the life-affirming richness of that education to new communities around the world.”

Meet Dr. Thorsten Brandt, a distinguished educator with a wealth of experience in international teaching programs and academic leadership. Dr. Brandt’s academic journey is marked by notable achievements, including earning his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Paderborn in Germany in 2008, and his Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona in 2003. He also holds a Dipl.Ing. in Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.

With over a decade of experience, Dr. Brandt has been instrumental in selecting and teaching international students in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, specializing in engineering. His expertise extends to academic institution management and the establishment of internationally-oriented programs.

Currently, Dr. Brandt serves as the head of the bachelor’s degree course in Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Additionally, he holds the position of Director at the German International College Scientific Freshers program in Bedburg-Hau, where he prepares international students for studying at German universities. Previously, Dr. Brandt served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen for nearly three years, where he led research and teaching activities in Robotics and Automotive Systems as the Chair of Mechatronics. With his dedication to education and expertise in engineering, Dr. Brandt continues to shape the future of engineering education on an international scale

Meet Mr. Ergün Aravacikli, a distinguished educational leader currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Thames British School in Madrid, Spain. With a diverse educational background spanning continents, Mr. Aravacikli holds an AA in Tourism and Hotels Management from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey, an MA in English Language Teaching, Translation, and Linguistics from Chelyabinsk Pedagogical University in Russia, and completed post-graduate studies in Educational Administration at Vistula University in Warsaw, Poland. Mr. Aravacikli embarked on his career journey in 1997 as an English teacher, swiftly advancing to roles such as Head of Department and Deputy Principal in Chelyabinsk, Russia. Over the years, he has held positions as School Director and English teacher at Meridian International School in Warsaw, Poland, and as a school director and member of the School Managing Board at Orchidea International Schools in Budapest, Hungary. Since 2020, he has brought his wealth of experience and expertise to Thames British School in Madrid, Spain, where he has served association the Executive Director. With a commitment to excellence in education, Mr. Aravacikli continues to inspire and lead educational communities towards success.

Meet Zoltán Fodor, a dedicated polymath whose passion for education knows no bounds. With a rich and diverse background, Zoltán has traversed various countries, serving as both a secondary school and university professor. While biology remains his primary focus, his expertise extends to pedagogical research, public education management, and other related fields.

Zoltán’s academic journey has been marked by notable achievements, including being twice awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to teach in the USA. He has also contributed significantly to educational institutions such as the European School in Culham, UK, and as head of the science department at the European School 1 Uccle in Brussels for 13 years.

Currently, Zoltán serves as the director of the Orchidea School in Budapest, where he oversees the education of children from 36 different countries, with instruction delivered in both English and Hungarian. His doctoral dissertation focused on mentoring beginner teachers, reflecting his commitment to professional development within the education sector.