book review
The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School Author James Lambert shares the true story of school life with Nicole Cooley
Book cover - The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School
So what’s the story about? My story is very loosely based on my time teaching in a small international school in Hong Kong. The main character, Mr Bell tries to keep order of his bonkers class, usually without much success. When a hurricane destroys the school, the government wants a bunch of ordinary children to have the opportunity to decide on its new location. Unfortunately, the government cannot find any ordinary children, so Mr Bell’s class is chosen instead. More chaos ensues during Sports Day, the School Fair and a visit from the world’s worst author.
Where did the inspiration come from?
others.) I moved to Hong Kong in 2000 and for most of that time I have been lucky enough to work at Lantau International School (LIS). It’s genuinely a school like no other in Hong Kong. South Lantau is so different to the rest of Hong Kong, very rural. We do PE on the beach and are surrounded by the beautiful animals and plants of South Lantau. I am now the Vice-Principal and still teach a Primary 5 class.
system in Hong Kong is obviously fee paying and we have some great kids from all over the world, who are usually well supported by their parents. Discipline has not been a huge issue in our school. Friends who are teachers in the UK sometimes mention the lack of support some children receive and the discipline issues that can go along with that.
How much of the book is based on your own experiences as a teacher?
The fees! The fees are only going one way in Hong Kong. As a Vice-Principal and a parent of two children, I know you need to strike a balance of fees and money generated to attract good teachers and improve the school versus an affordable education for international children in Hong Kong. Sadly, it’s is becoming more expensive for an average family to pay the bills.
Everyday the children say some hilarious things and throughout my time as a teacher, I have been in some funny situations. I started writing a few ideas about these and obviously exaggerated them significantly!
What’s been your favourite part about writing the book?
Are there more stories to follow?
I love thinking of crazy ideas that make me laugh. Now I have done some author visits and have read the book to the children, seeing them laugh too, and often the teachers as well, is a fantastic feeling!
I hope so, I have a few ideas, and some kids who have read the book said it could be a series. But for now I just want to enjoy reading this book to children and hopefully hear that they enjoyed it and laughed!
What has been your most memorable class?
Finally, where can we buy the book?
I can’t answer that! All years are great and I have taught some amazing children who are now trainee pilots, actresses, scientists (no don’t do it!) and designers. The kids that I taught nearly twenty years ago still keep in touch and often visit the school.
The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School is available on austinmacauley.com, Amazon, and all good booksellers.
The world’s worst author! We had a visit from an author many, many years ago and anything that could go wrong, did, like forgetting to bring his book to read. He was trying to inspire the children but I was left inspired instead, thinking if he can do it, so can I!
What primary school did you go to when you were younger?
Tell us a bit about yourself?
How do you compare the UK school system to that in Hong Kong?
I used to be a scientist back in the UK, possibly the world’s worst too! Then I realised that teaching could be a more rewarding career (and safer for me and
How could Hong Kong’s school system be improved?
My primary school was called St. Mary’s, Much Woolton in Liverpool. I loved it, I am hoping to go back there soon to read my book. LIS reminds me of it a little, just a safe, happy environment in which to grow up.
I have been out of the UK too long to really comment. The international schooling Author - James Lambert
22 expat-parent.com