Seal of approval for Shrewsbur y’s new principal
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
In August 2017, Mr Christopher Seal (currently at Millfield School, England), arrives in Bangkok to take up the position of school Principal at Shrewsbury International School’s Riverside Campus. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, just 5 minutes from Saphan Taksin BTS station, Shrewsbury prides itself on offering an inspirational academic programme for over 1,600 boys and girls aged 3-18 years that is based on the English National Curriculum, adapted throughout to meet the needs of its international, multi-lingual community. Classroom learning is supported by an extensive programme of extracurricular activities. Under the 12-year tenure of current Principal, Mr Stephen Holroyd, Shrewsbury has established itself as one of the leading International schools in South East Asia, achieving public examination results that rank amongst the very highest achieving schools in the region and alongside the very topperforming independent schools in the UK; internationally recognised GCSE and A level qualifications that enable Shrewsbury graduates to progress to leading universities around the world. Mr Holroyd himself will remain a central figure in the wider Shrewsbury organisation, where he will oversee the foundation of further schools in Hong Kong (opening September 2018) and China, as well as a brand new Shrewsbury primary school here in Bangkok (opening August 2018), and significant redevelopment of the original Riverside Campus. While in Bangkok for a weeklong visit meeting with staff and parents at Shrewsbury, The BigChilli interviewed Mr Seal about his new role at Shrewsbury.
When I finished school I went on to Loughbrough, one of England’s great sporting universities, with the dream of becoming a professional sportsman. It was at this university, however, that I started to seriously consider teaching as a career. I remembered how I looked up to my own teachers when I was at school – people who continue to shape my life even today – and the incredibly positive way in which friends who had already moved into teaching would talk about the profession.
What do you enjoy most about working in a school? The people. It’s an incredible privilege to work with young people – to help them discover their true potential and to share in their success. I’ve been lucky to do this alongside committed teachers and supportive parents, all working towards the same goal; being immersed in an environment like that, helping to create a culture of success is extremely fulfilling, and often humbling too.
Why Bangkok, and why Shrewsbur y? On previous visits to Bangkok, my wife and I have been struck by the vibrancy and authenticity of the city. There’s also the real sense that this
is a city that values its traditions and cultural heritage and that also embraces development and change, not least terms of education. I have known Shrewsbury’s UK school for many years, and have visited it several times. I have tremendous respect for the way in which the students and teachers there conduct themselves, and the exceptional standards that the school has achieved. The opportunity to lead this school was something I felt compelled to explore, and having now spent a fair bit of time here – enjoying musical recitals, drama performances, seeing the student and parent leaders in action, athletes training dawn till dusk – this place really does have an amazing energy. I can’t wait to get stuck in.
What have you done and what will you bring to this role? I’ve worked in education for my entire professional life. Having cared for pupils around the clock, I really understand the difference that sound guidance and emotional support can make to a young person’s wellbeing, and in turn, to their progress and development as a student. My focus will always be on ensuring that students are happy at school. If a student is happy, success will follow, and the sense of fulfilment I personally get from seeing young people achieve their potential is what motivates me every day.
Where are you from? I was born in the Southeast of England, but I went to school in Kent and I currently work at Millfield School near Glastonbury.
TheBigChilli
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