HK Principals on 2019, and the Year Ahead
Howard Tuckett, headmaster at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, David Priest, principal at HKCA Po Leung Kuk School, and Mina Dunstan, principal at ESF’s Quarry Bay School take a look back at 2019 and look ahead to 2020…
Howard Tuckett, headmaster, Wycombe Abbey School HK
What has been your school’s highlight of 2019?
Opening the doors of our brand-new Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong to pupils for the first school day on September 5, 2019.
What are you most looking forward to at the school in 2020?
We will be increasing significantly in terms of pupil numbers, from Year 1 upwards. We will be opening new rooms and introducing new specialist subject teachers in all sorts of curriculum areas. We also intend applying to raise the limits of our upper age-group to include Year 8, (13+).
What do you think will be the biggest changes in education in Hong Kong over the next three years?
In order to continue to serve the needs of Hong Kong children, schools are going to have to be open to change and adaptation. At the Primary level I think these changes will be most apparent in: our developing use of technology in our schools; and assisting our primary-aged pupils to develop an increased level of self-reliance and personal resilience.
Finally, I foresee a significant Primary curriculum development and intensity of focus, in terms of teaching time and resources, directed at teaching about world-wide ecological and climate issues.
David Priest, principal at HKCA Po Leung Kuk School
What has been your school’s highlight of 2019?
Getting our authorisation for the IB PYP.
What are you most looking forward to at the school in 2020?
We are starting our Early Years section for K1, K2 & K3.
What do you think will be the biggest changes in education in Hong Kong over the next three years?
I think there will be more emphasis on play and individualised learning, and less emphasis on testing and grading.
Mina Dunstan, principal of ESF’s Quarry Bay School
What has been your school’s highlight of 2019?
A highly successful 10-year IB Evaluation Visit in October/November 2019, with outstanding commendations regarding teaching and learning practices. This was a high-level affirmation of the quality of education provided at Quarry Bay School.
What are you most looking forward to at the school in 2020?
Reimagining creativity within the curriculum to enhance learning experiences for students. Developing new approaches to creativity learning opportunities for learners.
What do you think will be the biggest changes in education in Hong Kong over the next three years?
Developing future ready learners in a rapidly changing world.
