I am delighted to have been appointed as the Headteacher of the Lower School at Harrow Hong Kong. I see it as an honour to join such a prestigious institution, which is synonymous with educational excellence throughout the world. When I visited the school the pupils were confident, welcoming and had clear expectations about what they wanted in a headteacher; their questions were insightful and intelligent. As I toured the school, its nurturing and aspirational nature was patently obvious. The positive, caring relationships teachers have with pupils are self-evident and I am very much looking forward to joining such a committed, talented team.
I unequivocally believe in the Harrovian vision of education: ‘Leadership for a Better World’. As educators, we must be role models and live and teach the values of aspiration, awareness, compassion, confidence, creativity, determination and enthusiasm, which underpin the ethos of the school. We achieve this by providing a personalised learning experience where the social and emotional needs of our pupils are met. Through teaching a rich, broad, robust curriculum, which is full of joy, we enthuse pupils with a love of learning. By suitably challenging and supporting pupils and giving them opportunities to prove their potential, we prepare them to succeed in the Upper School and beyond.
High expectations, a desire for pupils to be all that they can be and providing opportunities for pupils to thrive have been constant throughout my teaching career in the United Kingdom. As a class teacher, middle and senior leader and finally headteacher in Westminster, I have always put outcomes for pupils at the heart of every decision. Through working closely with parents and the whole school community, I am looking forward to leading the Lower School and taking it from strength to strength, providing our pupils with the best possible educational experience.
I look forward to meeting pupils, parents and staff soon.
Brendan Shanahan