Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Mr. Christopher Coates, the School Director of American School Hong Kong (ASHK), to gain insights into the school’s vision, educational philosophy, and plans for the future. Mr. Coates shared his thoughts on various topics, including the school’s focus on academic excellence, the development of students’ character, and the challenges and opportunities in education today.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

The year 2025 marks an important milestone for ASHK as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. We hope to use this event to showcase our continued growth and commitment to excellence in American and international education. With guidance from Esol Education, our parent organization, which has over 45 years of experience in establishing top international K -12 schools worldwide, we strive to maintain the warm, welcoming, and inspirational learning environment that ASHK has become known for. We will continue to empower our students to be independent critical thinkers who are interculturally aware. Our holistic approach encourages students to push themselves to achieve excellence in all aspects of school life, inside and outside the classroom. We look forward to commemorating this 10-year journey by celebrating the success of our students and expanding our facilities and educational offerings as we move into the future!

2. How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?

ASHK is guided by our vision and mission statements and from continued discussion with our community (teachers and staff, parents and students). Each year, we select key focus areas that will move us closer to our school’s mission – that is, to be recognised as a welcoming global community using creativity and innovation to equip our students to achieve their fullest potential. We constantly explore new ideas that will benefit the holistic development of our students with particular emphasis on the IB learner profile. For example, along with the development of knowledge and critical thinking skills, we also focus on character development by encouraging them to be balanced, caring, and principled members of the community. Our focus goes beyond just academics; with this in mind, each year, we look for new ways to not only develop strong students, but we equally emphasize the development of students with good character.

3. What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next 5 years?

Preparing our students for a world that will be very different from what it is today is an ongoing challenge. Currently, the integration of AI in education offers some great possibilities, but it also brings challenges. Providing equitable access to AI tools can foster innovation in learning, tailoring education to be more personalized and effective for individual students. However, it’s important to balance an ethical approach when learning the usefulness of these technologies and to prevent over-reliance. We also see a need to promote student agency in education and the ability to overcome the challenges of daily life. We are preparing students for their future. We know that they will need specific foundational skills, such as literacy and numeracy, but we must also emphasize the softer skills, such as cultural awareness, empathy, creativity, and resilience. This will help our students navigate a complex and interconnected world.

4. How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

It’s essential for all students to make learning fun, engaging, and relevant. This requires diverse teaching methods, such as hands-on activities, games, and interactive lessons. Connecting content to reality helps make the material more meaningful and exciting. For example, in our STEAM program, students use their developing design-thinking skills to solve real-world problems, often with the use of technology. They must investigate a problem, design a solution, develop a prototype, test the prototype, refine, and reflect. This makes learning relevant, and the students have control over their learning. Student ownership is critical to engagement and effectiveness.

5. How does the school ensure that all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

Making our students feel welcome is our superpower – our students love to come to school each day. We work incredibly hard to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where all students can thrive. This is done in many ways, namely: we embrace diversity as an opportunity to learn about the world; we promote mutual respect and care for others; and we consciously develop self-discipline and a sense of responsibility towards our community and all its members. We are devoted to providing equal opportunities and ensuring that every student and family feels that they belong.

This process starts early with the admissions process during a school tour, where we get to know each family and child. When a student joins ASHK, they are already familiar with the school, its ethos, and the key people who will support them through their experiences at school. Each new student is assigned a buddy to guide them through the settling-in period during the first few weeks of school. Parents have numerous opportunities to meet their child’s teachers through the first open house, curriculum nights, parent-teacher conferences, concerts, and school events. Our school-wide House system allows students (and parents) to connect with others. Throughout the year, regular Parent Coffee Mornings on a variety of relevant topics allow parents and teachers to connect with each other. Parents are regularly welcomed into the school, they help organize school events, share their expertise and professional experience, and provide ongoing support to the school; they are an integral part of the community.

6. How proactive is the school in matters of student stress and bullying?

The physical, social, and emotional well-being of our students is our highest priority. If students are happy and healthy, the opportunity for academic success is much greater. The school emphasizes education across all grades about bullying, including its various types, how to recognize it, and the importance of reporting it. Students engage in discussions about the reasons behind bullying behavior, fostering empathy and understanding through counseling classes and our Teacher Advisory Program using Second Step. This raises awareness and encourages a culture of support and respect among students. ASHK teaches stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and time management skills. This includes teaching our younger students about kindness and how to manage peer conflict; we also strive to develop an awareness of mental health in our older students. Regular well-being check-ins allow students to reflect on their emotional health and know where they can go if they need support.

7. How do you help students build the skills they need for life after graduation?

Our teachers provide a wide array of learning opportunities within a rigorous but supportive environment, allowing students to cultivate self-awareness and self-discipline as they balance academics, athletics, arts, and community service. To further prepare our students for their future paths, ASHK offers robust college counseling and career guidance. This includes personalized support for students, ensuring they are well-prepared and well-informed for the college admissions process. Additionally, we facilitate opportunities for students to interact with representatives from top universities around the world, giving them valuable insights into higher education options and helping them make informed decisions about their futures. We invite a variety of speakers from different industries and professions to assist them in their choices; this sometimes includes ASHK parents and alumni.

8. How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?

Parents play a crucial role in the school community in a variety of ways. All parents are members of the American School Parents Association (ASPA), which includes an executive committee that meets with school leaders each month. This body serves to represent the parents’ perspective and share their ideas and opinions to help school leaders in the decision-making process. Our parents are always welcome to school events, which are always very well attended. The school is very fortunate to have such a supportive group of parents who generously volunteer their time to support school events and programs.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

Positive school culture is most effectively developed through the recruitment of passionate, talented, and caring teachers. We want teachers who are not only highly qualified in their field but are also looking to make a difference in the lives of their students. A lot of time and effort goes into the recruiting process to ensure that we are hiring and retaining some of the best international teachers in the world. Once here, we foster a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and inclusivity. We offer a competitive package of salary and benefits, along with continuous professional development opportunities to help educators enhance their skills and stay current in their disciplines. By providing the opportunity for teachers to build meaningful relationships while growing professionally in a world-class city, our turnover rate is very low.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

Teachers at ASHK have ample growth opportunities for leadership roles. The school actively encourages educators to collaborate in teams, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Teachers can participate in establishing protocols and traditions, designing curricula, and promoting an ethos of care and respect within the school. These collaborative efforts enhance professional development and empower teachers to take on leadership responsibilities, contributing positively to the school’s culture and mission. Esol Education also offers many opportunities for teachers to progress through the network of 10 other international schools. We consciously try to develop leaders internally and promote from within whenever possible. Maintaining a highly qualified and stable faculty is critical to student success.

11. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?

All after-school activities play a vital role in nurturing a diverse set of skills that are essential for a student’s future. Participation in a variety of programs—whether it’s sports, arts, clubs, or academic competitions—helps students develop teamwork, creativity, leadership, and time management skills. Each activity offers unique benefits, and no single activity can address every aspect of personal and social development. Engaging in different activities allows students to explore their interests, discover new passions, and build confidence. This well-rounded approach enhances their social and emotional development and prepares them for the diverse challenges they will encounter in higher education and beyond. Encouraging participation in a range of activities is key to fostering a balanced skill set that will serve them throughout their lives. Our goal is to provide the most diverse list of options for all students so that every student, regardless of age or interest, has something they will find engaging and enjoyable.

12. As a Principal, what is your definition of success?

If our students love to come to school every day, then I feel I have been a success. Creating a happy and inclusive learning environment where all students feel safe and valued is my highest priority. I experience great joy when I see our wonderful teachers inspiring students to work hard, build resilience, and help others.  It involves fostering a warm community that supports each individual in reaching their full potential, both academically and personally. Ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a positive atmosphere, where they are encouraged to explore and grow, is the ultimate goal.

13. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

“Success is not just a destination but a journey made richer by the positive relationships we cultivate along the way. When we surround ourselves with supportive and uplifting individuals, we unlock our true potential, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.”.