Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Principal John Shooter of Oxbridge School, a leading educational institution in Hong Kong. Principal Shooter shared his insights on the school’s vision for the future, addressing contemporary educational challenges, and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

We are continually enhancing our academic programme, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, and strengthening our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. A particular target is the introduction of the Cambridge International Syllabus for IGCSE and A level studies.

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

Academic focus at Oxbridge School is determined through a collaborative process involving academic staff with input from students and parents. We are exploring new ideas such as personalized learning approaches, integrating AI technology into the curriculum, and promoting interdisciplinary studies to prepare students for the challenges of the future.

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

Anticipated challenges in education over the next five years include adapting to rapid technological advancements, addressing evolving learning needs, and promoting mental health and well-being.

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

To keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated, we employ a variety of strategies such as differentiated teaching, project-based learning, mentorship programs, and providing additional support services to cater to individual learning needs.

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

At Oxbridge School, we ensure all students feel welcome and have equal opportunities to succeed through fostering a culture of inclusivity, offering  a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs so that everyone can shine, providing support services for students with varying needs, and promoting a respectful and supportive school community.

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

The school takes a proactive approach to student stress and bullying by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, providing mental health resources and support services, conducting regular awareness assemblies and PHSE lessons, and promoting a culture of empathy and respect among students.

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

To help students build skills for life after graduation, we offer leadership development and emphasize the importance of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and adaptability in our curriculum.

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

Parents and the community play a vital role in making the school better through active involvement in our parent-teacher associations with various social events such as Meet and Greet, Coffee and Classroom and volunteering opportunities at occasions such as Sports Day and Open Days. We are very receptive to feedback and collaborative initiatives that enhance the overall educational experience for students.

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

At Oxbridge School, we develop a school culture that attracts and retains great teachers by fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment, offering professional development opportunities, recognizing and rewarding excellence, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and growth.

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

Teachers at our school have growth opportunities for leadership roles through mentorship, leadership training, involvement in curriculum development, and opportunities to lead the various school initiatives and extracurricular programs.

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

After-school activities that develop leadership skills, promote community service and social responsibility can often have a great impact, as can the ECA’s in creative and performing arts and sport, which offer opportunities for creative expression, and foster teamwork and collaboration.

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

My definition of success is when a student is a “Happy learner” and feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally in a caring and inclusive learning environment.

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

I like “The expert in anything was once a beginner”