We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle’s words are as powerful now as when they were first written over two thousand years ago. They encourage us to reflect and to think about what we do. For me, those are very important activities; schools are busy places and now, in a world of instant communications, they can easily become frenetic. My arrival as the new Head Master of Harrow International School Bangkok is an opportunity for us to reflect on the school’s achievements and to plan for the future.
One of the ironies of the appointment process for a new Head is that candidates are invariably asked to speak on their ‘Vision’ for the school. While they might be very well able to present a ‘Vision’ for their current school, the lack of inside knowledge makes this a fraught task. It can even be dangerous because a vision needs to be rooted in reality; start from where you are, not where you would like to be! So over the coming year I look forward to developing a ‘Vision’ with you for the school.
I am delighted to be coming to such a vibrant and exciting school where so much has been achieved in such a short time. On my visits to the school I have been impressed with its facilities, its sense of purpose and the strong sense of community. They are strengths to build on. At the heart of my professional life lies the belief that education is about people and that every child in a school has a right to a happy, fulfilling and successful time there. In the UK there has been much concern over children’s mental well being and discussions over whether or not we can (or should) be teaching ‘Happiness’. When I talk to prospective parents at Open Days or Parents Forums’, I always make the point that whatever the parents have in mind (Facilities/League Tables/Results…), the pupils are thinking ‘Will I be happy? Will I make friends?’ If we can say yes to those questions then everything else follows.
As I have become older, I have become increasingly sceptical of those who seek to overcomplicate education. Often the most successful schools have a simplicity of purpose at their heart which enables them to be focused and effective. Too often schools look inward rather than engaging with the world and the best practice which is out there. As an International School with such fantastic links to best practice in the UK, we have an opportunity to create something very special. I relish that challenge.
TS Eliot wrote:
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time
Harrow International School is moving forward very confidently. We are full and this year’s examination results were excellent. Together, the teachers, pupils, parents and governors can make this an outstanding school.
Kevin Riley
Head Master
