Shrewsbury teachers visit Hong Kong for International School visit

Three Shrewsbury School teachers recently travelled to Hong Kong to visit the International School for a jam-packed few days.

Director of Music Maria McKenzie, Senior Admissions Tutor Giles Bell and Admissions Tutor Naomi Pritchard visited Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong to interview prospective pupils and musicians, as well as answering any questions they have about Shrewsbury.

Mr Bell recounts their busy few days.

“On Friday morning we headed to Shrewsbury School Hong Kong where the Headmaster, Ben Keeling, greeted us and showed us round the impressive campus. For a primary school it is simply fantastic. The facilities are second to none. More importantly as we went round the school and popped into the occasional classroom it was clear that the Headmaster has a great rapport with the kids and that it is a very vibrant and happy place to grow up in. There is an amazing swimming complex and each child will learn to swim if they do not already. The music school is clearly well used and well kitted out. The gym room would be the envy of most top schools in the UK and the theatre space is simply breath taking. Lunch was another highlight, and the vegetarian meatballs were very tasty. I was engaged by a young man who guessed my age was 83 which was a little disappointing but that aside we had a wonderful day. Thank you, Shrewsbury School Hong Kong and Ben Keeling."

Principal of Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, Ben Keeling, added: "It was such a pleasure to welcome Naomi, Giles and Maria to Hong Kong. Needless to say, we'll ensure that our lunch hosts are a little more forgiving with their estimates next time around."

Mr Bell continued: “In the evening we hosted a drinks party at the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel for around 100 guests all of whom had a Shrewsbury connection.  There were plenty of Old Salopians to chat to as well as some current parents and some prospective parents and students. The organisation of the event was greatly enhanced by the support and help of the Friends of Shrewsbury Hong Kong under the guises of Betty Ip and Janet Ng. Mrs McKenzie was able to reconnect with some wonderful musicians who have graced the concert venues around Shrewsbury and its surrounding areas and Mrs Pritchard was able to meet perspective students and their families, welcoming them and connecting them with contented current parents.

“The next day saw the interview sessions swing into action courtesy of Academic Asia who had once again organized a tremendous event. Mrs Pritchard and I interviewed around 60 students over the next two days while Mrs McKenzie was busy listening to some exciting new musical talents. We were wonderfully supported by a fantastic team of current and past parents who chatted to families while their sons and daughters were being interviewed.

“Once again Shrewsbury was envied by other schools for its amazingly dedicated team of current parents who gave up their weekends to support the school. It was wonderful to spend an evening with our Friends of Hong Kong team and enjoy a fantastic meal out at a traditional restaurant.

“It was a frenetic few days but truly fantastic and a big thank you to the Salopian Hong Kong community for making us so welcome and ensuring we had wonderful time.”