by LYIS
Last week, Leading Your International School was delighted to be invited to visit Guangzhou ULink International School and spend the morning with the school’s Executive Head Leigh O’Hara.
The second ULink campus we have visited, its architectural design is simply stunning. It evoked memories of Shakespeare’s Globe with a modern twist, on a significantly grander scale and looked picturesque, adorned with large sails of the school’s values system, instantly recognisable from every angle.
Much of Leigh’s role centres around the consolidation of the two different high schools which moved to the campus in August, joining the existing early years programme and a new middle school, with the aim of becoming ‘one school’ by 2027.
As I glance across Leigh’s desk, I see a copy of Robert Coe’s paper ‘What Makes Great Teaching?’. It leads us into a fascinating conversation about how learning and teaching are at the heart of any attempt to change a school culture, bring various cultures together and deliver ‘impact’ for its students.
Leigh tells me that a key question he has been asking himself in his role is, “How do we add – not take away from what we already have?” – a very powerful leadership message indeed. Leigh sees change as “a hugely positive process that is going to help us find the commonalities in the different schools we currently have”. Adding that “It will help us to get to the hub of what education is”.
A Music Teacher by trade and professional pianist, I ask Leigh what questions he has asked during interviews and he tells me among others: “What lesson would you teach outside”? I begin to imagine some of the unique and hugely personal stories and journeys potential hires might take you on.
We end with a very special lunch at the top of the school overlooking the Pearl River Delta, an absolutely stunning view that leaves me breathless. Many classrooms have such a view, which can only serve to inspire.
Leading Your International School extends its thanks to Leigh O’Hara for being such a great host and for sharing his passions around international school leadership.
On the 28-30 March, Leading Your International School launches its first-ever Conference #LYIS25 on International School Leadership.
To attend, click here: https://www.wjx.cn/vm/rJwnme2.aspx#
