CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

This Christmas, we say a fond farewell to Nick Prockter, Alex Costa and Tim and Jo Jefferis. Read on for some reflections of their time at Harrow Bangkok.

Tim Jefferis

What an adventure it has been. On the professional side, I’ve had my eyes opened to the international scene, to working in a group, and to a wonderfully diverse array of leadership approaches. The challenges I’ve sometimes felt at the need for consensus-building has been more than offset by the comfort of solving problems together. COVID-19, throwing its grisly shadow over nearly a third of my time in Thailand, generated a series of irreconcilable demands which I’m very glad we were able to arbitrate on as a team. Whereas three years ago I was headstrong and in a rush; I feel I’ve become more thoughtful as a leader. I have Harrow Bangkok to thank for that.

Outside work, Jo and I have enjoyed somewhat of a second honeymoon. With our kids out of school and largely self-sufficient, we’ve cycled, swum, snorkelled, run, windsurfed and even squeezed in a bit of lounging about. Thailand, and south-east Asia in general, will forever hold a place in our affections. Before COVID we were able to share our adventures with friends and family, and we have many happy memories of that time. More recently, a particular highlight has been completing the Mae Hong Song loop on our bikes. We were dragged around by the super-fit Natalie Wilson and Brian van den Berg and had a whale of a time – the perfect balance of laughs and graft.

Many will know that we had planned to turn our hobby into a lifestyle and cycle back to the UK in 2021. It now looks as though this will be impossible, so we’re lining up a series of more prosaic itineraries instead. Whatever happens though, our time in Thailand has changed us for the better. We’re very grateful for the opportunities the school has given us, for the friends we’ve made, and for hospitability of the Thai people. The story isn’t over yet.

Tim Jefferis Second Master

CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Nicholas Prockter

With only a few weeks to go before I leave the Harrow Bangkok turnstiles for the last time, I thought now would be a good time to reflect on my time here.

I am now in my seventh year at Harrow Bangkok after making the huge decision to move overseas with my wife and 2 young boys. The decision was one of the best I have made, and we head home with memories we will cherish for a lifetime.

The Harrow Bangkok I joined 6 and a half years ago, was so different to the one we have now. We now have around 300 more Lower School pupils and facilities that are vastly improved. Constant expansion has kept me busy, and I am proud of the small part I have played in the development of such world-class facilities that our students now learn in and proud that the facilities are now safer, more secure and provide spaces for inspirational teaching and learning.

I look back with great pride at the achievements of my team such as a rich new curriculum encompassing meaningful topics, exciting themes and the nurturing of a love of reading and learning. I am also proud of the Lower School team that has been recruited here in my time - never have I worked with such hard-working, dedicated and enthusiastic professionals, all so keen to make a positive difference. I have always tried to do what is in the best interests of children, even if that meant making difficult decisions and so I am also proud that as a result of many improvements, our Lower School academic standards have increased significantly during my time here.

I take back to England wonderful memories of cultural celebrations, concerts, performances and sporting events. Memories of polite and passionate young children and everlasting memories of the kind and supportive mums and dads who I have been lucky enough to work with over the years.

I know that in time, many of the students that have been in my care will go onto great success and happiness in their future lives, and I hope that as the years go by, you will stay in touch and keep me updated with your achievements.

I’d like to thank the Harrow Bangkok community for welcoming us, thank Mr Farley and Mr Standen for their support and thank the amazing teachers that have taught and cared for our 2 boys during our time here.

I leave the Lower School in very capable hands. Mr Godwin is an inspirational leader and I know that he and the LS team will now take our school to the next level and I look forward to hearing about all its success.

Nicholas Prockter Head of Lower School

CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Alexandra Costa

I can’t quite believe that the time has come to say goodbye to all the amazing children, staff and parents at Harrow Bangkok! I feel so proud of how the Lower School has continued to improve year after year and have loved seeing the students excel in their studies and develop a real love of learning. I must have given thousands of Headteacher awards out over the years, but no matter how many children walk through my door it always puts a huge smile on my face to see how proud they are of their achievements and how excited they are to tell me about their learning.

There are so many special memories that I will take with me back to the UK, like all the amazing dress-up days and Book Weeks, Year 1 expeditions, the grand opening of the Pullman Library, the fantastic Harrow Fairs, the Jungle Book production, mini concerts and all the class assemblies. My most treasured memories though come from the students that I have had the pleasure of teaching and getting to know, like my old Year 1 class and Ken (Pipit Ratanatam), who is sadly no longer with us. I have never stopped loving being a class teacher and believe that it is the most important job in the world!

Although I am very sad to say goodbye to everyone, I am looking forward to seeing all of my family and friends again after such a long time of being apart. Our family are moving back to live in the Cotswolds, which is a beautiful part of the English countryside and where I will enjoy going for long walks in the fresh air and snuggling up with my boys in front of an open fire. I am also looking forward to my new job as the Pastoral Head of a Prep School in Oxford.

I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the students for making my time at Harrow Bangkok so happy and rewarding. I would like to thank the parents and in particular the Friends of Harrow for being so welcoming, kind and supportive. Finally, I would like to thank all of my colleagues in the Lower School for being such an incredible team to work with. My time here has been one which I will never forget. Thailand has a very special place in my heart which I will cherish forever.

Alexandra Costa Deputy Head of Lower School

CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Over the 7 years that Nick and Alex have worked at Harrow Bangkok they have transformed it. Lower School has a dynamic curriculum, an outstanding group of staff members and is at the forefront of education – this has been made possible by them. Nick has led the school through H-Build, an expansion to 5-form entry and ensured attendance and number on role are the highest in the school’s history. His recruitment ideals, and strategic intent has meant Lower School has never stood still and has thrived in the international market. Alex, in her role as Deputy Head has led on the curriculum – developing teaching and learning throughout Lower School which has meant results have climbed year on year. Our students make great progress and achieve highly because of the professional development which Alex has coordinated and the curriculum design which she has orchestrated. In January I will be stepping into the role of Head of Lower School with excitement and nerves. I have big shoes to fill but I know I am taking over a school which has been placed at the pinnacle of educational excellence. Nick and Alex may not be physically at Harrow Bangkok in January, but their legacy will be, and it will be felt for many years to come.

Mike Godwin Head of Prep Prep (Acting Head of Lower School, Term 2-3 2021)

Under your leadership the Lower School has been transformed, it is certainly a very different school from the one I joined a little over 5 years ago and it will not be the same without you both. Thank you so much for your support and guidance over the years, I feel that I am ready and looking forward to putting into practice all that you have taught me about both education and leadership. Good luck with your move back to the UK, stay in touch, we will miss you!

Kate Umpleby Head of Early Year (Acting Deputy Head of Lower School, Term 2-3 2021)

Nick, Alex, Tim and Jo I wish you the very best of luck in your next endeavours and thank you for your countless contributions which have made Harrow Bangkok the wonderful school it is today.

The school is being left in an extremely strong position and the acting Lower School heads, Mike and Kate, are both first-class, experienced leaders who will manage the Lower School well for the remainder of the year; the recruitment of new leaders is well underway and I will update you soon.

Best wishes

Jon Standen Head Master

CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Pam

Pam, Class of 2014, was at Harrow Bangkok for 8 years. She studied a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology Minor in Chinese at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Harrow Bangkok was like a second home for me. I spent most of my time at school participating in various activities and as a Prefect and House Captain. I got the chance to get to know so many people from all the activities that I ran or participated in. The school itself not only provides shelter and knowledge but also comfort and support, I never once wanted to leave the school early because it was the place I felt safe and I could totally be myself. I gained so many experiences from being in so many leadership roles, and these experiences helped shape who I am today as a person. So, to conclude things, I enjoyed everything I did at Harrow Bangkok and as the motto said when I was there “Be the best that you can be”.

Now I’m working at an edtech startup called ‘Snapask’. it’s a free educational app aimed at homework-aid, one-on-one tutoring sessions and outside-of-classroom learning. I’m also doing my own projects, basically doing what I have always wanted to do but had no time or money for. I’m also taking self-improvement courses to upskill myself as well as exploring other topics that I have never tried before.

I really want to give advice to those who are still Harrow Bangkok students; be brave and stay active! I was given really great opportunities while I was at school - community services trips, Peer Support Program, being a Prefect and then House Captain. All of these did not come easy but it was all worth it. They allowed me to grow and gave me chances to make new friends that have become ‘family’. So, step out of your comfort zone, explore and try out new things. I promise that you will not regret doing it!

CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

TK, Class of 2010, was at Harrow Bangkok for 7 years. After graduating from us she studied a BSc in Sociology at LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) and then a Masters in Global Communications at LSE and University of Southern California (USC). Currently TK’s a PhD researcher in cultural studies (department of sociology) at City, University of London.

I loved the fact that Harrow Bangkok gave us a lot of opportunities to explore our interests and try new things whether that be through after school activities or in our classes. I felt that the school provided a safe learning space for us with very supportive teachers and quality learning experiences. It was a very eye-opening experience for me coming from a Thai educational system.

I didn’t, however, like wearing a blazer and boater in the 40-degree Celsius weather and of course losing them and having to buy new ones!

Make the best out of your experiences at Harrow! I’ve learned a lot there! I also felt that the campus has changed a lot from our days... we didn’t have a 3D printer and such an elaborated arts building then! It was impressive when I last visited.

TK

CATCHING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY