5 Questions with our new Head of Secondary, Mr. Paul McConnell

5 Questions with our new Head of Secondary, Mr. Paul McConnell Paul discusses what brought him to BSG and how his previous military experience makes him a firm believer in having a strong set of core values.

Paul discusses what brought him to BSG and how his previous military experience makes him a firm believer in having a strong set of core values.

1. Could you please introduce yourself and let us know what attracted you to Guangzhou?

I was first attracted to the city through BSG and its wonderful reputation within Nord Anglia Education and the wider international school community. However, once I visited the school, it didn’t take long to discovered that Guangzhou is a vibrant modern city which is broken up by wonderful green spaces, beautiful flowers and happy welcoming people. I am looking forward to spending time getting to know the city and wider Guangdong region.

2. What are your first impressions of the British School of Guangzhou?

First impressions are very, very important and as the new Head of Secondary at BSG, I almost have to pinch myself each day to realise how incredibly fortunate I am to be a member of this a great community. A school is only a building - it is the people who fill it with colour, energy and respect which turns it into a great school and here at BSG we have something to be very proud of.

3. How do you feel our ‘Mission’ and ‘Core Values’ should be used in a Secondary school environment?

Having had pervious military experience, I know and trust in the value of having a set of core values that support the mission of the school. Agreed direction and vision is essential if we want our young learners to enter adult life full prepared and ready to embrace every opportunity that present itself.

4. We have a tradition of high achievement and placing graduates into top ranked universities all over the world. Do you have any plans on how you will support this as the school grows?

As our school grows and we prepare our students for life beyond BSG, I feel the questions we need to ask must change. As a father of two daughter currently studying in the UK, I don’t believe the question should be about how to enter the best universities but should be how to enter the most appropriate university for that individual student. Taking time to understand the academic aspirations of our students is essential as we search to find the best university placement for them. If that results in a top ranked university placement, great, if not, that is also ok.

5. What one thing would you hope our Year 13s took away with them from their time at BSG as they graduate this year?

I hope that all students who graduate from BSG have the confidence to be themselves and take responsibility for directing and shaping their own future. The world is changing so quickly; however, I am confident that BSG presents its students with opportunities to practice the skills and attributes which they will later depend upon as they head towards their very bright futures. Once at university, If they find a quiet moment to reflect, it would be lovely if they looked back at their time here at BSG with a sense of friendship and achievement and hopefully … a smile!