We meet a pair of achievement scholars and high school students from Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong on the eve of their graduation from the school. We ask them to reflect on their experiences and find out what’s next for these graduating students.
Sarah – Hong Kong
When did you join Shrewsbury?
I joined in August 2018 when the School first opened with lots of other new international and Hong Kong students and teachers. The campus feels quite different now, as we have more students and teachers but also more opportunities to participate in different subject areas and activities.
What’s a memory of your earliest time at the school?
I remember meeting lots of people and my teacher Ms Granger in the sports hall. It was so busy with lots of students and parents. I remember Mr Keeling was there talking to everyone and welcoming students. The first friend I made was Matilda.
Name a couple of your favourite experiences over your school journey
School performances for one. I’ve taken part in school productions in Year 2, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 – not to mention all the assemblies and termly recitals. We also celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee in Year 5 and the King’s Coronation this year, which was really special as a British school in Hong Kong.
What is your favourite place on the Shrewsbury campus?
I love being in the Library. When I joined in Year 2, it was where we started our school day, so it’s also where I met most of my friends. Hopefully, I’ll be able to come back and visit once I graduate.
What’s been your favourite subject and why?
Music is my favourite subject. I play the violin and am part of the Orchestra, but also enjoy lessons with my classmates and the weekly Choral sessions in the Recital Hall. Music always surprises me – there is always something new to learn and I feel inspired by the teachers.
What are some of the ways that Shrewsbury has helped you get ready for secondary school?
After five years at Shrewsbury, I have become a graduating student with confidence in my ability to succeed. I know that I am capable and that my future is in my hands: if I work hard, I will achieve great things. Next year, I’ll be studying at the Australian International School and know how well I have been supported on my way there.
What will you miss about Shrewsbury Hong Kong?
I’ll miss the people: the teachers and the students in Hong Kong. While excited about the journey ahead, I’ll miss Shrewsbury and always remember my time here. I’ll be back too, for the alumni events, and know that the staff here will be here for me if I ever need their support.
What would you like to do in the future?
My time at Shrewsbury Hong Kong has taught me I want to be an interior designer. I enjoy looking at spaces and building them into something special that people can enjoy.
Matilda – Korea
When did you join Shrewsbury?
I joined with Sarah, on the opening day. It feels quite special to have been here from the beginning and now be a graduating student and a scholar.
What’s a memory of your earliest time at the school?
I remember walking up the long entrance staircase. The school seemed so big back then. I was a bit nervous at first. My Mum and Dad came with me to the Library and we all got to know the campus together.
Name a couple of your favourite experiences over your school journey
I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the Co-Curricular programme and have lots of funny memories of time spent with friends of different ages on campus after school. Earlier this year, I was introduced to the school Governors. They were very kind and asked all about my scholarship.
What is your favourite place on the Shrewsbury campus?
I like spending time in the Auditorium the most. We’ve joined and watched so many performances there over the years. Even the youngest international and Hong Kong students enjoy the opportunity to step up onto the stage – the children in Early Years classes always look so small!
What’s been your favourite subject and why?
I enjoy Art the most. We’ve worked with clay, watercolours and papier-mâché in the Art Studio this year. I’m most proud of the pottery piece I created when we were learning about Benin and the painting I made for an Earth Day competition
What are some of the ways Shrewsbury has helped you get ready for secondary school?
Shrewsbury Hong Kong has helped me to be more confident and to challenge myself academically. I was just a little girl when I arrived and now know that I am capable of making a difference and ready to take the next step. I’m excited to be joining Kellett, but feel very grateful for the support I have received here and look forward to catching up again in the future.
What will you miss about Shrewsbury?
I’m going to miss the people here most of all – we all know and support one another. I’ll miss swimming every week too and Chinese. We have so many opportunities to explore here. I only hope that life after Shrewsbury is half as good.
What would you like to do in the future?
I’d like to be a business entrepreneur. I like the idea of being my own boss, making decisions and making a difference. I’m excited about the future and know that I can achieve
A word from the Principal, Ben Keeling
“Sarah and Matilda are exceptional graduating students and wonderful people. They have provided our younger international and Hong Kong students with a model of leadership, endeavour and kindness. We are enormously proud of them both and know that they will go on to achieve great things both at and beyond secondary school. I look forward to hearing their news at our next alumni event.”
Shrewsbury Hong Kong is located at 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O. Find out more about the school at shrewsbury.edu.hk.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
