education
but when you consider that they were
designed for younger children and are
dedicated to them, they are even more
extraordinary. The same is true of the
classrooms, the play areas and the
dining areas; each has been created for
primary age children. Each is afforded a
generous amount of space, too.
In terms of moving onto Secondary
school, Ben and his staff are on hand
from Year 4 with advice and assistance
that rivals some of the professional
education advisors. When asked the
question “but what happens in Year 7?”
Ben’s answer is clear, children can go
wherever they want to go. “Demand
is at the bottom end. In year 7 or 8
–even at the most selective schools –
places open up.” A good Primary is not
necessarily a good Secondary setting.
We discuss the logic and chances
of selecting a school for your child
when they are two years old that will
still suit them when they are 13. It’s a
valid point! “Parents have the full weight
of the school behind them. We work
through what is available in Hong Kong
and further afield,” he explains. “Rather
than being desperate, in year 8, 9, 10
the world is your oyster. Every school
has a vested interest in taking children”.
Ben and the Shrewsbury team
are invested in people. “If people
lose that you can tell. You can smell
it in their schools.” Seeing Ben leave
the auditorium after auditions for the
Aladdin-themed pantomime, and seeing
him on the staircase waving goodbye
to the children, his investment and care
for the school community is clear. As
Ben puts it, “I’m proud of the facility, but
more proud of the community”.
Summer
Winter 2019
35