Whose new member of staff has lecturing experience at both Apple and Google? That would be Dover Court International School and its Head of Secondary, Craig Bull. A recent arrival from Kent, Craig sat down to talk about his new position at this international school in Singapore.
We hear that you’re quite new to Singapore; when did you get here?
I arrived on the first of August after finishing at my previous school in the UK just a week before. I was joined by my wife, son and daughter, and we are all really enjoying life in Singapore.
What were you doing in the UK?
I was the Vice Principal at The Skinners’ Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells. During my six and a half years there, the school grew from 300 to over 1000 students while maintaining an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted. I am very proud to have left after a year of the best results in the school’s history.
Prior to that, I worked as a Senior Leader in two all-ability, non-selective schools in Kent, both of which were also awarded “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings. I’ve also worked as a Specialist Leader of Education for the National College for School Leadership and been a guest speaker at The University of Brighton and at the head offices of Apple and Google.
What do you bring to the leadership of Dover Court?
The most important thing is a tenacity for excellence in all that I – and we – do. I’ll always make decisions in the best interests of our students, and I’m passionate, as are my staff, about making a difference!
What attracted you to Dover Court?
When you walk through any school gates, it doesn’t take long to know if the school is a match for you either as a parent, student or teacher. Dover Court is no exception! I knew quite quickly that this was a school where I could work. Its values are closely aligned to my own, and the inclusive, all-ability nature of the school is close to my heart.
How are you finding life in Singapore?
Being able to live in Singapore was the icing on the cake of a great opportunity to work in a fantastic school. It has everything we want as a family, from culture and food to exploration and excitement. Singapore is certainly living up to our expectations so far.
What is special about DCIS?
We are very proud of our inclusivity but what sets us apart is the strong community feel to our school. Every child is known, and learning and pastoral support is personalised. You notice this when you visit. It’s what our parents talk about as a clear reason for choosing Dover Court for their children. Our staff are also fantastic. They give their time freely and provide our students with the most wonderful opportunities both in and outside the classroom. Being one of Nord Anglia’s 56 schools around the world is also really special, as are our collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT and UNICEF. Lastly, our students experience the most amazing trips with their global peers to places like Tanzania, Switzerland and the US.
What plans do you have for the Secondary School over the coming year?
Our main priority at the moment is opening our brand new Secondary building in August 2019. We are very excited about this as it provides us with specialist and purpose-built spaces for our students to learn. As with any new Headship, there is an opportunity to review current practices which is something we’re also doing at present. In time, I’m determined we will position ourselves as the all-ability international school of choice in Singapore.
Written in collaboration with:
Dover Court International School
301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | www.dovercourt.edu.sg
Read more in our Schools section:
Top international schools in Singapore
Kids staying in Singapore for senior school?
