JAMES MORRIS joined One World International School (OWIS) this August as the new Head of School of OWIS Digital Campus. He shares his experience of the tech enabled learning campus at OWIS Singapore so far.
What brought you to Singapore, and where had you been living previously?
Before coming here, my family and I lived and worked in China for 16 years. Singapore is best known around the world for its high quality offerings in education, and my son is really making huge progress already, because of the world-class student-centred learning environment here.
Tell us a bit about your work in OWIS Singapore.
As the Head of School of OWIS Digital Campus, I have a responsibility to ensure the optimal delivery of education to all students from Early Childhood to Secondary School. That includes ensuring the high-quality maintenance of the state-of-the-art facilities at our tech enabled learning campus.
Describe a typical working day for you at OWIS Digital Campus.
Given a rapidly growing school community that has grown 70 percent in one month, it’s busy! I have many different meetings with key stakeholders.
However, I always find time to go on my learning walks to observe life in and around OWIS Digital Campus. I love seeing children learn in lessons or on the sports pitches, in the Black Box Theatre or doing panel interviews on stage in our 1,500-seat Quantum Theatre.
Any challenges you’ve found living and working in Singapore?
It took longer than expected to get a bank card but other than that, everything else works well and it’s been smooth settling into Singapore.
We love the public transport network; the green spaces and all the variety of cuisine and cultures Singapore has to offer!
What do you do when you’re not at OWIS Singapore?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring parks and activity areas. My son is especially fond of swimming, which makes Singapore an ideal place for us.
I also have a passion for reading – I’m currently immersed in Lee Kuan Yew’s From Third World to First – as well as writing, hiking, visiting cultural and historical sites, running and travelling.
About James
Originally from the UK, James has over 30 years of experience in education and school leadership in the UK and China. In his most recent role prior to joining OWIS Digital Campus, he served as the Founding Head of an international school in Wuhan. Before moving into principalship, he worked as the Head of English and Classics departments in previous schools.
His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Literae Humaniores (Latin, Classical Greek, Ancient History, Literature and Philosophy) from St. Anne’s College, Oxford University as well as a Postgraduate Certification of Education in Classics and Drama from St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge University.
Visit OWIS Digital Campus
Learn more about the curriculum, activities and facilities and get to meet both James and the OWIS Singapore team at the next Open House. Check the website for dates and to register.
OWIS Digital Campus is at #01-02 Global Campus Village, 27 Punggol Field Walk.
OWIS Singapore also has a campus in Jurong West.
6914 6700 | owis.org/sg
This article about OWIS Digital Campus for tech enabled learning first appeared in the November 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy! Read more about OWIS Singapore in our guide to digital learning in schools
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