"Education is like making a cup of good tea; it requires careful blending and the best brewing time to achieve the best flavour." A few days ago, Shekou International School (SIS), the pioneering international school in Shenzhen, celebrated its 35th anniversary. In his opening speech, Harish Kanabar, the Head of SIS, shared his thoughts on education.
As the oldest international school in Shenzhen, what is this school's cultural foundation and educational philosophy. In a recent exclusive interview, our reporter sat down with Mr. Kanabar to discuss the school's remarkable achievements and what he has witnessed over the years, as well as his insights on education and the changes he has brought to the school.
After graduating from the University of Brighton with a degree in Primary Education in 1994, Mr. Kanabar embarked on a teaching career in the UK. He then continued his journey in Kuwait, Singapore, and Doha, Qatar, where he held various leadership positions and gained valuable international experience.
In 2017, Mr. Kanabar arrived in China and took on the role of Primary Principal at Shekou International School. In 2022, he became the head of the school. With three decades of educational experience, Mr. Kanabar has not only witnessed but also actively contributed to the transformative journey of SIS since its establishment as the first international school in the history of Shenzhen. "Starting as a small school with just a handful of students, SIS has now blossomed into a vibrant community of over 1,100 students," Mr. Kanabar said, adding that it has been an honor to be part of this institution for the past seven years.
When asked about the school's educational philosophy, Mr. Kanabar emphasized the importance of rigor, community, and inspiring students to become future change-makers. "We focus a lot of our time and energy on ensuring that our students receive a rigorous education that prepares them for the challenges of the future," he explained.
Under Mr. Kanabar's guidance, SIS has fostered a challenging and supportive learning environment. The school's graduates, who are now scattered across the globe, are making a significant positive impact on the lives of many. This widespread influence reflects the school's commitment to developing well-rounded, globally-minded individuals.
This year, under Kanabar's leadership, SIS received the Green School Award from the Guangdong government, a prestigious honour that is difficult to attain. He is also proud of the school’s achievements and believes that sustainability is everyone's responsibility. He's glad to see Shenzhen and China making rapid progress towards carbon neutrality, with government support for such endeavours.
Under Kanabar's leadership, the school, which was once a traditional American school, has transformed into an International Baccalaureate school. Kanabar successfully introduced the PYP (Primary Years Programme) into SIS. “Last year, we introduced the MYP (Middle Years Programme), ensuring greater continuity as students progress through the school,” said Kanabar in the interview.
Harish Kanabar's leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping SIS into a leading international school. His dedication to excellence, community, and student development continues to inspire countless students to pursue their dreams and become agents of change. As SIS continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that Mr. Kanabar's contributions will continue to shape its future.
Reporter｜Cai Minling
Video｜Hejun, Liu Daiqi
