Andrew Morton – Meet the Teacher

What do you love about working at Bangkok Prep?

The school has a genuine sense of community that I think is unique to Bangkok Prep. People genuinely care for and want the best for each other – the importance of this can’t be underestimated. I work with fantastically supportive colleagues who continuously help our students, as well as the school, become more and more successful. Of course, the most important people in any school – our students – are really what makes it a special place to work. Their humour, endeavour and ongoing positivity makes everyday a bright one. 

What inspired you to apply for the role of Assistant Head of Secondary?

The role of Assistant Head is a new one for this year and I found the opportunity to help support the growth and development of Bangkok Prep as a genuinely exciting one. Resources, technology and buildings are all wonderful things – and we are very lucky with what we have at Bangkok Prep – but truly great schools are built on the positive relationships and learning interactions between students and staff. I am proud of how we do this at Bangkok Prep. Every day, through our staff’s commitment and creativity, our students experience fantastic learning opportunities. The role of Assistant Head allows me to support and develop this even further and, as such, an opportunity that I couldn’t pass on.

As Assistant Head of Secondary, what is your vision and what would you like to achieve for the 2020-2021 Academic year?

I would summarise my vision as one of ongoing development and growth for all members of our community. Our students personify this – they are constantly developing and growing. At the end of every school day they go home with new knowledge and skills that they never had that morning and it is thanks to the fantastic team of staff we have at Bangkok Prep that they can do this. I believe that these opportunities for our students will get even stronger and more meaningful by our staff having similar opportunities to continuously grow and develop. I see my role as supporting our whole community with this and helping continue to build a culture where we can all improve, not because we have to, but because we always want to be even better at what we do.

What was the reason you initially decided to start teaching?  

I never immediately wanted to go into teaching when I graduated – I worked for some NGOs and then in the financial sector post-graduation (I have a masters degree in Geography from the University of Edinburgh and a PGCE from the University of Sussex). It was through some volunteering that I realised how rewarding teaching could be and I decided to pursue it as a career. Prior to joining Bangkok Prep, all of my teaching experience was in schools in London. I am now in my 10th year of teaching and I can honestly say that there hasn’t been one day that I’ve regretted making that choice – it’s a fantastic job. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  

I love trying to experience Thailand (and surrounding countries in pre-COVID days) as much as possible. The country has it all – great food, culture and landscapes. Bangkok is a great city to explore as well. I also like trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to find some coverage of Scottish football in Bangkok.