Staff spotlight: Gazel Razavi - Principal

Gazel has diverse experiences in leadership and management within the field of education, most recently as a founding principal and prior to that as the Head Teacher of well-known international schools in Hong Kong.

Over the past few years, she has been involved in implementing change management, designing an inquiry-based curriculum and emphasising the importance of the development of language and literacy in early childhood. Her experience in the Reggio Emilia approach, IB, EYFS, and local curricula has empowered her with a varied and innovative approach as an academic leader.

    What inspired you to become a principal?

Being a mother and a teacher, you always think about the best education system. I truly believe that the children of the 21^st century need something beyond rote learning. They need to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers and good communicators. I have always had this passion for changing the mindset of educators, parents and eventually the society. When the opportunity of leading inquiry-based schools came, I was eager to take on the role and fulfil my passion.

  What do you love the most about your job?

I enjoy spending time in the classroom. When the office work becomes challenging, I love to walk to any classroom and spend time with the children. That somehow clears my head and gives me that extra boost.

  What is your favourite children’s book?

That changes a lot, but I certainly enjoy reading Julia Donaldson’s and Dr. Suess’ stories to the children.

  What is your most memorable moment?

I love when the students ask “Out of the box” questions and I don’t have an immediate answer to their questions. This will confirm that as educators we need to be lifelong learners and our responsibility is far more than merely transferring information.

  Any advice for the parents?

Spend time with your children and get to know them. There is no formula for choosing the right pre-school/school for them. Every child is unique and the worst thing you can do as a parent is to place them in a system that inhibits them from striving.

Secondly, let them be children. As Piaget said “Play is the work of children”, they learn to think, socialize, communicate and solve problems through play.