We are delighted to announce the appointment of Steven Banks as the new Deputy Head of LEH International School Foshan with effect from 1st August 2024.
After joining us in 2022, Mr Banks has been an integral part of LEH Foshan’s community, serving as the Head of Boarding and Pastoral Care and Head of Geography. His dedication and commitment to the whole school community have been exemplary, and we are excited to see him bring his vision and leadership to this new role.
During the past two years, Mr Banks has made significant contributions to the school. As Head of Boarding and Pastoral Care, he has fostered a supportive and nurturing environment for our day and boarding students, ensuring their well-being and academic success. His role as a Geography teacher has been marked by inspiring and engaging lessons, encouraging students to explore and understand the world around them.
Mr Banks has led several key initiatives, significantly developing our pastoral care, boarding and Extra-Curricular Activities programmes. Under his leadership, our boarding programme has been supporting a growing number of students. Additionally, Mr Banks has played a pivotal role in enhancing the House system, fostering a strong sense of community and school spirit. His holistic approach to education and student welfare has left a lasting impact on the LEH Foshan community.
Message from Headteacher
Mrs Jane Arden
Headteacher
Mr Banks was promoted due to his remarkable leadership in pastoral care and the Boarding House along with his unyielding commitment to student welfare. His strengths lie in his ability to inspire students and staff alike, and his vision for holistic education aligns perfectly with our school’s ethos. I expect him to continue fostering our community’s spirit and to lead initiatives that promote academic excellence and well-being. Together, we aim to create an environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential.
Interview with Mr Banks
Q Congratulations Mr Banks on the well-deserved promotion. How do you feel about being appointed as the Deputy Head of LEH Foshan? What message would you like to share with the students, staff, and parents of LEH Foshan?
Thank you! I'm honoured and excited to take on the role of Deputy Head of LEH Foshan. It's a privilege to work with such a talented and dedicated community of students, staff, and parents. My goal is to continue fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where everyone can thrive. To the students, I encourage you to stay committed and curious about learning. To the staff, I look forward to collaborating closely with you as we strive for excellence together. And to the parents, your partnership is invaluable, and I’m committed to ensuring that your children receive the best education and support here at LEH Foshan.
Q As Deputy Head, what will be your key responsibilities? What are some of your priorities and areas of focus on to further enhance the educational experience at LEH Foshan?
As Deputy Head, my key responsibilities will include focusing on completing all the objectives outlined in the school development plan, ensuring that we achieve our strategic goals for the growth and success of LEH Foshan. One of my priorities will be the continued expansion of our boarding schools, providing more opportunities for students to experience the unique benefits of a British boarding education. I will also lead our teachers in their professional development, ensuring that the quality of education at LEH remains exceptional. My goal is to foster an environment where educators can grow, innovate, and deliver the best possible learning experiences to our students.
Q What is your vision for LEH Foshan over the next few years?
I look forward to continue working in a thriving school. I am committed to striving for LEH Foshan to be recognised as the best international school in the Guangdong area. This will involve not only maintaining high academic standards but also enhancing our community engagement and student support services.
Q How do you plan to balance your teaching and leadership responsibilities while maintaining a connection with the students and staff?
Balancing my teaching and leadership responsibilities while staying connected with students and staff is something I take very seriously. To achieve this, I plan to remain actively involved in various aspects of school life.
First, I’ll continue to teach regularly. This keeps me directly engaged with students and the learning process, allowing me to better understand their needs and the challenges they face. It also helps me stay connected with our teaching staff, ensuring that I remain attuned to their experiences and can support them effectively.
In addition to my teaching duties, I’ll take an active role within the boarding houses during the evenings and weekends. This involvement is essential for building strong relationships with our boarding students, understanding their experiences outside of the classroom, and ensuring their well-being. Being present in the boarding houses allows me to connect with students in a more informal setting, fostering a sense of community and support.
I also plan to attend residential visits, which provide valuable opportunities to engage with students and staff outside the traditional school environment. These visits not only allow me to strengthen relationships but also give me insight into how our students grow and learn in different contexts.
By integrating these elements into my routine, I aim to lead by example, staying closely connected to the daily life of our school community while effectively managing my leadership responsibilities.
We congratulate Mr Steven Banks on his well-deserved promotion and wish him every success in his new role. With Mr Banks as Deputy Head, LEH Foshan is poised for a bright future. We look forward to his leadership in driving new projects and initiatives that will enhance the educational experience for our students. We invite the entire school community to join us in supporting Mr Banks as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.