Meet The Head: James Morris, Head of School At OWIS Digital Campus

About The Head

Do you have a nickname?
No. I like to be called by my name, James.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
London, Chelsea to be precise. It's an incredibly diverse city, and more than half of Londoners don't have English as their first language. It's often said that London is the capital of the world given the fact that every nation is represented in the four corners of the capital.

Where do you live in the city and why do you love it there?
I live in Farrer Park. It's centrally located, so easy to reach some of Singapore's highlights: Little India and Chinatown are very near. There are many different themed restaurants in my community. With a wonderful City Square Mall over the road and Mustafa Mall down the way, I have everything at my fingertips at good value prices! Commuting to OWIS Digital Campus in Punggol is 40 minutes door-to-door so it's perfectly located for me.

What's in your lunchbox?
Cheese and cucumber sandwich with no butter! So, very healthy.

Head’s Background

What or who inspired you to become a Head?
Actually, I never had any idea I would be a Headmaster! I entered teaching because, like all teachers, I had a real passion for making a positive difference to young people’s lives. When I was a student at Oxford University, I taught Italian students English as a Foreign Language in London. I enjoyed every minute of it and was hooked from that time on.

I've never seen teaching as a job or career but a passion and a privilege. However, I realised that by becoming a Head, I could have a greater impact on a larger number of students. When I felt it was the right time for me to take on this role 17 years ago, I seized the opportunity with both hands. I've never looked back since.

Describe your school in 5 words or less
Safe, kind, compassionate, happy and successful.

What are your 3 favorite children's books? 
Lord of The Rings, Alice in Wonderland and Winnie The Pooh.

A Head's Advice

What's the best way for parents to be involved in their children’s education?
Listening to, learning from and supporting your children is the best way to be involved in their learning journey. Collaborating effectively with your child’s teachers and school is key, too. Some of the most successful schools I led had one thing in common: parents who were patient, tolerant and understanding of schools when things didn’t go exactly as planned!

Any tips for parents when applying for schools?
Always see the school from the point of view of your child. Would it be a place they would love to be in the most? It doesn’t matter how historic or reputable the school is if it's not the right match for your child.

What's the best advice a teacher or Head ever gave you?
Be yourself and don’t try to pretend to be anybody else. After all, this is what we tell our kids as educators.