Q&A with Mark Renie, Head of School, One World International School (OWIS)

Tell us more about your background and training.
I have a BA in Sociology and Labour Studies from York University, a PGCE from Sunderland University, and an MEd in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development from the University of Toronto. More recently, I have earned a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

I am Canadian, but I have been living in Asia for the past 20 years or so, working in the field of education as a teacher and a school leader. I have worked in school leadership roles in China and Thailand and I joined OWIS as the Founding Head of OWIS Suntec. My role has now been expanded to Head of School, OWIS.

What do you love about working at your school in particular?
There are three things I love in particular about working at OWIS. First, seeing happy children who are deeply engaged and happy in their school life makes my day. Second, our community of like-minded, passionate educators who I collaborate with and support to ensure our students are getting meaningful, future-focussed international education. Third, is the kindness-led school culture where we are nurturing young people to understand the importance of making a positive contribution and preparing them to step out and make a difference in whatever way they can.

What are your goals at OWIS?
My goal is to raise the quality of the learning experience at a school that is already considered outstanding for our well-rounded, rigorous academic pathway, our passionate teachers, our community-minded, wonderful students, and our robust value system. I’m looking at reviewing all our current practices and in collaboration with the school community, I aim to build on all these strengths to make the educational approach and outcomes even more meaningful and forward-looking for everyone here.

What is your take on inquiry-based learning?
Inquiry-based learning is critical in ensuring that students are driving their own learning through their own curiosity. It provides students with the opportunity for agency over their learning and helps to develop in students a lifelong love of learning. It is truly a transformational approach to learning and a critical element in ensuring that students develop key skills that will help them thrive in the dynamic future that they have ahead of them.

What is your favourite game or activity to do with your students?
The one activity I love doing with my students is reading. There is nothing more enjoyable than sharing a story with children. Their imagination helps to bring the story to life in such a wonderful way. A simple story can elicit so many questions and ideas from an eager and curious group of students, allowing for inquiry and  authentic learning to take place.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have had the opportunity to call a variety of countries home during my life. I have lived in seven countries across three continents and I truly feel that these experiences have helped me appreciate the importance of being internationally minded.

What made you want to become a teacher?
The negative experience I had as a child with education and school affected me in a very profound way. It inspired me to want to make education and school an exciting, fun and positive experience for children. I am committed to ensuring this in every school I work at and this commitment informs everything I do and shapes how I support my school community.