Dear Parents,
Today has been affected by the Hong Kong weather. We look forward to the weather improving and returning to school tomorrow.
The school year has started off positively, and it’s been wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for our upcoming production of Oliver! We are thrilled by the number of students who auditioned, showing great courage and enthusiasm throughout the process. This production promises to be a fantastic experience for everyone involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. We look forward to sharing more updates as rehearsals progress.
Our sports fixtures are well underway with many students already playing matches across Hong Kong. We are excited for extracurricular activities to begin on Monday 15th September – a reminder that sign up closes on Tuesday 9th September at 4pm.
(Left to right: Jihoo, Siena, Aarshi and Isabella)
Last week saw the start of the NAE Academic Challenge Cup 2025! This University Challenge-style competition includes schools from across the China Region with students from Years 11-13 going head-to-head to answer a range of questions on various topics. I am delighted to announce this year’s NAIS Hong Kong Team representatives are Jihoo, Siena, Isabella and Aarshi.
The first round saw our eager team compete against the British International School, Beijing. After four grueling rounds, NAIS Hong Kong, emerged victorious, winning 25-100! Round two will take place next Friday.
Year 11 Parent Meeting – The Year Ahead
We are looking forward to welcoming parents of our Year 11 students to school on Tuesday 16th September at 5pm. This is an opportunity for you to hear information about your child’s final year of KS4, how to support your child during this important year and to meet the Heads of Maths, English and Science.
If you would like to attend, please sign up via the following link: Year 11 Parent Meeting Sign Up
Year 7 Meet the Tutor Event
On Wednesday 17th September, we are delighted to welcome the parents of our Year 7 students to school to meet informally with Form Tutors at 5pm. This is an opportunity to catch up with your child’s Form Tutor, Head of Year and other parents of students within the year group.
If you would like to attend, please sign up via the following link: Year 7 - Meet the Tutor Sign Up
Year 10 Parent Meeting
On Thursday 18th September, we are excited to invite the parents of our Year 10 students into school to learn more about our KS4 program at 5pm. At the meeting, you will hear from our Head of Year 10, Mr. Mistry, whilst also having the opportunity to catch up with our Heads of Maths, English and Science. You will also be able to informally speak with your child’s Form Tutor.
If you would like to attend, please sign up via the following link: Year 10 Parent Meeting Sign Up
Introducing Our New Staff
Hannah Seward – English Teacher
Hello, I’m delighted to be joining the English department this year. I’m originally from Kent in the UK and studied English and German at Oxford University before working briefly as a freelance research translator on several academic publications. My career has since followed two paths I care deeply about: music and literature. I spent several years as Director of Music at a large Anglican church in the Cotswolds, and began teaching first in primary music, then in secondary English at two independent boarding schools. Since moving to Hong Kong two years ago, I’ve been working part-time at an international school while my family settled in.
Some of the most formative moments in my life have happened in English classrooms, libraries, and lecture theatres—whether through reading, listening, or simply being immersed in great stories. I hope to help students experience that same spark and to support them in connecting literature with the wider world around them.
Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, reading, playing Bach on the piano (or organ, if I can get to one), skiing, and memorising poetry. I have four children aged 12 to 19, who keep me in touch with the realities of growing up in today’s fast-changing world.
Freddie Sherwood – History Teacher
Hello! I am Freddie, a new Humanities teacher at NAIS Hong Kong. I am originally from the UK where my teaching journey began in 2018 following several years living and working in sales in London. This is now my eighth-year teaching, having spent 4 years in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, followed by 3 years in Singapore prior to moving to Hong Kong. I have a degree in Ancient History, an MA in Anthropology and History and I’m now completing another MA in Education at UCL.
I have a deep passion for humanities and learning about the world around me, and the thing I enjoy most is imparting this passion to my students. At NAIS Hong Kong, I am teaching history, geography and global perspectives, which means I get to engage with students on a range of levels and no two days are the same! Outside of the classroom, I am a keen hiker and an even keener badminton player: therefore, Hong Kong has delivered as the perfect place for me.
Brad Dry – Science Teacher
Kia ora (hello), I am Brad Dry, Science and Chemistry teacher, originally from New Zealand. I began my teaching journey in 2016 after spending several years in the pharmaceutical industry and wanting to transition to something that I found more rewarding. I studied in New Zealand, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Pharmacology, later followed by a Master’s in Education. I have a strong appreciation for the nature of science, its role in understanding our world, and the positive impact it can have on making students better global citizens.
Currently, I’m in my third year of teaching in Hong Kong, which is my first experience living in Asia, and I am loving it. I enjoy sharing my passion for science with my students and fostering curiosity in the classroom. In my free time, I love both playing and watching sports, as well as enjoying the wonderful other outdoor activities Hong Kong has to offer.
Emma Wu – Mathematics Teacher
My name is Emma Wu, and I am truly delighted to introduce myself as a new member of the Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong community. It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with such a vibrant and supportive group of students, families, and educators.
I have come to Hong Kong from Australia, where I spent seven years teaching mathematics, music, and student wellbeing. What I love most about teaching is supporting students as they grow: not just academically, but as confident, curious, and empathetic individuals. I strongly believe in creating a classroom where everyone feels respected, present, and motivated to do their best. Whether through numbers, notes, or nurturing conversations, I aim to make learning engaging and meaningful.
Beyond the classroom, I have a deep appreciation for music as a former opera singer and have enjoyed directing choirs and ensembles – something I hope to share with students here as well. I also hold a degree in business administration, which has helped me bring real-world perspectives into my teaching.
I am really looking forward to getting to know each of your children and contributing to their journey at NAIS Hong Kong. I already feel so fortunate to be here after three weeks.
STEAM Updates – Elliott Rees
We’re excited to launch our new STEAM extracurricular activities (ECA), offering students a vibrant mix of hands-on experiences that blend science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This term’s lineup includes opportunities to build and program robots, design and code digital games, build, code and craft imaginative projects in our makerspace, and even explore making and sustainability through upcycling. These clubs are designed to spark curiosity, foster creative problem-solving, and develop real-world skills in a collaborative and supportive environment. Whether your child is drawn to coding, crafting, designing, or inventing, there’s something here to inspire every kind of learner.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday 16th September – Y11 Parent Meeting at 5pm– The Year Ahead
Wednesday 17th September – Y7 Meet the Tutors at 5pm
Thursday 18th September – Y10 Parent Meeting at 5pm – Welcome to IGCSE
Wednesday 24th September – Y12/13 Meet the Tutors at 8am
Thursday 25th September – Y8 Meet the Tutors at 5pm
Tuesday 30th September – Y9 Options Webinar
Best regards,
Fiona Thorndike
Head of Secondary
