Message from Headmaster

Dear WASCZ Community,

I am pleased to introduce myself to the WASCZ community as your new Headmaster. Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of learning about our school’s rich history, its many events, and its impressive achievements.

Reflecting on the recently concluded 2023-2024 academic year, our school has celebrated remarkable achievements in various domains, earning prestigious accolades from respected organisations such as Hurun Education, Spear’s and the Boarding Schools Association (BSA).

• WAS Changzhou was proudly recognised once again among the top 100 bilingual schools in China in the ‘2023 Hurun Education · China International Schools Ranking’, placing in the TOP 30 nationwide and TOP 2 in Jiangsu Province.
• In “The Spear’s Schools Index 2024,” published by the renowned European wealth management magazine Spear’s, WASCZ was highlighted as one of the 24 top-recommended schools in the Asia Pacific region for 2024. It is an honour to note that only five mainland China schools were included in this list. Two years ago, WASCZ was also recognised in ‘The Spear’s Schools Index 2022’ as one of the top 100 schools globally and one of the Best Private Schools in China and Southeast Asia.
• In September 2023, we proudly welcomed the first group of scholars ‘Engage with China’ from overseas, a programme that has earned high praise from the Boarding Schools Association (BSA). Following our ‘International School of the Year Award’ in 2022, WASCZ was once again honoured by the BSA with the ‘Supporting Excellence Award – Supporting International Boarders Award’. We are excited to welcome back our returning scholars and to welcome our new cohort for the 2024 academic year.
• In May 2024, we received our 5-year COBIS Patron’s accreditation, affirming that WASCZ delivers high-quality British education, in line with leading British and international schools worldwide. We are truly honoured to be part of this exclusive group, ensuring that we maintain the academic rigour and holistic approach to education expected of a COBIS school.

This year, our graduates have excelled in university admissions, and many of our outstanding students have gained admission to world-renowned institutions to pursue their dreams. The 66 graduates of WASCZ’s Class of 2024 received an impressive total of 254 university offers globally. These prestigious universities include the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Toronto, and the University of Hong Kong, among others. Our students’ university destinations span the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong, China.

These exceptional accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our hard-working teaching staff and the unwavering support and encouragement of our parents. Your commitment and care provide the strongest foundation for the growth of your children. I eagerly anticipate being a part of many more successes in the years to come.

I have spent more than 21 years teaching and leading schools across Asia, with my most recent position based in Bangkok. Originally from Scotland, I have not lived there for 35 years, and my accent has almost faded. I was fortunate to spend my formative years in the North East of England, where I earned a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Protection Science from Northumbria University, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from Leeds Metropolitan University. My passion for continuous learning led me to complete a Master’s degree in International Education from the University of Sunderland, as well as the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Currently, I am pursuing an Educational Doctorate in International Leadership.

The best educators are not necessarily born into the profession but are often shaped by their life experiences. Some of the most remarkable educators I have encountered began their careers outside the classroom, bringing a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience to their classrooms. This perspective allows them to connect their subjects to practical, real-world applications, igniting their passion and enhancing their students’ understanding of the world around them.

One of the many reasons I have joined the WASCZ team is our holistic approach to education. We are dedicated not only to fostering academic success but also to ensuring that our students develop a broad and compassionate understanding of the world they inhabit, a world vastly different from the one in which we were educated.

The past few years have presented significant challenges for families and the long-term impact of the pandemic will likely be felt for some time. As a school, we must establish the support systems necessary to guide and assist our community through the coming years. I am already working closely with the leadership team to identify opportunities for workshops, seminars, drop-in sessions, and informal gatherings where we can address parents’ questions and discuss topics that would otherwise be difficult to find solutions to alone.

I believe it is important for parents not to be afraid to say that they need help or suggestions to better support their children at home or school. We are nearly a quarter of the way through this century and with so many major world events, it is easy to lose focus on what matters most as a parent: helping our children find their self-worth and place in the world.

I am particularly passionate about technology and am inspired by the positive impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had on the education sector. I share the belief of many in the tech industry that our students are growing up in a world where AI will be an integral “copilot” in their lives. We must teach our students to use AI responsibly, as they must navigate its complexities far beyond what we can imagine today.

Although I have initially travelled here alone, I plan to bring my family in the near future, once I settle down and have become acquainted with my much more extensive and extended WASCZ family.

I hope to meet you and embark on this exciting journey together.

Warm regards,

David Aitchison