In the Spotlight
What is your name?
Katherine Weir-Davis
What is your role at the College?
Head of DUCKS
Since when have you been working at DCS?
I joined Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong in August 2018.
Where else have you lived in the world?
After teaching in the UK for several years, my first move internationally was to Spain where I worked at a British School for 11 years. After Spain, I moved to China where I was Head of Early Years at the British School of Guangzhou for ten years.
What do you think is special about Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong?
There are so many special things about Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, but the one I appreciate most of all is the welcoming feel of the school, especially at DUCKS. When I first visited DUCKS for my interview, I was still undecided as to whether Shanghai was the right move for me and my family. As soon as I entered DUCKS I could feel the warmth and supportive atmosphere, it helped me make the decision that this would be the right place for me and my family. I got this feeling on day one and I get the same feeling every time I walk into DUCKS - it is just such a lovely place to work and I feel very fortunate.
Did you always want to work at an international school?
I just love young children and my intention was to enjoy working with children wherever I happened to be in the world, it just so happens that my life journey took me overseas. Now I have children of my own, Rosie is in Year 5 and Jasmine is in Reception, I want to be able to provide them with an outstanding international education that allows them to be who they want to be and to fully appreciate and accept diversity.
What is your favourite weekend activity in Shanghai?
Eating! - there are so many amazing restaurants with fantastic food from around the world. My problem is, I don't have enough time to try them all.
What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?
I have been reading children's books for so many years now, that when I am asked this question my mind automatically thinks of children's authors. My all-time favourite book is 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar', but generally I love reading anything by the author Eric Carle to an excited group of children.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party, dead or alive?
This is way too difficult to answer!
What does a typical day at the College look like for you?
My school day begins at 7:00am. I work in a shared leadership office with Ms. Cathy Taylor and Mr. Pickhaver, so as soon as the DUCKS Senior Leadership Team is in school it is working hats on! My day revolves around meeting parents, staff and interacting with children as much as possible, whether that be on the gate in the morning, playground duty, eating with them in the Dining Hall, taking assemblies or visiting classrooms; talking with children makes the gloomiest of days so much brighter.
Do you have a motto or saying that really resonates with you?
Smile and the world smiles with you.
