Five Minutes of Fame with Harry Banks

Harry Banks – Year 3 Teacher and Head of House (Junior School, Earhart) 

Where else in the world have you lived? 

Before moving to Singapore, I had only ever worked and lived in England. I am originally from Lincoln and spent time in Nottingham, Birmingham, and London before moving abroad.  
 

Tell us about your family. 

My parents still live in Lincoln, and my older sister, Faye, lives on the border of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. My sister is also known as Dr Faye Banks, whilst my dad works as a Hygiene Manager. My mum works as a nurse and never has a person suited a role more perfectly. There's also Bertie, the new family puppy, whom you can see in the photo. Any excuse to show him off.

What's your favourite weekend activity in Singapore? 

I love to play a round of golf whenever I can. I picked up the sport after moving here, and I love it. I try to relax over the weekends, so you can also find me turning a shade of red by the condo pool or walking to a local coffee shop.  

Did you always want to be a teacher? 

I did! In Year 10, I went to my old primary school for work experience. Whilst working there, I was placed in Year 5 with a teacher called Mr McGill. After the week, he told me that I would make a great teacher, and it was the first time anyone had suggested a future career for me. I try to remember this when my students tell me what they want to be when they're older, as our words have a massive impact.

What is your favourite book, and who is your favourite author?

My favourite book is What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver, a book of short stories. My favourite author would be Kazuo Ishiguro. 

Tell us about a hidden talent or a top secret that no one would know about you. 

I make an above-average banoffee pie.  

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party, dead or alive? 

I would start with John Mayer as I'm obsessed with his music, then Steve Coogan as I love his comedy. Harry Kane, as I'm a huge Spurs fan and then my dad so he could meet him too. Finally, probably Phil Mickelson, so I can ask him how to improve my short game. 
 

What does a typical day at the College look like for you? 

It's a cliché, but each day is different, which is probably why the grey hairs are becoming more visible. However, each day will always involve 3W doing something, which makes me love being their teacher. It will also include a couple of trips during break and lunch to the Clocktower Café. 

Do you have a motto or saying that really resonates with you? 

Just ride the wave. We've all had a few ups and downs these past two years with the pandemic, and it's important to remember that any low moments are not forever, and they will pass.  
 

Do you have a most memorable teacher moment? 

During a 'Superhero' dress-up day at school, a few of the children in my class dressed up as me, which was sweet and terrifying in equal measure.

What would you like your legacy to be? 

That schools will teach wellbeing with the same importance and significance as the core subjects.