Five Minutes of Fame with Richard Lee
Richard Lee is Deputy Head of Senior School and has been at the College since its opening in 2014. Here, he tells us a little more about the interesting thing his five dinner guests have in common, a teaching experience that has stayed with him forever and his current favourite reads.
Where else in the world have you lived?
I have lived in the UK, Malawi, Kenya and Abu Dhabi, though Singapore is very much home now.
Tell us about your family.
I was brought up in Warwickshire, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. My father was in the hotel business and I believe I inherited my love for travel from him. I have been married to Joy for 14 years and we have two wonderful daughters, Abigail and Kasy, who keep me grounded and remind me to smile.
What’s your favourite weekend activity in Singapore?
Hiking with the family, catching a good movie or going to a theatre performance. I have also been known to be partial to a round of golf when time allows.
Did you always want to be a teacher?
Aside from boyhood dreams to play at White Hart Lane… yes.
What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?
That is a very difficult question as it changes year on year. My favourite genre is historical fiction so let me go for: Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks and The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Do you have a hidden talent or a top secret that no-one would know about you?
A claim to fame (that only my Year 7 English class know about) is that I once played in an ‘international’ friendly football match against the Kenyan national side. It was a great occasion, even though we lost by five goals.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party, dead or alive?
CS Lewis, Jonathan Agnew, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Judie Dench and Muhammad Ali. They all have one thing in common: the ability to captivate their audience.
What does a typical day at the College look like for you?
One of the perks of my job is that no two days ever look the same. I enjoy working with our dedicated staff to ensure that our students feel positive about coming to school and enjoy their learning experience, both in and outside the classroom.
Do you have a motto or saying that really resonates with you?
Treat others how you would like to be treated yourself.
Do you have a most memorable teacher moment?
I have enjoyed all the schools I have taught in, but teaching English as a VSO volunteer in Malawi gave me an insight into education that has stuck with me throughout my career.
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