Dr. Stuart Tasker is an educator who has been an expatriate for 12 years. In June, he will be moving to Thailand to act as the new Director of ACG School, Jakarta, an institution 400 students of 32 different nationalities.
Where are you originally and how long were you an expat?
I am a New Zealander considers, having lived there since I was 12 and having the New Zealand citizenship. But I was born in Africa and grew up in Australia and England before moving to New Zealand; my parents are English and I also have British citizenship. As an adult, I worked in Australia, England, Thailand (twice), Fiji and China. While to live as an expatriate; it was about 12 years old - or perhaps all my life
In what area do you earn your doctorate
My doctorate is in education !? . My thesis is an analysis of the impact of Learning Service - the benefits of significant community service the commitment to learning, academic achievement and personal development. It was a great experience dating back to study for my PhD later in life. It strengthened my conviction about the importance of being a long learner of life.
You move to Jakarta in June to act as director of the school ACG Jakarta. How do you feel about the move?
I have completed four years as director of my school today and I'm ready for a new challenge. After visiting the school ACG Jakarta twice and saw the campus, the staff and of course the children, I am excited to help the school develop and grow.
Whether you are interested in relocating to Indonesia from Rayong, Thailand?
I know ACG as a teaching group of the substance and integrity of my time in New Zealand, so this was the first key. Indonesia is a wonderful country, busy and interesting. The Indonesian people I met in my life up to that point were incredibly warm and soft. These things made the decision pretty easy in the end.
How were your experiences as far as expatriates in Thailand and how do you think these will be compared with an Indonesian expatriate?
In Thailand life is always interesting. The people are friendly, the food amazing and the lifestyle of an expatriate is as good as you are willing to do - or quite ready to adapt. I think life in Jakarta will be "same same but different", to borrow a famous phrase Thai.
Dr. Tasker with, deputy director of primary ACG, Sarah-Jane Green
What do you hope to achieve during your time ACG school Jakarta?
ACG school Jakarta is relatively new, but it is now well established as a school of quality and integrity in Jakarta. The family atmosphere of the school is wonderful and I hope to continue to promote this wonderful spirit among students, teachers and parents. I am interested to see higher school to develop in the same way as primary school has gone from strength to strength. I think I have something very special to offer there
What will be the first task on your calendar when you start working with ACG Jakarta?
The first things I will do is look, listen and talk to key people - students, staff and parents - to see how the school is perceived. serious thought will only then be given to what might be done to improve what the school is already so well.
What are the traits that you must have to be a major success and respected?
I would like others to see me as calm, accessible and affable. But quite professional and committed to the development of children and young people - which is where I can sometimes be difficult and stubborn, I see the educational background of each child as so important
.Jakarta has a large selection of international schools; what distinguishes ACG apart from others?
ACG School Jakarta has a specific family feel to it. Staff and parents are there to reach and support children in their learning journey. The school makes this tripartite partnership rich, rewarding and enjoyable for all.
What program do ACG school Jakarta follow? What do you personally prefer - IB or A Levels, and why?
ACG offers IGCSE by Cambridge University students in year 11 and CIE A Level qualification subsequent to the year 12 and 13 students. The fact that these reference tests is very motivating for the students and their families who often move between countries and applying for universities worldwide. I am also a staunch supporter of the International Baccalaureate as it is broad, challenging and brings with it other valuable things such as the profile of the learner also.
Do you believe that students of international schools are more tolerant of other cultures?
I hope all schools deal with these things in a similar way. It is doubtful that any school or school type, is more tolerant or understanding of the other as a general statement, even in the world of international school.
A school must respect all cultures, perspectives, religions and diversity. It is important for all students to see and understand the experience, tolerance, and acceptance. Many international schools have the advantage of a wonderful mix of cultures, nationalities and perspectives to embrace, which would make this easier I think.
As an educator, what do you think is the most important thing to teach students
To be an active part of your own process learning ?; to enjoy school and out as much as possible. Learn (not just academic learning) are not "made" for you, it is something that should be adopted and appreciated.
What teaching students to smartphone era? What challenges do these gadgets are creating in schools
Smartphones are what they are - omnipresent and is really annoying in a school or a wonderful potential opportunity to expand learning opportunities. I work in schools where they were forbidden (there several years and not really practical in today's world) and others where they formed a key part of a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment to facilitate learning through the Internet, the use of key applications etc. A major challenge is "dependence" or over-reliability, it may be on smartphones by many young people. It is a balancing act; we need to take the best they have to offer and avoid the pitfalls.
Have you ever had to deal with a bullied student on social media? How did you manage that?
This is inevitable in today's society, so I had to face many times. Each instance is obviously different and often with many factors. Bullying in any form should be dealt with firmly and consistently, but cyberbullying can be sinister as cyber-personality people are often different from their physical.
Do you have any concerns about living in Indonesia
Just the usual concerns as an expatriate :? Happiness and well-being of my family. It is important that as a non-working spouse that my wife is happy and also that my girl has many beautiful experiences as she grows up in this amazing country.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job as principal?
Everyone wants to be a principle of what they expect to be a principal. An effective principle must be able to meet those expectations as best as possible.
If you could choose a famous actor to play you in a movie, who would it be
Someone a bit wacky - ?! Jim Carrey or maybe Johnny Depp
Thank you, Dr. Stuart. To contact, please email: acgjkt@acgedu.com