By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Kumasi, July 3, GNA – Hilltop International British School (HIBS) in Kumasi has reaffirmed its commitment to quality education by prioritising the recruitment of teachers with the right attitude, temperament and passion for nurturing children.
Mr. Patrick Kwesi Essiam, Head of the School, said academic qualifications alone were not enough to make an effective teacher, stressing that teachers must possess the patience, empathy and commitment required to guide learners at different stages of development.
He made the remarks in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of the school’s 12th graduation ceremony held in Kumasi on the theme: “A New Phase Begins: Shaping Tomorrow with Cambridge Experience.”
A total of 73 students graduated from the Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and Cambridge Advanced Level sections to the next stage of their academic journey.
Mr. Essiam said Hilltop School placed premium on recruiting teachers with the appropriate disposition to inspire, mentor and care for children, noting that not everyone was suited for the teaching profession.
“Not everybody is fit to handle children,” he said, explaining that teachers must understand the developmental needs of learners and create a supportive environment that promotes both academic and personal growth.
He said the school also invested in continuous professional development to ensure that teachers remained abreast of modern teaching approaches and learner-centred methodologies.
According to him, education is evolving rapidly, making it necessary for teachers to continually update their knowledge and classroom practices to meet the changing needs of students.
Mrs. Cecilia Agyei-Amoako, Proprietress of Hilltop International British School, said the school’s emphasis on recruiting dedicated and child-friendly teachers formed part of its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
She said, for nearly three decades, the school had combined the Ghana Education Service curriculum with the Cambridge International curriculum to provide parents with quality educational options, while also expanding to include a Senior High School to enable students to continue their education within the Hilltop system.
Mrs. Agyei-Amoako urged parents to visit the school and interact with management to better appreciate its educational philosophy instead of relying on misconceptions that the school charges exorbitant fees.
She also encouraged the graduating students to remain confident as they progressed to the next phase of their education, assuring them that the school had equipped them with the knowledge, discipline and values needed to excel.
“Go out there with confidence and let the world know where you are coming from. We believe you are fully prepared for the future, and we wish you every success,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim