We have had many fantastic teachers at GIS since the school opened in 1951, all of them having played an important role in our school’s development. In order to help recognise their special contributions to our school, we have introduced a spotlight series for our teacher Alumni – just a small gesture to recognise and thank them for their impact on our GIS community.
This month, we caught up with Mr Iain Ruck who taught in secondary from August 2005 to July 2010.
Mr Ruck, tell us more about your role(s) at GIS.
Garden International School was my first international school posting and I started in August 2005. I joined as the Head of Sociology, teaching both IGCSE and A level classes and also some KS3 History. As I had a PE background, I also coached the Under 15 Boys Soccer team.
What have you been doing since you left GIS?
I left to take on a Senior Leadership role at the British School of Guangzhou between 2010 and 2018. I had a sabbatical that allowed me to travel and spend time in Spain, where I also worked at the British School of Navarra until July 2021. I was appointed the Head of Malvern College, Qingdao in August 2021.
What was the campus like when you were at GIS?
The facilities have been developed extensively since I first arrived at the school. When I started, we had a grass pitch that was prone to flooding and a few tennis courses. My friends at GIS have kept me updated with the fantastic site developments over the recent years.
What was teaching and learning like at that time?
I can’t speak for others, but I do know that my teaching developed and improved during my time at the school and that other colleagues felt the same. I also believe that this is another area that has continued to strengthen since I left the school.
Are you still in touch with any former GIS teachers and students?
I was fortunate enough to make many friends for life amongst the teaching staff at GIS. Despite having left 12 years ago, I still meet up with a number of them. I managed to recruit Mr and Mrs McKenna and Mr Delmotte to work with me in Guangzhou, and have met Ms Pow in Barcelona, Ms Cusowrth and Ms Heyes in China and Spain, Mr and Mrs Munns in Singapore, Mr Cook in Thailand, China and Japan, Mr Smith in Bali and countless others in the UK. Facebook and other social media platforms have made it easier to keep in contact with both staff and students.
What motivates you every day in this teaching field?
Seeing students realising their potential and making progress is incredibly rewarding. As I have grown into senior leadership I have also found a similar pleasure in seeing teachers develop their craft.
What is your reaction when you hear about what your past students are doing now?
It doesn’t surprise me. I have taught many students who have consistently demonstrated fantastic abilities, aptitudes and attitudes. I feel immense pride and pleasure in hearing of their achievements.
What is the greatest challenge facing teachers today?
Teaching can be all-consuming – there is always something more that you can do. At times I have struggled to maintain a good work-life balance, and I know this is true of many of my colleagues. Taking a break in 2018 to recharge and travel was one of the best things that I have done to manage this – you can’t be a good teacher if you are exhausted. This has been particularly true over the last 2 years, as the pandemic has made international teaching and living far, far harder than it had been previously.
Please share some of your favourite memories from your time at GIS.
Langkawi weekends with staff, travel opportunities with staff and students on various camps and trips… Malaysia and South East Asia offer so much! Roti Canai Friday with the Humanities Department, Faculty socials and beating Mr Wilson at the pool, as well as the opportunity to learn from fellow professionals. I have so many great memories; 2005- 2010 was a golden time for me personally and professionally!
And finally, some final words for our community…
GIS and Malaysia offer so much; make the most of it!
A huge ‘Thank You’ to our Teacher Alumni Ian Ruck for sharing his GIS journey. It has been great to reconnect with you and we wish you all the best in your endeavours. If you would like to feature in our Alumni articles, just get in touch with us: alumni@gardenschool.edu.my. Because every story matters.
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