Cambodia Investment Review
On the 9th of December, Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh celebrated the start of construction of their main campus in Jovan City, to the north of Phnom Penh. Though it is common to witness ‘Grand Opening’ ceremonies of hotels, restaurants, malls and so on as Phnom Penh and Cambodia’s economy rapidly grows, this ‘ground-breaking’ was something special.
Schools are more than just physical constructions of bricks and stone; they are living communities that develop their own traditions, values, spirit and culture. This made the event a cause for celebration for the new school.
On a sunny morning, dignitaries, dragons, and diggers gathered in anticipation of the ground-breaking ceremony for Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh. This special occasion marked the progress of the project thus far, such as the agreements and partnerships forged with the Jovan Group, Shrewsbury School in the UK, investors and business leaders, to the creative architecture firm FUTURE. Excitement filled the air as the concept design for the school was unveiled.
Outstanding educational opportunities to pupils
It was clear that the new school would be far ahead of those already established in the country, with superb facilities such as the Performing Arts Centre and a range of studios for dance, drama, and theatre. The specialist teaching spaces for sciences, design and technology, and computing were equally impressive. Everyone present could feel the future of the school and the community being brought to life.
“We are very excited to be breaking ground on this new school, which is set to transform the surrounding community. We look forward to seeing the main campus open in 2024, providing outstanding educational opportunities to pupils in the country,” said Mr. Toby Waterson, Founding Principal of the new school.
New level and energy for schools in Cambodia
Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh will bring a level of life and energy never seen in Cambodia before in schools. Facilities and architecture will be exceptional, the British curriculum robust, and the international faculty experienced and well-qualified. Boarding will be available, with world-class facilities, and the school’s influence will spill out to the nearby Jovan City community, enriching it with life beyond the school day.
The plans for boarding showed an audience a clear sense of what these safe, modern, and sociable spaces will look like. There is no doubt that this school will not just be good, but great.
It is no surprise that Shrewsbury School in the UK wished to incorporate boarding into the new school in Phnom Penh. For centuries, boarding students at Shrewsbury UK have gained many invaluable skills such as leadership, independence and the formation of life-long relationships. The concept design for the new school was directly inspired by the ‘DNA’ of the British school, with the addition of a clock tower on top of a central library, to signify the bond between the two institutions.
Opening its main campus in September 2024
The Asian Games Stadium, Garden Centre Water Park and nearby safari have already been established near the school, providing a glimpse of what life could be like in this new part of Phnom Penh. But at the centre of it all is the school, which is renowned for providing the best education in the country.
It is the school’s ambition to make a positive difference not only to its students, but also to the community and nation as a whole. This school is set to become the heartbeat of the new community that will spring up around it.
The sun shone brightly as the community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh. It was a very exciting day, and everyone eagerly anticipated the changes the school would bring to the area. We look forward to watching the story of this school unfold and the positive impact it will have on the community.
Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh will open its main campus in September 2024, welcoming Early Years and Primary Year groups (ages 2 to 11). The Early Years campus, located at Phnom Penh City Centre, is already open for children aged 2 to 5.
