FRANKIE Cheung is relocating to Singapore after 19 years with the English Schools Foundation. To celebrate his fantastic career at KGV, Renaissance College and Island School, we asked our long-serving educator to look back over nearly two decades of teaching and share his most memorable moments and advice for new starters. Huge congratulations to Frankie on his outstanding service and contribution to ESF. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Frankie's ESF journey: 1994 - 2022

Frankie joined ESF in 1994 as a part-time Chinese teacher at Island School. After a two-year hiatus in Scotland studying for a postgraduate degree, Frankie returned to Hong Kong and to our ESF community, continuing his career at KGV teaching IGCSE and IBDP Chinese between 1998 and 2011, including working as Acting Head of Chinese between 2000 and 2001.

Frankie concludes his ESF career at Renaissance College, where he has taught MYP and IBDP Chinese and is currently a teacher-librarian and Chinese resource specialist. When he leaves at the end of term, Frankie will be returning to Singapore.

Frankie at RCH In 2018

Could you tell us about your first memories of working at ESF?

“My first memory was back in 1992 when I taught an executive Mandarin course for a group of ESF principals. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a number of high calibre people in ESF leadership, including Jennifer Wisker, David James, Nick Miller, Michael Brennan, Elizabeth Muscroft and David Coles.

Later I was offered my first teaching position in Island School, working with an amazing Modern Foreign Languages team led by James Galbraith, who was one of my mentors at the start of my career in ESF. Heather Wilson also provided me with guidance on how to effectively communicate with students."

Please share some memorable moments.

"The walk downhill along Borrett Road to Central after a day of working at Island School was an exhilarating experience."

"Another thing that caught my eye during that time was the large black government Rolls Royce with a crown at the front that used to park at the school entrance on parents' evenings."

What do you remember about your time at KGV?

"I am filled with nostalgia for my days at KGV. One of the school's annual events that I enjoyed most was the Speech Day. Not only did I enjoy the whole school singing 'Honestas ante Honores' and the music, but also the quality of speeches delivered by speakers such as Anson Chan and Emily Lau."

Frankie at KGV main entrance

Who have been your closest colleagues and how did you support each other?

“My closest colleague was Dr Bill Chau, a Design and Technology teacher in KGV. We both went through tough times and supported each other a lot with chats during our rides home after school. We still keep in touch pretty often these days. The jokes of Kenny Wright and Rod Minns also kept me smiling over the years."

Tell us something you will never forget about your time at ESF?

"My friend Phil Barnes. His sudden passing was a huge shock to me and the entire school community."

What have you enjoyed the most about your career at ESF?

"Teaching and inspiring all these lovely students. I believe I have succeeded in establishing mutual respect between students and myself.

I think my sense of humour and communication skills helped me build good relationships and dynamics with students. I still keep in touch with many of my students."

What will you miss the most about ESF?

“The professional development opportunities."

What piece of advice would you give new starters at ESF?

"It's a community full of excitement, fun and laughter. You'll love it!"

Huge congratulations to Frankie on his outstanding service and contribution to ESF. We wish him the very best with his new life in Singapore!