Academic Leadership
Academic Leadership
Through their expertise and knowledge they help to shape the GSG's vision, mission and benefits to the education sector.
Bob Darwish
Mr Darwish is tasked with building a progressive educational environment
for OWIS, Dwight, Harrods, CISM, Glendale & Regent schools, and improving the quality of their programmes and syllabi, expanding knowledge dissemination, standardising systems and processes and ushering in newer initiatives for better outcomes.
Pramod Tripathi
Mr Tripathi is in charge of the syllabi and scholarship programmes offered
by GSG schools in their campuses.
Greg Culos
Greg Culos brings over 30 years of experience in international education.
Having spent 20 years in Canada and over 10 years in Japan, he is a passionate traveller, who enjoys collaborating with like-minded individuals worldwide.
Known for his ability to see possibilities where others may not, he thrives on challenges that test his judgment. He has held the prestigious positions of UNESCO Global Chair on Education (UNITWIN) and UNESCO-UNITWIN Innovative, Sustainable, and Clean Energy Research and Education Chair. His professional career began at Bodwell College in Canada, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the transformative power of international education.
Greg values the common purpose of community and he believes in being approachable, symbolising his commitment to inclusivity and openness. He is currently leading the establishment of One World International School in Osaka, a school that will be dedicated to providing a world-class education that prepares students to become global citizens. Greg completed his graduation from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in English Literature, is International Baccalaureate Certified, and holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Comparative and International Higher Education, Training, and Policy from The University of British Columbia.
Shannon Pipes
Shannon Pipes is the founder and principal of One World International School in Riyadh.
She is a highly experienced educator with a 14-year career dedicated to empowering students through education. She worked as an English teacher and Head of Department in South Korea and China for a total of nine years and as an administrator in Abu Dhabi, UAE for five years, where she gained valuable insights into creating conducive learning environments.
Motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of others, she embraces the opportunities for continuous learning and growth that being an educator and administrator provides. With a deep commitment to the holistic development of students, Shannon derives immense joy from witnessing their growth and constantly seeks innovative approaches to facilitate their learning journey.
Shannon’s educational philosophy has evolved through her experiences as a teacher and administrator, but her unwavering dedication to educating the whole child remains steadfast. She completed her undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Arts Education, in English and her post-graduate degree with a Master of Arts – MA, Curriculum and Instruction, both from Arizona State University.
Jasmit Kang
An esteemed educator and visionary leader, Ms Jasmit Kang, serves as the
Founding Principal of Glendale International School. With 24 years of teaching experience in NCfE schools in England and Dubai, Jasmit has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, inspiring her team to reach new heights of success.
Under her guidance, improving school standards in a short span of time is GOOD and VERY GOOD, as judged by the UK and UAE governments. Recognised for her unwavering dedication to student well-being and welfare, Jasmit prioritises the holistic development of each student. She fosters a safe and nurturing environment that encourages self-expression, creativity and critical thinking empowering students to become responsible global citizens.
Jasmit completed her Bachelor of Education from Liverpool Hope University before her postgraduate master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham. She has also completed her NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) from University College London.
Melissa Maria
Melissa Maria is a strong proponent of nurturing the uniqueness of every child.
She has over 25 years of experience in education and administration across reputed schools in India, Oman and Singapore.
A multi-award-winning educator, Melissa has been responsible for qualitative learning of students, professional growth of teachers and staff, as well as academic excellence and quality in education. Her zest for green initiatives and innovation has led to several recognitions for GIIS. She is committed to ensuring that students and staff remain current and relevant and are prepared for the 21st century. This passion has led to the introduction of several new programmes and activities which have been recognised at national and international levels. She has helped develop curricula for various Kindergarten and Value-Added programmes in schools, conceptualised programmes for the better benefit of students like computing Happiness Index, and served in various important positions of an assessor, auditor, innovator, project lead and mentor. Melissa has actively pursued community integration activities and outreach toward the less fortunate in society and has been recognised by the Singapore government for her contributions. Melissa has a Master of Arts (History) from Mumbai University and a Bachelor’s in Education from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. She has completed the Educational Leadership Programme from the Centre for Education Management and Development in New Delhi, India, and an Educational Management programme from SNDT College Mumbai, India.
James Sweeney
James is from Birmingham, England. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts
(Hons) degree in History from University of Plymouth, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from University of Worcester, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
James started his career as a Primary School teacher before taking on further responsibilities. He has both taught and held leadership positions in schools in the UK, South Korea and China over the past several years.
Angela Henderson
Angela is from Canada, but Singapore has been home for her for the past 18 years.
A senior professional in the education sector, she has over 33 years of experience in teaching and school leadership roles in Canada, USA, and Singapore. She has taught children in different grade levels from Kindergarten to Grade 6, and has nurtured the development of her students through Special Education, Art and Drama as well. She knew from a very early age that she wanted to become a teacher, as her grandmother and mother were also educators.
James Morris
A graduate of Oxford and Cambridge, James brings 31 years of educational expertise,
including 17 years in senior leadership. He has led top-ranked K-12 international schools, achieving stellar academic outcomes and guiding students to universities like Oxbridge and the Ivy League, while fostering holistic learning.
Christopher Larter
With 20+ years in international education, including 14 in leadership,
Mr. Larter has taught across all levels, led diverse teams, developed curricula for 40+ schools, and authored ten children’s books, specialising in PYP, UDL, and curriculum innovation.
Clarke Stroupe
Clarke brings nearly 25 years of experience in international schools across
Egypt, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Côte d’Ivoire, and India. A strong advocate for self-directed learning, he has recently contributed as Director of Professional Learning at ISPP Cambodia and at the IB Global Centre in Singapore.
Mark Pearce
Mark is an experienced educational leader with 29 years in the Independent education sector,
including 22 years in senior leadership roles such as Housemaster, Deputy Head, and now enjoying his second Headship at Heath House Prep School, Blackheath, London. While his early career was rooted in boarding schools, Mark has focused on the preparatory school sector in recent years.
His leadership in prestigious London preparatory schools reflects his unwavering dedication to academic excellence and holistic pupil development, ensuring that students successfully transition to top UK senior schools such as Harrow, Westminster, Eton, City of London, James Allen’s Girls’ School, and Queen’s College.
Mark is passionate about unlocking each pupil’s true potential, fostering a growth mindset, and encouraging individuality, empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. His vision for education is to inspire young minds to become confident, well-rounded individuals who contribute positively and meaningfully to the world around them.
Gino Luayon
Sir Gino is a passionate educator, a lifelong learner, and a seasoned teacher-trainer.
He served as high school principal of PAREF Southridge School (Day School and Afternoon School) for five years, and as the school’s faculty training officer for four years. After working with the PAREF community for over two decades, he then moved to Everest International Academy where he served as Upper School Section Dean, Vice Principal and then Head of High School.
Since 2010, Gino has been training teachers in the implementation of the English K to 12 Curriculum through the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC). He is also a First Eduspec lecturer on implementing the STEAM Robotics curriculum and provides trainings and workshops on instructional leadership and effective assessment in collaboration with reputable publishing companies and various Higher Education Institutions. He is also the founder of Teacher Education Network Philippines, (TENph) a group of teachers helping teachers.
Angelica Fernandez de Castro
Bambi Fernandez de Castro is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience, including a decade in educational leadership.
She has taught Mathematics across a wide range of grade levels—from Grade 4 to Grade 12 Statistics—bringing depth, clarity, and care to every classroom she enters.
She has served as Head of School for two of our sister schools in the Philippines: Domuschola International School and Chinese International School Manila, where she helped shape strong academic and values-driven communities.
Passionate about education, Bambi not only champions academic excellence but also works tirelessly to foster a school culture grounded in integrity, compassion, and service. She believes that by nurturing a solid moral foundation, students and educators alike are better equipped to face challenges, make ethical decisions, and build a more just and peaceful society through collaboration and mutual respect.
Tom Ferguson
Tom believes in preparing students for the future world, equipping them with essential skills and understanding to succeed in any path they choose.
He views academic excellence as fundamental, while fostering confidence, resilience, empathy, and enthusiasm through IB Programmes that inspire students to create a better, more just world.
Originally from Scotland, Tom brings over twenty years of experience in international education to his leadership role as Head of School at Dwight Seoul. His global teaching career has spanned China, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa, with significant experience in Asia where he previously served as Principal of a leading IB school in Southwest China and held senior positions in Hong King and Beijing.
Tom holds impressive academic credentials, including a degree from the prestigious Moray House School of Education at Edinburgh University and a master’s in international education from King’s College London. His educational background is further enhanced by a master’s degree in information technology and BA (Honors) in Marketing.
Throughout his career, Tom has developed a comprehensive understanding of international education, which informs his effective leadership approach. His extensive experience across different cultural contexts enables him to foster an inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity while maintaining high academic standards. Under his guidance, Dwight Seoul continues to prepare students to become globally minded citizens ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.