THE JOURNEY TO SHREWSBURY

Hong Kong residents and current Shrewsbury School students, Josh and Sam Canham, were welcomed onto campus by Principal, Mr Ben Keeling, last week to explore their experience of life in the UK and the challenges they faced on arrival as they moved into boarding houses for the very first time.

Hong Kong residents and current Shrewsbury School students, Josh and Sam Canham, were welcomed onto campus by Principal, Mr Ben Keeling, last week to explore their experience of life in the UK and the challenges they faced on arrival as they moved into boarding houses for the very first time.

Josh and Sam are twin brothers - they started life at Shrewsbury School three years ago and are now confident and comfortable members of a community they described as warm and supportive. Keen to develop greater independence, they encouraged their parents to explore boarding options at a relatively early age.

"Mum was a little reluctant at first," Josh explained. "We looked at a number of schools, but Shrewsbury was always our first choice and staff there were quick to put her at ease."

"We were particularly keen on the wide range of academic options available," Sam added. "Staff demonstrated an incredible commitment to individualisation - they have even been able to support the continuation of my Chinese language studies."

The boys are relaxed, confident and affable: great ambassadors for a school that prides itself on the development of students beyond the realm of academics. Salopians are described as confident but not arrogant, honest but not righteous, gentle but not feeble, respectful but not stuffy and principled but not strident - Josh and Sam are well on their way.

"The first few days were pretty daunting," shared Josh. "The grounds are enormous and we were late for almost everything for a while, but everyone was so supportive and our nerves soon settled."

"We were in regular contact with our parents," explained Sam, "but our House-mates made sure that we were well occupied. Shropshire has become a home from home."

Josh and Sam talk fondly about growing up in Hong Kong. They are quick to recognise the relative privilege of living in such an accessible city - they particularly enjoy the climate here, the opportunity to travel, and they do miss their family (and dogs) when they are away, but...

"We benefit from such an incredible range of opportunity at Shrewsbury School and boarding life is enormous fun," Sam enthused.

"Looking back, the move was exciting and terrifying in equal measure," Josh shared. "It's important to keep busy in the first few terms - engaging as broadly as you can helps to keep your mind focussed and allows you to build strong relationships quickly."

Their time on campus concluded as it began, with a reflection on the role of independence as ambitious young men.

"It was a pleasure to spend time with Josh and Sam. We know that their parents and their school are enormously proud of all they have accomplished. We look forward to hearing more of their success and happiness in the future."
Mr Ben Keeling, Principal