Meet Luna Cao: Hanqing Bilingual Pathway Chinese Principal
Hanqing Bilingual Pathway SHC Article SHC Story SHC TeacherLuna Cao is an accomplished international educator with 17 years of experience in bilingual education and multicultural development. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Innovative Education Leadership from Concordia University (USA) and holds a master’s degree from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Luna is a certified Principal under the China National Curriculum, with accreditation from the Ministry of Education of China. Her expertise includes the China National Curriculum, IB programmes, and Mandarin-English bilingual curriculum development.
Career Highlights
- Harrow LIDE School, China: Established a thriving multicultural community of over 1,000 members from 20+ nationalities, including students from China and ASEAN countries, alongside teachers from the UK and China.
- Northwest China’s Largest IB International School: Played a key role in founding a school with students and staff from 40+ nationalities, fostering cultural exchange and learning opportunities.
Luna’s leadership is further underscored by her prestigious certifications and accolades:
- Training: IPCSL (University College London), PTC Principal Training, IB PYP, MYP, and DP certifications.
- Achievements:
- Forbes China’s Top Ten Outstanding Principals (2022).
- Forbes China’s International Education Outstanding Contribution Award (2023).
- Most Influential Principal, Chinese international schools (2023).
Building Bridges Through Bilingualism
Luna Cao shares her inspiration behind the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, combining the strengths of a British Curriculum with the richness of Mandarin language and culture.
“I was inspired to start the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus due to the unique opportunity it presents to combine the strengths of the established British Curriculum with a rich Mandarin language and cultural experience. Building a leading bilingual programme outside of China is particularly appealing, especially given Shrewsbury’s strong reputation and foundation in Bangkok.
The success of the British International Pathway at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus provides us with a solid foundation, allowing us to leverage the existing strengths of the school. Through the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway, we aim to equip students with the ability to communicate in fluent English and Mandarin, think critically, and drive change in an increasingly interconnected world. Additionally, the close cultural ties between Thailand and China offer an exciting backdrop for fostering cultural exchange, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway on our community.”
Strength Through Experience and Collaboration
Luna Cao reflects on how her leadership and multicultural expertise will shape the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway.
“I bring a wealth of experience in international education and a deep understanding of both British and Chinese educational systems, which uniquely positions me to lead the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway to success. My background in developing bilingual curricula allows me to create an integrated learning environment that supports language acquisition while fostering critical thinking and cultural understanding. My strong leadership skills and collaborative approach will ensure that our team, including the teachers from China, UK, and Thailand, works effectively together to create a cohesive learning experience.
I am committed to building a supportive and inclusive community that values diversity, which will enhance the educational journey for all our students. Additionally, my passion for cultural exchange and innovation in education drives me to seek opportunities for engagement with both the local and Chinese communities. This focus will not only enrich the curriculum but also help our students develop a global perspective, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.
Together, these strengths will enable me to lead the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway with vision and purpose, ensuring it becomes a thriving programme that equips our students for future success.”
From Vision to Reality
Learn how Luna Cao’s short-term and long-term goals aim to position the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway as a model for bilingual education in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
“In the short term, my primary focus is on establishing the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus successfully this year. This involves developing a robust curriculum that integrates both Chinese and British educational practices, recruiting and training a dedicated team of educators, and creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment for our students.
In the long term, my vision for the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway is to equip students with lifelong skills that will prepare them for an increasingly globalised world. This includes fostering not only proficiency in both languages but also critical thinking, cultural awareness, and adaptability. I aim to provide various opportunities for students to use their language skills in international competitions and different settings, enhancing their real-world communication abilities. I want our students to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging in a multicultural environment, enabling them to communicate effectively and thrive in diverse contexts.
Ultimately, I aspire for the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway to become a model for bilingual education in Thailand and Southeast Asia, promoting intercultural understanding and preparing students to make meaningful contributions to society.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Luna Cao reflects on overcoming cultural differences and curriculum integration to position Shrewsbury as a leader in bilingual education.
“Introducing the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway will undoubtedly come with its challenges, but I view these as opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Cultural Differences: One of the primary challenges will be navigating cultural differences between the Chinese and British educational systems. However, I see this as an opportunity for me to act as a bridge, fostering understanding and collaboration between both cultures. By creating an inclusive environment that respects and integrates diverse perspectives, we can enrich the educational experience for all students.
- Complementing the British Curriculum: There may also be concerns about how the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway will fit within the existing British Curriculum. I believe that instead of competing with it, the new pathway will complement and enhance the curriculum, offering students a well-rounded education that incorporates bilingualism and cultural fluency. This approach not only benefits our students but also strengthens the reputation of Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus as a forward-thinking institution.
Overall, I view the introduction of the Hanqing Bilingual Pathway not as a change but as a positive change that will position Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus as a leading professional school offering two innovative pathways.
This initiative will broaden our educational offerings and attract a diverse community of learners, ultimately enhancing the learning environment for everyone.”
A Life Guided by Purpose and Passion
Luna Cao reflects on the influences outside of school that shape her philosophy—family, travel, and community service—and how these passions motivate her to create meaningful educational experiences for students.
“On a personal note, I’ve been happily married for 20 years and am the proud mother of two boys, aged 12 and 9, both of whom are being raised as bilingual learners. My family is at the heart of everything I do, and I strive to create a nurturing environment that celebrates language and cultural diversity.
I have a deep love for travel, animals, and people, which enriches my perspective on the world. Exploring new places and connecting with different cultures inspires my work in education. I believe that through travel, we gain invaluable experiences that shape our understanding and empathy for others.
Community service is also a significant part of my life. I am passionate about sustainability and actively participate in SDG service projects that aim to make a positive impact. I truly believe that we can all make a difference to the world, no matter how small our efforts may seem. This mindset drives me to engage with the community and instils the same values in my children and students.
Working in schools and with children allows me to channel my passions into meaningful work. It brings me immense joy to contribute to their growth and development, and it reinforces my belief that education can change lives. This fulfilment motivates me every day to create inspiring learning environments where students can thrive.”
Luna Cao
HQP Chinese Principal at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus