Cameron Hunter

17 August 2020

Middle School Principal returns to Dover Campus

Dover Middle School Principal, Cameron Hunter is one of a small group of teachers who have not only taught on both campuses, but who have left and returned to the College after a period away seeking professional growth. In returning to UWCSEA Dover, Cameron brings new ideas and fresh perspectives shaped by his time away and his commitment to the UWC mission and values.

In a letter of introduction to Dover Campus Middle School parents in August 2020, Cameron Hunter explained his journey with UWCSEA thus, “I’m excited to come back over to Dover to lead the Middle School team, and to work with your children during this pivotal moment in their development. I first came to the College back in 1995 as a young Science teacher, and spent several years working on Dover Campus, and have most recently been Middle School Vice Principal at East Campus.” 

For Cameron, the attraction of working in the Middle School is in the challenge of connecting both cognitively and emotionally with young adolescents and helping them navigate their way through this stage of their lives. He notes that, “you have to secure their social-emotional development to enable maturity in cognition and academic success. That requires a whole school holistic approach which is challenging—some would say it’s the most challenging aspect of the middle-school years—but it is so immensely rewarding.” 

Cameron’s journey with UWCSEA is reflective of the passion for learning we hope our students will bring to their lives. Initially joining as a Chemistry, Science and Theory of Knowledge teacher, Cameron then took on the responsibilities of Head of Grade in what was then the Upper School (Grades 9 and 10) and then as the Head of the High School Chemistry Department. 

Seeking professional growth and experience in another IB environment, Cameron then spent a number of years in Europe at the Munich International School. During this time, he completed his Master’s Degree in Education and became more interested in concept-based teaching and learning, an area he would later lead on in his role as Vice Principal of Academics in East Campus. 

Although his time away from the College was professionally satisfying, the attraction of UWCSEA was never far away. “It may sound a little cheesy, but UWCSEA truly is a unique place,” says Cameron. “Of course it’s a wonderful school, filled with energetic students and committed teachers. However, the way the whole community works to bring the mission to life, every single day regardless of what their role is—that’s what makes it such an exciting, rewarding and stimulating environment. I am very grateful, every day, to have the opportunity to work in such an inspiring place.” 

When East Campus opened in 2011, Cameron returned to Singapore and UWCSEA as Head of Science, helping to establish the Science faculty as the campus expanded to include students taking IGCSE Coordinated Science and the full range of IBDP Science courses—Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems and Society. He then spent a year as Interim Vice Principal in the High School at East Campus, covering a colleague’s sabbatical leave. This sparked his interest in school leadership which led to his position as Vice Principal in the East Campus Middle School which he started in August 2016. 

Cameron has also been actively involved in the residential boarding community throughout his time at both Dover and East Campus as an assistant houseparent.

Cameron and his wife, Shima, have three children, Kyle, Calum and Isla. He plays as much sport as his injuries allow.