At this point in the academic year, our thoughts naturally start turning toward September and planning for the further growth and development of the school. As I work with the Senior Leadership Team to find the very best teachers to join us at RSJ, I’d like to share one of my favourite interview questions:
“If you had all the time and money in the world, what would you spend your time doing?”
It sounds simple, but many people struggle to answer it. At its heart, it’s really asking: What excites you? What gives you a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose? The most interesting answers aren’t about material possessions—they’re about experiences, relationships, and finding a shared purpose.
Fostering Creativity and Connection
As we head into the final weeks of term, there’s a real buzz around school with preparations well underway for our first-ever drama productions in the Black Box Theatre. The seniors will be taking on Much Ado About Nothing, while the juniors are preparing A Midsummer Night’s Dream. What better way to begin than with some Shakespeare?
Performing in front of an audience takes real courage. It means stepping outside your comfort zone, making mistakes, finding your voice, and working as a team—whether you’re delivering a monologue, dancing in unison, or supporting from backstage. Drama offers a unique opportunity for students to grow in confidence, resilience, and self-expression.
And of course, theatre is all about connection—between the cast, crew, and ultimately, the audience. Live performances, just like live music or sport, have a way of reaching us on an emotional level. The shared experience of creating something for others, the energy in the room, the conversations that carry on long after the curtain falls—these are the moments that bring a school community together and create long lasting memories.
Rethinking What We Value in Education
Traditionally, when hiring in education (and many other industries), the focus has been on qualifications, years of experience, and subject expertise. These things matter, of course, but they don’t always tell the full story of what makes a truly great teacher.
As AI continues to reshape the workplace, more employers are recognising the gap between what we’ve valued in the past and what actually makes a difference in a dynamic, ever-changing world. In education, the most impactful teachers aren’t just knowledgeable—they’re adaptable, creative, and deeply invested in their students’ growth.
At RSJ, when we look for new staff, we prioritise those who bring energy, empathy, and a ‘can-do’ attitude. We value people who are great team players, who can solve problems on the fly, and who bring positivity and initiative into everything they do.
Interestingly, these are the same skills that students develop through drama. Performing teaches young people resilience, collaboration, and the ability to think on their feet—all qualities that will serve them well in life, no matter where their future takes them.
Join Us for a Night of Theatre
I really hope you’ll be able to join us for what promises to be fantastic performances of entertainment. Our students have poured their creativity, hard work, and dedication into these productions, and I have no doubt they’ll deliver something special.
You can find full details on how to get tickets below—we’d love to see you there!
Senior Production: Much Ado About Nothing
Junior Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Please note that we are currently reserving seats at these productions for existing RSJ families only.
If your child is not an RSJ pupil, please email enquiries@rugbyschooljapan.ed.jp and the team will be delighted to notify you if we are able to make tickets available to the wider community.
