John Zobrist joined GESS as Head of Design in 2023 and transitioned into his new role as Director of Innovation and Educational Programs from August 2024. We speak with him on his exciting new plans for GESS, integrating innovation into our educational framework.
Tell us about yourself.
I have always been passionate about all aspects of design systems, products and services. I studied Design and Technology as part of a four-year full-time degree programme in Sheffield, UK. With over 25 years of educational leadership experience at high-calibre international schools in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bahrain and Japan, specialising in Design and Technology, Entrepreneurship, STEM, and Innovation, my career has enabled me to share my passion for engineering, coding, electronics, structural and mechanical design, graphic communication, design for sustainability, material science and manufacturing with students across all grade levels.
Marrying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with Innovation, I have facilitated numerous real-world projects with business and industry partners for students. With this, students from Grade 1 to 12 can understand the processes and complexities of various manufacturing systems, as well as the branding and marketing strategies necessary to successfully launch a product.
I also enjoyed organising conferences around Design, STEM and Innovation and made presentations to teachers, leadership and ministries of education in various countries, including Singapore, USA, Japan, Hong Kong and Indonesia. In January 2015, I was awarded the International Development and Support of Design and Technology award by the UK’s Trustees of the Design and Technology Association, for my efforts in promoting Design Technology across Southeast Asia. I definitely look forward to applying my expertise in my new role at GESS.
Top left | 2015, keynote speaker at Dubai STEM Conference
Top right | 2015 January, awarded the International Development and Support of Design and Technology award by the UK’s Trustees of the Design and Technology Association
Bottom | 2016, speaker at STEAM conference at Suntec Exhibition Centre, Singapore
How do you see yourself contributing as a key member of the GESS management team, and what are some of the plans you have for our students?
Our Limitless Learning Plan set in place over the next five years by our Leadership Team and Board of Governors will enable my Innovation team to grow existing programmes and also introduce new and exciting opportunities for students interested in developing their skillset in various fields.
GESS is unique with its two curriculum streams and awesome facilities, offering great potential for growing innovation and existing educational programmes to enhance student learning and build an even stronger community. I am particularly keen to foster collaboration through cross-sectional and inter-disciplinary teaching. This approach also supports the growth of our co-curricular activities, sports teams and the arts, and encourages entrepreneurship. I see significant potential in leveraging the expertise of staff leading the library, creative arts, service and sustainability, STEM and Innovation, and the Edtech team. Their roles are crucial in enhancing student experiences and supporting a diverse range of learners, including those with unique needs and gifted and talented individuals.
Eleven years in Singapore (including ten years at another international school) have built me a strong network within international schools. This paved the way for me to create opportunities for students to compete meaningfully and creatively with one another, in a variety of challenges ranging from engineering, 3D printing, app design, music programming, sustainable farming to design for disability, architecture, industrial design and food innovation. Duplicating the same success and more at GESS, I am looking at growing the range and number of students getting to attend competitions and conferences, and especially to participate in service and sustainability projects. There is so much to be done, and I am in the midst of forming a team to back me up in these. For a start, I have James Bleach who just joined GESS as Head of Design and Innovation Coordinator!
Collaborating with external partners is a central strategic goal for me as I develop our programme. I am happy to learn that GESS has a BeyondClassrooms programme, which is a great over-arching initiative for me to come in and contribute by building relationships with local and regional partners. Working in tandem with the GESS External Communications and Relations team, we believe these partnerships are essential because they give our learners access to industry expertise, enabling them to test their ideas against real-world challenges and maximise their chances of success when they leave school. BeyondClassrooms has a good momentum with internships, industry talks and visits, event deployment, public performances and more – all made possible with partners. I will definitely help make the programme even stronger.
What are some challenges you foresee in this new role at GESS, and how would you overcome them?
A challenge which is also a positive opportunity is to get the community involved with our projects, such as those under our award-winning BeyondClassrooms programme. This includes engaging with new and existing GESS families, businesses and industry partners so our learners can gain authentic experiences that are often difficult to teach in a traditional school setting. Additionally, I am committed to instilling a culture characterised by respect, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation for students, staff and all other stakeholders, to ensure consistency in exemplifying and modelling these attributes in our daily interactions.
Lastly, tell us what do you like to do in your personal time?
I really enjoy tinkering, taking things apart, and putting them back together, especially my bicycles! I also enjoy collecting a range of classic design products and reading about the history of industrial manufacturing. Additionally, I love the outdoors, particularly hiking and cycling. It’s fantastic and a privilege that GESS is positioned right next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in Singapore, offering easy access to such a beautiful natural and diverse environment.
