We are delighted to introduce Ms. Amy King, who joins Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong (Senior School) as our new Head of History. A passionate historian with a lifelong love of the subject, Ms. King is committed to helping students discover that history is not confined to textbooks, but a living narrative that continues to shape our modern world.
With a dynamic and creative approach, she brings history to life through debate, critical thinking, and storytelling — encouraging students to question perspectives, analyse sources, and connect the past to the present. Her lessons spark curiosity and empower pupils to see history as a way of understanding humanity and their own place within it.
Read on to learn more about Ms. King’s teaching philosophy, inspirations, and what she’s most looking forward to in her first year at Wycombe Abbey.
Q&A with Ms. Amy King
Tell us about your role at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong.
I am the Head of History at the Senior School and am looking forward to meeting the next generation of history students!
What inspired you to become a teacher?
A pure and utter love of the subject ever since I can remember.
How would you describe your teaching style?
History is the best subject for students to get creating (propaganda), debating (individuals and events), judging (controversies), and unpicking fake news (source analysis). I love the endless possibilities of devising lessons where students become the history we are learning about.
What’s one thing you hope students take away from your teaching?
That History is not dead kings, learning dates, and writing endless essays. I want students to understand that the repercussions of the events we study are happening every day in the world and in their own society. The transferable skills they learn in History — analysis, judgement, argument — are so useful in the working world (and don’t involve memorising dates!).
What do you love about Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong?
I love working at a school with a rich history and traditions but which is also embracing all that is new.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities, school events, or initiatives?
I run the prestigious academic History Bee and Bowl quiz and have previously taken students to compete in the Asian Championships. I’m hoping to get a Wycombe Abbey team together but first I’ll be talent spotting at an Inter-House tournament coming soon!
What book, movie, or song would you recommend to your students—and why?
Goodbye Lenin — a film about the fall of communism in East Germany from an East German perspective. It blows away so many preconceptions we have about the Soviet era in Europe. Jojo Rabbit and Life is Beautiful are also wonderful examples of how to approach difficult subjects like the Holocaust. And of course, any Asterix books — come and borrow some at History Corner in my classroom!
What are your hobbies or interests outside of school? What is a fun fact about yourself?
I moved away from Hong Kong for a few years and desperately missed the incredible hikes and beaches. I love visiting historical sites in Asia and have been lucky to stand on the very spots where so many of the momentous events I teach actually happened. I also love cricket and used to be a member of Surrey County Cricket Club — only watching, though!
What are you looking forward to most this year?
Teaching motivated, curious, and creative History students!
We are delighted to welcome Ms. King to our Senior School community. Her energy, expertise, and passion for making history engaging and relevant will inspire students to think deeply and critically about the world around them.
Stay tuned for more introductions in our Introducing Our New Teachers Series as we continue to welcome exceptional educators to Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong.
