E D U C A T I O N
ASK THE PRINCIPAL DAVID HICKS
Founding Principal , Dubai International Academy (DIA) Al Barsha
How did you begin your career in education? After graduating from university, I took up employment as an internal auditor. However, within two years, I realised it was not the career path I wanted. During my early years of employment, I was often asked to help the children of family friends with their studies. I also maintained my love for the beauty of mathematics. It became clear to me that I could combine the love of mathematics and the enjoyment of helping others by training as a Mathematics teacher. I started my teaching at a successful and high-profile school in Cardiff – Ysgol Glantaf – the alma mater of many successful and high-profile individuals. From there, through promotion to the Extended SLT, I joined a nearby school, Ysgol Plasmawr. Throughout these times, I taught entirely through the medium of Welsh. After nine years in Cardiff, I decided to venture overseas and arrived in Dubai in 2005, as part of the founding team of a British/IB school. Since then, I have been deeply involved with International Baccalaureate Schools here in Dubai as Head of School and Principal before landing the role I hold now, also spending several years as a member of the IB Regional Council and the founder of the UAE IB Association.
28 | MAY 2020 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
