Raha Gardens Campus - Candidate Brochure

At Raha International Schools, members of the Taaleem family of schools, we believe that a successful education is all about inspired, imaginative teaching, centred on the learner as an individual. We nurture students not only to achieve academic success but also to become true global citizens.

Raha International School opened the doors of its Gardens Campus in 2006 A mini oasis in Khalifa City, the Gardens Campus is situated on 14 acres of beautifully landscaped property in the Raha Gardens community. It boasts an abundance of spacious and bright indoor and outdoor spaces for learning, play and collaboration.

RIS GC is an International Baccalaureate World School, currently catering for grades EY1 to Grade 12 Now at capacity with more than 2000 students and over 250 staff from 80 countries worldwide, the campus is also home to many flora and fauna.

RIS GC is bound by its commitment to develop and equip students with knowledge, skills and values through an effective and challenging curriculum Instructors use the IB Learner Profile to build a school in Dubai with a foundation based on a nurturing and caring community environment.

To become a truly world class IB Continuum School, we dedicate ourselves to inspire our students to achieve their personal best, promote a culture of respect and to make purposeful, proactive decisions.

RIS - AN ACCREDITED IB WORLD SCHOOL

Raha is an IB World School, nurturing students not only to achieve academic success but also to become true global citizens

At Raha International School, deep and personalised learning is at the heart of our curriculum. Our students learn to think critically, ask questions, collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds, and use creativity to solve problems.

Raha students will develop flexibility for learning by crossing disciplinary, cultural and geographical boundaries as they discover their passion and purpose in school and the world around them

The IB curriculum is internationally acclaimed and respected for its relevance in today’s multicultural and increasingly global society We are also one of the first schools in Abu Dhabi to be awarded the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge's (ADEK) highest rating of “Outstanding”, an amazing achievement for our staff and students.

MISSION & VISION

Our approach to education is founded on our Mission and Vision – a framework of ideas used to guide our development.

Our Forever

To transcend the ordinary.

Our Mission

To provide an exceptional educational journey to ensure individual success in an ever-changing global context.

Our Vision

To empower our international community to flourish and inspire a love of learning.

RAHA'S EXCEPTIONAL JOURNEY

In 2015/2016 and 2017/2018, Raha was awarded the top inspection rating of ‘Outstanding’ by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)

As a school that always seeks to move forward, we have worked extensively on how the school moves from ‘Outstanding’ to Exceptional. This is not an ADEK rating but a personal milestone to continue improving. Our goals are set below:

Initiate: Promote and develop student and staff leadership across the school.

Experience: Provide more opportunities for international trips, work experience, and support of the global community

Invite: Host a variety of outstanding community events to further enhance the school’s profile.

Take Risks: Empower our community to be secure enough to take risks and build resilience.

Perform: Showcase the Arts as a flagship part of our identity in order to become globally recognised for excellence.

Compete: Develop students to excel and increase participation in sporting and non-sporting events, including international competitions.

Develop: Foster partnerships with schools and universities to share best practices and support professional development

Embrace: Nurture an appreciation for the language and culture of our home and host countries; promoting international-mindedness.

Expand: Develop our image to become a world-renowned multi-campus school

Research: Ensure best practice through action and evidence-based research.

Taaleem, formerly known as Beacon Education, is a school management company set up in 2003 to develop and run high quality education projects.

The founding partners identified two distinct gaps in the market: the need for more top-quality schools to cater for the growing population and the desire of the many investors to plough their funds into ventures that will help to secure the long-term success of the region. Taaleem was founded to fill these gaps

Our Focus is first and foremost on education and students. The comprehensive and holistic approach we employ means that we place as much emphasis on the emotional, social, moral and physical development of our students as on the academic

Our Purpose is to inspire young minds and help our students to identify and develop their passions and talents. To achieve this, Taaleem will provide children with the skills and knowledge to compete on a level playing field with students from the world’s top schools.

Our Vision is to be the most respected provider of early childhood, primary and secondary education in the Gulf.

Our Mission is to inspire our students and staff to explore, identify and develop their passions and talents.

LEADING IB WORKSHOP PROVIDER

As one of the Middle East’s leading IB Workshop providers, Taaleem, in cooperation with the IB, has offered International Baccalaureate IB teacher training workshops across all four of the IB programmes; Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) for almost 14 years.

Taaleem has been contracted as a preferred Professional Development provider since 2009 in the IBAEM region and offer three workshop events over each academic year Typically our workshops have been offered physically but since the pandemic we also have a very successful virtual model.

Taaleem has an outstanding reputation in the region for offering exceptionally high-quality workshops and attracts participants from not only the UAE but also globally Our workshop facilitators have been approved, selected and trained by the IB organisation They are qualified IB educators or consultants with many years of IB experience in teaching, examining and IB administration.

TAALEEM IB WORKSHOP FACTS

Pali joined Raha in 2022 during Term 3 She was Head of Primary and Vice Principal at Taaleem’s Uptown International School (UIS) since August 2017 and was appointed Acting Principal of the whole school during a transition of leadership in 2021.

Pali is a very experienced leader and has earned great respect within the staff, student, and parent communities she has led and worked in She is also highly qualified and holds a BA (Hons) in English and History from the University of Birmingham and the Post Graduate Certificate in Education as well as the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH) from the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL)

Prior to joining Uptown International School in 2017, Pali was Headteacher at a highly reputable primary school in the UK. Her school gained national recognition, through the Parliamentary Review, for rapid and sustained improvements resulting in the school being in the top 10% nationally for student progress

PALI NAHAL PRINCIPAL RIS

GC

Pali is a trained Tribal Inspector, a facilitator and assessor for the NPQML and NPQSL programmes, as well as an Executive Coach for the National College of Teaching and Leadership. She also holds a coaching qualification and is an accredited trainer for Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats. Pali is passionate about providing students with the best possible learning opportunities, so they are empowered to become leaders of the future.

Pali enjoys spending time with her family, swimming and walking. She is an ambassador for a charity group and is actively involved in raising money and awareness for charities around the world.

Carol stepped into the role of Vice Principal at Gardens Campus in 2022 and is new to the UAE and the Raha community. She is originally from Canada, and began her teaching career in the UK. She has taught in a number of IB schools in Thailand, Brazil, China, Egypt, and Portugal.

As an experienced senior leader, her love of the IB stems from her years as both a DP and MYP Coordinator, and watching her students flourish due to the amazing educational and personal opportunities that come along with being an IB learner.

Carol’s philosophy of education aligns closely with that of the IB, in that students should be challenged and inspired to become critical thinkers who are caring and internationallyminded.

CAROL PRATT VICE PRINCIPAL RIS GC

PAUL EDE

HEAD OF SECONDARY RIS GC

Paul holds a Bachelor's in Education from the University of Toronto and Master's in Leadership from the University of Bath, UK He has worked in education for over 20 years, gaining experience teaching in the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programmes Paul has enjoyed collaborating with the IB as an external moderator and is looking forward to partnering with the Council of International Schools in a similar capacity

Paul joined Raha in 2007. He enjoys teaching and learning at Raha because it has become a dynamic environment that fosters and supports the individual growth required for communities to flourish Paul is a strong believer in the IB philosophy and accompanying framework that nurtures inquiring minds and develops the necessary skills to make us better global citizens.

Matt is a New Zealand trained leader and educator with 26 years of experience of teaching and leading New Zealand and British curriculum schools.

The past 12 years have been in the role of Principal and Head of School in New Zealand, London and Indonesia.

Matt has two teenage daughters and is married to Karlene, who is a primary school teacher. Matt and his family have enjoyed settling in to Abu Dhabi life and the Raha community.

MATT O'DOWDA HEAD OF PRIMARY RIS GC

EILEEN BUTLER HEAD OF EARLY YEARS RIS GC

Eileen is originally from Ireland and has been working as a teacher and leader for 19 years in both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates

Eileen is passionate about Early Years and inquiry-based learning.

Eileen's educational experiences have allowed her to collaborate with many different cultures and curricula with the goal of enhancing student achievement and well-being.

TEACHER TESTIMONIALS

"Working at Raha International School has been a truly rewarding experience. The school's mission to build strong teachers and support families is evident in the way it operates The school's professional development opportunities and resources for teachers have helped me to grow as an educator and improve my teaching skills Additionally, the school's emphasis on building connections with the community has allowed me to become more involved in the local area and make a positive impact on the lives of the students and families I serve. The school's culture is collaborative, supportive and always focused on the student's well-being The school's leadership team is approachable and always available to support the teachers and families. Overall, working at Raha International School has been an extremely fulfilling experience and I feel fortunate to be a part of such an amazing community." - Ryan, Visual Arts Teacher

"The people make Raha. The students, with their diverse backgrounds, passions and talents. The parents, who on the whole choose our school because they value and support the values of the IB. The staff, who are positive, hardworking and bring a 'can do' attitude It's a happy and fulfilling community to which many people are proud to belong." - Penny, Head of G4

"I started at Raha in August 2022. My experience so far has been great. The way the HR team helps you every step of the way to complete all the forms and steps that needs to be done is of the highest quality. They are quick to reply to any concerns and are there every step the way. The management of the school has been amazing in the support they give towards understanding IB better. The training is always relevant and helps you to better yourself and your classroom practice. They place a high value on personal and professional development and you are encouraged to enroll in the programs they offer. The staff has been amazing too. They are always on hand to answer questions and to give advice. Being a new employee in a new city can be stressful, but here at Raha there is a sense of community that puts you at ease It is a fantastic school with a wonderful support system." - Mindri, EY Teacher

"Taking a job at Raha changed my life Gaining IB experience? Living in a city full of beautiful beaches and amazing restaurants? I was sold! But what I could not have anticipated just how much I would learn and grow from being a part of this special school community. From the moment you step onto campus, Raha just feels different. The school is spread across a dozen buildings, surrounded by gardens, greenery, cobblestone pathways, and -most importantly- a café! It looks like a miniature community, and it feels like one too Working with the staff here over the years has been amazing PD- I have learned from some of the best teachers in the world The leadership team has always been supportive, real, and approachable But most importantly, the students and families at Raha are fantastic. Coming from over 80+ nationalities I always felt like I was teaching a mini–United Nations! Raha parents are the best. They are truly partners in learning, and just want their children to be happy.

If you are career-driven, Raha is a school of opportunities where hard work gets recognized I have been able to gain experience first as a Grade One homeroom teacher, then Grade Five, Head of Grade Five, and now as Whole School Head of School Improvement If you’re looking for a lifestyle change, Abu Dhabi is an amazing base. Not only will you make friends for life amongst the other teachers, but there is so much to experience in the city. On any given weekend, you could have a beach day, go camping in the desert, ride the world’s fastest roller coaster, play on a sports team, or visit the Louvre. If you enjoy traveling, Abu Dhabi and Dubai (an hour up the road) are major travel hubs flying to anywhere you can dream of visiting. I’ve been to 90+ countries in my time here!

Taking a job at Raha changed my life. Maybe it will change yours too!" - Shawn, SLT

CLASS & SUBJECT TEACHERS

Job Purpose:

The Taaleem teacher embodies, radiates and transmits the unique Taaleem ethos of excellence, innovation, creativity and compassion. We recruit the very best international teachers who can deliver our international curricula in a creative, collaborative, and highly engaging manner Taaleem is committed to inspiring students and helping them to identify and develop their passions and talents.

Through inspirational teaching, with a deep understanding of students’ individual learning needs, the Taaleem teacher strives to ensure that our distinctive curriculum programmes lay firm foundations for academic and professional success, personal and spiritual fulfilment and a love of lifelong learning in each and every one of our students. Taaleem Teachers inspire young minds.

Key Relationships (Internal and External):

Students, colleagues, parents and the School Principal, Heads of School and Senior Leadership team.

Person Specification: Education: or Experience: Attributes:

Have a Degree and a PGCE, PGDE and/or QTS

Bachelors of Education (B.Ed.)

Possess recent successful experience of teaching in a reputable school IB curriculum experience preferred

We are seeking outstanding, dedicated and resilient teachers to join our team.

You will be an innovative and reflective practitioner who is keen to learn and progress.

You will have a flexible and enthusiastic approach with a cando ethos.

You will have the knowledge and ability to make a difference to our students and take an active role in sharing your expertise to enhance our community.

J O B D E S C R I P T I O N

Key Responsibilities:

Representing areas of knowledge, understanding and skills, in all their richness, to students taught

Engaging and motivating students to achieve at levels that are beyond their expectations and previous limits

Using excellent subject knowledge, pedagogic and interpersonal skills to enthuse students and enable students to enjoy learning

Making full use of ICT and the new technologies to enhance the quality of teaching and learning for students of all ages and attainment levels

Planning lessons taking full account of students’ individual learning needs, as well as their individual learning styles, preferences and capabilities

Co-operating with colleagues to establish and maintain fair and consistent disciplinary practices in the classroom, around the school and on school trips, and taking active measures to protect students from all forms of abuse, including racist or sexist abuse, bullying, and any kind of corporal punishment

Contribute to and plan after-school activities as required Actively support the school partnership with the community e.g. attending school / community events which may occasionally occur at weekends or in the evening i.e. school concerts etc.

RIS and Taaleem are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

J O B D E S C R I P T I O N

The UAE is home to a rich and diverse population of expatriates from all around the world. It is a true fusion of eastern and western cultures, with minimal culture shock for those pursuing their first international venture. With virtually no language barrier, tax-free income, year-round sunshine, and endless travel opportunities, it is easy to see how the UAE's popularity has soared with young professionals and families alike. One of the safest and happiest countries in the world to live in, the UAE also offers its residents an exciting array of excursions and activities throughout its seven Emirates.

Whether it is water sports or deepsea diving in the Arabian Gulf of Fujairah, hiking the Hajar mountains or zip-lining from the highest mountain peak in Ras Al Khaimah to the luxurious shopping malls or browsing the traditional souks for gold and spices in Dubai, to dune bashing adventures in Sharjah, the UAE truly has something for everyone.

LIVING AND WORKING IN THE UAE