Remarkable International Schools in UAE. by The Knowledge Review

2021 | VOL-02 | ISSUE-01

Remarkable International

SCHOOLS in UAE

AL ITTIHAD PRIVATE SCHOOL AL MAMZAR

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDUCATION IN UAE – PLENTY ON YOUR PLATTER

he United Arab Emirates boasts of a horde of expatriates from across the globe. As per the ofﬁcial statistics of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in 2019, nearly 88 percent of the population is that of migrants. Blue skies almost always, a great night life and safety, good company, skyscrapers and zero income tax are just few of the incentives that allure people worldwide. But the Gulf region is much more than the golden sands, amalgamation of cultures and food, and Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest tower. It has been surfacing as one of the most emerging education hubs. To provide education to the children of these expats, number of English schools were opened. Many of these schools have evolved into international schools today. Not so long ago, people preferred leaving their families in their native countries for a myriad of reasons, one of the important being children’s education.

Having realised this rising need with the rising number of expats, the Gulf region began providing education at the primary level as early as in 1950s. Gradually, the education system began evolving and today is a fullﬂedged hub for the expats. If you are looking for good education for your children, the UAE has a lot to offer in your platter. The schools in UAE emphasise upon inclusive education, shaping global citizens with empathy and tolerance towards all mankind. Overall, UAE has made gigantic leap in the world literacy sphere with an education system that is just around a century old. And the attempts of educators at developing, advancing and refurbishing the education system to meet the current standards continue relentlessly. International schools are thriving and in demand in UAE. These schools do not usually segregate by gender and the medium of instruction is generally English. Right from International Primary Curriculum to International Baccalaureate, International General Certiﬁcate of Secondary Education, American International Schools, British International Schools and international schools of other countries to American High School Diploma and Advanced Placement, expats have a wide range of options to choose from.

International schools in UAE recognise the needs of expat students and have been catering to these wide range of needs. These schools, however, could be expensive but if you are looking for quality education for your child in a foreign land, there should be no second thoughts about it. Moreover, with a zeroincome tax policy in the country, it should not be difﬁcult either. Degrees from these international schools make admissions for higher education in other countries easier. Today these schools have caught the attention of the world. We have attempted to feature few of these eminent schools in the latest edition of our magazine The Knowledge Review - Remarkable International Schools in UAE. Hope this edition throws some insights on international schools in UAE. Have an interesting read about the schools featured, the CXO standpoint from industry experts and articles curated by our inhouse editorial team. Happy reading!

T R

Sumita Sarkar sumita@theknowledgereview.com

Cover Story

08 Al Ittihad Private School Al Mamzar A Professional Learning Community

Articles

Inclusive Education

The Transition

Education in the United Arab Emirates

Changing Dynamics in Classrooms

CONTENTS

Delhi Private School Dubai The Ascension Grounds for The Inquisitive

Dubai Scholars Private School Exceptional Opportunities to Learn and Grow

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Remarkable

International

SCHOOLS IN UAE T R

Name of the Institution

URL

Brief

Al Basma British School

http://www.albasmaschool.ae/

Focusing on enriching students' lives with wholesome education that is joyous and meaningful

Al Ittihad Private School

http://www.ipsmamzar.com/

A school with an ideal combination of academic excellence and strong values

American Community School, Abu Dhabi

https://www.acs.sch.ae/

A non-prot, U.S. accredited college preparatory school serving a culturally diverse student body

Delhi Private School Dubai

http://website.dpsdubai.com/

A private, co-educational institution for the diverse, expatriate community in the UAE

Dubai College

https://www.dubaicollege.org/

A modern secondary education in the British style, to the highest academic standards for expats and also for UAE children

Dubai Scholars Private School

https://dubaischolars.com/

A student-centered learning environment where children are authors of their own learning and become authors of their own futures

Emirates International School - Jumeirah

https://www.eischools. ae/Jumeirah

Offering a broad international IB education for local and expatriate students, that promotes excellence in all academic activities

International School of Creative Science

https://iscs.sch.ae/

Striving for academic excellence with strong moral values to develop successful and contributing members of a global society

Kent College Dubai

https://kentcollege.ae/

Providing the same high quality education as that of the founding school in Canterbury while reecting the local context

https://iscajman.sabis.net/

Providing top-quality education to children of different races, nationalities, and backgrounds, enabling them to be admitted to competitive universities

The International School of Choueifat - Ajman

Cover Sto

Al Ittihad Private

ory

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At IPSM… We Lead, Courageous and Audacious

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School Al Mamzar A Professional Learning Community

Remarkable International Schools in UAE

ngaging students with ideas, to think and to learn, to help them explore the world of learning with the guidance of teachers, produce wholesome individuals with knowledge that lasts a lifetime. Such learning is way away from mere bookish knowledge and exams that are temporary achievements. Contextual understanding of learning is what Al Ittihad Private School, Al Mamzar advocates and practices. Keeping students as the focal point, innovative teaching within ﬂexible learning spaces that encourage and facilitate teacherplanning and multi-disciplinary and multi-modal learning have been the USP of the school. The stakeholders of the school describe it as - A Community of Learners Disrupting Traditional Education.

We, at The Knowledge Review, explored more about the prestigious school in UAE that has produced a great many scholars.

About the School Al Ittihad Private School Al Mamzar (IPS-M) is an American curriculum school, underpinned by Emirati Culture, Character and Philosophy. The school works towards preserving the local culture and heritage and instilling core Islamic values in its learners. Whilst keeping the religious values intact, the school prepares its students to meet the needs and challenges of the modern world with high competency, conﬁdence and competitive skills. The inception of Al Ittihad Private School Al Mamzar, which was over 40 years ago, was a visionary and courageous step taken by its founders. “Ours founders were in tune with the spirit of this great nation as they dared to dream big. We strive to live up to the vision of our founders through a commitment to positive religious, social, emotional and academic outcomes,” says the school management.

They add, “With our 40+ years of experience, innovation and passion in education, we are proud of our legacy and heritage”. Core Values Al Ittihad is a fully inclusive learning community and it ﬁrmly believes that every member of the community has a distinctive voice, purpose, and gift. The concept of tolerance is embedded in their daily lives, “as we live our Islamic religion within the context of all that we do,” stresses the management. Hence, they have developed special bonds with all of their families who understand the uniqueness of the school and see the school as an extension of family life. The Leader Director General, Massimiliano Caruso, began his tenure as the new Director General of this most august school. He is generous enough to acknowledge the foundational work and leadership of his predecessor,

Amna Mohamad Raﬁ, as the school celebrates its achievements and exciting new directions. Caruso enunciated an initial new and bold vision for the school, as it built on the past, developed the present and leaps into the future.

Learning at Al Ittihad The Al Ittihad model facilitates learning that is individual, (certainly individuated), in-group, community, and in team. This is an important distinction as research clearly supports the idea that learning is constructed and occurs best as a social activity. Immersion in learning, in this way, allows for greater depth of understanding when we begin to also craft conditions, where thinking becomes visible. Many of us think in isolation, in our own minds and this is good practice. However, real creative thinking and problem solving truly occurs when we ‘make thinking visible’, that is, when we articulate our thoughts and ideas within the Executive Team and the teachers. Ideas are shared discussed, explored, reshaped and a better result occurs. In demystifying the thinking and learning process, models are provided to students regarding what it means to engage with ideas, to think and to learn. This way the school dispels the myth that learning is simply a matter of

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We foster opportunities for our children to participate in an education that prepares them for life and immerses them in their God-given Emirati culture

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This vision is shared, re-shaped and enacted by the outstanding executive team, leaders, teachers and staﬀ of the school. The IPSM executive team has risen to the challenge of re-imagining education and indeed, the challenge posed by one of the most devastating, disruptive pandemic events in living memory.

Al Ittihad Al Mamzar is a resultoriented Professional Learning Community that: • accepts learning as the fundamental purpose of the school and therefore are willing to examine all evidencebased pedagogies in light of their impact on learning. • commits to working interdependently to achieve a collective purpose. • embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity within all aspects of the learning community. • assesses eﬀectiveness on the basis of results rather than intentions. The community members, teams, and stakeholders eagerly seek relevant data and information in order to reﬂect, plan, and design pathways that promote continuous improvement. Going That Extra Mile With the support of all members of the learning community the school is able to provide an environment that meets the needs of all the students and prepares them for future opportunities. In a practical sense, when themes are explored, (for instance, across primary), then teachers may, in the learning community setting, (with children in groups, sitting in their learning spaces), examine aspects of these themes by using various thinking tools. However, clarity precedes competence and pedagogy precedes performance. “In other words, our teachers need to know what they want students to learn, what success will look like, the pedagogical methodology, and how they will measure learning,” explains the school management.

Ittihad follows the “I do, We do, You do” model, which is a gradual release model. This methodology has proven to be most effective with the students, who are predominantly English language learners. This model provides a solid structure for learning and utilizes scaffolding to give appropriate support to all learners with varied abilities. Further support is provided through a rich Response to Intervention program that closely monitors learners and provides them with systematic individualized assistance. Achievements In Spring 2020, IPS Mamzar’s Al SAQR Rahhal Program was approved and endorsed by the KHDA. This was a milestone for IPS Mamzar, because it enabled the school to offer learners

“

Children grow into the intellectual life of those around them

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committing to memory facts and ﬁgures or concepts that are provided by teachers or lifted out of textbooks.

Alumni Speak: I am honored to be an Al Ittihad Private School Al Mamzar Alumni, the institute which equipped me with essential education and skills to become a doctor. I developed valuable leadership and communication skills through the opportunities it offered allowing me to thrive in my ﬁeld today. Also, the curriculum adopted at the school provided me with the extensive knowledge needed to get into a world-class medical school in the United Kingdom. • Sultan Ayoup Alzarouni (Year of 2016) AIPS Al Mamzar is a beautiful school and a sweet part of my childhood memories. I believe AIPS gave us a good balance between academic and social development. We enjoyed football as much as we appreciated maths. I am thankful for AIPS that gave me the opportunity to play the trombone and piano. We used to play the UAE National Anthem in front of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid during our sports days. I later studied up to Grade 8 in solo piano in the UK. Mohamad Khodr Al-Dah (Year of 1996) (Survey Director for the Dubai Land Department) Mohamad is the only Emirati Chartered Structural Engineer with the Institution of Structural Engineers UK (IStructE).

More Pride of the School Aysha Mohammad AlRumaithi (Year of 2012) A sustainability engineer at the Water Sector and civil engineering. Aysha got her bachelor’s degree in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. Further she got her master’s degree in Civil Science. She is currently Senior Engineer – Innovation Ecosystem at Dubai Electricity & Water Authority – DEWA. Aysha preserved on improving and applying multiple initiatives and projects which effectively contributed to achieving the Authority’s strategic goals and Dubai Government visions in terms of sustainability, digitalization, and futuristic plans. At the forefront of her contributions is participating in constructing and building Al-Ruwaya Sustainable Facility in which the Authority was rewarded for the best GBCI as the top corporation in the Middle East and North Africa. Aysha attained several international professional certificates in sustainable energy and deserved a position among top five to get the True Advisor certificate. She is also a graduate of multiple international programs like ‘Young Leaders of Future Energy’ held by Masdar Institution and ‘The Green Enterprise’ from Iceland due to her awareness of the youth’s role in integrating the three poles of sustainability. Aysha was elected by the executive committee in Dubai to represent the youths locally and internationally. She won more than 90 rewards. Abdulla Mohamed Saeed Al Marri (Year of 2002) Captain Engineer in Dubai Police, Member of UAE National Team Abdulla holds a bachelor’s degree, Communication Engineering from Khalifa University 2006. He completed Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Athletic Leadership. Abdulla is a member of UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. His golden memories at Al Ittihad Mamzar were being a member of the senior Soccer Team and won the first place in Gulf Soccer Championship in 2001. Abdulla added that AIPS Al Mamzar mastered him with high level of mathematics skills which has not only helped him during university years, but also pushed him to choose engineering.

collaboration, cooperation and active listening. Coping with Covid-19 In light of COVID19, the educators were tasked with ensuring the continuity of learning through remote learning. Without forewarning, teachers had to adapt quickly by learning new technologies and adopting new teaching strategies to mitigate against learning loss. Moving forward, the school adjusted to a ‘new normal’ by merging newly learned strategies with the best of its existing practices. Consequently, the management forged a new hybrid model of professional pedagogy. The new innovative model of learning has seamless integration of online and face-to-face activities.

ultimate flexibility and more personalized learning experiences. Members of the Rahhal program will be able to engage in the learning process anywhere in the UAE and the world. The ALSAQR program has three main tracks for students Grades 5-12. A) Students of determination who may benefit from an enhanced or vocational program that focuses on the individual needs of the learner. B) Students with particular gifts, talents, and/or interests. C) Students who need flexibility in their learning times and environments. Standing Apart The school’s Bank Street approach has a number of distinctive characteristics: • Using a deep knowledge of child development as a foundation of curricular development so that what

•

happens in the classroom helps children use their current capacities to learn how to think and problemsolve, alone and with others Providing opportunities for first-hand interaction with the environment (people, places, and things) and then returning to the classroom to create individual and collaborative meaning through discussion and use of rich materials. Incorporating the knowledge (reinforced through neuroscientific findings) that emotions and cognition are intertwined into classroom practice Creating a community of learners so that children come to develop respect for each other, the adults who care for them, and those who may seem “different” from themselves Applying democratic principles in the classroom including but not limited to group decision making,

Teaching and learning at IPS Mamzar is better than ever before because it offers flexibility, innovative ways of teaching material, and new ways for students to demonstrate learning. “We truly are prioritizing the wholesome development of the child and focusing on learning experiences that are transformational,” the management informs. The Future The school believes all learning is social and emotional, and IPS Mamzar’s new pilot curriculum is explicitly designed for students to learn key concepts about well-being so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives. IPS Mamzar’s Positive Education Curriculum will expand upon the foundational core themes and values of responsibility, innovation, global citizenship, respect, and inclusion. With a structured approach to SEL learning, our aim to develop the child in a wholesome manner will be enhanced and will be more effective. T R

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in the

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES T

he United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most mature education markets in the middle east region and remains a draw for investors, providers and students. From rustic schools with minimum infrastructure to technologically advanced classrooms ﬁtted with smart boards, the education landscape in the UAE has come a long way. Since the ‘90s, educational institutions in the country have evolved to suit the needs of a highly competitive job market. With sprawling school and university campuses, new courses and regulations, an increased focus on technology, and a greater focus on student well-being, growth in the education sector has matched the rapid pace of the UAE’s development. Although, despite

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Inclusive Education

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these rapid developments, there also continue to be several challenges in the industry, including high costs, and the actual task of increasing student engagement and participation. For these reasons, the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda emphasizes on the development of a ﬁrst-rate education system. This will require a complete transformation of the current education system and teaching methodologies. UAE Vision 2021 The national agenda aims that for universities, schools and students to be equipped with smart systems and devices as a basis for all teaching methods, projects and research. The plan also emphasizes there to be signiﬁcant investments to promote enrolment in preschools as it plays an important role in shaping children’s personalities and their future. Rashmi Nandkeolyar, the principal and director of DPS Dubai, said: “Education is an important pillar of the UAE National Vision. Our school’s program is in sync with the UAE’s national agenda. Being part of an education system that is making great strides in ensuring quality in teaching and leadership, I have witnessed the constant evolution of the curriculum and introduction of novel learning programs.” She added, “The major focus of the agile education system of this country is not only in moulding the intellect and character of students but also in preparing them to achieve beyond their potential by creating a world-class and dynamic learning environment”.

Next Generation of Educators, Innovators and Thinkers The primary aim of education should be to prepare students for the future. Director Rashmi Nandkeolyar believes that schools should design their curriculum with the end goal that aims at providing students the opportunity to be future thinkers and innovators. There should be an emphasis on the four Cs of the 21stcentury skills needed to move up the career ladder – creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. They should encourage students to have a moral compass and embrace qualities such as tolerance, grit and resilience. Director General of Al Ittihad Private School Al Mamzar, Massimiliano Caruso, believes that all learning is social and emotional and that his school aims at piloting a new explicit curriculum designed for students to learn key concepts about well-being so they can live healthy and fulﬁlling lives. He believes that schools should emphasize upon inclusive education and positive curriculum education to produce global citizens. That is what his school has been striving for. Rashmi Nandkeolyar added, “Schools should also drive students to take a stand against injustice and contribute proactively to society with a high level of civic responsibility. Thus, schools should provide an environment which promotes rational global thinking, metacognition, life skills, character building and an attitude of science with a strong moral learning.” It is an exciting time to be studying in the UAE right now! T R

Aditya Umale

Additionally, the national agenda has also set a target for the students to rank among the best in the world in reading, mathematics and science exams, and to have a strong knowledge of the Arabic language. Furthermore, the agenda also aims to elevate the rate of graduation from secondary schools to international schools, and for all schools to have exceptional leadership and internationally accredited teaching staff.

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DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOL DUBAI T he Ascension Grounds for T he Inquisitive

eck-breaking skyscrapers, endless desserts and movie-like luxurious lifestyle are the main reasons for any tourist to visit the largest city of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. Of late, this sixth largest oil reservoir of the world has also become the fastest emerging education powerhouse of the Middle East. Representing the same essence for innovative yet grounded in its roots-type of education is the Delhi Private School, Dubai. DPS Dubai Delhi Private School Dubai is a private, co-educational institution established in 2003 for the diverse expatriate community in the UAE. The school is recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of UAE and is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, India. The school, located in The Gardens, Jebel Ali, Dubai, has a massive campus area of 6.83 acres and provides state-of-the-art facilities to help students gain an international holistic experience. At present, the student strength is approximately 3,750. The school offers a holistic learning programme for students from KG I to XII. The CBSE curriculum has been aligned, modified, and enhanced creatively in line with the vision of the school and the requirements of the UAE. At DPS, the students are motivated to be responsible global citizens and sensitised to issues such as environment conservation, awareness, and respect for other cultures. The school strongly advocates integration by encouraging an

understanding of Emirati values, culture, and aspirations. DPS Dubai promotes academic excellence to meet the challenging demands of a competitive, international environment. The focus of the child-centred curriculum is the personalized need of every student. Learning is experiential and a love for knowledge is encouraged to enable lifelong learning in a fast-changing world. Research, innovation, and creativity foster intellectual fulfilment. The holistic approach to education is reflected in the coscholastic programme of sports, debates, quizzes as well as artistic pursuits. Confidence-building and leadership skills are encouraged through innovative programmes. Spiritual and moral growth are enhanced through life-skills workshops and every day pastoral care. Self-reflection and goal setting are encouraged for greater focus and result in thoughtful career choices. The community and parents are considered important stakeholders in creating a harmonious system and DPS Dubai encourages their active participation to help create a vibrant school where excellence is a way of life. Vision: DPS Dubai aspires to be a happy school, where all students are facilitated to be the best versions of themselves. Mission: DPS Dubai zealously promotes a global curriculum through: February | 2021

Remarkable International Schools in UAE

• Academic Excellence - by encouraging intellectual curiosity, sustained hard work, rational and critical thinking, independent learning, and innovative solutions. • Actualization of Talent - by providing opportunities for the development of multiple intelligences be it in sports, arts, or intellectual pursuits. • Global Citizenship - by educating students to be forwardthinking and committed to celebrating diversity; skilled at ethically using technology for collaboration research; fostering integration by actively advocating Emirati values, culture, and aspirations. • Pastoral Care - by providing emotional and spiritual support, leadership programs, life skills workshops, confidence-building opportunities, sterling lifelong values with a deep commitment to being an inclusive school. Curriculum: The futuristic curriculum at DPS Dubai, integrates the best international teaching and learning practices with the robust CBSE syllabus. As per the Indian curriculum, students take a range of national and international examinations including the All India Senior Secondary Examination (AISSE) in Grade XII, the All India Secondary School Certificate (AISSCE) in Grade X and the International Benchmark Tests (IBT) in Grades III to IX. Students of grades XI-XII are offered a choice of subjects in the streams of science, commerce, and humanities. Language choices are available

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to students in upper primary and exemption/optional subjects are available for students with special needs. Students also participate in cyclical international assessments such as PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS, CAT4 and PASS, in view of the National Agenda of the UAE. Infrastructure: The school boasts of state-of-the-art infrastructure which caters to the multifarious demands of the modern education system. To ensure the overall development of students, these are the academic and non-academic facilities offered by the school: 1. The school libraries reflect the philosophy that reading is essential for learning with an impressive assortment of books on every possible topic. 2. The physics, chemistry and biology labs have state-ofthe-art equipment that bring science to life in tactile and practical ways. 3. The computer labs are fitted with multimedia kits and ISDN nodes for internet browsing. 4. The classrooms are equipped with audio-visual aids and smart boards to make education more dynamic and interesting. 5. The activity rooms are vibrant and creatively designed to facilitate the development of the cognitive and motor skills of students.

A Guide to Pioneers Principal of the school, Rashmi Nandkeolyar models a growth mind-set and follows dynamic and collaborative processes in building a professional culture in the school and the community. As the Principal of DPS Dubai, she endeavours to use the school and the classroom as a safe space to facilitate change in the mindset of the students to promote effective learning and innovation. Ms. Nandkeolyar is the driving force for all the provisions and implementation of an agile and dynamic action plan across all areas of the curriculum. She plays a pivotal role in driving excellence in the CBSE board examination results. Ms. Nandkeolyar has also carefully orchestrated deep learning that resulted in the exemplary performance of the school in international benchmarking tests such as TIMSS and PISA. Her leadership has been deemed outstanding and was mentioned as the key strength of the school in the last 10 inspections conducted by DSIB. She has an abiding interest in drama, aesthetics and has authored ﬁve books for children.

6. The Green Sports Field is a sprawling and much-loved venue for all outdoor activities. 7. The school has an Olympic-sized indoor temperaturecontrolled swimming pool. 8. The school has courts dedicated to volleyball, basketball and tennis, along with a spacious gymnasium. Standing Apart The USP (unique selling point) of the school is its deliberate focus on encouraging students to have a moral compass: to have a sensibility greater than themselves and to have a philanthropic spirit. DPS Dubai is an inclusive school that welcomes children from all backgrounds and abilities. The DPS motto of “Service Before Self” is the inspiration guiding the school’s value-based curriculum that emphasizes empathy, responsibility, and caring for others. DPS Dubai fosters a culture of creativity and innovation and the leaders have the courage to risk experimentation and encourage creativity. DPS is that special place where almost all children actually like coming to school! The school is dynamic and fearless

in its quest for excellence in the 21st century. A few of the strong attributes the school has acquired are as follows: • The top performing school in the UAE based on the results of TIMSS. • Among the top 30 CBSE schools across the world. • Produced an array of toppers and Board rank holders through the years 2011-2020 with percentages as high as 98.2%. • Won championships in contests such as Robocar Traﬃc Negotiation Division, Star Quiz, Mathalon Competition and Dubai Customs IPR Awards. • Awarded the School of Hearts Ambassador and was a successful part of the Dubai Delegation at IPEN Dallas, Texas (USA). • Ms. Rashmi Nandkeolyar, the Principal of DPS Dubai, is recognised as a “Conservation Leader” and was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Conservation Leader Award by DEWA. • She was honoured for her outstanding leadership and contribution to education at the 30th Principal’s Conference of Council of CBSE Aﬃliated Schools in the Gulf

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Fore-glimpse The school has responded to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic by resorting to a blended format of teaching. With the options for teachers to work-from-home, the school has invested considerably in adopting digital resources and novel technology. DPS Dubai has also extended its support to teachers by training them to enhance their digital skills for virtual classrooms. The school has made significant investments in placing thermal scanning equipment and no-contact infrared thermometers for effective temperature surveillance. DPS Dubai aims to be an establishment that continues to prepare students to be informed citizens of tomorrow by providing a learning environment that is committed to inclusion, innovation, and integrity. DPS Dubai will be known as a school that offers students a holistic, rigorous, and global education for success in an ever-changing world. T R

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DPS Dubai fosters a culture of creativity and innovation and the leaders have the courage to risk experimentation and encourage creativity

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Changing

Class

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The Transition

Dynamics in

srooms

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irst there was nothing in terms of formal education. Then came the teacher, a Guru who took his band of pupils out into the open to teach things right there where it mattered. When things got complicated and needed explanation, along came a board which in all likelihood was brown in the eastern and mid-eastern context given that we and the rest of the world below the Mediterranean were sun-baked and used things sun-baked. Those above the Med discovered paint and possibly found the colour black to be most interesting! For over a century teaching, education and everything elementary therein had to have a black board to explain. The more resource-endowed went green a few decades back. But for the rest, it was always black. Intermittently there was the computer screen and screens of myriad dimensions and capacities. And then in the 20th year of the 21st century came the virus. In a matter of days, public places including schools and educational institutions were rendered soul-less and eerily empty. With schools and educational institutions closed, pad-locked and protected, students had only one respite for education. The ubiquitous gadget screen. What was till a while an option has today become the mainstay and from the looks of it may remain so for quite some time given that the virus has brought about a scare which makes screens a better option than being seen in person. Isolation being the only way to control the spread of the pandemic, the condition may continue for quite some time. But how long?? Already the strains of isolation and staring at a soul-less screen is causing the kind of fatigue we never imagined. What felt good for a while is now turning into a nightmare which comes with a mix of excessive screen time and zero human in-person interaction. What was in the past ‘started and ended’, today starts but never seems to end gracefully. You could earlier speak with the teacher and create a certain warmth and understanding with the subjects, but this is totally missing with screen-time. Speaking of warmth and empathy, you cannot really feel the same in the absence of real people. Empty rooms and computers just do not sufﬁce.

you cannot. Part of the feeling of competition comes from being with people and feeling the vibes. The same just does not happen in inanimate and cold environs of machines, how-so-ever ‘intelligent’ they be. That said, the pandemic did bring its share of plusses in the field of education, some of which in the context of poorer countries make a lot of sense. For a start, it has done away with the need of ‘infrastructure’, the one thing which defined, distinguished and differentiated between good and not-so-good schools. Irrespective of classrooms and even teachers to an extent, the new form of education can impart decent learning when it comes to certain streams and subjects. Education, the online way, can be imparted right where the student is. This reduces education time right down to its basics shorn of all the hype and hoopla. For countries like India and the entire sub-continent where education at the primary level, is the real problem area and is the reason behind human resources being way behind other countries in understanding and in productivity, education in small booster doses can be the best way to address the gaps. The other way in which the recent change in dynamics in education is helpful is in the form of better teaching itself. With dedicated learning and development platforms coming up on the internet with unerring regularity, the best teachers in the subject need to only make videos of their content and upload it for the students. Some, private academies have uploaded entire content that can educate students to crack important higher-education exams like IIT-JEE, CET etc. The changing dynamics of the classrooms in the end shows us something most of us always knew - that technology is a two-edged sword which needs to be handled with care and caution. But if done so, it can very easily and efficiently take care of the bottlenecks that plague fields as significant as education and industry, which in the Indian context remains pernicious and very deep-rooted. T R - Purushoutham M

Another thing - How does one keep trace of time and progress vis-à-vis the rest of the classroom? In reality,

February | 2021

DUBAI SCHOLARS PRIVATE SCHOOL Exceptional Opportunities to Learn and Grow

school that lets its students grow by shouldering personal responsibility and discovering their selfworth on the basis of trust, honesty and mutual respect produces global citizens who are dynamic leaders coupled with compassion. Dubai Scholars Private School is one such school that inculcates these values and honours the unique characteristics of each child, embraces the diverse backgrounds and values of its students to build a strong multi-cultural community. History, Mission, Vision Founded in 1976, Dubai Scholars Private School was built to serve the primary care needs of the early expatriate population. Under the direction of the Scholars International Group, DS has grown from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the UAE. Scholars International Group is known for providing high caliber, achievement-orientated schools to develop the next generation of leaders. It was a humble beginning for Dubai Scholars, starting from a villa in Deira. The school expanded with growing demand and then it moved to two villas and eventually to seven. But

the early nineties saw a surge of students and DS moved into the full-purpose facility at its current location. While we will continue to grow ourselves, Dubai Scholars still maintains the very principles on which the school was built: respect, intellectual curiosity, action, responsibility. These principles have allowed us to create an environment for our students to excel in, assert the school administration. The school kept growing in leaps and bounds but the vision and mission has remained constant ever since its inception, and that is – to provide an exceptional educational opportunity to all who are admitted to Dubai Scholars. Vision The school’s vision is to provide a student-centered learning environment where children are authors of their own learning and become authors of their own futures. Mission The school’s mission is to prepare students for the challenges of life, with the critical skills and communicative abilities to tackle those challenges that have yet to manifest in this rapidly evolving society. The school’s goal is to lead students to be conﬁdent individuals who are comfortable in taking risks but have the values to act with thoughtfulness and humility.

February | 2021

Remarkable International Schools in UAE

Students are taught tolerance regardless of culture and beliefs, are inspired to ﬁnd happiness combined with academic achievement.

studios. Sections of the campus are zoned for Early Years, Primary and Secondary students to provide the optimal setting for learning.

Curriculum and Infrastructure Dubai Scholars oﬀers the highly regarded National Curriculum of England following the Edexcel programme for IGCSE and A Level. It is accredited by British Schools Overseas, the oversees accrediting body of Department for Education of England and Wales (DfE) and is a fully accredited member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME). The BSME is a network of high quality British international schools in the Middle East region. The school’s KHDA rating is overall Good with many areas Outstanding.

For Overall Development The campus of Dubai Scholars Private School is always bustling with activity, full of excitement and overﬂowing with life. Sports, languages, performing arts, multi-cultural interactions, and community service are but a few of the numerous programmes that balance the academic core to promote well-rounded student-leaders.

The school programme offers students a strong academic structure and creative outlets to explore and expand their interests. State-of-the-art facilities and key learning concepts create an environment conducive to a dynamic education. Situated on a 200,000 sq. ft. footprint, in the Al Qusais neighbourhood, Dubai Scholars boasts a multi-purpose facility. The campus was specifically designed to support the school’s mission across its academic plan for wellrounded students whether in class, on sports fields or in arts

February | 2021

The exposure for Primary students to leadership starts early through the Junior Student Council and the transition to Senior School upholds them to exercise their leadership skills with a greater sense of conﬁdence and passion. A global and local perspective is an important element in developing the students at Dubai Scholars. Trips, both short and long haul add great value, from local adventure related overnight camps to International Educational trips to places like Shanghai, Singapore and the NASA visitor centres oﬀer a unique blend of education and entertainment. Extensive participation from students at Inter-school competitions include: Student-led after school extracurricular clubs; Buddy tutoring and Community outreach programmes; Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns; 30X30

A Dedicated Leader Under the dedicated leadership of Frank Scarcelli, Principal, Dubai Scholars’ educators are committed to teaching standards that allow children to build conﬁdence as they challenge themselves. Mr. Scarcelli has been an educator for 41 years in leading schools in Canada, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. His curricular experience encompasses the National Curriculum of England, International Baccalaureate, Ontario, as well as Abu Dhabi Education and Knowledge curriculum. He specializes in building capacity in schools from within utilizing the energy and knowledge of both faculty and students. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Management as well as specializations in Special Education, and Technology.

Dubai Fitness Challenge just to name a few. Sports Days in DS centre around the four houses Alpha, Beta, Omega and Pi. Excellent coaching for games such as Hockey, Football, Basketball and Cricket; enthusiastic participation of students at Business Competitions, Literacy Festivals, Summer Enrichment Programmes; Model United Nations; Science Fairs; Art of Giving Campaigns; After School Clubs; exemplary musical and theatrical performances and concerts; Student led online portals such as DS Pulse, DS Green Community; Dubai Scholars Cup, Math Masters; Academic Boosters – Online Buddy Tutoring Portal, Teaching our Support Staff Programme (TOSS); Continued effort by students in schemes that contribute effectively in sustainability and conservation. Standing Apart From its opening four decades ago to the school today the vision and mission has remained constant – to provide an exceptional educational opportunity to all who are admitted to Dubai Scholars. Dubai Scholars recognizes the importance of continuous learning not only for students but also for staff. “In order for the school, educators and students to keep up with changes in the world, we must also keep current with new educational directions and best practice is to give students the education they will need as they go forward into the world beyond DS," say the school management. To achieve that goal, DS supports its educators by delivering highquality Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Girl Up Club ignites the empowerment of girls, by girls around the world. In partnership with the United Nations, it stands up for girls, speak up for programs that help them thrive, and rise up as a community of advocates out to change the world, for good. The Girl Up club serves as a virtual club during the summer break and school year and targets raising awareness on issues faced by women around the world such as domestic violence, period poverty, glass ceiling in the modern world, FGM, etc. Since it strives for global gender equality, an equally important branch of Girl Up Club Dubai Scholars will aim to tackle the complex issues faced by men from the stigmatized mental health for men, unrealistic expectations due to toxic masculinity, etc. Coping During the Pandemic Faced with the crisis due to Covid-19, students of the Sixth Form at Dubai Scholars put their heads together to extend a lifeline. This was The Academic Boosters, a free of cost online, one-on-one peer tutoring platform. So far, over 30 students have been taught by the AB tutors across 14 subjects. after classes with Academic Boosters, these students’ performance dramatically improved in their Term 3 tests. More importantly, their self-conﬁdence received a boost too. T R

February | 2021

“

A good education is the most important thing we can give our children

“

-Aparna Verma, Founder, Dubai Scholars

Facilities include: Swimming Pool Multi-sports ﬁeld Zoned Playgrounds for Foundation Stage and Primary Junior Science Lab Senior Science Labs; Physics, Chemistry, Biology Junior Library Senior Library Basketball Courts Two ICT Labs Auditorium

February | 2021