Principal Matters - December 2, 2002

Private schools in the UAE cater to the expatriate community by offering a range of curricula and methods of teaching. Each school has its own strengths and limitations. Every week, we profile one school and learn of its goals from a top school official

This week: An interview with Anna Kizirian, Headmistress of Emirates International School (EIS)

Anna Kizirian has been in the teaching profession since 1975 and has worked in London, Germany, Canada, New York and Bahrain before coming to Dubai. Anna holds a teaching diploma from University of London, a Bachelor of Education degree from Sterling University of Scotland, a Master's in education from Sheffield University, UK, and has participated in several international educational conferences and courses in the Middle East, UK, Canada and Greece. She believes in peace and harmonious relations between nations, and hates conflicts.

Tell us about your school.
Anna Kizirian: With its rich cultural mix of 83 nationalities that is further enhanced by enrolment of the UAE nationals and teachers from 24 nationalities, EIS truly mirrors today's global environment.

We are accredited to the American Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges of the U.S. and the International Baccalaureate organisation. EIS is also a registered centre for I/GCSE certificates through Cambridge International Examinations and EDEXCEL, thus providing academic diversity. Our students have achieved outstanding results at these examinations and have been accepted at reputable universities in the U.S., Europe and Australia.

We have state-of-the-art facilities including a magnificent 600-seat theatre, computer laboratories with Internet and Intranet connections on all computers and an Olympic size swimming pool. The choir, orchestra and theatrical productions by our students are among the best in the Middle East.

Where does the strength of your school lie?
The financial and moral support provided by the owners of EIS, a prominent business family of Dubai, is foremost behind the success attained by the school. The highly trained and motivated staff - both teaching and administrative - has been instrumental in creating an environment that encourages mutual respect, self-discipline, confidence and appreciation for the cultural differences within the student community.

What part of your responsibility do you most enjoy?
I am proud to be part of this multicultural environment, in the UAE in general, and our school in particular. I believe that this cultural diversity will help our students immensely to adapt better in the age of globalisation.

During my 10 years with EIS, the number of students has tripled. I like meeting parents and receiving feedback. My fondest memories are of meeting my past students, who after graduating are on their way to becoming worthy members of society.

I will always cherish the memories of the International Days when students and parents from a wide spectrum of countries join in harmony to produce colourful national displays highlighting their cultures.

General Information about the school:

Name: Emirates International School, Dubai.
1. Location: Umm Suqeim, Dubai.
2. No of shifts: One.
3. Timing: 7.35am to 2.40pm.
4. Syllabus followed: KG-I to Grade VIII - International Curriculum.
Grade IX & X - Mix of IGCSE and GCSE subjects; Grade XI &XII - International Baccalaureate.
5. Classes held: Kindergarten to Grade XII.
6. Languages of instruction: English.
7. Secondary languages taught: Arabic, French and Italian.
8. Affiliated to: Near East South Asia Association, British Schools of the Middle East, European Council of International Schools.
9. Branches: Nil.
10. Transport: Provided.
11. Fee structure: Updated fees available from the EIS registrar.
12. No of students: 1,813.
13. Extracurricular activities offered: 16 after school activities are offered currently along with Boy Scouts and Girl guide clubs, music centre club and cultural clubs.
14. Criteria for admission: Admission test supported by records at the previous school.
15. Established: 1991.
16. Owned and managed by: Al Habtoor Group
17. Pass rate for board exams: 98-100 per cent
18. No of teachers: 175.
19. No of nationalities represented among students: 83.
20. Contact details: 04-3489804, eischool@emirates.net.ae; www.eischool.com (http://www.eischool.com/)

Head boy: Hasan Badwan
Head Girl: Yasmine Saade
Dean of Students: David Gwodzik