The seemingly mild and unassuming Joyce Johnson is a strict disciplinarian. She has been teaching for last 20 years and has headed the Gulf Model School (GMS) since 1993.
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 Joyce Johnson, headmistress , Gulf Model School, Dubai
The seemingly mild and unassuming Joyce Johnson is a strict disciplinarian. She has been teaching for last 20 years and has headed the Gulf Model School (GMS) since 1993. She compares herself to a gardener tending his garden - caring for the delicate minds of the students, seeing them grow from delightful pranksters into responsible adults and achievers. She enjoys interacting with children and leads her team of sincere teachers in the pursuit of excellence.
Why did you opt for this system?
A demand existed, as ours was only the second school to follow the Kerala board syllabus. In near future, we plan to introduce CBSE syllabus at the board level, parallel to our present curriculum. Thus students will have a choice of curricula without having to change the school.
Where does the strength of your school lie?
Education should be free from commercialism. We have a management that endorses this view. Our motto is 'Journey to Excellence.' And we are setting out on this journey at very reasonable expense to parents. Binsa Baheer, our student since Kindergarten, secured a rank in the Kerala state list and topped the Gulf region in 2002 board examination. Majority of our students obtain first class and distinctions in Grade X and XII board examinations.
We also give due importance to extracurricular activities. Our school is a venue for many interschool competitions, helping to bring out the best qualities in our students. We invite many eminent personalities from different walks of life so that the intellectual interaction will benefit our students, resulting in a broader vision for the future.
Another strength is the wonderful rapport that our students share with their teachers.
Tell us about achievements of the school under your leadership?
We have introduced many schemes and have received excellent response from students and parents. During my almost 10 years with the school, the number of students has doubled. We have recently moved into new premises.
Every Wednesday, we have what is called 'the zero hour.' I believe that the best way to learn something well is to teach it. So in each class, during this period, teachers assign and guide students to teach to the rest of the class. All students participate in their turn.
We have also introduced a system to discourage truancy. Particularly in case of boys from grade seven and above, teachers verify even a day's absence with parents and report to me before the end of the day.
General Information about Gulf Model School, Dubai:
1. Location: Al Mohaisna, Ghusais
2. No of shifts: Two
3. Timing: 7.40am to 12.40pm (Girls) and 12.45 to 5.45pm (Boys)
4. Syllabus followed: For KG to Grade 7 CBSE; For Grade 8 to 12- Kerala Board
5. Classes held: Kindergarten to Grade 12
6. Languages of instruction: English
7. Secondary languages taught: Arabic, Hindi, French, Urdu, Bengali and Malayalam
8. Affiliated to: Kerala Board
9. Branches: None
10. Transport: Provided, fees: Dh 80 to Dh 100
11. Fee structure: Dh 110 to Dh 280 per month
12. No of students: 1,800
13. Extracurricular activities offered: Sports and games, art and craft, music, dance, personality development programme, clubs for arts, science, health and sports
14. Criteria for admission: Based on interview with the student and parents
15. Established: 1982
16. Managed by: Chairman, Advocate A. Najeeth
17. Owner: Advocate A. Najeeth
18. Pass rate for board exams: 100%
19. No of teachers: 90
20. Scholarships, freeships: Some fee exemptions given to children from same family. Students achieving rank at state level in board examination get freeship for Grade XI and XII
21. No of nationalities represented among students: Majority Indians, few students from Pakistan and Bangladesh
22. Contact details: 04-2544222; gmschool@emirates.net.ae
Head Boy: Nadeem Ahmed
Head Girl: Binsa Basheer
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