Principal Matters - December 30, 2002

Although principal Yvonne Maureen Anne Smith joined Al Khaleej National School (AKNS) only recently, she comes armed with Bachelor's and Master's degree from London University and has more than 25 years experience in the field of education at various schools in the UK and the Middle East.

Last updated:
3 MIN READ

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 Yvonne Maureen Anne Smith, principal, Al Khaleej National School (AKNS)

Although principal Yvonne Maureen Anne Smith joined Al Khaleej National School (AKNS) only recently, she comes armed with Bachelor's and Master's degree from London University and has more than 25 years experience in the field of education at various schools in the UK and the Middle East. A very organised person with a keen sense of humour, Yvonne Smith's friendly demeanour conceals many leadership qualities.

Excerpts from an interview:

How is your school different from other schools in the UAE?
Ours is indeed a unique school, generously supported by our chairman. We follow an American curriculum, culminating in a High School Diploma‚ at the end of Grade 12. Our students are also coached for SAT I and TOEFL, with training available in SAT II subjects, if required. This makes them eligible for admission to Universities worldwide.

Small class size and an excellent student/teacher ratio ensure maximum individualised attention for each child. We have systems that ensure continuous monitoring of each student's progress, with targets set for each semester. This helps both the student and the teacher to identify any problem areas or learning difficulties at an early stage.

We recently invited parents for an 'AKNS at work day' to experience a day in the life of a child. Our Student Council members acted as tour guides. After the positive feedback, we plan to hold another such day next March.

What aspect of your responsibility do you most enjoy?
I am not an office-bound person. The best part of my day is walking through the school. I enjoy talking to the students, seeing them engaged in and developing through their learning. I do believe that no one is more important than any one else - it is just that some people carry more responsibilities than others. I take my work seriously but try to keep a relaxed approach and to work with colleagues as a team. Our aim is to make it one of the leading schools in the Gulf.

(I remember the Green Day celebrations in October, the first major event since my joining AKNS in August. The range of activities and the enthusiasm of students and teachers impressed me immensely. It was a day that made a difference to the school. I am happy to be part of AKNS team.)

What according to you are the essential elements of a good school?
Schools must be places where children not just learn, but grow as people. Education is about empowerment of the individual. To this end, we have incorporated the four principles of Varkey Group - world citizenship, leadership qualities, universal values and forward thinking - into the school's philosophy. We are all inter-dependent - genuine involvement of teachers, non-teaching staff, students and parents, together with efficient management are of paramount importance for the effective and smooth operation of any school.

General Information:

Name: Al Khaleej National School, Dubai

1. Location: Al Garhoud, Deira
2. No of shifts: One
3. Timing: 7.45am to 2.10pm
4. Syllabus followed: American
5. Classes held: Kindergarten to Grade 12
6. Languages of instruction: English, with Arabic for Islamiyat and Social Studies
7. Secondary languages taught: Special English and Arabic programmes/EFL/AFL
8. Accredited: By the Ministry of Education, UAE
9. Branches: None
10. Transport: Provided, fees: Dh1,800 to Dh2,000 per year
11. Fee structure: Dh8,800 to Dh15,500 per year
12. No of students: 595
13. Extracurricular activities offered: Arts, music, Holy Quran recitation, public-speaking, English, drama, yoga, sports such as swimming, tennis, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, football, chess, gymnasium.
14. Criteria for admission: For admission to Grades 1 to 12 - an entrance examination in English, mathematics and Arabic. For Kindergarten - interview.
15. Established: 1992
16. Managed by: Global Educational Management Services
17. Owner: Sunny Varkey
18. Pass rate for board exams: 100 per cent
19. No of teachers: 56
20. Scholarships, freeships: Concessions given to children from same family
21. No of nationalities represented among students: 23, with majority being UAE nationals.
22. Contact details: 04-2822707

Head boy: Mohammed Mahmood Abdul Razak
Head girl: Bushra Al Roken
Deputy principal: Raffia Abbas

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next