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 Malathi Das, Principal, Indian School, Ajman

Malathi Das, the recipient of this year's CBSE's "Teacher of the Year" award, has been at the helm of Indian School, Ajman (ISA), since its inception in 1988. With master's degrees in English, sociology and education, and more than 20 year's of experience as head of various educational institutions, Malathi Das manages to inspire confidence in parents.

An interview with Malathi Das, Principal, Indian School, Ajman:

How is your school different from other schools in the UAE?
Ours is a comparatively small school but because of the very reason, our teachers are in a position to understand every child‚s weaknesses and strengths. Many of our students do not get any help at home and we make it a point to undertake a lot of remedial work with them. We give weaker students worksheets to re-enforce what they have been taught in the class and to enable teachers to assess the child‚s comprehension of the topic taught. ŒDedication to Profession‚ is our motto.

Tell us about any special achievements of the school under your leadership?
We started the school with practically no finances but with support from parents and well-wishers. We have come a long way in these 14 years. I see my Students having confidence in themselves and in the institution they have been associated with, many of them since Kindergarten. When they leave after Grade X and XII, there is a sadness that comes only with attachment.

Our students have brought in laurels in the fields of music, dance and sports. I have always encouraged students to take the path where their interest and capabilities lie, and to enhance that to a professional level. After all, following one's dream is a stepping-stone to achieving one's ambitions.

What according to you are the essential elements of a good school?
It is not the building or the infrastructure that matters but what goes on inside that structure - an understanding of the needs and abilities of your teachers and students is of utmost importance. Your doors and your mind should always be open for the children to come and talk to you. You may not have all the answers at that point but what really matters is that you have created an opportunity for them to have someone to turn to in times of despair.

General Information about The Indian High School, Dubai:

1. Location: Al Hamria Road, Ajman
2. No of shifts: One
3. Timing: 7.50am to 1.50pm
4. Syllabus followed: CBSE
5. Classes held: Kindergarten to Grade XII (Commerce & Science)
6. Languages of instruction: English
7. Secondary languages taught: Arabic, Urdu, Malayalam, Hindi, French
8. Affiliated to: Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi
9. Branches: None
10. Transport: Provided, fees: Dh 60 to Dh 100 per month
11. Fee structure: Dh160 to Dh275 per month
12. No of students: 850
13. Extracurricular activities offered: Sports, Elocution, debates, painting, dance, and all interschool competitions
14. Criteria for admission: Entrance examination for students of KG II and Grade I from other boards
15. Established: 1988
16. Managed by: Managing Committee comprising of educationists and professionals.
17. Owner: Ms. Aysha Abdulla Mohammed Bu Shahab
18. Pass rate for board exams: 100 per cent
19. No of teachers: 40
20. Scholarships, freeships: Scholarships given to outstanding students in mathematics and science from Grade IX onwards. Concession in tuition fees given to children of ISA teachers and to the third child from a family with three children studying in ISA
21. No of nationalities represented among students: Majority Indians, few students from Pakistan and Bangladesh
22. Contact details: e-mail: inscajla@emirates.net.ae

Head boy: Prabhu Menon
Head Girl: Tanya Vaswani
Student adviser: Shobha Menon