Principal Matters - November 10, 2003
Rafiq Rahim holds a master's degree in English Language and Literature besides a degree in education.
Private schools in the UAE cater to the expatriate community by offering a range of curricula and methods of teaching. Every week, we profile one school and learn of its goals from a top school official.
This week: Rafiq Rahim, principal, Al Majd English School, Dubai
'A school needs teachers who respect their jobs'
Rafiq Rahim holds a master's degree in English Language and Literature besides a degree in education. Of his eight years experience as a teacher, six have been in the UAE and two with Al Majd English School, Dubai. He is inspired by the social activities of his father, P.K. Abdul Rahim who works for a leading Malayalam newspaper Madhyamam. "My alma mater, Santapuram College, has taught me a solemn lesson, 'live for others, therefore you live and live for self, therefore you die,'" he says. An orthodox person in all walks of life including the field of education, Rahim is a widely read man who enjoys informal discussions on international issues.
Where does the strength of your school lie?
Our school had a humble beginning in a villa in Al Hamriyah. Two years ago we shifted to the present spacious premises.A body of expatriates from Kerala runs the school under the able directorship of Mr P.M.A. Majid. We believe in imparting education in a strict moral atmosphere that encompasses all aspects of school life, even the design of uniforms.
Tell us about any special achievements of the school under your leadership?
We not only obtained the necessary approvals from the Kerala Government to conduct board examinations, but the first ever batch of Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) students achieved excellent results: out of 40 students who appeared, except for one second class, all others attained first class and distinctions.
What according to you are the essential elements of a good school?
Appropriate facilities for students in all age groups are necessary but to succeed in its mission, a school needs teachers who respect themselves and their profession, and who have a firm belief in God. A big-hearted management who believe in supporting the school in all its efforts to do not just good but better every year is an added advantage.
General Information Al Majd English School:
1. Location: Muhaisanah 4, Al Qusais, Dubai
2. No of shifts: One
3. Timing: 8am to 1pm
4. Syllabus followed: Kerala Board and CBSE
5. Classes held: Kindergarten to Grade X
6. Language of instruction: English
7. Secondary languages taught: Malayalam, Urdu and Hindi
8. Affiliated to: Kerala Board of Education, India
9. Branches: Little Flower English School, Hor Al Anz
10. Transport: Provided; fees Dh85
11. Fee structure: Dh150 to Dh225
12. No of students: 1,000
13. Extracurricular activities offered: Special training in basketball and volleyball. Club activities, picnics and youth festivals.
14. Criteria for admission: Entrance examination
15. Established: April 1991
16. Managed by: Board of directors
17. Owner: P.M.A. Majid
18. No of teachers: 55
19. Scholarships, freeships: Based on academic excellence and parent's income
20. No of nationalities represented among students: Indians 85 per cent, Pakistani 12 per cent, and the rest few from Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia and Philippines.
21. Contact details: Tel: 04-2646746; Fax: 04-2644501; 5972657: e-mail: almajdsc@emirates.net.ae
22. Head boy: Nazim M. Rafiq
23. Head girl: Shameem Nisha
24. Supervisors: Abdulla Kunhi, Khadeeja and Audrey Hendricks
