Principal Matters: November 24, 2003
The wide-ranging interests of G.S. Madhav Rao include travelling, sports and writing poetry.
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: G.S. Madhav Rao, principal, Our Own English High School, Dubai
'Our pupils excel in every field year after year'
The wide-ranging interests of G.S. Madhav Rao include travelling, sports and writing poetry. With over 36 years of experience in teaching and administration in India and abroad, he has authored series of textbooks in Science and English. A member of the teacher-training group of the CBSEELT project, he trained in the UK and has been the resource person at various workshops organised in India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Madhav Rao has taught in Indian and British curriculum schools and advocates using a blend of both in classrooms.
What are the strengths of your school?
Madhav Rao: The strength of our school lies in the vision of our chairman and the enviable track record of the last 35 years. We deliver value-for-money and our pupils are excelling in every field year after year. Last year, according to a media poll organised by Arabia Newspaper, the school was voted as the most sought-after in Dubai.
Share with us some of your fondest memories about this school and about the teaching profession.
MR: Recently, a little girl walked up to me in a movie theatre and said, "Good evening, sir, I am a student of Our Own English High School and I wish you have an enjoyable evening." As I got up to shake hands with her and wish her, members of the audience turned their heads to look at her with beaming smiles and gave her a resounding applause.
This profession has given me such happiness and a sense of achievement. What amazes me is the kind of trust that parents have in the teachers. I cannot forget one parent, Dr C. Gopalan, director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in India and an internationally known nutritionist. He very humbly approached me to help him bridge the gap between him and his son, Sarat, who is 40 years younger than him. Today Sarat is also a well-known medical professional.
General Information Our own English High School, Dubai:
1. Location: Oud Metha Road, Dubai
2. No of shifts: Two
3. Timing: 7.45am to 1pm (girls); 1pm to 6.20pm (boys)
4. Syllabus followed: C.B.S.E.
5. Classes held: Kindergarten to Grade XII
6. Language of instruction: English
7. Secondary languages taught: Hindi, Malayalam, French, and Urdu
8. Affiliated to: Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, India
9. Branches: Nil
10. Transport: Provided. Fees: Dh100 to Dh140 per month
11. Fee structure: Dh287 to Dh607 per month
12. No of students: 8,339
13. Extracurricular activities offered: Sports such as cricket, basketball, throw ball, volleyball, football, table tennis, badminton, swimming and athletics. Elocution, quizzing, essay-writing, public speaking, science clubs, cookery, girl guides, painting and dancing.
14. Criteria for admission: First-come-first-serve basis till Grade VIII; Entrance exam for IX to XII,
15. Established: 1968
16. Managed by: GEMS (Global Education Management Services)
17. Owner: Sunny Varkey
18. No of teachers: 370
19. Scholarships, freeships: Concessions given on merit-cum-means basis; scholarshipsto toppers, achievers.
20. No of nationalities represented among students: 24 nationalities, majority Indians.
21. Contact details: Telephone: 04-3374112; Fax: 04 3347650; e-mail: ooehsdi@emirates
