Diyar Education Article Diyar Education is a remarkable company in the UAE, operating schools with the eloquent and succinct motto ‘Inspiring Minds, Creating Leaders.’ They run an International American curriculum with the vision that every student can experience amazing learning, enjoy school and make great progress. Their pupils are almost all local Emirati students, who are enriched and enlightened through their involvement in an international education environment. Diyar Education is part of the larger Fujairah National Group (FNG) that operates 60 companies and covers a diverse portfolio of products and services. The benefits of these sister companies are that Diyar Education has access to legal advice, health and wellbeing expertise, security, advertising, insurance, design and construction, wherever required. The support is reassuring, although there is no obligation and competitive tenders can be
sought; but the parent company structure ensures school leaders can focus on their educational services. There are currently two schools, one in Fujairah and one in Dibba, with a third site currently under construction as an extension to the Dibba campus which is due to be completed later this year. The CEO of Diyar Education is Christine Simmonds and it is her role to set education strategy and lead the Principals in their day-today management of the schools and the provision of quality education. Christine also leads the central Diyar Education team in their delivery of procurement, finance, operations and administration support. She works closely with human relations, public relations, IT and legal departments, to ensure a smooth running of the schools as well as high standards. Christine has been instrumental in creating a very positive
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environment for students, teachers and support staff, which in turn has seen a transformation in all aspects of learning and organisation. The progress made by the staff and the students is a testament to her dedication, visionary management style and focus on positive learning experiences. ‘Working in Diyar is an opportunity to learn new skills and strategies, the work culture is warm and friendly. A broad curriculum which includes ‘soft skills development’ has helped students to think out of the box. Constant feedback is given on improving methods of teaching. The working environment is supportive and collaborative. It is a productive and fun workplace. Diyar gives teachers an opportunity to learn best practice and makes your foundation in learning.’ Mahmoud Ibrahim, Teacher At Diyar schools, the curriculum is based on the United States Common Core Standards and has been adapted to ensure it is broad reaching and internationally balanced whilst also being contextualised to the UAE. Ultimately, the schools an enriched curriculum which encourages initiative and critical thinking. Diyar has adopted the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) themes to provide a global context and framework to ensure standards are connected in meaningful ways and are relevant to their students. This thematic approach in Kindergarten (KG) and Elementary means students benefit from curriculum adaptations, which best meet their needs and fulfil the Diyar vision. Diyar recognises that schooling is preparatory for adulthood ahead, so includes specific modules which enable students to learn about their own environment and culture, as well as explore and understand international cultures and environments. Students are well prepared for life, as they are provided with learning activities which address global issues and challenges. This project-based approach encourages students of all ages to collaborate and also take responsibility
for their own learning. This has been a significant shift from the previous textbook driven curriculum and has resulted entirely from placing teachers at the heart of curriculum development. Diyar graduates have extensive career guidance which prepares them for university placements globally, work placements, the police and military. The Diyar commitment to high standards is evident in the assessments of the students, as they acquire the information and skills, but also their involvement in the learning process leads to high levels of self-awareness and an understanding of how to improve. This also provides a very rewarding environment for teachers. ‘Working at Diyar is incredibly fulfilling. You can see the symmetry between how the students are nurtured and challenged within an environment which produces such impactful learning, and how the school manages to nurture us as teachers as well.’ Ruby Russell, Teacher The Diyar method encourages children to control their own learning in order to develop a real love for learning. By engaging students in hands-on, critical thinking and problem-solving activities through to a diverse range of interesting learning opportunities, their independence and confidence builds, and they are enabled to become resilient, life-long learners. Teachers at Diyar Education are able to provide personal attention to each of their students, by implementing a range of assessments and collecting data, to achieve the most comprehensive analysis possible. This means that every student has a data profile which shows how well they are doing compared to their peers in school, across similar schools, nationally and internationally. The data analysis is carried out directly with teachers and shared with students so that everyone knows how to succeed and progress. The analysis is able to identify high achievement, low achievement and more importantly, under-achievement. Teachers can 26
identify students who are under-achieving, by comparing abilities data with achievement data. They can then discuss the findings with students, parents, counsellors and create intervention strategies to close the gap. This Diyar personalised approach to learning strives to remove any ceiling on achievement and uses the detailed data analysis to ensure
(NYU, AD) with a generous scholarship offer. This student has placed into one of the most selective and sought-after institutions for study, in the world. This is a testament to his teachers and the system at Diyar that nurtured, developed and advocated his educational journey. It is also a credit to his hard work and determination to excel, as this university accepts
academic progress, social and emotional development and well-being for every child. Diyar Education is proud of the ensuing results, as students make very good, and sometimes outstanding, progress. The personalised interventions to address under-achievement are working well and the high achievers are accomplishing their maximum potential. For example, one of the 2021 graduates gained acceptance to New York University, Abu Dhabi
less than 4% of the students who apply. The NYU, AD students represent the very brightest and best from all over the world and Diyar is proud to have their graduate among the exclusive alumni. ‘Diyar School provides motivation and empowerment to teach, it is an impressive organisation that makes educators feel supported and equipped in their efforts to change lives. I feel honoured to work with such professional and positive people.’ Maryam Aldahmani, Teacher 27
From March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, people everywhere were affected in different ways. Students at Diyar Education were initially given the opportunity to maintain inschool learning or opt for distance learning program, based on parental choice, but as the situation worsened then a fully distanced learning programme was implemented. The schools have provided an open-minded approach that reaches the needs of individual students, teaching to smaller groups and conducting surveys to identify needs. With a commitment to inclusion, Diyar counsellors support individual students and those with learning challenges (beyond those of their peers) are provided with focused support and targeted interventions, both during the school day and afterwards. Whilst almost all of the students seem to have maintained progress, it is apparent that the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns have affected children in many ways, mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, some more than others. UNICEF has stated that ‘for some children, the impact will be lifelong.’ Children have averted crucial social development as well as academic learning and they miss their day-to-day lifestyle and freedoms. The teachers at Diyar have identified possible challenges as students return and are mindful of their collective role in restoring student’s mental health. They predict increased uncertainty and anxiety, so the team will work to ensure there is clear communication and instructions, so pupils know what to expect. They are prepared to be patient, as students transition back to a more normal school routine. Diyar has ensured all staff safeguarding training is up to date, to allow staff to recognise and respond to any safeguarding concerns. Careers and Counselling Advisors will hold sessions to reassure students about their exams and prospects, and additional support is available for pupils who have struggled with the curriculum whilst engaging from home and may have fallen behind. Vulnerable students have
been protected and supported throughout, but as students return to classrooms, all children are encouraged to identify their needs for additional support where required. Looking towards a brighter future, Diyar Education is pressing ahead with development plans as an extension to the existing Dibba campus will open later this year. The current capacity of the Fujairah and Dibba schools are at their maximum and yet even more students are seeking a high-quality international education. The new state-of-the-art campus will ensure all ages groups are welcomed and there are no waiting lists. The school design also allows the creation of strong links with the local community through projects, such as weekend use of facilities and the development of a sports centre and swimming club. Diyar Education and its parent company Fujairah National Group are anticipating the campus to provide a community
hub which brings together school and home in a new way for the Dibba community. With the expansion will come more opportunities for teachers to join the Diyar Education group and it is certainly cultivating a team of skilled educators who are mindful of their encouraging approach to learning. The teachers acknowledge and are appreciative of their own development as they work with their students to encourage their learning capabilities. They work tirelessly to ensure each child makes as much progress as possible by planning lessons that are active, collaborative and cognitive. They create an environment that is inspiring, engaging, memorable, fun and relevant. This helps to ensure each student has a personal experience and attains their own meaningful achievements in school life and beyond. ‘Diyar Education is one of the best in the field of education here in the UAE. Diyar is a place where you will grow your career and enhance your teachings skills. The management is so supportive of the teacher's well-being and professional growth. I am 28
feeling blessed to be one of the educators in this school.’ Monica Cruz, Teacher This approach has positive ramifications on the Diyar students, as they cultivate self-belief, confidence and determination along with their ability to learn to levels that amaze them. Learning doesn’t stop at the acquisition of knowledge, Diyar students are then encouraged to think independently, critically and inquisitively. They are empowered to collaborate, challenge and question. This is a true Diyar education, a balanced and enlightening experience, that inspires a promising future. The school is proud to be delivering a generation of leaders and influencers who can work assertively in the UAE and abroad.
‘We have raised the level of recognition for Diyar throughout the country and with universities worldwide. Most importantly, we have developed a programme that has led our students to learn and grow and to become more confident, increasing their aspirations and level of readiness for the world beyond Diyar.’ Eric Steere, Teacher
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