Message from the Vice Principal Curriculum

“Patience and persistence have a magical effect before which difficulties and obstacles vanish.”

John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams, an ambitious Massachusetts Senator appointed sixth President of the United States of America in 1825, would likely have been an excellent IB learner. He embodied many of the characteristics of the IB learner profile, whether that be the balance and open-mindedness he showed in appointing a harmonious cabinet, made up of members from all geographical and political factions upon his appointment, or his risk-taking approach to pushing through an ambitious domestic agenda that included building America’s first passenger railroad and pushing congress to build the first national astronomical observatory. Adams’ approach to the challenges that faced him at every turn in the office of President was to push ahead, believe in his own knowledge and ability, and to persevere. As I reflect upon the past academic year, these are the qualities our own IB learners have embodied in pursuing their own endeavours and in building their own projects for the future. I have been astounded by our Music and Drama students’ ability to reflect upon their own performance, show the perseverance required to rehearse their parts independently, ensuring that every individual contributes at the level they are able to, and subsequently raising their performance level on stage to hugely impressive levels. The performances of Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, Education, Education, Education and our Winter Concert have set a new standard for live performance at NLCS Dubai that our students can look up to and aim to surpass in future years.

Whilst the performances our students have put on this year have raised the bar for future productions, I have been equally impressed when sitting, observing ad hoc discussions taking place in lessons. The passion for learning and developing genuine understanding of the ideas being studied is at the heart of what makes NLCS Dubai students stand out from their peers, and nowhere is this more evident than in a heated classroom debate between students who care deeply about defending their perspective and challenging those who would disagree with them. There is great joy to be had in watching a teacher quietly step back from such a discussion and allow intellectual duels to take place between students, something that can only happen in an environment where students are mutually respectful, open-minded and principled. As I reflect upon another exceptional year it is the combination of these characteristics which make working with our students an absolute pleasure every day.

Richard Snape