Featured School
The beautifully designed Oasis Area is
used for outdoor learning.
learning. We have a very supportive
and caring environment.”
The leadership and educators at Al
Bateen Secondary School are keen
on fulfilling one of the most common
desires of parents. This desire is that
each child receives a high quality
of teaching in an environment that
promotes
student
engagement
and positive learning outcomes. As
such, a lot of emphasis is placed
on learning, and on continuous
improvement in the quality of
teaching, which are fundamental to
delivering high quality education.
In order for the school to ensure that
excellent teaching and learning
remain
consistent
across
the
school, teachers are continuously
provided
with
high
quality
professional
development.
This
involves empowering teachers with
a framework for lesson planning in
order to maximise student learning
and progress. Care is also taken to
ensure that teachers provide quality
experiences for all students, while
helping them to develop 21st century
skills.
“There is a common belief that we
have at the school,” notes Principal
Hutson, “we believe that all of
us are lifelong learners. We want
our students to become lifelong
learners, so it is important for us to
lead by example.” This has proven
to be very beneficial and is reflected
in the significant progress made
by students who enter Year 7 with
varied backgrounds in English,
Mathematics and Science. By Year
11, many students achieve results
that are well above international
standards.
Al Bateen Secondary School adapted the British
Curriculum and managed to successfully implement it
so as to meet the needs of students living in Abu Dhabi.
Here are a few of the ways in which Principal Hutson and
his team have done so:
The curriculum is contextualised so that teaching
topics and examples are not too ‘anglo-centric’. It is
important for students to learn about Abu Dhabi, the
UAE and the international community. For example,
a Geography lesson would analyse geographical
examples and case studies from the UAE and around the
world rather than just the UK or Europe.
Staff members receive EAL CPD as 80% of learners
are learning English as an additional language. Teachers
differentiate and scaffold learning activities to assist with
comprehension and progress; focus on key terminology
and visual aids to support learning.
Al Bateen embraces the history and culture of Abu
Dhabi with regular trips to museums, galleries and
landmarks. An example of this is the Creativity, Action
and Service (CAS) Media Club’s recent visit to Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque. The school likes to create links with
the local community, for example, Abu Dhabi Music and
Arts Foundation (ADMAF).
(L-R) Mr Hutson, Principal of Al Bateen strikes a pose beside
Dr Chiara Tabet, Head of Senior School and ID BP Coordinator
in front of the school’s Majlis area.
Class Time
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Jan - Feb 2015
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