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Dubai English Speaking College...
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D
ubai English Speaking College
(DESC) is notably one of the
outstanding schools in Dubai.
Under the leadership of
Headteacher, Chris Vizzard, some of
the College’s strengths are reflected in
the strong leadership of the teachers,
outstanding attainments in the various
subject areas and the students’
aptitude and positive attitude towards
learning.
Mr Vizzard attributes this success in
part to the College’s mantra.
“Our mantra is 'tight values, loose
control' so all staff and leaders fully
understand the expectations and
standards that we set and ensure
that these are met,” he says, “Once
you have that foundation, leaders are
able to bring about improvement in a
less restrictive environment. You have
to trust people to be able to flourish
and shine and lead their areas of the
College, but with the knowledge that
they support what the overall vision is.”
He also acknowledges that having the
right attitude and effective teamwork
are key ingredients when it comes to
empowering educators.
“When educators feel empowered
there is no limit to what they can help
their students to achieve. Having
leaders who are able to mentor and
guide their teams, ultimately leads to
very high functioning teams.”
The curriculum at DESC was lauded as
outstanding in their last Dubai Schools
Inspection Bureau (DSIB) report
completed by Knowledge and Human
Development Authority (KHDA). They
were commended for modifying
the curriculum to meet the needs of
students of all abilities. Teachers were
recognised as being adept at planning
activities that motivated students and
providing challenge for the more able
in most lessons.
Data collection and analysis play an
important part in curriculum planning.
Mr Vizzard highlights the following
as useful in data collection and its
application to curriculum planning.
(L-R) Assistant Head Teacher, Mr Rodger Hancock and Lisa
Finch, Director of Instructional Technology at DESC.
16 | Jan - Feb 2016 |
|
Class Time
1. Include
students’
data
in
curriculum planning.
2. Have a concept of what you expect
students to become/attain.