Teach Middle East Magazine Jan-Feb 2019 Issue 3 Volume 6 | Page 24

Featured School REPTON ABU DHABI A TRULY HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION Staff and students of Repton School Abu Dhabi R epton Abu Dhabi provides a truly holistic approach to education. At Repton they develop the love of learning in every child, and help them to succeed by becoming adaptable and flexible thinkers. Students learn in an atmosphere that fosters life-long learning, collaboration and trust. When you enter the doors of the institution, you cannot help but be impressed by the facilities, but Repton Abu Dhabi is so much more than a great building, it is a school with heart and soul. I literally had to sprint around the school on a tour with the energetic Principal, Gillian Hammond. She gave me a peek into life at Repton Abu Dhabi which I hope to share with you in this article. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff and the pride the students have in their school. Repton’s Holistic Approach to Education With over 74 different nationalities represented at Repton Abu Dhabi, their Inclusion Programme is integral in ensuring that all students access the curriculum and reach or exceed 24 | Jan - Feb 2019 | | their potential. All students complete base-line assessments when they join the school and each year. It is essential that they identify the students’ talents, interests and challenges as soon as possible. Teachers then closely track progress and attainment throughout the year to ensure timely intervention and stretch. English language acquisition is also imperative to success both academically and socially. Their team of Teachers, Learning Support Assistants and Teaching Assistants, expertly intervene to provide the bespoke support each child requires, which involves small group workshops, 1:1 tuition, role-play, parent engagement and collaboration with external agencies where appropriate. Music can always be heard at Repton Abu Dhabi. When I visited they were performing their Christmas production. Their Music lessons are extremely lively as students are encouraged to select their own instrument and then work together to either perform the same piece collaboratively or compose their own music. The School celebrates music as a way to unite our cultures, develop Class Time creativity and express personality. Music assemblies are held monthly, with a waiting list of students who would like to perform in front of the whole community, including parents. Gillian Hammond (Principal of Repton School Abu Dhabi).