Featured Teacher
Peter Kubicki … an outstanding leader who works to produce the best outcomes
Tell us a bit about your role as Head of Secondary.
It is a rich and unique experience. The school’ s vision of students as‘ Academic leaders with Islamic values’ captures the essence of our work. The vast majority of our students are of Qatari origin. Though many have royal or VIP connections, they are like children everywhere as they respond well to good teaching. Boys and girls are segregated for their education. Virtually all students will move on to University, whether locally in the world class Education City university facilities in Doha or abroad to universities in the US and UK.
In the recent past AJA has seen significant improvements, evidenced in our rising exam results profile, successful Qatar National Schools Accreditation and positive school ethos increasingly appreciated by our parents.
A
wise teacher understands that he stands to learn far more from his students than he can possibly teach them. This is true of Peter Kubicki’ s journey as an educator.
Despite being happy in his Headship in England, Peter took advice he often shared with students and‘ stepped outside his comfort zone’ by moving to Qatar with his wife for an overseas experience.
Currently the Head of Secondary at Al Jazeera Academy, he aptly describes his time in the enterprising GCC country as“ increasingly rewarding.”
Peter has enjoyed a rewarding career in education. With nearly 38 years in the sector, he has spent 21 years in senior leadership roles in schools in London, Somerset, Lincolnshire and now Qatar.
His decision to teach was rooted in a genuine love for teaching and a passion for working with young people. Having led the Cordeaux School in Lincolnshire for 13 years, resulting in them being rated good with outstanding features in the Ofsted Inspections and a successful bidding project for a 7 million pound new build vocational centre to diversify the curriculum, Peter was invited to represent the school community at Downing Street and meet the Prime Minister in recognition of their achievement as one of the most improved schools nationally.
Peter’ s dedication to excellence and commitment to education are essential in ensuring that the school achieves continued academic success. His track record is testament that Al Jazeera Secondary has secured an outstanding leader who works towards the best outcomes.
Our school is part of the wider‘ all through’ Academy with KG, Primary and Secondary all under the respected leadership of Sheldon Smith, our overall Academy Principal. The Academy is also part of a much bigger organisation – the Ta’ allum Group of nearly 6000 pupils in 3 large Academies. Partnership and collaborative work are growing across the organisation and are key to success at every level. Our work with Sheila Thompson, an experienced Secondary consultant, is focused on school improvement with the quality of teaching and learning at heart. This work is impacting strongly on standards and achievement.
Who inspires you most?
I have had the good fortune to cross paths with many inspirational people and colleagues. Experience has taught me it is important to be humble and aware enough to see the strengths and good in people. I keep in mind people I have met and learned from along the way, my father’ s work ethic,
34 | Mar- Apr 2017 | | Class Time