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About Repton

Repton International School in Malaysia builds on more than 460 years of tradition and philosophy, stemming from the first Repton School in the United Kingdom in 1557. It has since established itself as one of the most prestigious educational institution in the UK and has expanded its footprint with schools in UAE, China, Egypt and Bulgaria. We are the first Repton School in Malaysia and South East Asia.

Vision

Repton International school in Malaysia holds in high esteem the Repton standards and traditions that have stood throughout centuries and remain relevant and valuable today. We seek to integrate the culture, energy and dynamism of Malaysia with the rich heritage derived from the centuries-old Repton School United Kingdom.

Repton International School is a pioneer educational provider in Malaysia and a world-class institution of excellence. We are a school where our community is at the forefront of everything we do; where our pupils, staff and parents work collaboratively to develop well-rounded individuals who are confident, compassionate, courageous and curious – we shape and shift the leaders of tomorrow.

Mission

Our mission at Repton International School in Malaysia is to nurture character and inspire minds. Through a distinctly Reptonian education, we seek to develop every pupil holistically as a way to maximise their potential to succeed and thrive on a global scale.

At Repton International School, we are focused on educating for the future. We provide a balanced environment with a forward-thinking curriculum that embodies the four core values at the heart of our school.

School Facilities

We are a purpose-built, full facility school over an area of 20-acres; nestled within a thriving forest area 18km east of Johor Bahru. Students benefit from modern educational and recreational facilities in a safe learning environment. Our top-notch facilities include:

• 50m FINA approved swimming pool complete with launching pads
• FIFA standard Astro turf football pitch
• Tech Tone Tennis courts
• 400m Running Track
• 500-seater auditorium
• Sports Hall
• Free standing Teaching and Learning Pods

Students at Repton Malaysia use state of the art teaching, learning and sports amenities to nurture mental and physical well-being. Our Early Years Play and Learn areas are vibrant and age appropriate. The Junior School classrooms are bright, spacious and modern whilst the specialist classrooms in our Senior School provides a stimulating environment for our older students. We also have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre for our Sixth Formers/ A Level students.

Prominent Personality

Dr. Nicholas Duggan – Headmaster, is a highly qualified academic and an experienced international school leader. He is additionally an accomplished musician, as a composer and performer. His academic qualifications include an LTCL, GDLM and PhD, in Music and two master’s degrees, one in English Language Teaching and one in Educational Leadership and Management. He is also a qualified UK teacher with a PGCE in Secondary Music with qualified teacher status (QTS).

Dr. Duggan’s teaching career has spanned a number of schools in different parts of the world. He taught in Kenya and Thailand before joining the British Army as a Musician with the Irish Guards. He then returned to the world of education and held senior positions at schools in Kuwait, Thailand and Italy. In 2009, Dr. Duggan became Founding Principal of the Satit Prasarnmit International School in Bangkok. More recently, Dr. Duggan has been Secondary School Principal of Yew Chung International School in Beijing, Headteacher of St George’s British School Malaga and Headmaster of the first British Independent Boarding School in India, in partnership with King’s College Taunton in the UK. Dr. Duggan joins us with a wealth of experience and a clear vision of how educational success is achieved; authentic learning experiences in a happy and safe environment, where students take responsibility for their learning, become critical thinkers and challenge themselves beyond their expectations.

Relevant Services

Transportation – We have a comprehensive transport service through a relationship with a bus company that has been servicing the School since inception. Students travel in air-conditioned vehicles from across Johor. Each vehicle is staffed by an experienced driver and an attendant to ensure safety of all students on board.

Catering – The School Cafeteria provides mid-morning snack and lunch for all students daily. Food service is an essential part of the School’s provision and is an imperative function to aid our children with their daily learning – they must eat right to be at their best. Our nutritionally balanced food options for the students encourage them to understand and engage in healthy eating habits as they grow. Our School cafeteria offers diversified international menus and uses only good quality and fresh produce. The aim is to provide all our students with a balanced, nutritious and flavourful experience.   

Library – The Repton Library has various collection of books suitable for all ages; with picture books, non-fiction, reference, poetry collections, graphic, classic and modern novels, there is something for everyone. The dedicated staff also creates regular exhibitions promoting local, national, and international events.

PSG – Parent Support Group. The PSG’s main objectives are to foster direct contact and cooperation between parents and staff, and to assist in fundraising and Extra Curricular Activities in conjunction with the staff. Fundraising events provide an opportunity for parents, staff and students to get together and monies raised are generally channelled to a chosen charity.

Features of the School

All great schools will exhibit very similar qualities however, Repton International school in Malaysia holds a position of high esteem because of the Repton UK standards and traditions that have stood throughout centuries and remain relevant and valuable today.

USPs

a. Heritage & History: Repton International School – a British school steeped in tradition for excellence in education – over 460+ years and counting.

 b. Presence: First Repton School in South East Asia – we are in good company with Repton Schools thriving in other parts of the world Repton Worldwide

c. British Education – We teach the challenging British core curriculum with an international perspective as well as a focus on technology; an immersive curriculum preparing well rounded and multi-faceted individuals. Collaborative Learning is key to student success.

d. Pastoral Care: Proactive and pre-emptive approach ensuring teachers-students and parents engage in an open and collaborative way. All our teachers work with the goal of every child moving ahead as quickly and as effectively as possible including safeguarding.

e. Purpose built School with top notch facilities. 

Moves Past Conventional Education

Schools are defined by their Mission and Vision and so at our core is Excellence in all things as an inspiration for all in every pursuit, both individual and collaborative. Wholeness of the person in moral, intellectual, social and physical endeavours.

Respect founded on a deep regard for common humanity but also for oneself. Truth as a goal of a life-long process of learning. The above drives the choices not just beyond the curriculum but also within the curriculum by integrating values and approaches. For example, developing a student in terms of understanding respect, is not something to be compartmentalised but practised and exhibited throughout the whole school.

Innovative Teaching Methods

Learning must be joyful, teachers must be passionate about their subject(s). We ensure that learning is infectious, and learning and achieving is part of our school culture. Opening up to our students a world of possibilities is at the heart of an exceptional education journey with Repton.

Financial Aid

Repton International School is committed to recognizing and supporting student excellence. With a commitment to balanced education opportunities, our rigorous and academically, stimulating British Curriculum which enables students to view the world from different perspectives, examine various points of view and see themselves as part of our changing world community.

We offer full and partial tuition scholarships (reviewed annually), for students who display outstanding ability and attitude across a range of disciplines. In general, merit scholarships can be awarded to students who excel in any of the following categories:

• All-round Academic Ability – awarded on the basis of performance in the CAT4 entrance assessment and an interview
• Musical Ability – awarded on the basis of an audition and an interview
• Performing Arts Ability – awarded on the basis of an audition and an interview
• Art & Design – awarded on the basis of evaluation of a portfolio and an interview
• Sport – awarded on the basis of performance in the said sport and an interview
• Leadership Ability – awarded on the basis of evidence of accomplishments and an interview
• Community Service – awarded on the basis of recommendations and referrals and an interview

We are proud to provide learners with the opportunity to experience an outstanding British education, in a culturally diverse environment. The award is tenable for a pupil’s time at school, subject to high standards of behavior, performance and engagement in academics’ studies

Tracking Trends in Education

It is the responsibility of all staff at Repton to keep abreast of current trends and changes, and to that end all staff have access to training in school, online and beyond the school and Malaysia.

The Cambridge IT syllabi tend to take time to change as quickly as the exponentially changing IT world. One way we address this is with our FabLab which stands for Fabrication Laboratory that helps students with 21st century skills in design, using contemporary technology such as 3D resin printers, laser cutters, and with this comes understanding and using coding such as Strawberry Pi, design software such as Blender in order export the 3D designs and much more.

Awards

Became a FOBISIA member school in March 2023. Repton pupils have ample opportunities to compete in multiple international competitions yearly and have successfully emerged as podium placements.

Future Plans

Future plans include developing internal systems which will impact further on the quality and impact of learning and student life. Welcoming students from a broader geographical region, which means developing our Boarding facilities, more collaboration and sharing with our partner Repton International Schools, and establishing school as the school of choice in the region and beyond.

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About Málaga Institute of Technology – MIT School

Málaga Institute of Technology, commonly known as MIT School, is a renowned private technical institute located in the vibrant city of Málaga, Spain. The institute has gained a reputation for providing high-quality technical education to students from all over the world.

MIT School was founded in 2010 by a group of like-minded individuals with the goal of providing students with a world-class technical education that would prepare them for careers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. The institute offers a range of courses in various technical fields, including software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and many more.

One of the most distinguishing features of MIT School is its state-of-the-art facilities. The institute has invested heavily in its infrastructure, including modern classrooms, computer labs, and cutting-edge equipment. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities for students, including sports, cultural events, and clubs that allow them to explore their interests and connect with peers.

MIT School places a strong emphasis on student success and provides extensive support to ensure that every student reaches their full potential. The institute offers a range of resources to support students, including academic advising, career counseling, and a robust alumni network.

Mission and Vision

Our aspiration is to build up an Educative Community with shared values and therefore all our activities are designed to strengthen and fully accomplish these values.

Our priority is the exchange of teaching and learning methods, supported by the latest technology such as wireless networks, remote tutoring, digital interactive whiteboards, etc. a teaching and learning that will become second nature, and will serve us well to deal with the stress and challenges of modern-day life.

Our education focuses on the joy of learning and each finding their own way to be happy and reach their full potential, The school must not only be a place for academic learning, but also a school for life. 

We would like to be remembered for our style, our clear manner of doing things and the way we successfully cope with the problems of both our personal and professional lives.

Respect for others, consideration for someone else’s ideas, tolerance, cooperation, and discipline are the fundamentals in the preparation and development of this school.

The Torchbearer

Javier Díaz Cabrera, the General Manager of MIT School, is a key driving force behind the institute’s success. Cabrera has over 30 years of experience in the technology industry and has held senior leadership positions at some of the world’s leading technology companies. His expertise and vision have helped MIT School become one of the most respected technical institutes in Spain.

PhD in English Language and Literature and Bachelor of Modern Languages, Law and Psychology. He has worked as a school principal for 29 years.

Dr. Díaz has designed and planned from scratch the first trilingual English-Spanish-Chinese school in Spain and is currently the director of the center. he also has experience in business management, human relations, bilingualism, and teaching at different levels and methods, such as Montessory, EPC, Piaget, etc.

Javier Díaz Cabrera’s leadership has been instrumental in MIT School’s success. His vision and expertise have helped the institute establish a strong reputation for excellence in technical education. Cabrera’s commitment to innovation and student success has earned him widespread recognition, and he continues to drive the institute forward with his forward-thinking approach to education.

Courses Offered

MIT School offers the Spanish Curriculum, fully Bilingualism in Reception (3,4,5 years old), use of English as the main language at school from 6 to 15 yrs. students (all subjects in English except Spanish language), and Spanish + English and German in High School.

We also include Technology and Programming, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Holograms, Robotics, Aikido, Horse Riding, Chinese and Yoga / Taichi in our compulsory Curriculum.

Students will also have the opportunity to get the official Cambridge / Hanban certificates for English and Chinese, and the Dual Diploma (U.S High School certificate).

MIT School is focussed on getting the best results from each student, with our specific program based on Languages, Emotional Intelligence, New Technologies and Sports / activities , the students can obtain the maximum results on the different disciplines.

Beyond Traditional Flow

We offer more than 15 different options for all grades, including Horse Riding, Paddle tennis, Aikido, Language support, Ballet, Abacus, Robotics, even car driving lessons for High school students. This comprehensive program works from October to May and from Mondays to Fridays.

In addition to its academic programs, MIT School also offers a range of professional development courses and certifications. These courses are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers and stay current in their fields. The institute’s professional development programs include courses in project management, digital marketing, leadership, and many more.

We are the only Spanish school in Andalusia with more than the 40% of the total number of students not being Spanish speakers and coming from more than 20 different nationalities, all of them following a specific very successful Spanish support program that will allow them getting the best results at the same time they are achieving their respective grades successfully. 

Awards and Recognitions

Under Cabrera’s leadership, MIT School has received numerous awards and accolades for its commitment to providing high-quality technical education. In 2019 the institute was named the Best School in Spain, and in 2020 and 2022 the best Technical Institute in Andalusia by the regional government. MIT School was also recognized by the prestigious Spanish newspaper El País as one of the top technical institutes in the country.

MIT School’s success can also be attributed to its highly qualified faculty. The institute has a team of experienced and knowledgeable professors who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. The faculty members are dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and challenging education that prepares them for the demands of the modern workforce.

MIT School’s commitment to innovation is another key factor in its success. The institute has established partnerships with leading technology companies and research institutions, providing students with access to the latest technologies and cutting-edge research. The school also offers a range of research opportunities for students, allowing them to work on real-world projects that contribute to the development of new technologies and solutions.

MIT School’s commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation as a leader in technical education. The institute’s graduates are highly sought after by employers and are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern workplace. MIT School has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a range of industries around the world.

MIT School’s success is a testament to its commitment to providing students with a world-class technical education. The institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and commitment to innovation have made it a leading institution in the field of technical education.

Gold Work Medal 2018, One of the 50 best Business Companies in Spain 2019, One of the two best Bilingual schools in Spain 2019, Best School in Spain 2019, Best School in Andalusia 2020 and 2022, Certificate of Excellence in Business Management 2021, First Prize on Digitalization in Spain 2021, First European Prize in Innovation and Technology 2022.

Ultimate Goal

No matter their grade level, all MIT students get instruction in sizable, functioning classrooms, laboratories, and workshops equipped with the newest technology and the best instructors. But in the future, we hope to be recognized for the ethical and moral principles we instilled in our students, such as compassion, open-mindedness, tolerance, and discipline, all of which will help our students become good professionals and responsible members of society.

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About the school – Diverse & Inclusive Environment

Laude San Pedro International College is an inclusive school with a programme focused on academic excellence, teaching the British National Curriculum – from age 3 to 18 – and, from age 12, offering the possibility of studying the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato curricula (with up to 65% of classes in English). We have a strong focus on academic standards – our GCSE and A Level results, as well as the Spanish Selectividad, are well above national averages in both countries. It is a highly international environment with students of over 50 nationalities enjoying a unique learning environment designed to meet their needs.

Andy’s quote: “I think one of the aspects is we’re one of the few schools that has an international section and teaches the Spanish national curriculum. We’re an international school of great diversity, but having the Spanish system roots us in Spain because our ESO & Bachillerato staff remind us that we’re in Andalusia and in Spain. And I think having the two systems together is unique and forces us to think nationally as well as internationally.”

A vision from a new principal

Since September 2022, Laude San Pedro International College has a new Principal, Andrew Atkinson. He has been involved in international education for over thirty years. Born and raised in England, his international experience has taken him all over the world.

Andy (as everybody knows him) has graduated with a BA in Humanities from Exeter University and went on to teach Geography and Theatre in secondary schools. He studied his Masters at Trinity College, Dublin, achieving a distinction in his M.Ed. in Leadership and Management. He is known for his passionate beliefs in international education and has experience with many international programmes of all ages from 3 to 18 years. His last formal headship was as Director of the International School of London and he has also been a Governor of the International School of Dublin, the first ever IB primary school in Ireland. In the last three years, however, Andy carried out international consultancy work leading a variety of projects in Spain, Russia and most recently a highly innovative international school start-up in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Andy’s quote “The first thing a Principal should do in his first year is see how the school runs for an entire year. So I’ve been very conscious and I spent a lot of my first time running focus groups, listening and finding out what people are already doing. I’ve been teaching for over 30 years and leading schools for maybe nearly 20 years now and there is a danger that you keep repeating the things you’ve done before, there’s so much out there in terms of research and ideas, etcetera. To understand trends in education, we need to go deeper. So to do that, I want all my teachers to feel passionate about keeping up to date. We started something called Research Wednesdays, where we stay after school on a Wednesday, voluntarily, the school buys cake and coffee, and every week for 1 hour, we discuss an article or some of the latest research.”

Safe Happy Learning

“What I most like about Laude is our school community. Friendly staff is one of the most dominant things at Laude. Our children are physically safe from a safeguarding perspective and well looked after for their well being. We really encourage students to be vocal and speak their mind, which also leads to a sort of personal safety of mind. We’re just beginning some work on something called global life competencies. They’re the sort of broader cross subject skills that children learn how to do, like the ability to think critically or the ability to communicate effectively or the ability to self manage and self organise yourself.

ISP School

We are part of the global education group ISP (‘International Schools Partnerships’) one of the largest education groups in the world. As a global group of schools, our students benefit from being part of a wider international community which offers many additional learning and cultural opportunities.

Andy’s quote “Being part of ISP, a group of over 70 schools, means that there are always great opportunities for staff such as online courses provided to our teachers and staff to register for. We also get great opportunities for students and we are excited about 30 of our kids playing chess online with over 60 schools around the globe.”

Amazing Campus

Our excellent facilities include a football pitch, two multi-sports courts and a gymnasium with changing rooms for over 400 people. We also have four computer rooms, a multimedia lab, a graphic design room, innovative science labs, dedicated rooms for drama, food technology labs and a new radio studio, as well as the latest technological devices (iPads, Chromebooks and interactive whiteboards). We have a large dining hall with its own kitchen where school meals are prepared and an extensive library to encourage our pupils to develop an interest in reading and research.

Innovative learning & International Mindset

We offer a unique and incredible educational experience to each one of our students, which we call “Amazing Learning”: having the ability to improve day by day, and be amazed at everything learned, whatever the starting point was. We work so that the student feels happy and motivated in an environment that generates confidence.

Andy’s quote  “So there are five key areas that they’re working strategically on to make us the school of choice. One of those that we’re doing super well is English as an additional language and multilingualism. We’ve got an amazing language programme; we do French, German and Chinese, not just in the Secondary school, but also in Primary School from Year 2 upwards. Even the students who are in the Spanish national system of ESO and Bachillerato are all bilingual and they have an amazing level of English by the time they leave.”

Getting better is what drives us

“At a personal level, I’ve tried to model to my staff by running some student led projects. it’s about students not expecting things to be done for them. Do you want to do something? Get on and organise it. How do you want to organise it? Do it. We’ve got areas where students are leading at the moment, like quiz night, a dog show, school radio station and much more.”

Sports, Arts, Drama & Beyond

“What delights me about our school is certain things like our sports department that is full of enthusiasm for different types of sports, for getting involved in tournaments and making sure he has a genuine belief with his team to make our kids physically fit. And the other area that I’m working on in a little way is our arts group, because we have a great visual arts teacher, we have an amazing dance-drama teacher, we have a new music teacher who’s got great potential to take music forward. A lot of people just think it’s a department in a school, but it’s actually a way of life and learning across the whole school. If you have sports, music, art, drama and dance, it brings joy to a school that radiates every bit of a school. Our recent Key Stage 2 talent show absolutely showcased that. And I’m a strong believer that children don’t just learn art or sports, they learn through these experiences about other things.

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Introduction

In the beautiful country of Japan, nestled in the vibrant city of Kobe, lies an educational institution that embodies the true essence of global learning and academic excellence. St. Michael’s International School (SMIS) has established itself as a renowned educational institution, offering a holistic and internationally-focused education to students from all corners of the globe. With a rich history, diverse student body, and an unwavering commitment to educational innovation, SMIS stands as a beacon of learning in Japan.

A Rich History of Educational Excellence:

Founded in 1946, St. Michael’s International School offers a distinctive British-international education within a culture of academic excellence and a caring family community. The vision of our founders shapes the future of our school, ensuring we retain a well-deserved reputation for being a family-friendly school whilst nurturing aspirations in our young learners.

Based on the same site since 1946, St. Michaels is well established in the Kitano area of Kobe, a safe, family-friendly area popular with international families The area is a convenient, suburban hub close to the bustle of Sannomiya and within easy reach of Osaka.

Throughout its history and continuing today, St. Michael’s is a small school, which ensures that the students are educated in a friendly atmosphere conducive to the development of understanding, tolerance and friendship towards people of all nationalities and creeds.

Prominent Personality

Named after the patron saint of the diocese, St. Michael’s International School was founded on a firm foundation of Christian principles, which continue to this day. It is part of an international educational tradition extending back to 1893 when its predecessor, the English Mission School (EMS), one of Japan’s first international schools, was founded.

Arising from the joint efforts of Miss Leonora Lea, an English Missionary who remained in Kobe during World War II, and Bishop Michael Yashiro of  the Kobe diocese, the school officially opened for international school children on 10th March 1946 with a special event which was attended by Sir Vere Redman, who represented the British Embassy and travelled from Tokyo for the occasion. The school is many things to many people and over the years St. Michael’s has welcomed students from every corner of the globe. It is a common occurrence to have family members visiting the school to reminisce about their time, remembering old friends and events.

Beyond the Classroom

At St. Michael’s children are supported to learn and develop at their own unique pace using the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC.)  This research-based curriculum recognises global best practice and the developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. The IEYC supports key learning through holistic enquiry and play-based approaches encompassing all curriculum areas including personal, social and emotional development.  This innovative curriculum is underpinned by eight learning principles: 

1. The earliest years of life are important in their own right.

2. Children should be supported to learn and develop at their own unique pace.

3. Play is an essential aspect of all children’s learning and development

4. Learning happens when developmentally-appropriate teacher-scaffolded and child-initiated experiences harness children’s natural curiosity in an enabling environment

5. Independent and interdependent learning experiences create a context for personal Development and are the foundation of international mindedness

6. Knowledge and skills development lead to an increasing sense of understanding when children are provided with opportunities to explore and express their ideas in multiple ways

7. Ongoing assessment, in the form of evaluation and reflection, is effective when it involves a learning-link with the home

8. Learning should be motivating, engaging and fun, opening up a world of wonder for children where personal interests can flourish

Financial Assistance

With a focus on compassion and funded primarily by donations from our alumni, the school has a well-established scholarship fund, created in honour of our Founder, Miss Lea.  In the event of sudden, severe financial hardship due to immediate loss of income/bankruptcy or other unforeseen circumstances, St. Michael’s International School can provide short term financial support for existing families.

Characteristics of the School

For more than seventy-seven years, St. Michael’s International School has been one of the leading providers of international education in Japan and is the only accredited, International Primary Curriculum (IPC) school in the country.  As the only fully accredited international school in Kansai offering a specialised Early Years and Primary British education, our young learners thrive in a unique and caring environment. The school has a long tradition of excellence and is often described as the small school with a large heart. A strong sense of partnership between school and the families we serve has been nurtured throughout our long history, creating the supportive, happy, family orientated community school it is today. Introduced in 2020, our groundbreaking STEM programme offers learners authentic experiences to develop their computing, robotics and coding skills.

The development of character and sensitivity to major global issues are important objectives, together with an innovative Wellbeing curriculum, integrated use of STEM technology and strong academic foundation in all subjects. The school aims to educate for the future, while maintaining the traditions imparted by our founders.

Future Proof Education

A community of lifelong learners, our highly experienced and qualified faculty keep abreast of curriculum development, new teaching methodologies and research, exploring these during regular training days throughout the year.  Established partnerships with accrediting agencies offer our faculty access to the very best and most up to date professional development.

Recognition and Awards

In 2007 St. Michael’s became the first school in Kansai to be awarded dual accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC.) In keeping with its reputation for being ground-breaking, St. Michael’s International School is the first and still the only school in Japan to have its curriculum accredited by the International Curriculum Association (ICA) In November 2020 St. Michael’s also achieved accreditation with the Council of British International School (COBIS.) Winning awards from TELL Japan in 2021 and again in 2022 St. Michael’s Health and Wellbeing programme supports learners’ personal growth and development.  

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Rim’s Prosopography

Rim Kabbara is a leader in the field of education with more than 21 years of experience in management, instruction, and teaching. She has great knowledge of different educational curriculums (American, British, and Lebanese). She occupies the role of school principal / executive director at Step One International School-Qatar since 2018.

She oversees the academic and operational departments. She developed the school’s strategic and operational plans and ensured the effective implementation of the school-wide action and development plans.

Mrs. Kabbara successfully led the school to receive national accreditation (QNSA) in 2019 by creating the school teams and committees’ structure, involving all stakeholders, and nurturing a positive, healthy, and effective school environment.

Mrs. Kabbara had joined Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Profession-Qatar since its foundation back in 2008 and played a major role in its success up to 2018. In September 2012, she was appointed Assistant Executive Director and served in the School Management Team

(SMT). Mrs. Kabbara expanded her role to Head the Department of Student Affairs where she assisted the school director in providing school-wide leadership performing administrative, and supervisory duties, and helping students achieve the benefits from designed academic/non-academic programs and services.

She successfully led the school through the National (QNSA) and International (AdvancED) accreditation and played a major role in its planning, and implementation phases. Mrs. Kabbara served on the Advisory Board of the school since 2015.

Prior to joining DeBakey, Mrs. Kabbara began her career in 2001 in the education field in Lebanon. She worked at the management department of Rawdat El Fayha’a Schools (one of the largest schools in Lebanon). In 2004, she moved with her family to Saudi Arabia and continued her career in education where she worked for 3 years as a teacher/coordinator.

With her ability to work with a high degree of accuracy, Mrs. Kabbara developed policies and procedures for the schools she joined, administered standardized tests (MAP-SAT10-PISA-TIMSS-PRILS-AP-CEM/InCAS-checkpoint), and developed school-wide

strategic plans. She supervised the implementation of the school instructional programs as well.

Mrs. Kabbara holds a Maitrise in Science degree in applied Mathematics, (Major computer science) from the Lebanese University (LU)-Beirut, multiple certificates in the Computer Science/programming field in addition to attending various college & career counseling workshops.

Born in Lebanon, Mrs. Kabbara is Married and has four children. She enjoys playing sports (Basketball, Volleyball & Tennis), designing, and gardening. She also cherishes spending time with her family and friends.

Use Technology in the Classroom

She believe that technology has a positive impact on student learning providing meaningful learning experiences causing them to be more engaged; thus, students often retain more information. SIS teachers use technology as a tool when it is the best resource to be used. All classrooms are equipped with interactive smart boards. Students have the chance to use the smart tablets as well as part of the individual, pair or group work. Technology is a powerful contributor to learning at SIS and is used to deepen students’ engagement

in the meaningful and intellectually authentic curriculum.

Making a Contribution to the Community

Focusing on Qatar, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions was the first organization she worked for since its inception in 2008. She played a major role in developing the student affairs department in order to create higher education opportunities for graduates.

The school internship program with Calgary, the online AP course through the college board US, the dual credit program with Texas A&M, and the internship with Baylor College of Medicine US are a few of the many programs she put in place for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Step One International School

Step One International School at Qatar (SIS at Qatar) is a primary school, offering students Cambridge Primary Curriculum preparing them to be global citizens.

The broad balanced curriculum offered at SIS is predicated on a student-centered approach for developing the whole child.

The developmental pathways are psychological, emotional, academic, technical, and values based. This approach has provided SIS with an educational edge for over 10 years necessary to successfully prepare our students to compete in a global society.

The school is located on Nuaija Street near D Ring Road, and it opened in September 2010. The SIS program serves students in Years 1– 6. Classes have an average student/teacher ratio of 18:1. The regular school day begins at 7:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM. The school is in the process of applying for the secondary level in an estimation to open a new campus for Year 7-12 students in August 2024.

Overcoming Tough Times

Decreasing the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ academic achievement remains the biggest challenge they faced on a daily basis. They tracked changes in Math and reading test scores across the first two years of the pandemic using data from the Cambridge CEM InCAS test. They focused on test scores from immediately before the pandemic (fall 2019), following the initial onset (fall 2020), and more than one year into pandemic disruptions (fall 2021).

The level drops were significantly large. Even more concerning, achievement tended to drop more between fall 2020 and 2021 than between fall 2019 and 2020, indicating that disruptions to learning have continued to negatively impact students well past the initial hits following the spring 2020 school closures.

These numbers were alarming and potentially demoralizing, especially given the heroic efforts of students to learn and educators to teach in incredibly trying times. To overcome these challenges, they bet on students’ capacity for resiliency in these circumstances and they projected a timeline for potential recovery over the upcoming years to remediate the gap without overwhelming the students and affecting their mental health. More hands-on courses were introduced, character-building programs were put in place and a lot of positive reinforcement opportunities were created to enable students to gain back what they lost during the pandemic.

Source of Inspiration

Mrs. Kabbara is motivated by the change education can make in the lives of children and its positive impact on their well-being and mental health. She comes to school every day with the intention to give my students the best and most exciting educational and lifelong experiences while at school. The change you see in them and the progress they make is rewarding to a point you cannot explain nor measure.

Her mother was a school director in Lebanon for all her life, she just retired a few years back. Seeing her perseverance, passion toward her profession, and the positive influence she had on all the stakeholders made her aspire to become a leader in the educational field and hopefully make a difference as she did!

Qatar’s Educational Scenario

Being in Qatar for almost 2 decades, she witnessed how Qatar’s education system evolved from small home schools to acclaimed international universities. The country’s focus today is to ensure that its youth are both academically and vocationally equipped to take the lead on the home front and to become major players in the international arena. The government has outlined a clear vision of leveraging its vast resources to diversify the economy away from oil and gas revenues.

Qatar’s National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the National Development Strategy 2011-16 outline the country’s long-term social and economic goals and identify education as a critical vehicle for meeting these targets and have invested in reforming the sector and in developing new education initiatives, programs, and projects over the past two decades. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser became a leader in the field of education on an international level and persevered to transform the lives of millions of marginalized children and young people across the world through the Education Above All Foundation emphasizing the importance of education for all children across the globe and the right to education to enhance the quality of life.

An Eye on the Future

On a personal level, her goal is to complete a master’s degree in the field of educational leadership in the upcoming two years; On a professional level, she would focus on leading Step One International School, opening another campus, and growing its department of Special Educational Needs “The Bridge Department” to serve more SEN students.

Message for Students

Every student has his specific needs, physical, emotional, or psychological. Students have the ability to adapt and change faster than we think. They just need a role model, patience, and time. To students, she says: You can be whom you want to be, do not be intimidated by the voices suppressing you, hear it, use it to motivate you to push further. No one will live your life, focus on your path, put in the necessary efforts and you shall succeed. To educators, she says: Students need you to be their beacon of light, hold their hands and guide them through the challenges. Give them the time they need, and watch them blossom one after the other.