Introducing our secondary school student leadership team!

Congratulations to our offer holders!Offers are still coming in and we are pleased to be celebrating more success – our latest offers are below. Please note that a lot of UK and US universities are still processing applications up until the end of March at least. Omar Afifi – Engineering – Heriot-Watt University Dubai and University of Birmingham DubaiNoah Ainembabazi – Law – University of Exeter, University of Kent, University of Brighton and University of SussexAlilya Narikbayeva – Journalism – City, University of London and London Metropolitan UniversityNatangwe Nghipondoka – Business – International Business & Management – University of BrightonGhena Radi – Human Resource Management – York University CanadaRidaa Rahman – Law – University of Exeter, University of Sussex, University of Plymouth and Coventry University  Summer ProgrammesAlthough not essential if your child is able to study, research or find work placements on their own, summer programmes are a great way to enhance a student’s profile and help them find enrichment opportunities. They can also sometimes help students earn college credit. Most top universities are advertising their summer programmes on their websites such as Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, Warwick, EHL and more! Simply visit individual websites and search for summer programmes on offer. Students should prioritise courses which include lectures, workshops and projects in line with their chosen university course. Summer programmes are one way of gaining knowledge and skills, but students should also consider:

• further reading - top UK universities provide reading lists under each faculty. Lists are also available on Unifrog
• lectures - many are accessible on YouTube and NYUAD also runs fantastic lectures open to the public
• MOOCs - FutureLearn and Coursera are the main platforms. Courses are also listed on Unifrog
• Podcasts / TED Talks - students can use Unifrog to search for Podcasts / TED Talks in relevant fields
• national/international competitions - advertised regularly on Teams, via this newsletter and within subject departments
• voluntary work, work experience, etc - students must seek opportunities themselves, but many virtual opportunities are listed on Unifrog. I have also shared several physical and virtual opportunities with students when running sessions and through Teams.

The most important is for students to be able to reflect on their experiences, what they have learnt and how they can demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained. INVESTIN also provide quality internship summer programmes at a reasonable cost, in collaboration with top universities. SISD students will receive 10% discount on all programmes including summer programmes, using the SISD10 discount code.Programmes include:

• Architecture: complete design projects in a real studio
• Art: present your portfolio to a panel of top artists
• Dentistry: drill teeth on phantom heads
• Engineering: take apart a petrol engine with F1 engineers
• Entrepreneurship: pitch a business plan to top CEOs
• Filmmaking: direct a movie scene on a real film set
• Forensic Science: explore a simulated crime scene
• Investment Banking: trade the markets live in a London skyscraper
• Law: argue a case before a judge in the Supreme Court
• Medicine: shadow doctors in a London teaching hospital
• Politics: design an election campaign and attend a reception with MPs
• Psychology: carry out patient consultations in a simulated clinic
• Software Engineering: create your own app from start to finish
• Veterinary Medicine: examine and diagnose real animals
• Video Game Design: design a game and pitch to industry leaders

Please also see below the Spring Camp opportunities in the "Upcoming Events in Dubai" section.  Monday 7^th March, 1:45-2:40pm: G11 University & Career Talk with Leila HoteitLeila Hoteit is the Senior Partner & Managing Director of Boston Group Consulting and was elected one of the Top 50 businesswomen in the Middle East. She studied at Imperial College London where she obtained a PhD in electrical engineering. Leila Hoteit also has an MBA in Business Administration from INSEAD. Leila Hoteit has delivered TED Talks and is a truly inspirational speaker! Thursday 17^th March, Period 6, 1:45-2:40pm: Career Talk with Chef Varun Menghani & SEG GroupChef Varun studied Culinary Arts in Switzerland and will talk to our students about his experience in Switzerland and the career choices he has made. Chef Varun is an inspirational speaker with a great deal of humour and energy, he clearly has a passion for what he does! He will be accompanied by Fauz Gataby who will introduce the SEG group and their Hospitality and Culinary Arts institutions based in Switzerland.  Upcoming events online:7-8 March, all day: Italia Virtual Fair (G11-12 students) The Embassy of Italy in the United Arab Emirates will hold its first virtual fair open to students from the Gulf countries, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, the Ministry of University and Research, the Ministry of Interior and Uni-Italia (non-profit association). You must register to be able to access the platform on the days and attend plenary sessions, thematic webinars and individual meetings faculties of chosen universities. Registration linkhttps://studyinitalyfairs.uni-italia.it/Tuesday 8^th March, 5-8pm: Unifrog Virtual Next Steps Fair Unifrog, our university preparation platform, is organising a large virtual fair with not only 50+ university representatives but also top employers and apprenticeship providers. Having attended many Unifrog events in the past as a Counsellor, I fully recommend attending! Their events are smooth, well organised and thorough, with lots of resources to download and absorb at a later date. Registration linkhttps://lnkd.in/dfMfgZCD Wednesday 9^th March, 5:00-8:30pm (1:00-4:30 UTC): Africa & Middle East Study Abroad FairThis is a highly recommended virtual fair where students and parents will be able to:

• Access Universities from some of the most popular study abroad destinations.
• Browse booths and talk live one to one with admissions representatives to ask all their questions.
• Attend Live Sessions on topical subjects related to higher education (recordings of which will be available if they don’t fit in with your time slot).
• Save information and access it after the event in their virtual backpack.
• See poster below for participating universities

Registration linkhttps://fairs.thestudent.world/africa-middleeastPlease ensure students watch this short video on how the platform works which includes how to register for the event.  11-20 March: Southampton Science & Engineering FestivalThis event is an award-winning interdisciplinary science festival that allows students to explore and discover the world of STEAM and what it has to offer. Access the Festival timetable and book tickets for any session you wish to attend. Registration linkhttps://www.sotsef.co.uk/wider-festival/timetable/ Upcoming events in Dubai:18-20 March, Repton Dubai: Harvard Innovation ConferenceApplication deadline: Saturday 5^th March.See poster below for details.

The purpose of this monthly update is for parents to be better informed about the support offered to Grades 9-12 students, especially the sessions run during the school day. All events will continue to be advertised on Microsoft Teams for students, on the Universities & Careers team.Congratulations to our first offer holders! Congratulations to the students below for received their first offers! We are truly proud of all our students and wish everyone the very best in their applications.Khadija Abdullahi – Business & Human Resources Management – Anglia Ruskin University & HULT LondonRashed Jabr – Business Administration – HULT Bolton (USA)Danil Kim – Business Administration & Management – Heriot Watt University & American University in DubaiGolbarg Mostafavi – Hospitality – Glion InstituteGhena Radi – Environment & Business Co-op – University of WaterlooAmin Rashad – Economics – University of St. GallenCamila Simao – History – University of Bristol & University of ExeterKourosh Zarei – Computer Science – University of Massachusetts & Rutgers UniversityWe also wish the very best of luck to our students who have been invited for interviews by Stanford University, Princeton University and UPenn!G10 Work Experience – We need your help! Work placements are an invaluable experience for our students and we are hoping to be able to widen opportunities this year. I am pleased to share that I have recently received positive communication back about work placement opportunities resuming in the UAE for High School students, including in medical job shadowing. We will communicate the work experience enrichment dates as soon as they are available. In the meantime, I would like to reach out to our supportive community and ask to please contact me at naima.gauthier@sisd.ae if you would be willing to provide work experience for our Grade 10 students within your company. Please specify the number of students you could accommodate, name of workplace, field of work and possible tasks they would complete.Career & University Talks With physical events resuming, the school has started to offer talks about different career paths and university experiences. We were delighted to welcome Maximilian Büsser who talked to our Grade 11s and will hopefully schedule a physical session with our Grade 12s soon. We hope these talks will broaden students’ future aspirations and develop their curiosity towards a wider variety of career fields. Parents are invited to join these talks and share their own journey with our students. Please contact me at naima.gauthier@sisd.ae if you are interested in taking part in this series.Upcoming SISD events: Thursday 3^rd February, 1:45-2:40pm (G12) + Monday 7^th February 1:45-2:40pm (G11): University Talk with Anthony Loxton-BakerMr Loxton-Baker will talk about his experience studying American Studies at Aberystwyth University and will also share his change of career and motivation to join the teaching profession after 8 years as Customer Service Representative.Wednesday 9^th February, 8:00-8:55am: G11 University Talk on US Sports Scholarships with Coach KevinKevin has had several posts in university admissions in the US before working as a career counsellor in Dubai. An athlete himself, he has also delivered talks on Sports Scholarships for Hale Education.Thursday 10^th February, 11:10am-12:05pm: Grades 9 & 10 Work Monthly WorkshopThis month we will be discussing the benefits of work experience and voluntary work. I will also share many virtual opportunities to help students find alternatives if physical work experience opportunities are still limited.Monday 14^th February, 1:45-2:40pm: G11 Oxbridge Talk (TBC)Dr. Rafiq holds a PhD in Politics & International Relations from the University of Oxford and an MPhil from Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. As part of the ‘Oxford Lecture Series’ organised for prestigious secondary schools around the World, Dr. Rafiq will interact with our Grade 11 students about admissions to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities in the UK.Tuesday 22^nd February, 8:00-8:55am: G11 Canadian Application Workshop with Vandana MahajanVandana Mahajan, CEO of Futures Abroad, will be our guest speaker and will talk about how to prepare for and apply to Canadian universities. Vandana is the former Director of International Academic Liaison for the University of Toronto and is also the international representative for Western University. She has also been the Education Marketing Coordinator for the Embassy of Canada in Dubai since February 2021.Thursday 3^rd March, 1:45-2:40pm: Grades 11 & 12 International University VisitThis is an exciting physical event! We are expecting around 30 universities to join us in the largest SISD University Fair to date!Monday 7^th March, 1:45-2:40pm: G11 University & Career Talk with Leila HoteitLeila Hoteit is the Senior Partner & Managing Director of Boston Group Consulting. She was elected one of the Top 50 businesswomen in the Middle East and studied at Imperial College London where she obtained a PhD in electrical engineering. Leila Hoteit also has an MBA in Business Administration from INSEAD. Leila Hoteit has delivered TED Talks and is a truly inspirational speaker!Upcoming events online: Wednesday 9^th March, 5:00-8:30pm: Africa & Middle East Study Abroad Fair This is a highly recommended virtual fair where students and parents will be able to:

• Access Universities from some of the most popular study abroad destinations.
• Browse booths and talk live one to one with admissions representatives to ask all their questions.
• Attend Live Sessions on topical subjects related to higher education (recordings of which will be available if they don’t fit in with your time slot).
• Save information and access it after the event in their virtual backpack.

 Participating institutions so far include:Algonquin College; Acadia University; Canadore College; Carleton University; City University of Hong Kong; Durham University; Emlyon Business School; Glendon Campus of York University; Global School for Entrepreneurship;  Grenoble Ecole de Management; Griffith University; Iowa State University; Irvine Valley College; Lakehead University; Laurentian University; MacEwan University; Memorial University; Northern College; St. John's University; The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; The University of Sydney; University of Alberta; University of Groningen; University of Missouri (Mizzou); University of Cambridge;  University of Leeds; University of Prince Edward Island; University of Saskatchewan; University of Westminster, London; University of Waterloo; Vancouver Island University (VIU) & High School at VIU; York University; University of Birmingham and more. Registration linkhttps://fairs.thestudent.world/africa-middleeastPlease ensure students watch this short video on how the platform works which includes how to register for the event.Upcoming events in Dubai: Saturday 12^th February: Les Roches & Glion Hospitality Discovery Workshop, W Hotel The Palm Students in Grades 10-12 are invited to this very exciting Hospitality Discovery workshop where they have a chance to engage in activities that will be both fun and educational! Students will compete and one of them will win a weeklong Summer Program in Spain! (PDF brochure attached)Registration page:https://forms.gle/eytnSuS1qis8Z7yt8 Monday 14^th February: Student for a Day, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management Tour the campus and join exciting workshops on this very hands-on OpenDay!

This week, we are celebrating outstanding results from our latest cohort of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme graduates.As a school with an inclusive admissions policy and open access for all students to pursue the IB programmes, we are proud to announce that our very keen multi-lingual group of 20 SISD students achieved an average grade of 34, surpassing the global average points score significantly. Above all, and in line with our philosophy, half of our IBDP students achieved a bilingual IB diploma. We are not aware of any other school that has such a high proportion of bilingual IB diplomas.Top scoring student, Skay Fasano, with an excellent point score of 42 in the bilingual IBDP, said: “I am thrilled with my IB results - this curriculum has helped me to build resilience and perseverance and allowed me to pursue a truly bilingual education. I became a more independent and organised individual by following the IB, and I have now decided to study at the world-famous École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, in order to pursue my passion in Hospitality Management.”Elise Furr, Head of Secondary Education at SISD, says: “Our IB results this year are simply outstanding, especially given the added pressures created by the pandemic. This is only the school’s second year of the IBDP Programme, so it really is a fantastic achievement. It is testament to everyone’s hard work, commitment and unfailing dedication to excellence that all our students have now received their first choice of university destination, and we are certain they will go on to become truly successful global citizens.”Urs Jungo, the school’s IBDP Coordinator, adds: “It has truly been an honour to be part of this year’s IBDP cohort – we have a group of students who have not only undertaken one of the world’s most challenging educational programmes in a global pandemic, but some have also achieved bilingual diplomas – no easy feat! The students have achieved fantastic results and significantly surpassed the world’s average scores. We are very proud of you, Class of 2021!”School Principal, Norbert Foerster commented: “The sound philosophy behind the IB Programme is to equip its students with the values, knowledge and skills they’ll need to become better global citizens, and work towards making the world a better place. At SISD, we put particular focus on international-mindedness, a balanced education, and tailored approaches to learning. We also add in the dimension of bilingualism – truly making our students ready for a global world. Our latest results show this concept is working extremely well, and I’d like to congratulate both our students and staff for putting in such hard work during a trying time to achieve outstanding results. However, for me, the IB is about so much more than just points – it is an educational philosophy to ensure our students succeed in life, not just at university, and more importantly become life-long learners with a passion to make a difference in the world.”

We are very sorry to learn that one of our former KG2 teachers, Christine Chauveau, passed away recently. The team that knew Christine wanted to share a message of their memories of her, and the SISD community also wish to pass on our condolences to the family.Amina El Difrawi - Head of Early YearsA few days ago, we heard the very sad news that a former member of SISD and of the Early Years team passed away. I first met Christine Chauveau in my role as a French coordinator and as her son’s Karl teacher. She was passionate about the French teaching and was enthusiastic about the bilingual co-teaching model in KG2. She worked hard to improve it and made sure the students get the best experience. She was looking forward to continuing working in the Early Years so “we could do great things together for French” as she used to say. I can still hear her singing voice and see her big smile.  Unfortunately, she had to leave to go back to her home country. We will always remember her as a happy and passionate teacher. We would like to send her family and especially her son Karl our warmest condolences and courage in those difficult moment. Pauline Joseph Grade 3 TeacherI met Christine in August 2017. She was teaching French in early years while I was teaching in primary. We were neighbors as well; our sons were in the same class and quickly we became friends. I remember Christine as someone funny, who likes to laugh and enjoys simple things in life. Christine was discrete but we could always count on her. She will truly be missed. Our hearts go out to her family, especially her son Karl, in this ordeal.   Tamara Grannell Grade 1 TeacherIn the academic year of 2017, I started SISD with Christine and together we helped to introduce the bilingual French and English stream. Christine was a passionate French teacher, going over and above to ensure her students were emersed in the French language. Christine was funny, active and loved by all.Christine will be truly missed, and we have her son Karl in all of our thoughts and prayers. 

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Rania Hussein to the position of Deputy Head of SISD, commencing in August 2021. Rania will take over from Luke Osborne, who has accepted a Principal role at the International School of Ulm / Neu-Ulm, an IB school in Southern Germany.Rania joins us from GEMS World Academy, where she has been the Head of Senior School. Educated in Saudi Arabia, Canada and the UK, bilingual educator Rania is herself an IB graduate and an expert in the specialised curriculum. She also serves as an Examiner for English Language and Literature with the International Baccalaureate organisation.Rania has worked within the IB Programme for the entirety of her teaching career, shaped by her own international upbringing and experiences. After attending several international schools in the Middle East, where she studied as an IB student herself, Rania graduated with Honours in Mass Communication and Media Studies from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. Upon completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the UK’s University of Sunderland, she begun a highly focused and successful teaching career as Head of Year and Head of House at the British International School of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, simultaneously teaching the IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE.During her tenure as Head of Senior School at GEMS World Academy, the IB Diploma Programme outcomes grew from 29 to 37 points - and the pass rate from 67% to 100%. Rania also had responsibility for the EE, CAS, TOK elements of the IBDP, as well as overseeing the IBCP and DP programmes within the school.In addition, Rania was also the IB Diploma Programme network leader for GEMS and oversaw the successful progress, growth and development of other IB schools within the network.The new Deputy says: "I am extremely excited and proud to have been selected as the next Deputy Head of SISD. The school is one that I have admired from afar, especially with its focus on internationalism and nurturing global citizens. As an IB graduate and bilingual speaker myself, I know first-hand the tremendous benefits that bilingualism within the context of the IB can bring to a student’s education. My passion and focus is on the delivery of high-quality teaching, and offering every student a pathway that allows for them to grow personally and academically. I have spent the entirety of my career in IB schools, so it is a great privilege to join a school that embodies the IB ethos and learner profile so completely. I cannot wait to join what is already a thriving community at the SISD and will work hard to be an integral part of the school's journey to excellence."Ruth Burke, recently appointed new School Principal and CEO from August, adds: “After an extensive talent search, Rania will join SISD as Deputy, and together we are looking forward to maximizing the benefits of bilingualism in our unique IB school, discovering and nurturing the talents of all of our students and further developing the vibrant and happy school that is SISD.”Rania is a mother of two. Her husband David was also an international student, and is currently a Head of School in Dubai.  

Oxbridge Week

SISD will be hosting three Oxbridge virtual events throughout this week:Monday 22nd March, 5:30-6:30pm: Aspiring to Oxbridge TalkZoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/95592935161?pwd=WlU3MDdvS1NodVErZWFNcFFYRnNLdz09“Aspiring to Oxbridge”, the session delivered by Alicia Luba, is an introductory presentation designed for students and their parents from Year 9 upwards. During this presentation, Alicia will be addressing key points such as who should consider applying, how to apply, and the process from initially considering Oxbridge all the way through to the interviews themselves. Alicia will share her own experience both as an Oxford undergraduate and now for the past five years as an admissions consultant. The presentation will cover the different entry requirements, the college system, pooling, the strategy behind choosing the right course and the different admissions tests students need to sit in advance.SPEAKER’S PROFILE:ALICIA LUBA - CONSULTANCY DIRECTOR AT OXBRIDGE APPLICATIONSAlicia holds a first-class degree in English Literature from St Hilda’s College Oxford and also an MA in Shakespeare from Kings College, London. She has been consulting with students, schools and parents for Oxbridge Applications since 2013, specialising in the Arts and Humanities subjects. She regularly takes on her own Premier Service students as well as conducting the initial Private Consultations in the London office or around the globe. Alicia travels to meet clients and schools in the United Arab Emirates, Italy, China, Nigeria and most recently, Oman.______________Tuesday 23rd March, 5:30-6:30pm: University of Cambridge Virtual Presentation Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98076808546?pwd=Z1I3cEs4c1dOZ2JqTzBpMU5LMzlEZz09This session is aimed at parents and students who wish to learn more about the University of Cambridge, the application process and entry requirements. Roshan will also explain how students as early as Grade 9 can start preparing for a highly selective institution such as Cambridge._____________SPEAKER’S PROFILE:ROSHAN WALKERLEY - DEPUTY HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RECRUITMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGERoshan Walkerley is the Deputy Head of International Student Recruitment at the University of Cambridge. He was also part of the Cambridge International Global Recognitions team for two years, leading work with universities in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Prior to joining Cambridge International in 2018, Roshan worked as a Student Recruitment Manager and Higher Education Adviser at the University of East Anglia. Roshan studied Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia, UK, and Macquarie University, Australia. _____________Thursday 25th March, 5:30-6:30pm: Oxbridge Virtual Panel Discussionhttps://zoom.us/j/95927961063?pwd=THBlbHN6NTlCbnQvQmdMY0NvZDVCQT09I am delighted to be inviting the Carfax Education team again to lead this insightful virtual conversation with recent Graduates from Oxford and Cambridge. Both the humanities and the sciences will be represented during this event. Acceptance into these elite establishments is extremely competitive, top grades are not enough to guarantee a place. Our four guests will share their stories, give valuable inside advice on making your application stand out and tell you what it is really like to study in the "dreaming spires".

Our Deputy Head of Secondary, Ashley Fitzgibbons, featured in the latest WhichSchoolAdvisor podcast this week, talking about how to support student wellbeing through exam periods. Well done Ashley!

We are delighted to announce that Mrs Ruth Burke has been appointed Principal/CEO of SISD from next academic year. She will succeed Mr. Norbert Foerster who is retiring as planned and moving back to Europe.As an educator and school leader with an outstanding record in school development, Ruth’s experience in leading a range of top-tier international schools, increasing opportunities for all students to be successful and building inclusive community cohesion will support the next stages in the development of our school.Educated in Trinity College Dublin (first degree) and Bath University, UK (Masters’ degree), Mrs Burke’s in-depth understanding of education, her proven track record in school improvement at the highest levels in schools such as JESS, GEMS Wellington International School and Deira International school, will see her vision for student success and wellbeing positively drive all aspects of school culture and provision at SISD in the years ahead. During Ruth’s tenure at JESS Jumeirah and GEMS WIS, the schools were rated as Outstanding in the KHDA DSIB inspections, and both schools are leading IB Diploma schools in Dubai, ensuring students achieve the best global university places.Ambitious for students, staff and schools, Mrs Burke believes strongly in the power of education and the potential of growth mindset, supporting students to achieve their potential and creating partnerships to build effective learning communities. Both boarders and day students at SISD can expect a focus on all aspects of their pastoral, extra-curricular and academic experiences to be developed in a caring, community-focused and forward-thinking manner.In addition, Ruth’s energetic and highly personable approach will assure her successful transition to life at SISD. As mum to three ranging in ages from 8 to 27 years and residing in Dubai for the last 20 years with her husband, Mrs Burke is looking forward to joining the SISD community and further contributing to the four central principles at SISD of Bilingualism, Excellence, Sustainability and Togetherness.SISD Founder, Omar Danial said ‘I am delighted to welcome Ruth Burke to SISD as our new Head of School. As an experienced IB educator, and a long-standing leader in a number of ‘Outstanding’ schools in Dubai, Ruth will be an incredible asset for our school. Ruth’s vast experience of the UAE, coupled with her commitment and passion for inclusive education, will support our vision to deliver a first-class IB education for all our students. I feel very fortunate to have secured Ruth as the new Head of School, and am looking forward to working with her on the next stage of school advancement.’Ruth said ‘It is a tremendous privilege to have been selected as the next Head of SISD, particularly following the remarkable vision and leadership of Norbert Foerster. The SISD Education is unique: global in its outlook, bilingual in its approach, Swiss in its culture, and yet also rooted in the local community of Dubai. I am passionate about the IB, it is absolutely the gold standard of education, and it is what employers and universities are now looking for. When combined with the languages and the STEAM education that SISD offers, I have no doubt that we have developed something unique for our students – I am looking forward to developing this further, becoming part of the SISD community and supporting the school in the next stage of its growth and development.’We look forward to welcoming Ruth to the SISD community this summer.Find out more about Ruth - A Q&A session with Ruth is on our website here.