During my time as a headteacher and school leader, I have worked with many Muslim families and colleagues in the UK who observe the holy month of Ramadan. However, this is the first time I’ve lived and worked in a Muslim country, and I wanted to learn more about the importance of this special time of year - especially since The President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has declared 2025 as the Year of Community - and Ramadan is such an important time for the community.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts for either 29 or 30 days. Because the Islamic year is slightly shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan moves forward by approximately 10 days each year in relation to the non-Muslim world. I found it fascinating to learn that over a 33-year cycle, this means Ramadan will have been observed at every point of the year and in all seasons.
I also discovered that, in Islamic tradition, it was during Ramadan - on Laylat al-Qadr, the "Night of Power" - that God revealed the Holy Qur’an to the Prophet as guidance for the people. While I already knew that Ramadan is a time of fasting for Muslims, I have been reminded that it is also a time of ṣalāt (reflection and spiritual connection), communal prayer, and reading of the Qurʾān. Some Muslims strive to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan, which is a true act of self-discipline and faith.
This understanding was truly brought to life for me when Mai Mahmoud, our Head of Islamic Studies, spoke to us all at a recent staff briefing. She spoke with such passion about the significance of Ramadan and the special place it holds in her life. I believe that everyone in the room, whether Muslim or not, felt the importance of this time and was deeply moved by the emotion in her words.
Thank you, Mai, and I warmly invite you all to join us for our wonderful Community Iftar, which will be held on Thursday, 13th March, at 5:30 pm in the snug and basketball area.
John Dibdin
Head of Primary
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right." - Henry Ford
Belief is a powerful force. As educators, we see daily how a student’s confidence - whether strong or fragile - shapes their learning journey. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or on stage, students thrive when they believe in their ability to succeed. As a Drama teacher, I often see this in action - students stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and growing in confidence. But this idea extends far beyond Drama; it is fundamental to education as a whole.
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