A champion of innovation in education, meet our Head of Primary Michael Connor

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOURSELF?

I like to develop school curriculums that inspire curiosity and innovation. It’s important to meet the needs of our students as they build real-life skills so they’re ready to learn, discover, and thrive.

Through my leadership experience with Nord Anglia, I want to create a school culture at NAS Abu Dhabi that upholds the highest of standards for our children, teachers, and parents.

As technological advances drive globalisation and digital transformation, I’m passionate about developing a holistic learning experience for students so they can explore new ideas and gain the necessary skills and attitudes to prepare them for an uncertain future.

I’m extremely proud to be given the opportunity to lead the primary school at NAS Abu Dhabi. With its world-class facilities and innovative curriculum, it will be learning environment that will inspire the children to be the very best that they can be.

Every decision I make is rooted in a desire to improve the outcomes for the children in my care.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Curriculum development fuels my passion for education and its transformative power. The process of developing a comprehensive curriculum that engages and empowers learners is one that captivates my imagination. I’m deeply committed to designing educational frameworks that push the boundaries of learning, nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a genuine love for learning.

Innovation in education is of paramount importance as it plays a crucial role in shaping the future. Every learner is unique, with different strengths, interests, and learning styles. Innovation and technology in education allows for the development of diverse teaching methods, instructional materials, and technologies that can cater to individual student needs.

By embracing innovative approaches, we can create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT ABU DHABI?

Having recently moved to Abu Dhabi after spending 11 years in Dubai, I’ve found the experience incredibly positive. Abu Dhabi truly stands as a cultural melting pot, embracing a captivating fusion of diverse cultures from around the world. It’s a vibrant Emirate but it also remains firmly rooted in the value of family life, which holds immense significance for me. And the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi never fails to captivate me. From its expansive deserts to the breath-taking mangroves, it offers an abundance of outdoor experiences that one can engage in, both personally educationally.

WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST ABOUT JOINING NAS ABU DHABI?

NAS Abu Dhabi is an exceptional educational institution equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that are truly world class. What makes joining this school particularly thrilling is the chance to foster and enhance an educational environment that offers our students the finest and most innovative learning experiences imaginable.

We’re presented with an incredible opportunity to craft a learning journey tailored to the unique needs of our students, one that is fit for time, fit for place and fit for purpose. The opportunity to bring together some of the world’s best teachers into an environment that is conducive to outstanding learning is exhilarating and one that I am genuinely excited about.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ONCE THE SCHOOL OFFICIALLY OPENS IN AUGUST?

For me, it’s the excitement of embracing the children in their new educational environment. Preparing for the school’s opening has demanded immense effort and dedication, but there is one sound that will make it all truly rewarding – the lively buzz of children engaged in learning through play and exploration!

Being allowed the opportunity to establish a new school is a tremendous honour, yet witnessing our students being captivated by their surroundings as they take charge of their own educational journeys will be the ultimate fulfilment.

WHAT CONTINUES TO CAPTURE YOUR ATTENTION IN EDUCATION?

Michael Merzenich, a distinguished recipient of the Kavli Prize, has made significant contributions to the field of neuroplasticity. His groundbreaking research on brain plasticity has paved the way for the development of the Brain HQ program. This innovative program has proven instrumental in the advancement of treatments for Alzheimer's disease, brain injuries, and has even found application among all members of the United States military.

In my previous role within NAS Abu Dhabi, I was fortunate enough to be involved in the largest education trial using Brain HQ outside of the US.

Merzenich's profound insights into neuroplasticity have inspired more than 200 scientifically gold standard experiments, demonstrating the efficacy of his program. With a strong focus on brain health and development, Merzenich envisions the use of his program to support the cognitive growth of young children. By harnessing the power of neuroplasticity, Brain HQ has the potential to unlock new limits in enhancing brain function and wellbeing.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO, AND WHY?

Spending time with family holds immense value, particularly for expat families like my own, where it takes on even greater significance. There is nothing I cherish more than engaging in personal and meaningful moments with my family, creating wonderful memories that draw upon the cultural and geographical richness of our current location.

Want to learn more about the incredible team at our school? Meet English Teacher Katie Keen.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHAEL.

With 20 years of teaching experience in UK and international schools, including more than a decade living and working in the United Arab Emirates, Michael’s been inspired to push for school reform within top Dubai schools. This passion has contributed to the success of Nord Anglia sister school, NAS Dubai, where he has been based for the last seven years.

At NAS Dubai, one of his many significant industry achievements was the exciting development and leadership of a UAE STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths) Festival, centred on the UNICEF Sustainable Development Goals, automated marine vehicles, and the use of artificial intelligence.

As an experienced and dynamic leader, Michael will work with NAS Abu Dhabi senior leaders to build a culture centered on student accomplishment that our students can be challenged to achieve their very best in, and where they’ll love coming to school.

As technological advances drive globalisation and digital transformation, Michael is also passionate about developing a holistic learning experience for students so they can explore new ideas and gain the necessary skills and attitudes to prepare them for an uncertain future.