how we teach

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Our exceptional teachers will inspire your child to excel academically and flourish as an individual, delivering a world-class International Baccalaureate education that sets them up for lifelong success. 

AN EXCEPTIONAL HOLISTIC EDUCATION

SISD is home to the world’s best teachers and staff. Not only do they possess a wealth of qualifications and vast International Baccalaureate (IB) experience, but they also share our holistic education philosophy. Our exceptional educators extend learning beyond the pure transmission of academic knowledge, nurturing the values, cultural understanding, and global mindset our students need to thrive both now and in the future.

Hailing from Switzerland, Germany, France, the UK, and beyond, our teachers have a genuine passion for languages. On personalised language and IB pathways, your child will be inspired by native speakers who are committed to bilingualism and inquiry-based learning. Our multilingual staff and boarding team will ensure their language journey continues beyond the classroom, too. 

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LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE

TEACHER-LED TECHNOLOGY

Our teachers expertly integrate the latest technology into our IB programmes and beyond, creating interactive experiences that enrich our students’ education.

In our innovation labs, state-of-the-art equipment – including 3D printers and robotics – brings STEAM learning to life, creating immersive opportunities that encourage problem solving and critical thinking. Using the latest tools, including AI, virtual galleries, and coding software, your child will develop the 21st century skills they’ll need to succeed in the future.

We also offer an incredible breadth of tech-focused enrichment activities, including the First Lego League, the Formula 1 in School competition, and Hour of Code. We’re proud to be the first school in the UAE to integrate digital citizenship education into our curriculum, too. 

MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

The togetherness of our exceptional staff team is one of SISD’s real strengths. Their dedication, expertise, and global outlook shapes the future of our incredible students – and creates a strong sense of community. 
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Ruth Burke
Principal
Ruth joined SISD in 2021, having worked in education for more than three decades. A vastly experienced school leader, Ruth has a comprehensive knowledge of the International Baccalaureate programme and an in-depth understanding of managing a thriving multicultural school. 
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Ruth Burke

Ruth is a passionate and inspiring educator, whose career spans more than three decades. Having taught and held leadership roles in Ireland, the UK, and the UAE, Ruth managed three schools Dubai before joining SISD in August 2021.

Ruth has significant experience of what it means to be a principal at a multicultural school in Dubai. She also has an in-depth understanding of the International Baccalaureate education programme, it’s demands, and outcomes.

At the schools she has led, Ruth has increased attainment for UAE nationals, developed strong parent-teacher relationships, and improved academic outcomes. Ruth has also driven these schools to receive ‘Outstanding’ ratings from the KHDA.

Ruth has a BA (Hons) in Education from Trinity College, Dublin, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Bath, England. 

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Rania Hussein
Deputy Head of School (Teaching and Learning)
Rania is a passionate International Baccalaureate (IB) educator who has taught and led teams in thriving international schools here and in Saudi Arabia. With responsibility for teaching and learning at SISD, Rania ensures our IB programmes are innovative, engaging, and of the highest standard. 
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Rania Hussein

Rania is a lifelong advocate for International Baccalaureate (IB) education, having worked in IB environments for the entirety of her teaching and leadership career.

A former international school student, Rania graduated from the University of Western Ontario in Canada. She then completed her PGCE and Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Sunderland, England.

In 2011, Rania moved to Saudi Arabia to start her career, teaching the IB Diploma and IGCSE programmes, and taking on Head of Year and Head of House positions. Rania moved to an international school in Dubai in 2015, assuming a range of additional responsibilities, including Research Project and Extended Essay Coordinator, IB Diploma and Career-related Programme Coordinator, and Head of Senior School. Under her leadership, the school’s IB point score rose significantly, with the pass rate growing from 67% to 100%.

Rania is a qualified IB examiner and a teaching and learning coach. She’s also passionate about developing and empowering leaders within schools, which improves outcomes for all students.

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Alexander Varghese
Head of Operations
Alexander has an impressive background and more than a decade of experience in senior roles at international schools across the UAE. As Head of Operations, Alexander oversees the school’s financial management and smooth functioning of school operations, maintaining the highest standard.
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Alexander Varghese

Alexander was born and raised in Mumbai, a city known for its fast-paced lifestyle and vibrant multicultural society. After graduating from Heriot-Watt University, Alexander moved to Dubai in 2010 to pursue a career in accounting and finance. For the past fourteen years, Alexander has worked in finance and operations roles at international schools across the UAE.

 

As Head of Operations, Alexander has successfully managed various functions, including finance, IT, facilities management, school medical team and school operations. Committed to the benefits of international education, Alexander is proud to be part of our energising, diverse, and multilingual learning environment.

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Alison Roberts
Head of Marketing and Admissions
Alison is a vastly experienced marketing specialist who has worked in top international schools, blue-chip companies, and commercial businesses. A passionate advocate for the school – and our bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) approach – Alison ensures our families receive a warm welcome. 
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Alison Roberts

After five years at one of the leading IB schools in the world – voted the Sunday Times School of the Year – Alison moved to Dubai, where she worked in blue-chip corporations, set up commercial businesses, and worked for top international schools.

Alison is a vocal advocate for International Baccalaureate education, and the skills, principles, and qualifications the continuum of programmes develops. These include bilingual and career-focused skills, which are essential for every child in the 21st century.

As our Head of Marketing and Admissions, Alison is firmly focused on creating the best possible experience for our families. Working with her fantastic team, Alison ensures our children and parents receive a personalised welcome and introduction to SISD.

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Megan La Caze
Head of Secondary
Megan has more than 20 years’ experience in education, including in senior leadership roles at an International Baccalaureate (IB) school here in Dubai. A passionate IB educator, Megan ensures that our older students are on the right pathways to personal, social, and academic success. 
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Megan La Caze

Megan is a vastly experienced teacher and leader, having worked in education for more than 20 years. Her educational background includes a Master’s in Educational Neuroscience and a BA in Special Education.

Before joining SISD, Megan held senior leadership positions – including a Director of Teaching and Learning role – at an IB school here in Dubai. Megan has also spoken at the IB World Conference and the Future of Education Conference in China.

As Head of Secondary, Megan is passionate about ensuring our students achieve at the highest level. Working with her dedicated team, she ensures that our pathways support the holistic development of each learner, preparing them for lifelong success. 

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Shona Gastaldi
Head of Phases 1 and 2
Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Shona has taught and held leadership roles in international schools in the UAE for the past five years. Shona is passionate about the benefits of the IB Primary Years Programme and is committed to developing our young learners’ ideas, thinking, skills, and attitudes. 
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Shona Gastaldi

Shona graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a PGCE in Primary Education before taking teaching and Grade Coordinator roles at an international school in the UAE.

A firm believer in the IB Primary Years Programme’s philosophy and mission, Shona works with her team to ensure learning is meaningful, relevant, and exciting. This enables our young learners’ ideas, thinking, skills, and attitudes to grow and develop.

Through recent inspection reports, Shona has been recognised as an ‘Outstanding’ classroom teacher and member of management.

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Ashley Fitzgibbons
Head of Boarding
Ashley joined SISD in 2018, having previously held multiple teaching, leadership, and pastoral roles in Ireland and here in Dubai. Committed to wellbeing, Ashley ensures our boarding students are supported through every aspect of their learning journey.
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Ashley Fitzgibbons

Ashley joined us at SISD in 2018, initially teaching maths and business management. She then took on the role of Grade Coordinator, before being appointed Deputy Head of Secondary (Pastoral) and then Head of Boarding.

A passionate advocate for holistic pastoral care and wellbeing, Ashley ensures our boarders receive the all-round support they need to thrive personally and academically.

Ashley is a committed lifelong learner who has a wealth of qualifications. These include a Bachelor of Commerce, Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Business), and a Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching.

HELPING OUR STAFF GROW 

At SISD, we strive for excellence in everything we do. This ethos is driven by our passionate teaching and boarding staff team.

Ongoing professional development through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) keeps our teachers at forefront of global education trends. This ensures they deliver pioneering programmes and innovative learning experiences that inspire and excite your child.

We also encourage our teachers to pursue their professional goals through weekly development opportunities, target-setting, and access to the award-winning Nord Anglia University platform.


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SETTING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

As an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, our standards are second to none. Our teachers are all IB specialists who undertake regular training through the IBO. Many are certified IB examiners, too. This guarantees that your child will benefit from the highest quality teaching and learning.

Our approach also meets the standards set by the UAE’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), who recognise the quality of our teaching as one of the school’s key strengths. Supported by the global Nord Anglia Education team, we also lead the way in quality assurance and safeguarding. 

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WORKING AT SISD

JOIN OUR VIBRANT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

SISD is an exceptional international school, unique in the Middle East, and there are many reasons why our staff love working here.

We’re proud to be recognised as one of the top 100 private schools in the world, as well as just one of 50 IB World Schools globally. Our facilities are among the best in the region, too. But it’s our thriving community – with its diversity of nationalities and sense of togetherness – that really makes SISD special.

Working here, you’ll be supported to innovate and excel. We’ll also help you to fulfil your personal and professional ambitions. 

JOBS AT SISD

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? 

Get in touch with us today to arrange a tour of our campus, where you’ll meet our exceptional teachers and boarding staff, and get a feel for our vibrant multilingual community. 

Enquire Today
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