How schools in the United Arab Emirates combine knowledge and life

Apple International School provides comprehensive career and mental health support. Our students benefit from Meet the Pro sessions, university awareness programs, individual advising, community services, dual credit opportunities and partnerships with top universities. We also prioritize mental health, hosting regular awareness sessions and working with external organizations to create a safe and supportive environment.

Our school is accredited by UCAS, BridgeU, Concourse Match and Cambridge Assessment International Education. These connections and partnerships demonstrate our commitment to providing students with the highest quality education and support.

How is environmental education integrated into your school’s curriculum?

Apple International School focuses on developing global citizens. Our comprehensive environmental education program equips students with the knowledge, skills and values ​​necessary to meet environmental challenges. Through engaging lessons, hands-on activities and partnerships with organizations like Green Hope Foundation and Emirates Environmental Group, we empower students to explore environmental issues, develop sustainable solutions and contribute to a healthier planet.

By fostering environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices, we prepare our students to be active change agents and make a positive impact on the world.

What new technologies do you think will have the greatest impact on education in the next five years?

Artificial intelligence will definitely have an impact on education in the near future. Generative AI is already present in schools, and other types will soon appear. I think there will be two main impacts: First, AI will continue to challenge the role of the teacher in the traditional sense. At any time, students will have access to an AI expert and will be able to verify or challenge the teacher based on the evidence provided by the AI.

Access to information is nothing new in the Internet age, but artificial intelligence will likely soon take on the form and become a more personal advisor to students. I don’t think this poses a threat to teachers per se, but it does mean that the role will have to redefine itself as a coach.

Moreover, educators will need to continue an ongoing discussion about the use of artificial intelligence to effectively improve student learning.

Second, as AI continues to blur the lines between reality and truth, developing critical thinking skills will become a priority for students. They will need to know when and how to properly use AI both to create content and, more traditionally, to demonstrate their own knowledge.

How do you teach students about digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology?

At Regent International School, we introduce digital citizenship and online safety to every student through age-appropriate activities during our action programs, assemblies and values ​​workshops.

We are also currently reviewing our existing learning skills framework to include AI guidance. The final part of teaching students also involves their parents – keeping children safe online and developing them into responsible digital citizens is a shared responsibility.

How has technology changed the learning environment at your school?

At Sunmarke, we are a leader in artificial intelligence and digital integration, designing tools tailored to individual needs rather than relying on off-the-shelf solutions. Equipped with multiple ChatGPT-4 licenses, we have developed custom GPTs in line with our positive education mission that support a variety of applications such as adaptive questioning, AI-powered university mock interviews, and the creation of personalized resources to meet individual learning needs.

Virtual field trips take students to places around the world, making these immersive experiences part of our curriculum.

What strategies do you find most effective for incorporating technology into your teaching models?

Our emphasis on teacher-student co-creation has resulted in adaptive lessons, engaging review podcasts, and dynamic, interactive applications that truly reflect our commitment to realizing the potential of artificial intelligence. By embedding these advanced technologies into our teaching model, Sunmarke ensures that students develop not only academic knowledge, but also the essential digital literacy and critical thinking needed in today’s world. The use of these innovative tools allows us to effectively prepare our students for future jobs and higher education.

How does life skills education impact a child’s formative years and lay the foundation for future success?

Life skills education plays a key role in shaping a child’s formative years, supporting creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability and resilience – skills necessary to cope with real-world challenges. By integrating life skills such as money management, effective communication, decision-making and emotional intelligence, children are equipped with the tools to adapt, innovate and thrive in an ever-evolving world. These skills lay the foundation for future success, enabling children not only to excel academically but also to grow into confident, independent and capable individuals. By focusing on holistic development through a comprehensive approach, we must build the knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed in the unpredictable future and lay a strong foundation for lifelong development and success.

What do you think are the most effective strategies for introducing children to STEM learning in a way that promotes long-term interest and engagement?

One of the most effective approaches is project-based and game-based learning, where students apply STEM concepts to real-world challenges through a story-based learning journey using games, making learning both hands-on, fun and engaging. Interactive gameplay, virtual world simulations and augmented reality activities increase interest, engagement and emotional connection as children love educational experiences that combine learning and play. Additionally, integrating STEM with creative arts and problem-solving exercises fosters innovation and a deeper connection to the subject matter. By creating an engaging and enjoyable learning experience, children develop a natural fascination with STEM, ensuring lasting interest while laying the foundation for long-term development in these key areas.