Preparing students today, for a brighter tomorrow

“Is university for me?” “Do I actually need to go?” “Do I need to go abroad for university?” These are just some of the questions that students have been asking over the past week as Newlands held guest speakers from universities and a university fair containing universities from all over the world.

My name is Nick Pain and I am the Head of Secondary at Newlands Dubai. As a school that has grown organically over the past 5 years, Newlands now has a Year 11 cohort of IGCSE students leading the way and inspiring all those that follow. But as students focus in on exam preparation, it’s really important to widen their perspective and understanding of what their exam results can mean and where this can take them.

At Newlands, students in the secondary school are exposed to the opportunities that university degrees can bring them and why being as successful as you can be at all opportunities will enable students more possibilities and ‘keep doors open’. The entry level for universities can be very competitive and it is therefore important to ensure students have a greater awareness of what the grade requirements are, as well as how an enhanced student profile of community service, volunteering, student leadership roles and part-time employment can do to boost their opportunity. Universities, like employers are looking for students who have shown a dedication and commitment to doing something, a resilience to challenge and a success from leadership. At Newlands, we offer programs such as the Junior Duke awards, MUN and have an active student leadership team who are impactful for positive change and creating an ever improving school.

Alongside our careers councillor, having guest speakers to inspire and guide our students on how they take the appropriate steps to achieving their long-term ambitions is a valuable part of our curriculum and further supports student and parental well-being.

For whichever pathway students take after their GCSE’s, we are driven and ambitious in ensuring they receive the best preparation today, for a brighter tomorrow.