From Creativity to Character: Inside Glendale International School's Unique Approach to Education

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Ms. Jasmit Kang, the visionary Principal of Glendale International School. In this interview, Ms. Kang shares her insights on the school’s remarkable journey, her educational philosophy, and her aspirations for the future. From Glendale’s focus on creativity and inclusivity to their innovative approaches to addressing educational challenges, Ms. Kang provides a glimpse into the world of a truly exceptional learning environment.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

To embed the great work completed in Year 1 – with an outstanding rating from BSO in Curriculum, Spiritual, moral and cultural dev. of students and Welfare care and safety of students we are in a strong position to continue with the unique offering to our Glendale families. We will have a focussed area in encompassing the Leader in Me habits across the curriculum including aligning our house point system to these habits as well as all our events.

2. How do you decide what to focus on academically each year, and which new ideas are you pursuing?

Reviewing the curriculum happens collaboratively with the subject leaders leading this. New ideas include embedding the Leader in Me, introducing Woodwork and Culinary Skills and Business Studies has started in Year 7.

3. What challenges do you anticipate in the field of education over the next 5 years?

Ensuring that we are on top all AI related software and to ensure teachers are kept up to date on the latest trend in education to enhance their teaching skills and strategies.

4. How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

This is the role of the skilled teacher!  Ensuring that we allow for a plethora of ways to showcase their learning – through presentations, diagrammatic form, through quizzes, drama and role play, creative work, IT – just to name a few. Providing scaffolding techniques for all children to make progress is key so all students develop confidence in their learning journey.

5. How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

From admissions to meeting the SLT at the start of their school journey is key. I make sure that I visit classes daily to ensure all the children know me. Also, we have a class buddy assigned to any new student, so they have pillar of support for the first few weeks in school. We also have an open-door policy for parents to meet with the class teacher at the end of school, should there be any queries.

6. How proactive is the school in matters of student stress and bullying?

Very aware that children need reminders of how they can address any mental stress they may be experiencing. The Leader in Me programme and Heartfulness programme works on strategies that support communicating and developing the skills to ensure they are happy and if not they are able to inform key staff members of the team. Bullying we have focused on this throughout the school through various initiatives like anti bullying week, student leaders informing about friendship in assemblies and having a dedicated student council monitoring the students at lunchtimes.

7. How do you help students build the skills they need for life after graduation?

The habits we teach our students in our Leader in Me programme focus on adult soft skills for the future. We focus on our core values also such as respect, collaboration and resilience which is key for supporting our students for adulthood.

8. How involved are parents and the community in making the school better?

We have an active parent body who want to be involved in events as well as actually perform on the stage! Parents are an integral part of our cultural programmes and we are partners with the same goal.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

We have a happiness committee in school focussing on encouraging wellbeing initiatives as well as HR planning monthly wellbeing events. Our focus as a school is to ensure all teachers feel very much as part of a team. I ensure I meet all staff on an individual basis each term as well as connect with staff informally daily.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

Absolutely, we want to encourage growth from the team to move to middle leadership and beyond whenever there’s an opportunity.

11. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?

I couldn’t say one only, but we have a number of opportunities for the children, STEAM, Sports Music, Art, Languages, Talented clubs and Gold Clubs for the Gifted children as well. WE have just introduced football and gymnastics for our FS children as well.

12. As a Principal, what is your definition of success?

Success means so many things – a thriving school community , a creative curriculum where all children are making great progress, open learning opportunities that are broad and unique! Success also means for me as a Principal is to ensure I have teachers who feel happy to come to work. They are able to communicate with me openly about any challenges and for us to navigate through any such issues for the betterment of the school community. I pride myself on being an advocate for building strong relationships with my team as a happy team means a happy school community.

13. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Keep open the journey of further learning, there’s so much more that can be achieved beyond our wildest dreams!  We just need to open our hearts and minds and take a risk to go for it!