Edarabia had the opportunity to interview K. George Mathew, Principal of GEMS United Indian School in Abu Dhabi. Mr. Mathew is passionate about providing students with the best possible learning experience and preparing them for future success. In this interview, he shares his insights on the future of education, the challenges and opportunities in the field, and the strategies employed by GEMS United Indian School to ensure all students feel welcome and have equal chances to succeed.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

Our plans for 2025 revolve around our commitment to embrace the education edge that we wish to give our learners, preparing them for the future. We will focus on enhancing the educational experience and improving student outcomes.

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

The decision on what to focus on academically each year involves evaluating current trends, student needs, and innovative educational practices. GEMS United Indian School is part of the GEMS Indian curriculum cluster of schools, and we share innovative teaching and learning practices across all schools. New ideas being pursued include integrating technology in the classroom and promoting interdisciplinary learning.

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

Anticipated challenges in the field of education over the next five years include adapting to technological advancements, addressing diverse student needs, and ensuring equitable access to quality education. Securing the UAE’s place among the top ten league of schools achieving the best PISA scores is a challenge we would like to take on, contributing our school’s share towards such an achievement.

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

Strategies to keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated, include personalised learning plans, engaging teaching methods, and providing additional support and resources. Our efforts are directed towards improving provision in these areas incrementally.

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

Our school ensures that all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed by fostering an inclusive environment, implementing anti-bullying policies, and promoting diversity and equity. We are driven by the vision of GEMS Chairman and Founder, Mr Sunny Varkey, to ‘see the genius in every learner’, and we develop individual learning plans accordingly that scaffold learning at each student’s own pace.

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

GEMS United Indian School is proactive in matters of student stress and bullying by offering counseling services, conducting awareness programmes, and creating a supportive school culture in which learners grow to respect themselves and others. Our Health and Safeguarding Department, guided by the central GEMS School Support Centre, has a structured system that addresses these issues. Our school has been awarded the OPTIMUS Wellbeing Award, which reflects our successful efforts to meet all the wellbeing needs of our school community.

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

Helping students build the skills they need for life after graduation involves offering career guidance, life skills workshops, and opportunities for real-world experiences. Our GEMS For Life alumni programme and partnerships with local businesses and organisations connect our learners with successful former GEMS students as well as workplaces.

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

Our parents and community are involved in making the school better through regular communication, participation in school events, and collaboration on school improvement initiatives. Our Family First initiative is one of a kind and binds parents to our school ethos.

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

Developing a school culture that attracts and retains great teachers involves providing professional development opportunities, fostering a positive work environment, and recognising and rewarding excellence. Our recognition and reward system rewards teachers every month for their extraordinary contributions to student well-being and success.

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

Teachers at the school have growth opportunities to step into leadership roles through mentorship programmes, professional development courses, and leadership training. Our ‘Bright Sparks’ initiative identifies and trains motivated and efficient teachers for leadership roles. As the GEMS network continues to grow, there is no shortage of opportunities for personal growth.

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

Our school has after-school club activities two days a week that cater to the interests of learners across a variety of activities and sports. ASPIRE is an after-school programme that makes the biggest positive impact on a student’s future, aligning with their unique interests. It helps develop essential skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and creativity.

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

As a principal, success is defined by the overall development and well-being of students, the achievement of educational goals, and the positive impact our learners make on the community.

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

Education is the key to unlocking the potential within each individual and creating a better future for all.