Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Abi Fishbourne, Principal of Raha International School, KCC, to gain insights into her vision for the school and her commitment to nurturing future-ready students. With a focus on student-centered learning, staff professional development, and creating an inclusive and globally minded school culture, Abi Fishbourne shares her plans for 2025 and her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in the field of education.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

At KCC, we’re focused on continuing to build on the strong foundation we’ve established as part of the Taaleem family. For 2025, we aim to further strengthen our School Development Plan by prioritizing our three key objectives and enhancing student-centered learning, supporting staff professional development, whilst creating a school culture that is both inclusive and globally minded. We will continue to ensure that we’re fully compliant with ADEK and MOE regulations, while always striving to prepare our students for the future. Our commitment to academic excellence, along with fostering a supportive and international community, will remain at the core of what we do.

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

At KCC, we review recommendations from our partners, such as ADEK, Taaleem, CIS, IB and Visible Learning, alongside feedback from stakeholders, as well as value feedback from student academic, attitudes and well-being data. We continue to look at global best practices, drawing from reports like the Education Endowment Fund, Visible Learning, and McKinsey’s Skills for the Future. But we don’t just look one year ahead, everything we do is built around long-term planning, ensuring we’re always evolving to meet the needs of our students and preparing them for future challenges. Our academic focus combines innovative teaching practices with a global perspective, providing a rigorous yet flexible learning experience.

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

Every challenge presents an opportunity, and at KCC, we approach them with a positive and forward-thinking mindset. One of the biggest challenges will be the integration of AI into education. We’re excited by its potential and are committed to understanding it thoroughly, working alongside our community to ensure it’s used effectively in the classroom. Another challenge is personalizing education further for every student while continuing to prepare them for a rapidly changing world. These are exciting opportunities to innovate and keep improving our practices.

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

At KCC, we aim to create an engaging, supportive environment where every student feels valued. We use differentiated instruction to meet students at their individual levels, providing personalized learning pathways. Motivation comes from connecting lessons to real-world contexts and offering students opportunities for choice. We focus on activating deep thinking, creating environments that foster learning, and building intrinsic motivation. We also guide students to understand the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, helping them discover what drives them personally. Understanding these dynamics can help students stay focused and engaged, even when challenges arise.

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

At KCC, we aim to create an environment where every student feels seen and valued. We recognize that success looks different for each individual, so we personalize our approach to meet the diverse needs of our students. Our school culture encourages learning from one another, both academically and socially, and we celebrate the unique strengths each student brings. We work to create a learning community where students feel supported and confident, helping them navigate their own path to success.

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

At KCC, we take student well-being very seriously. We teach our students how to manage both stress and pressure, understanding that healthy pressure can drive growth, while stress can be harmful. Students are taught strategies and vocabulary to better understand and cope with their emotions. It’s also vital that our students understand what bullying is, and the difference between bullying and bad behavior. We offer support for both those affected by bullying and those engaging in harmful behavior. Our counseling service, parent team, form tutors, mentor teachers, and leadership team are all available to provide ongoing support. Restorative practices are central to our approach, and we work together to create a safe, supportive community for all.

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

At KCC, we focus on developing well-rounded individuals, preparing students not just for university but for life beyond. Through the IB, we keep subjects broad in the senior years, offering a balanced education that equips students with the knowledge and skills they need. We also provide opportunities for personal and social growth, teaching life skills like resilience, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, through initiatives like Unifrog, we guide students in exploring career options and connecting with universities worldwide. Our focus on holistic development ensures that students leave KCC ready to succeed in their future endeavors.

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

We work closely with our families to ensure that we’re always moving forward. The School Advisory Board plays a key role in strategic decision-making, and we also have a dedicated Parent Team that helps with events and school initiatives. Our National Identity Mark Team ensure that we are rooted in the local community, celebrating the UAE’s culture while being an international school. We value parent feedback through surveys, town halls, and meetings, and our open-door policy ensures that staff are always accessible. We believe that strong partnerships with families are essential to making our school the best it can be.

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

At KCC, we’re proud to have an international teaching staff that reflects the diversity of our student body. This not only strengthens our school culture but also brings fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods. We focus on creating a positive work-life balance, supporting our teachers through professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment. We also listen to staff feedback and use research on teacher retention to inform our strategic planning. Our goal is to ensure that teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow within our school.

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

Yes, at KCC, we offer our teachers the chance to grow both within our school and across the Taaleem network. Teachers can take on leadership roles, mentor new colleagues, and participate in strategic initiatives that shape the future of our school. We also believe in bringing in new leaders to introduce fresh perspectives, ideas, and strategies. By fostering a culture of shared leadership and continuous professional development, we ensure that teachers have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

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

This is a great but difficult question because the impact of after-school activities is so personal to each student. That’s why we offer a wide range of extra-curricular options, allowing students to explore different interests at various points in their school journey. Whether it’s leadership, arts, sports, or STEM, each activity helps students develop essential life skills like teamwork, resilience, and creativity. These activities give students the chance to grow in ways that will support their future success, helping them become well-rounded individuals who are ready for what comes next.

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

Success is a journey, not a destination. At KCC, we see success as serving our community and ensuring that every individual, students, staff, and families, has the support they need to grow. Success looks different for everyone, and it’s important to recognize and celebrate both the achievements and challenges along the way. We believe in embracing challenges, learning from both successes and mistakes, and building a strong network of support. Success is about ongoing growth, and we’re committed to helping our students, staff, and community continually improve and reach their full potential.

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

Grasp every opportunity, learn from both your achievements and mistakes, build a strong network of support, and allow yourself to be vulnerable while also being strong, because true growth happens when we embrace challenges, stay open to learning, and surround ourselves with people who encourage and uplift us.