Beyond British Values: How Naomi Williams is Shaping South View School's Unique Identity

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Naomi Williams, the principal of South View School. This conversation delves into her vision for the school, her approach to student well-being, and the unique blend of British and UAE educational practices she brings to her leadership.

1. You’ve led schools through various stages of improvement. What are your first priorities as Principal now that you’ve stepped into this role at South View School?

We are establishing the true vision for the school as a collective team, drawing on the thoughts and opinions of staff and parents alike. We are working not losing sight of who we are as a school, our identity in the community and the culture we are creating.

2. How are you planning to integrate mental well-being and emotional literacy into the daily experience of students?

Well-being has never been an ‘add-on’ here at South View. It is continually woven into our truly outstanding pastoral care. Our Well-being hub and our pastoral teams are focused purely on making sure that all our students are cared for in every single way.

3. Given your leadership experience in both the UK and the UAE, what would you say are the most valuable practices you’ve brought from the UK that you’ve adapted to fit the UAE’s unique educational landscape?

British Values are easily woven into the educational provision in schools in the UAE. These 5 core values are not inherently British – rather, they are simply a good set of values to live by.

4. How do you balance academic rigor with creativity and student voice in shaping the curriculum and classroom experience?

To balance academic rigor with creativity and student voice is only possible by allowing learning that encourages flexibility for independent inquiry and expression. Our whole school teaching and learning framework at SVS encourages independence, meaningful assessment, enabling learning, supportive and safe environments, and good modelling – these are the basic principles to do brilliantly.

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

We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying, and our reaction to the stress and anxiety of students is picked up through bi-weekly wellbeing survey check-ins. Our pastoral teams are continually on hand to address student needs as they are raised.

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

We have an incredibly supportive community at SVS. Our parent body is engaged and loyal to the school. They enable us to run community events and school events with their involvement, and the feedback we get from them drives our school improvement cycle.

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

Walk through the gates of SVS, and you will feel the culture almost immediately. We are authentic and true to ourselves – we are not trying to be something we are not. We are supportive, we challenge ourselves and each other, we have high expectations, we are kind, and we work together for a common goal.