From Classrooms to Careers: GEMS Al Khail’s Approach to Lifelong Learning

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Simon Herbert, the Head of School and CEO of GEMS International School – Al Khail. As an experienced and passionate educational leader, Mr. Herbert discussed his vision for the school’s future, the challenges and opportunities in education, strategies for student engagement, and the importance of teacher development.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

In terms of professional plans, we are looking to embed the best IB practice possible, enhance our personalised approach to education, and distil the most exciting GEMS initiatives.

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

We decide through staff, student, and parental feedback, through our knowledge and analysis of data, and our professional judgement. We are very excited to be pursuing a new pathway for our IB Career-related Programme students: we are introducing a pre-med course, which means students will be able to enter key universities to study Medicine, if all conditions are met at school.

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

There are several challenges that I would anticipate, depending on the specific lens through which we view education.

The challenge globally will be to provide all children with the opportunity to be educated. This needs political will, access to educational resources, and determined efforts to raise thresholds for all. We read every day about the advancement of technology and the rise of MOOCs, for example, but at the same time, we know that many children do not have the minimum standard of education.

Also, on an international scale, the benefits and challenges of AI will need to be thoroughly researched and pursued by educators. Educators have managed to absorb and adapt technological advances before, and we must be optimistic.

If the socio-emotional benefits of being with others in an educational setting remain clear and powerful, we must also consider the challenge of what classrooms look like, how collaboration works, what content and skills we teach our students, and how we balance screentime with the pressures on mental and physical wellbeing.

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

This is about personalisation, knowing what makes each student tick, and the joy of incremental success against one’s own performance. Short-term goals and rewards (from extrinsic to intrinsic, depending on age) can work well, and in the end, the skill of the teacher and rapport with students is paramount.

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

Onboarding of all students must be active and equal for all; every student must have the chance to shine, lead, create, and be trusted, even when they fail within safe parameters.

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

Schools should be proactive, as prevention is better than a cure. Schools should encourage peer support networks, develop excellent staff-student rapport, ensure all students have an adult to turn to, and provide referral processes that are safe and secure. Schools must teach metacognitive skills, such as revision techniques, and stress relief. The IB has skills running through its framework, from age 3 to 18, which include social skills and self-management.

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

See above. We also have a programme called Future Skills Academy, where parents, alumni, and staff can contribute to lifelong learning. This goes well beyond career talks and encompasses real-world skills. Invited speakers, for example, don’t just let students know how to become a lawyer or medic, but also share the challenges faced along the way and how the speaker overcame these using life skills.

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

See the above answer. Our parent community of 105 nationalities is extremely active, with country ambassadors welcoming all new families and a dynamic GISPA (GEMS International School Parent Association). Our World Cultures Day in February exemplifies this, with an atmosphere of community second to none, complete with food, dance, arts, and even a national dress fashion runway.

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

Care for wellbeing, through a culture of respect, trust, and ambition. Professional development is appreciated by all staff, and our teachers love to learn and develop their IB skills. Leadership must facilitate, support, and celebrate best practice.

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

Yes, many leaders have developed their careers significantly within our school. Leadership roles and leadership opportunities (two slightly different things) should be plentiful.

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

There is no right answer. This depends on a student’s personality, aims, aspirations, and home life. If, for example, a student is under huge academic pressure from parents, then an after-school activity that allows the student to be creative, decompress, or simply have fun can be the most effective. However, if the student lacks a structured life at home, it could be beneficial to enjoy an academically challenging ASA, such as chess, debating, or MUN. It entirely depends on the student’s situation. Importantly, all ASAs should allow a student to flourish and spend time away from a screen.

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

Students who flourish academically, socially, physically, and mentally, while remaining committed to the values of the school and recognising that success in life includes how they make others feel.

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

Never stop learning, never stop listening, be prepared to change your mind, be respectful of others; how you make people feel is what they will remember.