Empowering Global Citizens: How LFiM Shapes Young Minds for an Evolving World

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Christine Nogueira, Head of The International French School of Muscat (LFiM). In this interview, Mrs. Nogueira shares her vision for the school, her plans for the future, and her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in education. She also discusses how LFiM ensures a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and how the school helps students develop the skills they need for life after graduation.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

We plan to continue to implement our school project and to promote academic excellence through:

• Multilingualism

After the accreditation of the elementary school as a British International Section in 2024, middle school will offer in 2025 a British International Section also.

• Innovative projects

Such as Cre@school, the Start Up Days, the Autonomous Car…

• Professional development

We believe in the importance of providing teachers and staff with regular training.

We also want to train autonomous and responsible citizens through holistic development including:

• Sports to take care of one’s mental and physical health
• Arts and culture (talent show, participation in several cultural events)
• Green projects (school garden, energy-saving measures…)
• Collaboration with external organizations (cancer prevention workshops, fundraising to support NGOs…)

Students’ well being is our priority. We address it through:

• Events that build a sense of belonging (international day, olympiads, spirit week…)
• Workshops to prevent bullying and provide resources to take care of one’s mental health
• Coeducation with parents

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

• We have devised a 4 year school project. It is the product of a joint effort between staff, students and parents.
• This school project includes 3 main lines of work.
• Each line includes goals and for each goal we listed several projects/actions that will help us reach this objective.
• We have agreed on indicators to assess the achievement of our goals. At the end of each school year we evaluate what has been implemented and the extent to which we have achieved our objectives. Then we decide what to prioritize for the following year.

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

• AI in education (ethical use, teachers’ role…)
• Students’ mental health (because of social media).
• Students’ addiction to screens.
• Parental engagement and trust to support students’ success through a collaboration between schools and parents.

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

• We are a very small school and we get to know each student very well. Thus we know what motivates them and provide individualized support.
• Foster a positive mindset (mistakes are opportunities to learn).
• Hands-on programs (projects, games, experiments…).
• Differentiation.
• Accommodation plans.
• Peer collaboration.

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

• We have a very diverse community and we celebrate on a regular basis this cultural diversity.
• Celebration of students’ achievements.
• Thanks to the small size of the school, teachers/students connections are strong and teachers understand the needs of their students.
• We have implemented a peer support program, especially for new-comers and students who struggle.
• Differentiation and accommodation plans.
• Anti-bullying policy.
• Leadership opportunities for students.
• Regular communication with parents to foster a sense of shared responsibility.

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

• Partnership with an organization specialized in mental health (workshops for parents, students and staff)
• Balanced workload (academic + extracurricular activities)
• Trained staff
• Awareness campaigns and student ambassadors
• Anti-bullying policy

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

We encourage:

• Critical thinking
• Exploration and curiosity
• Problem solving
• Group activities
• Public speaking and debates
• Taking responsibilities (students’ council, clubs…)
• Career exploration programs, shadow days, start up days
• Financial literacy

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

• The school is run by parents.
• There are many committees where parents’ feedback is sought.
• Parents also volunteer in organizing community events, chaperoning field trips, career forums…

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

• We encourage collaboration and foster a positive culture.
• We prioritize professional development.
• We encourage work-life balance.
• We organize social events and team building activities.
• We celebrate milestones together.

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

• Projects and events coordinators
• Department coordinator
• Sharing expertise
• Prepresenting the colleagues in school bodies

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

Robotics and coding.

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

• Students’ success (Success involves nurturing students not just academically, but also socially, emotionally, and physically.)
• Positive culture: a school where everyone feels valued and collaborates – being adaptable to change and embracing innovation

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

Embrace kindness, believe in yourself, be courageous to build a brighter world for all.