Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Gillian Hammond, Principal of Aspen Heights British School, to explore how the school is preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. In this discussion, she shares how learning is being reshaped through digital literacy, personalised pathways, wellbeing systems, and a strong focus on resilience, inclusion, and responsible decision-making.

1. With the UAE making AI a formal subject, how have you transitioned from “using AI tools” to “teaching AI”?

At Aspen Heights British School, we see AI not simply as a tool, but as a fundamental literacy. Our transition has focused on building understanding before application. From the earliest years, students explore concepts such as pattern recognition, problem-solving, and digital responsibility. As they progress, this develops into explicit teaching around how AI works, its limitations, and its ethical implications. By secondary, students are critically evaluating AI outputs, understanding bias, and applying AI in purposeful, curriculum-linked contexts. The shift has been from passive use to informed, responsible creation, aligned with best practice across the International Schools Partnership (ISP) global network.

2. In light of the 2025 smartphone ban, what impact have you seen?

The impact has been both immediate and very positive. At Aspen Height British School, we have seen more face-to-face interaction, stronger peer relationships, and better engagement in lessons. Social times feel more connected and purposeful. Just as importantly, students tell us they feel less distracted and more present. The ban has not been about restriction, but about helping students refocus on wellbeing and genuine human connection during the school day.

3. How do you balance AI guidelines with keeping older students competitive?

We take a staged, age-appropriate approach, at Aspen Heights British School. For younger students, the focus is on foundational digital literacy, critical thinking, and safe habits without reliance on generative AI. For older students, we introduce AI as a powerful tool, but always through an ethical lens. They learn when to use it, when not to, and how to question it. In some cases, we deliberately ask students to complete work without AI support, so they first develop independent thinking and subject mastery. This ensures our students remain competitive globally, while also being principled and discerning users of technology.

4. How are national subjects made meaningful for an international community?

We place great emphasis on relevance, identity, and connection. Arabic, Islamic Studies, and National Identity are not taught in isolation, but woven into the wider life of Aspen Heights British School. Through cultural immersion, real-world contexts, and cross-curricular links, students develop a genuine appreciation of the UAE’s heritage and values. Our aim is for every student, regardless of background, to feel both respect for and connection to the country we all call home.

5. Three non-negotiable skills for the 2030s?

Firstly, adaptability, the confidence to navigate change.
Secondly, critical thinking, the ability to question, analyse, and make informed decisions.
Thirdly, character, integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.

At Aspen Heights British School, we believe these are just as important as any academic qualification, reflecting the wider ISP commitment to developing future-ready learners.

6. How do you prioritise adaptability over fixed career paths?

We focus on developing transferable skills rather than narrowing choices too early. Through enquiry-based learning, real-world problem solving, and a wide range of experiences, including project-based learning where students tackle real-world challenges linked to local and global themes, our students learn how to learn. For example, students regularly work on cross-curricular projects that require them to research, collaborate, and present solutions to authentic problems, building both confidence and independence. At Aspen Heights British School, careers education is framed around pathways and possibilities, not fixed outcomes. Our goal is to equip students with the mindset to grow alongside an ever-changing world and to lead the way.

7. Moving beyond a “one-size-fits-all” model?

Personalisation is key. We use data intelligently, but equally value teacher insight to understand each learner at Aspen Heights British School, deeply. Through regular progress tracking, targeted interventions, and enrichment pathways that allow students to go deeper in areas of strength, we ensure every student’s potential is recognised and developed. Student voice is also central, with young people actively participating in shaping their learning journey.

8. How do you teach resilience in practice?

Resilience is built through experience, not just discussion. At Aspen Heights British School, we create a culture where challenge is expected and mistakes are valued as part of the learning process. Through guided reflection, supportive relationships, and opportunities to step beyond comfort zones, students learn to manage setbacks constructively. Over time, they begin to see change not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to grow.

9. What systems are in place to prevent burnout?

At Aspen Heights British School we take a proactive approach to prevent burnout. Daily pastoral care, strong relationships with form tutors, and attentive staff help us spot concerns early. This is supported by our wellbeing team, counselling provision, and regular check-ins, for example through consistent tutor time and a strong daily pastoral structure that ensures every student is known and supported. Just as importantly, we actively manage workload and encourage balance, so wellbeing is part of everyday school life, not something separate.

10. Supporting Students of Determination to excel?

Inclusion at Aspen Heights British School is about ambition, not accommodation alone. We provide tailored support plans, including individual learning plans, specialist expertise, and close, ongoing communication with families to ensure each student can thrive. Our focus is on strengths, identifying what each child can do and building from there, so that every student is empowered to achieve success and feel a true sense of belonging.

11. Teaching positive digital footprints?

We go beyond safety to focus on identity and reputation. Students are taught to see their digital presence as a reflection of their values and aspirations. Through explicit teaching and real-life scenarios, at Aspen Heights British School they learn how to communicate responsibly, think critically about what they share, and build a digital footprint that supports their future opportunities.

12. How has the role of the parent evolved?

Parents are true partners in the educational journey. Initiatives such as Family Iftar and International Day reflect a shared responsibility for learning and values beyond the classroom, alongside regular communication, workshops, and opportunities for parents to engage directly in their child’s learning journey. We are seeing greater collaboration, communication, and alignment between home and school, which ultimately strengthens outcomes for our students at Aspen Heights British School.

13. Supporting teachers through change?

We focus on clarity, purpose, and professional trust. At Aspen Heights British Schools staff are supported with high-quality professional development, time to collaborate, and the autonomy to implement change in meaningful ways, including dedicated opportunities to share best practice across departments and, where relevant, across the ISP network. We introduce innovation carefully, making sure it strengthens rather than overwhelms great teaching. Our teachers are our greatest asset, and their confidence is key to long-term success.

14. One message to your community and beyond?

Education is ultimately about people, about nurturing confident, compassionate, and capable young individuals who are ready to shape the future. At Aspen Heights British School, we believe that when strong values meet high expectations, extraordinary things happen.