Mr. Carnochan's Vision for Future-Ready Education

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Mr. Scott Carnochan, the Head of Al Yasat Private School, to discuss the school’s vision for 2025 and beyond. Mr. Carnochan shared his insights on the future of education, the challenges and opportunities facing schools, and Al Yasat’s approach to ensuring student success and inclusivity.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

A myriad of activity is taking place at Al Yasat – two large and significant capital projects will take off in 2025 (more information in due course!), both of which will have an enormously positive impact on our students and school community.

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

The fundamental driver in our decision making is what impact an initiative or resource will have on our students and their educational journey.

Like many schools, we are actively pursuing the development of technology and how AI can be positively grasped to impact on our students and the learning, as well as suitably preparing them for their futures.

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

I think technology is producing challenges but this is very much balanced by the opportunities it presents. I think the greatest, and most exciting, challenges facing schools are linked to how we ensure that our students are ‘future ready’. The world is changing at a significant rate and our students will face challenges which I certainly didn’t face when I left school, and so education must evolve and develop to provide our students with the skills and knowledge to be able to face challenges head on and with the confidence and mindset to identify solutions to be able to overcome such challenges.

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

We provide pathways designed by the students’ interests and future learning aspirations. Understanding the students’ individual interest allows teachers to forge outstanding relationships, which we know will have the greatest impact on student learning journeys, and to shape learning content to individual interests and passions. For those students who may find learning more challenging, we have a framework of support and an outstanding Inclusion team to ensure that the needs of every child are met and their potential fulfilled.

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

Our teachers have a genuine interest in our students and care passionately about every child in our care receiving the very best education by tailoring teaching and learning to meet the needs of every child, celebrating every success, no matter how small. As such, children feel well cared for, supported and provided with every opportunity to succeed.

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

Very proactive. By providing a coherent, well thought through, pro-active education around these areas, alongside a culture of ‘speaking up’ and kindness certainly supports us in reducing incidents of these key areas. At the same time, having clear policies and accountability where poor decisions are made provides clarity of expectations for students. Finally, having a strong network of support and guidance means that when life presents challenges for students they are well-supported by professionals who care deeply about the children.

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

Delivering a holistic education which considers the skills required by our students, alongside the knowledge they will require to face the challenges beyond school. Also the culture and values of the school will support our students in making positive decisions when faced by challenges, decisions driven by their moral beliefs and high standards.

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

I believe our parents feel strongly involved, but, like many schools, I believe this is an area where we could still develop.

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

A sense of belonging and being a key part of the journey. By providing opportunities for colleagues to have a voice in the school journey is essential. Coupled with this is not burdening colleagues with unnecessary administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on the most important aspect of their roles – supporting, caring for and teaching the children. Finally, a culture of ‘catching in, not catching out’, where colleagues are regularly and publicly celebrated and where concerns can be safely and confidently raised engenders an environment where colleagues will grow and thrive.

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

Absolutely, and whilst we would love to retain all of our outstanding teachers, I feel it is part of our professional duty to support aspirational teachers in identifying and securing their next steps, whether with us or in other schools. The most important thing is not to stunt or restrict growth and colleagues should feel supported on their journey, wherever that may take them.

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

I think all of these activities enhance a child’s education but most impactful at present will be those which are technology focussed e.g. robotics, AI, drone flying, aeronautical engineering.

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

Seeing students graduate with the confidence, skills and compassion to make a positive difference to themselves, their community and in the world.

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

Be the best version of you, not a second-class version of someone else, and fill the world with kindness, compassion and love.