Preparing Students for a Future We Can’t Predict: WellSpring’s Innovative Model

Edarabia recently had the opportunity to interview Jeff Kingma, the Head of The WellSpring Private School, to gain insights into the school’s educational philosophy, approach to student development, and plans for the future. Mr. Kingma passion for education and commitment to providing students with a holistic and individualized learning experience were evident throughout the conversation.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

In 2025, we aim to further our mission of inspiring learners to make a life-changing difference for the common good. This is not simply a statement, but something, in partnership with our parents, we strive for in our strategic planning and daily practice. We believe that our focus on individualized and holistic learning helps shape learners and see impact in the community around us. In line with the UAE areas of focus and initiatives and through real life application of learning, we are building upon our innovative course offerings through the ISS Space Program, STEM, Geographic Information Sciences (GIS), business entrepreneurship, gardening, sustainability and gamification electives as methods of fostering innovation, creativity and real-world impact through our students.

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

The WellSpring Private School is part of a larger network of schools, LifePlus Worldwide Learning, with more than 40 years of international school experience. As we select areas of academic focus, we look at the data of our school and LifePlus system, the current global educational trends, our student interests and feedback, the Ministry of Education goals and feedback, and our stakeholder input. This helps shape the academic focus of the school.

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

Looking ahead, education is changing rapidly. The advancement of technology is causing us to rethink how to be effective and efficient in our program to prepare students for a future that will be different from what it is today. At WellSpring, we proactively address these challenges through innovative classes and a focus on real-life applications of learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. A focus on these learning skills allows students to utilize these skills in the ever-changing world. Perhaps more importantly, our emphasis on personal character development is a cornerstone of our school, which allows students to lead and act with conviction, transformation, service, and impact in the future.

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

At WellSpring, we engage students through diverse and rich educational programs that cater to various learning styles and interests. Our teachers strive to know each student personally, building relationships through a caring and nurturing environment. This allows teachers to tailor instruction to individual needs. Our focus on real-world applications ignites curiosity and engagement, leading to increased motivation among students.

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

WellSpring fosters a vibrant international community with staff and students from around the world, ensuring diversity is central to learning. We provide a warm, caring, and encouraging environment where every student is known personally and encouraged to work with one another regardless of background. One example is our dedication to the People of Determination across our school. Our Life Skills Program for People of Determination was one of the first of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah, providing education, support, and care for students, highlighting our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students.

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

WellSpring strives to maintain a safe and caring community for all students, and bullying is taken seriously at WellSpring. It is important that our students, teachers, and parents understand what bullying is and what it is not. Regular conflict is not bullying and is a normal part of development. We use our teachers, principals, counseling team, and support specialists to help provide the tools to deal positively with conflict. True bullying overall is not common at WellSpring, but when it happens, our support team works in partnership with parents to ensure a clear plan of action is set up to not only stop the external behavior but also help the students examine themselves internally. This leads to more of a heart-level change with the goal of long-lasting transformation for students.

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

Our curriculum is designed to develop confident, courageous, and globally minded individuals. We emphasize critical and creative thinking, innovation, leadership qualities, and real-world application. The focus on these learning skills provides a framework for future learning. Additionally, our intentional emphasis on character development prepares students for higher education and beyond.

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

We believe in a collaborative approach to education, involving parents and the community through regular communication, events, and feedback opportunities. Our diverse parent community extends to nearly 50 nations from around the world, and we encourage the sharing of different perspectives, leading to an enrichment of the learning experience and strengthening the school community. Our Parent Council is actively involved in growing community and collaboration around the school.

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

WellSpring believes that teaching is a calling, and we support our educators by providing a nurturing and inspiring work environment. Our investment in teachers begins before they arrive in the UAE, giving them cultural and educational overviews. Once in the UAE, we invest in ongoing professional development, mentorship, Arabic language lessons, and a strong sense of mission, ensuring that teachers feel valued and motivated. When educators are encouraged to grow and lead with passion, they, in turn, inspire students to reach their fullest potential. As a result, we have strong retention and an excellent staff community, which is routinely mentioned as an exemplar of the school.

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

Yes, WellSpring believes in fostering a culture of lifelong learning and leadership. Teachers are provided with opportunities to mentor, innovate, and take on leadership roles that align with their strengths and aspirations. In my own journey for the last 18 years in LifePlus, I began as a teacher and through investment and mentorship, grew into a divisional principal and then a Head of School. First in one of our China schools and, in the last 8 years, in the UAE. LifePlus’s commitment to leadership formation and development has been evident in my life and many of my colleagues over the years.

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

Activities that promote character, leadership, service, and personal development have the greatest long-term impact. At WellSpring, we see this take place in our elementary leadership club, sports teams, and our “Best Buds” activity, which partners high school students serving Students of Determination. Throughout our activities, we have a service component where older students support the activities of younger students, including co-leading activities and serving as referees for sports. When students develop both skills and character, they are better equipped to succeed in the future.

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

For me, as a Head of School, success is not measured solely by grades or achievements, but by the transformation of a student’s heart and mind. True success is when students grow in wisdom, integrity and develop into compassionate, responsible individuals who live with purpose, making a difference in the world.

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

There is an old wise saying that says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Education is not just about knowledge but about shaping character, instilling wisdom through critical thinking, and inspiring students to live with purpose for the common good.