Principal Shagufa Kidwai's Insights on Tackling Challenges in Education

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Principal Shagufa Kidwai of Pristine Private School in Dubai to discuss her plans for 2025, the school’s focus on academics, anticipated challenges in education, strategies for keeping students interested in learning, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all students, the school’s approach to student stress and bullying, and how Pristine Private School helps students build the skills they need for life after graduation.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

I have quite a few key things listed in my plan

Personally, I would like to further enhance my expertise and insight into how AI can support learning. With a quarter of the century over and the pace at which technology is evolving, it’s my priority to aggressively further a more responsible and safe approach in the integration of  AI in the classroom to facilitate quality learning. In line with the above empowering teachers with AI tools to support student learning is a key priority. I also want to further cybersecurity awareness amongst all stakeholders.

As a school, we shall also continue our focus on the health and well-being of all. I am also planning to include free days on the calendar and encourage more writing tasks amongst students. Awareness about mindful screen time for students is an area which we continue to work upon. This year we had several focused group parent awareness sessions/ workshops which were much appreciated. I would like to further increase the frequency of these sessions as it helps the parents to support their child’s learning.

Our school has received several awards for sustainability. The focused effort to have more environmentally sustainable systems and solutions in the school shall continue to be strengthened.

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

The school has systems in place to evaluate the existing practices. As a part of the ongoing school improvement journey, we create a school action plan and set our key priorities. This includes the following

• Safe and ethical AI integration in learning so that the originality and the creativity of the students is not compromised.
• Enhance Adaptive teaching and Personalisation to meet the needs of all students
• Increasing the use of spoken Arabic in school
• Continue to work further on curriculum design to bring in flexibility ensuring that the diverse needs of the students are met.

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

I think the needs of the students would continue to evolve at a much rapid pace and educators would have to embrace change and create learning models for the students which meet their requirements and are extraordinarily engaging. I foresee a reduction in the soft skills of the students. Over-reliance on AI may result in loss in creativity and originality of thoughts. Increase in screen time, gadget addiction amongst students may rise.

Verbal communication skills in students and handwriting seem to be a growing concern. Due to a decrease in attention span, students may find it hard to focus. Well-being issues may arise due to fewer social interactions. Hence, schools will have to create opportunities for students to interact socially more often.

Teaching methodology will require ongoing modification to meet the needs of the students. I also believe that assessment processes may require to be revisited.

Schools will have an additional responsibility towards guiding the parents and ensuring the wellbeing of the children. Cyber bullying will be on the rise.

Nutrition issues, less physical activity leading to malnutrition will become more widespread.

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

At our school every child is important.

Teachers know and understand the learners well. Lessons are planned and personalised for students depending upon their needs. Moreover, the teachers are well-trained to identify any child who is not progressing despite the strategies implemented. Data in all forms both qualitative (observations) & quantitative (CAT4, NGRT, GL, Summative assessment) is analysed. Learning walks and lesson observation are regular.

The school Academic, Inclusion, and Counselling Team work in a smooth coordination to support any such child, keeping the parents in the loop. A range of customised resources are put in place to strengthen learning. If required students are given additional support,  and extended tutoring and are counselled systematically.

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

We have a warm, caring environment with a well-being vision of Embrace, Engage and  Empower.

A qualified, experienced, and committed team of academic and non-academic staff are  there to support all students.

We have small class sizes, ample resources, and facilities to meet the needs of all students (state of the art Science and IT labs, Performing Art Room, Swimming Pool,  Innovation Labs, STEAM labs, libraries). Students have access to a range of digital learning platforms, engaging and enriching learning opportunities which include  STEM competitions, Science Fairs, Reading Challenges, Art competitions, MUN,  Poetry Competitions, Quiz, debates, Concerts, Choral, and sports events. Both local and international field trips provide students with a plethora of rich learning experiences both domestically in the UAE and internationally.

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

School has zero tolerance for bullying. All staff and students are fully aware of the Anti bullying policy. Stringent measures are in place to address any issue arising.

The school has an open-door policy where students can approach any member of the school safeguarding team, and the matter is taken up seriously and addressed. Parents are also encouraged to inform the school of any incident which comes to their attention.

Anti-bullying workshops and awareness campaigns are held to promote information. Special themed assemblies are conducted to make students understand the issue and be aware of  as to whom they should approach. Members of the school wellness team and student council conduct awareness activities. Special activities are planned during the anti-bullying week.

The school Pastoral Team is there to support any child who is under stress. We also conduct wellness sessions for students to equip them with the skills to navigate through challenging situations.

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

Our curriculum is designed to provide opportunities for students to acquire the skills they need for the future.

At Pristine Private School, the academic and career guidance programme is designed to provide a cohesive, whole-school approach to career education, starting from the primary years through to Year 13. Our programme is tailored to support students’ career readiness and lifelong employability. Our alumni placements are quite significant with students in various renowned universities and professions.

With Enterprise and Possibilities as our core curriculum drivers, we inspire students to dream big, think innovatively, and develop entrepreneurial skills that will prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow.

Opportunities to explore the world of work are thoughtfully threaded through various areas of learning and enrichment, fostering a forward-thinking mindset and equipping students to adapt and excel with a futuristic outlook in an ever-evolving global landscape.

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

We have a very active parent council which shares the school vision and maintains a strong working relationship.

They support the school in events, such as the annual school carnival, and assist in the transition of new parents. Moreover, they foster a community spirit amongst the parents and strengthen the home school partnership.

Pristine Pvt School is an established school, our communication systems are very strong.  Parent workshops, feedback and survey responses provide us with valuable parent  suggestions which help us become better.

The school has great connections with the local and international community. We are a Microsoft showcase school and the first Mission X school in the UAE. The school has been holding TED Talks since 2017. Our students participate in the TED Ed as well. We actively liaise with local communities like Dubai Cares, Red Crescent and Al Jalila  Foundation for charity drives.

Connections with Universities are very prominent and our students participate and win in many different competitions. We have also received a Climate Action award, have been recognised with Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Program, also affiliated to UN global school program. Local affiliations with entities like ADNOC (STEM MENA), Emirates literature  Foundation and many more are quite enriching.

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

We promote a warm conducive environment with an exceptionally strong professional learning environment where teachers have ample opportunities to enhance their pedagogical skills.

We have a highly structured school PD programme which is well invested in. Teacher resources are plenty and reviewed on a yearly basis. Talent is identified and nurtured leading to growth. We have a system of well-incentivised performance management which helps in retention of talent.

Appreciation and recognition are also a key aspect which supports staff well-being. The school holds an annual Staff Appreciation Day, wellness activities, staff picnics, and end-of-term parties.

Having an open-door policy, compassionate approach, and strong communication helps build relationships which makes them view the school as a family.

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

Yes, of course. There are many such examples. This includes me, someone who started as a secondary teacher, became a Science Head, then led the Senior School and now leading the school as a principal since 2015.

School identifies, nurtures, supports, and challenges individuals, making them ready for leadership roles.

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

We have several AFA clubs running across primary and secondary schools, both teacher and older student led. It is very difficult to choose the most impactful because all these clubs are very thoughtfully created and are quite successful.

Clubs like PrisBots (Pristine Robotic Society) and Digital Media are quite popular in the primary. These clubs engage students to develop their skills in fundamentals of design and editing tools such as Photoshop, Coral Draw, and Movie Creation.

In the secondary the TEDEd is always very popular. Performing Arts/Singing Club, Chess  Club, Planet Positive are the favourites among students. An interesting club called Shared  Shelves revolves around enjoyable activities and the sharing of ideas and thoughts related to books read by the students.

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

Success is to create a compassionate and skilled generation who can skillfully navigate the unknown challenges of the future.

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

I strongly believe that passion, positivity and perseverance take you to greater heights.