From Virtual Classrooms to Leadership: How Kings InterHigh Shapes Future Innovators

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Tahoora Khalil Urehman, the Headteacher of Kings InterHigh, a leading online school. In this interview, Ms. Urehman shares her insights on the school’s plans for 2025, the factors considered when determining the academic focus each year, and the challenges anticipated in education over the next five years. This interview provides valuable insights into the innovative educational approaches and commitment to student success at Kings InterHigh.

1. What are your plans for 2025?

In 2025, the focus is on enhancing the educational experience for all students. This includes expanding our curriculum, further integrating innovative technologies, and introducing additional wellbeing initiatives. These efforts foster a stronger sense of community, ensuring students feel well-supported by their peers and teachers.

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

At King’s InterHigh, we’re all about making each academic year better than the last. Our approach is flexible, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in our students’ needs. We’re always listening, learning, and adapting to create an educational experience that works for everyone.

Key Factors in Deciding Academic Focus:

Listening to Our Students: What our students want to learn and what they need is at the heart of everything we do. We use surveys, feedback sessions, and regular check-ins to understand what interests them and where they need more support. This helps us offer the right subjects and resources at the right time.

Curriculum that Works for Online Learning: We ensure our curriculum is relevant and flexible. While it’s aligned with national education standards, it’s also designed to thrive in an online environment, meaning it’s interactive, engaging, and built for the way we learn today.

Staying Ahead with New Ideas: We monitor global education trends to incorporate fresh, effective methods into our lessons. Whether it’s the latest teaching strategies or new tools that improve learning outcomes, we always look for ways to improve.

Collaboration with Our Teachers: Our teachers shape our academic focus. They bring their experience and expertise to the table, suggesting new subjects, refining existing ones, and guiding our approach to learning.

Innovating with Technology: We constantly evaluate new tech to make learning more interactive and immersive. Whether it’s through virtual classrooms, AI tools, or digital resources, we’re always looking for ways to make learning more engaging and effective.

Personalised Learning for Everyone: We know no two students are the same, so we ensure each person can learn at their own pace. Whether they need extra time to dive into a subject they’re passionate about or a little more support in an area they find challenging; we give them the tools to do it their way.

Supporting Wellbeing: Mental health and wellbeing are top priorities. By integrating wellness practices into our curriculum and daily routines, we’re helping our students manage stress, build resilience, and care for themselves mentally and emotionally.

We continuously evolve to ensure our students get the best possible experience—one that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive now and in the future.

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

Over the next five years, there are several key challenges we’ll need to navigate in education:

Technological Integration
Integrating digital tools into the curriculum will become more complex as technology evolves. It’s essential that both students and teachers are equipped with the skills to use these tools effectively and that we have the right infrastructure in place to support them.

Equity and Access
Ensuring every student has equal access to high-quality education is an ongoing challenge. Bridging the digital divide will be crucial to ensure all students, regardless of their background, can benefit from the opportunities education offers.

Mental Health and Well-being
The importance of student mental health will continue to grow. Schools must integrate comprehensive support systems beyond academics to address students’ emotional and social needs. This holistic approach will be key to supporting students in all aspects of their lives.

Adaptability to Global Changes
The ability to adapt to global shifts—be they economic, environmental, or otherwise—will be vital. Education systems must develop flexible, resilient models that quickly adjust to new challenges, ensuring that learning continues regardless of the circumstances.

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

As a headteacher passionate about promoting engagement and motivation in education, I often encounter the challenge of keeping students—especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated—interested in learning. At King’s InterHigh, we’re committed to adopting innovative, personalised, and flexible approaches that cater to diverse learning needs. Here’s how we manage to keep students engaged:

• We tailor learning experiences to accommodate individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests. By assessing each student’s abilities and tailoring their learning path accordingly, we help them set realistic goals and maintain a sense of achievement
• Our curriculum is interactive and engaging. We use multimedia resources, virtual simulations, and gamification to bring subjects to life. This dynamic approach helps to capture students’ attention and stimulate their imagination, making learning more appealing.
• We use various online platforms and tools that make learning more efficient and engaging for digital natives. This integration of technology appeals to students’ familiarity with digital environments.
• Instead of highlighting what students did wrong, we focus on how they can improve. This supportive approach, alongside regular check-ins with teachers and mentors, provides motivation and encouragement for students.
• We emphasise creating a strong, inclusive community where students feel connected and supported. Through group projects, discussions, and peer interactions, students find motivation and purpose in learning not just for themselves but with others.

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

Beyond academics, King’s InterHigh offers a variety of extracurricular activities that encourage students to explore their passions and develop new skills. These activities, from virtual clubs to meet-ups, provide additional avenues for students to express themselves and connect with peers.

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

In today’s rapidly evolving world, students need more than just qualifications—they need the tools and abilities to navigate personal and professional challenges with confidence.

Personalised Learning for Future Success
Our flexible curriculum allows students to choose subjects that align with their long-term goals, keeping them motivated and engaged in learning. By enabling students to explore areas of interest, we encourage self-direction, independence, and responsibility—skills crucial for life after school.

Digital Literacy and Technological Proficiency
In today’s digital age, technology is woven into every aspect of professional and personal life. At King’s InterHigh, students gain practical experience with digital tools and platforms that enhance communication, collaboration, and creativity. Through online presentations, coding tasks, or collaborative projects, our students develop the digital literacy needed to adapt to an ever-changing technological landscape.

Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability
Thriving in the workplace and beyond requires emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. Our pastoral care system is key in helping students develop these skills, guiding them in managing stress, building empathy, and navigating diverse social environments. By interacting with a global student body, our learners experience cultural sensitivity first-hand and develop the interpersonal skills needed to thrive in international and multicultural settings.

Guidance for Future Pathways
We provide structured support to ensure students make informed choices about their future, whether pursuing further education, entering the workforce, or exploring other opportunities. From personalised advice on university applications to insights on career options, we ensure every student has the resources to navigate their next steps confidently. Additionally, students gain practical experience through work placements, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the professional world.

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

Building a school culture that attracts and retains exceptional teachers begins with a clear, shared vision and core values that align with the school’s mission and the staff’s personal goals. When teachers feel connected to a common purpose, they are more motivated and engaged.

Ongoing professional development is essential for supporting teachers’ growth. Offering opportunities for training, skill development, and career progression keeps teachers challenged, motivated, and confident in their abilities.

Effective leadership plays a critical role in creating a positive school culture. Leaders who actively listen to teachers’ needs, provide regular feedback and offer the necessary resources foster an environment where teachers feel supported and empowered to succeed.

Collaboration is key. Teachers thrive in environments where they can share ideas, strategies, and resources. Encouraging team teaching, peer observations, and joint planning sessions helps build community and mutual support.

Finally, recognising and celebrating teachers’ contributions is vital for maintaining morale. Whether through formal awards, recognition in newsletters, or social events, showing appreciation for their hard work reinforces a positive culture where teachers feel valued and inspired to keep making a difference.

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

After-school activities are vital for helping students develop skills that extend beyond the classroom and shape their futures. Activities focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and empathy have the most significant impact. These skills help students navigate their academic challenges and prepare them for life beyond school.

In addition, activities that promote self-discipline and time management teach students how to balance their commitments and set priorities—skills that are invaluable in their personal and professional lives. Ultimately, any after-school activity that encourages these broader life skills will have a lasting, positive influence on a student’s future.

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

Success goes beyond the conventional metrics of test scores and graduation rates. While these are vital benchmarks, true success fosters a more profound, holistic student growth. It includes creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students are engaged, empowered, and encouraged to develop both academically and personally.

Success also means supporting our staff’s growth, ensuring they are motivated and equipped to inspire and guide students. It’s about building a sense of community where every individual feels valued and supported. Ultimately, success is about preparing our students to excel in their studies and leave school confident, capable, and ready to navigate their futures.

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

“Empower every child with the gifts of knowledge and curiosity, and watch them transform the world with courage and innovation.”