Edarabia had the opportunity to speak with Wayne Howsen, Principal of The Aquila School, to explore how the school is shaping a balanced, future-ready learning environment. In this discussion, he highlights how pupils are guided to use emerging technologies responsibly while keeping human interaction at the centre of learning. He also shares how resilience, adaptability, inclusion, and strong pastoral care are embedded into everyday school life, ensuring every child is supported to grow with confidence, independence, and purpose.
At The Aquila School, our approach to AI is deliberately measured. While the global conversation often focuses on rapid adoption, we are thoughtful about what we introduce and when, ensuring that technology enhances learning without replacing it.
In primary, AI is introduced in simple, guided ways. For example, a Year 4 pupil might use it to generate vocabulary or ideas, but the emphasis remains on shaping, improving and owning their work. Teachers support pupils in understanding that AI is a starting point, not an answer.
In secondary, this develops into more critical engagement. A Year 9 student might explore different explanations of a scientific concept or refine an essay plan, but they are expected to question what they see, compare it with other sources and make informed decisions.
As part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), we draw on shared global practice and collaboration across the group, ensuring our approach is informed by international expertise while remaining relevant to our pupils. Our aim is to ensure that students develop judgement, independence and the confidence to use AI responsibly
At The Aquila School, pupils do not have access to phones during the school day. This reflects our belief that learning and relationships are strongest when pupils are fully present.
Classrooms are active and engaging, with pupils learning through discussion, collaboration and hands-on experiences. We have seen a positive impact on social interaction, with students more engaged in their learning and more connected to one another. Technology remains an important tool, but it is used with purpose and never replaces the value of face-to-face teaching.
We approach AI with care, clarity and purpose. Our priority is to ensure that AI enhances learning without replacing the essential human elements of teaching.
Technology use is structured and supervised, and pupils are taught to engage with AI critically. They learn to question, evaluate and reflect on AI-generated content so that it supports their thinking rather than replaces it.
We place equal importance on ethics, academic integrity and critical thinking. Our approach remains rooted in high-quality teaching, with technology used only where it adds clear value. This ensures pupils are both future-ready and responsible in how they use AI.
This approach reflects the wider ISP commitment to developing students who are both future-ready and responsible in how they use technology.
We ensure that learning in national subjects is relevant and accessible by connecting it to experiences and contexts that pupils can identify with. Lessons begin from clear, relatable starting points so that all students can engage with the content and understand its significance.
This approach helps pupils develop both an appreciation of the UAE’s culture and a strong sense of belonging within the community.
At The Aquila School, success looks different for every child, and our approach ensures pupils develop a broad range of skills through their daily learning experience.
We focus on personalised learning, ensuring that each child’s journey is relevant and responsive to their needs. By knowing each student well, teachers adapt learning in real time, helping pupils build the mindset and skills needed to navigate change.
Rather than preparing students for a single pathway, we develop learners who can think critically, adapt and continue learning with confidence.
At The Aquila School, personalisation is rooted in strong relationships between teachers and pupils. Rather than relying on fixed lesson delivery or rigid systems, teachers adapt learning through ongoing interaction in the classroom, using questioning, feedback and observation to guide progress.
Within the same lesson, pupils may be supported or challenged in different ways depending on their understanding, for example through targeted questioning, additional guidance or extending their thinking further. This allows teachers to respond in the moment, rather than waiting for a set programme to dictate next steps.
In a landscape where learning can feel standardised, our focus is on keeping it responsive while maintaining high expectations for all.
Resilience is built through everyday classroom practice. Teachers create a safe and supportive environment where making mistakes is seen as part of learning.
From early years through to secondary, pupils are encouraged to try, reflect and improve, whether through play-based exploration, guided challenge or responding to feedback and redrafting work. This helps them develop confidence, perseverance and independence.
At The Aquila School, our strength lies in creating a safe and happy learning environment. Relationships are central to this, and staff and pupils know each other well, take an interest in one another and look out for each other.
This means that small changes are noticed early, whether this is a pupil becoming quieter in class discussions, less engaged in group work, or more hesitant to participate. These moments prompt early conversations and support.
Alongside this, we have pastoral systems and access to counselling support, providing clear routes for identifying and responding to concerns. This allows us to act early and ensure pupils feel supported and able to speak up.
The Aquila School is an inclusive environment where support is built around the individual needs of each child. We believe every student should have the opportunity to succeed, and our approach focuses on understanding each learner well and adapting provision accordingly.
This may involve adjusting how learning is delivered, providing additional guidance or adapting expectations so that progress is appropriate and achievable. Inclusion is part of everyday teaching and learning, ensuring all pupils can participate fully in school life.
Students are taught how to build and maintain a positive digital footprint through a structured and age-appropriate approach to digital citizenship, supported through both the curriculum and pastoral systems.
From an early age, pupils learn that what they share online contributes to their identity and reputation. As they progress, this develops into a deeper understanding of responsible behaviour, privacy, respectful communication and the long-term impact of their actions.
This is reinforced through lessons, assemblies and ongoing guidance from staff, alongside clear expectations for online conduct. We also promote positive digital contribution, encouraging pupils to use technology to collaborate, create and share learning responsibly.
Parents are central to the Aquila community. We maintain an open and welcoming environment where communication is regular and responsive.
Opportunities such as coffee mornings, surveys and ongoing dialogue allow parents to contribute to school development. This creates a genuine partnership between home and school, focused on supporting each child’s experience and wellbeing.
We invest in training, coaching and professional development to ensure teachers feel supported and confident.
Being part of ISP provides access to a global network of educators, enabling our staff to collaborate, share best practice, and continuously develop through high-quality professional learning. At the same time, we take a considered approach to change, introducing new ideas in a way that is purposeful and manageable so that they strengthen teaching rather than add unnecessary complexity.
Success is often found in the small, meaningful moments. Inspiring a child to love learning can have a lasting impact, shaping not only their future but the futures of others.
At The Aquila School, this belief underpins everything we do, creating a community where every child feels supported, challenged and capable of achieving their potential.
Twitter
Add a Comment
Please do not post:
Thank you once again for doing your part to keep Edarabia the most trusted education source.