Groundbreaking Emirati Mentoring Programme Expands To Secondary Schools

The Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) has launched an enhanced 2014 mentoring programme to inspire secondary school Emirati teachers and principals.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Sharjah Education Council and Ministry of Education, has progressed to its second cycle as a result of the success of the flagship 2013 programme.

The programme was recognised last year by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who visited VISS to celebrate the accomplishments of the first-time initiative.

The secondary school principals’ programme, devised and being led by VISS Principal Dr. Roderick Crouch, focuses on implementing change management, as well as increasing educational knowledge on good teaching practice and how to get the best out of their teachers.

More than 30 secondary school teachers have been immersed into this year’s programme, which will see the teachers experience a heavy emphasis on individual subject teaching and classroom management. The teachers programme is being managed by Dean Pyrah, Head of Secondary School at VISS.

Dr. Roderick Crouch said: “We are honored to be part of this truly groundbreaking initiative which embodies Sharjah’s commitment to raising the standard of education.

“At VISS, we are constantly seeking growth, improvement and best practice to create an optimal environment for education.

“This year, we had a record number of our teachers volunteering to take part in the programme as mentors – everyone wants to be involved.”

Each day of the term-long programme includes classroom observations and specially designed workshops at VISS, covering a range of topics including the difference in boys and girls learning capabilities, student wellbeing, best practices and curriculum planning in English, mathematics, science and Arabic, and using technology.

Halima Mohamed, an Emirati teacher from Al Manar Model School, said: “I thank the Sharjah Council and VISS for this initiative that allowed me to exchange expertise with other teachers and take the expertise to my school.

“I like the variety of teaching styles that the teachers have displayed here at VISS.”

Mohamed Bekhit, another Emirati teacher, added: “The school and the programme are excellent. The teachers use different activities, resources and styles to achieve their teaching goals.

“I noticed there is a very good relationship between the teacher and the students, who have excellent behaviour and are interactive in class.”

More than 70 Emirati teachers from 50 Government primary schools benefited from the programme last year, working closely with VISS teachers to develop valuable teaching skills, methods and practices.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Feb 18, 2014

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