RGS Guildford UK enjoys very close links with its overseas schools. This is illustrated by our recent visit to our school in Dubai last week. Three of the senior leaders from RGS UK, alongside the International Chief Executive, spent two days at the school reviewing lessons, watching activities, talking to leaders and teachers and discussing points of similarity and difference. We learn from each other for the benefit of the students of both schools.
We think carefully about these visits and send the most appropriate senior team. This time the three visitors were from our senior and prep school and included the Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning), Assistant Head (Partnerships) and Head of wellbeing at RGS Prep.
While the members of the Senior Leadership Team immersed themselves in school life, the International Chief Executive’s agenda was slightly different. Mr Ukiah attended a board meeting as an RGS Guildford appointed governor to RGS Guildford Dubai and visited the KHDA, the Dubai regulator. The KHDA explained that 150,000 new school places will be needed in the next 10 years as Dubai seeks to double its economy and population. Looking back to when we debated whether the market was saturated in 2020, it’s reassuring to see such strong demand, giving us confidence in the future of our school.
This visit was the start of the year’s collaborative activities with Dubai. In January, our Head is visiting an event at the school, our Head of Higher Education will visit in February to advise on academic choices, and our Chair of Governors will visit in April to talk to staff and parents.
The visits are not one way. RGS Guildford Dubai will bring some 90 students and 10 staff to Guildford in March and will experience life with us in Guildford. Combined with our online initiatives, our broad collaboration promises to bring lasting benefits to both students and staff throughout the year.