As I enter my second year at Star Mirdif, I am filled with excitement and wonder as the Secondary School comes of age with the opening of our new Sixth Form in August 2023 and we reflect on our first set of IGCSE results from our first Year 11 cohort. 

This is actually my second tour of Dubai, having made the decision to work overseas back in 1993. Prior To this, I had  been a Mathematics teacher in three different schools in the UK, following graduation from the University of Warwick in 1983 with a Mathematics and Education degree. As I reflect on what is now 40 years (surely not!) In education, I can only conclude that I have never looked back since my move to Dubai. I have since traveled to South East Asia with my family and led a large Secondary School in Bangkok and spent seven years as Head of Senior School at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore.

Star Mirdif fits well with my personal educational philosophy by being inclusive on entry, with a focus on bringing out the very best in students from an academic, social and emotional point of view. A secondary education at Star Mirdif also ensures their time at school is relevant, beneficial and fun, as well as preparing them well for life beyond Star, nurturing and developing the skills and attributes they need to help them to be successful and lead happy and fulfilling lives. 

Star may be my final 'tour of duty' but you just never know! I am thoroughly enjoying being back in the classroom and leading and contributing to initiatives that drive our 'awe and wonder' curriculum and 'amazing learning' in the school. It feels great to be closer to home again and I am now living my life through the eyes of my three daughters, two of whom are studying at university in the UK and the third is completing her A levels. I am really looking forward to working with a fantastic team of leaders, teachers and support staff, to ensure the learning experience of every Star student leads to them achieving their personal best in their learning, both inside and outside the classroom.