The Arbor School is an ecological school grounded in the National Curriculum for England in Al Furjan, FS1-Year 9, with Year 10 opening in September 2022.
Dubai, UAE: The Arbor School, an ecological school based in Dubai, welcomes Frances Powel as Head of Secondary to bolster its already strong leadership team. The Arbor School has grown from strength to strength under the leadership of Principal Brett Girven, the Head of Middle School Mrs. Mandi Kirby, and the Head of Primary Mr. Daniel Nichol. However, as the school matures and develops, the Arbor School embarked on an extensive search to find a leader who had not only the knowledge to lead the development of the rigorous academic programme for the burgeoning secondary school, but someone with a vision of what education could and should be – experiential, authentic and inspired by the natural beauty, human ingenuity, and profound ecological and social challenges of our world. A leader whose ambitions matched Arbor’s unique aspiration for a distinctive approach to teaching, learning and transformational change.
Having conducted an extensive search both locally and globally, the Arbor School is excited to welcome Mrs. Frances Powell to the leadership team as Head of Secondary and also to the Arbor School community.
Commenting on the appointment of the Arbor School’s newest team member, Brett Girven, Principal at The Arbor School said: “Mrs. Powell brings a unique range of skills and experiences, complemented by a personal approach which focuses on ensuring students flourish in all aspects. With her experience in some of the highest performing international schools as well as knowledge of the unique local context, Mrs. Powell is a purpose driven leader, just right for our purpose driven school.”
Frances Powell brings over 14 years of international experience with a strong focus on values-based education balancing high academic expectations alongside wellbeing remaining at the very core of school life. She believes a school leader must lead with integrity and develop relationships across the school community based on trust and mutual respect. Having experience from South Korea, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong, her educational philosophy is that a school should nurture compassionate, principled and globally minded citizens. Mrs. Powell brings her expertise in developing programmes and structures to enable students to flourish socially and emotionally, alongside her drive in ensuring high academic attainment for all, and her strategic insight into preparing students to make their mark on the world confidently and successfully. She is very excited to build on the strong, successful foundations. The Arbor School celebrates its diverse community and unique context as the school progresses into its next phase of Secondary education.
ABOUT THE ARBOR SCHOOL:
The Arbor School is an ecological school based on the National Curriculum for England, located in the Al Furjan district of Dubai within easy reach of Jumeirah Village Triangle, Green Community, Victory Heights and the Marina. Launched by Praxis Educational, the Arbor School is an Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary and Secondary School, with Year 10 opening September 2022. The Arbor School is a community of learners who are developing the knowledge, understandings, skills, and dispositions needed to be innovative and capable leaders, with a strong set of ethical values, anchored by a deep sense of ecoliteracy, sustainability and environmental justice.
