Life at Al Rabeeh School is exciting and vibrant. Like every other school, each day is different, one day you could be on a trip to the local zoo and the next you could be draped in traditional dress celebrating ‘National Day’.
With children, teachers and members of staff from a range of countries and cultures the school is incredibly diverse, making it an interesting place to work.
The school has between 3 and 7 classes in each Year group with supportive and skilled SLT. There is a Vice Principal and a Principal to support the development of the school and every member of staff. The opportunity to enhance Continual Professional Development is readily available through our links with The British School Middle East Association (BSME), as is the chance of progression and promotion, in the school, for those seeking to further their career developments. The senior leaders are very focused on providing opportunities for distributed leadership and succession.
The range of extensive Extra Curricular Activities available provides staff members with the opportunity to become actively involved in school life and have a positive impact on the many enthusiastic children.
Abu Dhabi has a large number of successful sports teams who regularly compete in matches against teams from around the Middle-East. Well organised running, cycling and swimming events for serious, well-trained athletes or for beginners to take part in for enjoyment are often available to enter. Yas Island’s ‘Du Arena’ attracts world class performers from all over the globe making music concerts a popular attraction to many expatriates living in Abu Dhabi.
One of Al Rabeeh’s recent recruits has said the following about her experience moving to Abu Dhabi:
“Being a parent with grown up children who were pursuing their own careers, I decided that the time was right to challenge myself and seek pastures new. Having worked in UK primary schools for 17 years and 10 years at my last school, this was an amazing opportunity to do something completely different and immerse myself in this rich and varied culture. I have met many new and established teachers here and all have their own reasons for relocating but are united in their passion for teaching and a love of life here in Abu Dhabi.
I arrived at 6:30am on a hot, August morning fully expecting to have an airport coffee and wait some time for a lift to my new accommodation. Much to my surprise, there were several cheerful faces from our team, ready to greet me. Not only were partner teachers there, but also our Senior leaders and the Director of Education for our school and academy. After an overnight flight, this was much appreciated and from that moment on, I knew I was part of the Al Rabeeh team. At the apartment block, I was shown around and greeted by more friendly staff who arranged visits to the supermarket, welcomed me into their homes and shared internet access so I could get in touch with friends and family.
The apartment was set up with a welcome pack with food, tea and coffee. Everything was ready and there was a kettle, iron and a fully equipped kitchen which made settling in so easy. The apartment is spacious and modern and conveniently situated with shops and restaurants all around.
The first two weeks I had opportunities to get to know new colleagues and do team building exercises to familiarise ourselves with school routines. Also we could prepare our classrooms and plan for meeting the children. However, I already felt at home, as I had been put in touch with all the new teachers in the previous term on a ‘WhatsApp’ group and spent the summer months chatting and exchanging ideas. This meant that I already felt like I was part of the team and had built good working relationships. We also had a buddy system so a member of staff was always just a message away and helpful hints and tips were passed on. The school is really keen on promoting staff welfare and for encouraging staff members to join different clubs and interest groups. So no matter what your interest is e.g. kayaking, walking, sand boarding, movies, sitting on the beach or eating out, there’s always someone happy to join you.
Just a couple of months on and I have an amazing new job with wonderfully, receptive students who are keen to participate in school life and very supportive parents. I have made some great friends with whom I’ve discovered the varied and distinctive cultural experiences that Abu Dhabi has to offer. I work with a team of professionals who want the best for our students in school and can only recommend life here at Al Rabeeh.”
International teaching staff benefit from: