how we teach

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Our exceptional teachers will inspire your child to excel academically and flourish as an individual, delivering a world-class International Baccalaureate education that sets them up for lifelong success. 

AN EXCEPTIONAL HOLISTIC EDUCATION

SISD is home to the world’s best teachers and staff. Not only do they possess a wealth of qualifications and vast International Baccalaureate (IB) experience, but they also share our holistic education philosophy. Our exceptional educators extend learning beyond the pure transmission of academic knowledge, nurturing the values, cultural understanding, and global mindset our students need to thrive both now and in the future.

Hailing from Switzerland, Germany, France, the UK, and beyond, our teachers have a genuine passion for languages. On personalised language and IB pathways, your child will be inspired by native speakers who are committed to bilingualism and inquiry-based learning. Our multilingual staff and boarding team will ensure their language journey continues beyond the classroom, too. 

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LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE

TEACHER-LED TECHNOLOGY

Our teachers expertly integrate the latest technology into our IB programmes and beyond, creating interactive experiences that enrich our students’ education.

In our innovation labs, state-of-the-art equipment – including 3D printers and robotics – brings STEAM learning to life, creating immersive opportunities that encourage problem solving and critical thinking. Using the latest tools, including AI, virtual galleries, and coding software, your child will develop the 21st century skills they’ll need to succeed in the future.

We also offer an incredible breadth of tech-focused enrichment activities, including the First Lego League, the Formula 1 in School competition, and Hour of Code. We’re proud to be the first school in the UAE to integrate digital citizenship education into our curriculum, too. 

MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

The togetherness of our exceptional staff team is one of SISD’s real strengths. Their dedication, expertise, and global outlook shapes the future of our incredible students – and creates a strong sense of community. 
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Ruth Burke
Principal
Ruth joined SISD in 2021, having worked in education for more than three decades. A vastly experienced school leader, Ruth has a comprehensive knowledge of the International Baccalaureate programme and an in-depth understanding of managing a thriving multicultural school. 
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Ruth Burke

Ruth is a passionate and inspiring educator, whose career spans more than three decades. Having taught and held leadership roles in Ireland, the UK, and the UAE, Ruth managed three schools Dubai before joining SISD in August 2021.

Ruth has significant experience of what it means to be a principal at a multicultural school in Dubai. She also has an in-depth understanding of the International Baccalaureate education programme, it’s demands, and outcomes.

At the schools she has led, Ruth has increased attainment for UAE nationals, developed strong parent-teacher relationships, and improved academic outcomes. Ruth has also driven these schools to receive ‘Outstanding’ ratings from the KHDA.

Ruth has a BA (Hons) in Education from Trinity College, Dublin, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Bath, England. 

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Rania Hussein
Deputy Head of School (Teaching and Learning)
Rania is a passionate International Baccalaureate (IB) educator who has taught and led teams in thriving international schools here and in Saudi Arabia. With responsibility for teaching and learning at SISD, Rania ensures our IB programmes are innovative, engaging, and of the highest standard. 
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Rania Hussein

Rania is a lifelong advocate for International Baccalaureate (IB) education, having worked in IB environments for the entirety of her teaching and leadership career.

A former international school student, Rania graduated from the University of Western Ontario in Canada. She then completed her PGCE and Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Sunderland, England.

In 2011, Rania moved to Saudi Arabia to start her career, teaching the IB Diploma and IGCSE programmes, and taking on Head of Year and Head of House positions. Rania moved to an international school in Dubai in 2015, assuming a range of additional responsibilities, including Research Project and Extended Essay Coordinator, IB Diploma and Career-related Programme Coordinator, and Head of Senior School. Under her leadership, the school’s IB point score rose significantly, with the pass rate growing from 67% to 100%.

Rania is a qualified IB examiner and a teaching and learning coach. She’s also passionate about developing and empowering leaders within schools, which improves outcomes for all students.

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Fawad Basit
Operations Manager

Fawad Basit, our Operations Manager at SISD, brings over a decade of experience in facilities, construction, and smart building systems. Fawad is passionate about creating safe, sustainable, and future-ready learning environments.

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Fawad Basit

Fawad Basit is a dedicated operations professional with over 10 years of experience in facilities, construction, and smart systems, including five years in leadership roles. As Operations Manager at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), Fawad plays a key role in ensuring the campus is a safe, sustainable, and inspiring place to learn.

With a strong background in construction and IoT-enabled infrastructure, Fawad is passionate about designing and maintaining innovative learning environments that support curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. He believes that operational excellence is the foundation of a thriving school.

Fawad is deeply committed to sustainability, health and safety, and the integration of smart technologies to create efficient, future-ready systems. His approach is people-centered and values-driven, always striving to lead with kindness, integrity, and care. As a parent himself, he understands the trust families place in the school environment and takes pride in upholding the highest standards in every aspect of operations.

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Luke Steward
Director of Admissions and Marketing

Luke brings over a decade of international school experience to SISD, combining a background in education with expertise in admissions and marketing. His work in leading Swiss and UK schools has shaped a deep understanding of what families seek.

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Luke Steward

After beginning his career in education in Brisbane, Australia, Luke moved to Europe where he taught in Switzerland and the UK. In 2013, he transitioned into admissions and marketing, combining his educational background with further studies in the field.

Luke spent ten years in Switzerland at one of the world’s leading international boarding schools, where he played a key role in driving strategic growth, building the school’s reputation, and fostering strong relationships with families around the globe.

Luke has moved to Dubai to join SISD as he was drawn by its holistic, bilingual approach and strong alignment with the values of international education. As the DIrector of Admissions and Marketing, he is committed to enhancing SISD’s profile both locally and internationally, driving enrolment, and ensuring every family enjoys a warm, personalised experience from their very first interaction.

HELPING OUR STAFF GROW 

At SISD, we strive for excellence in everything we do. This ethos is driven by our passionate teaching and boarding staff team.

Ongoing professional development through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) keeps our teachers at forefront of global education trends. This ensures they deliver pioneering programmes and innovative learning experiences that inspire and excite your child.

We also encourage our teachers to pursue their professional goals through weekly development opportunities, target-setting, and access to the award-winning Nord Anglia University platform.


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SETTING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

As an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, our standards are second to none. Our teachers are all IB specialists who undertake regular training through the IBO. Many are certified IB examiners, too. This guarantees that your child will benefit from the highest quality teaching and learning.

Our approach also meets the standards set by the UAE’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), who recognise the quality of our teaching as one of the school’s key strengths. Supported by the global Nord Anglia Education team, we also lead the way in quality assurance and safeguarding. 

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WORKING AT SISD

JOIN OUR VIBRANT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

SISD is an exceptional international school, unique in the Middle East, and there are many reasons why our staff love working here.

We’re proud to be recognised as one of the top 100 private schools in the world, as well as just one of 50 IB World Schools globally. Our facilities are among the best in the region, too. But it’s our thriving community – with its diversity of nationalities and sense of togetherness – that really makes SISD special.

Working here, you’ll be supported to innovate and excel. We’ll also help you to fulfil your personal and professional ambitions. 

JOBS AT SISD

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? 

Get in touch with us today to arrange a tour of our campus, where you’ll meet our exceptional teachers and boarding staff, and get a feel for our vibrant multilingual community. 

Enquire Today
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