Dubai hosts largest series of professional development workshops for Cambridge teachers

This week, Cambridge teachers from the United Arab Emirates were joined by hundreds of colleagues from countries including China, Singapore, Sudan and India for a series of workshops specifically developed for teachers of Cambridge international qualifications.

Dubai was chosen as a location that was easily accessible to teachers from different countries - the regional approach to professional development is an important way for CIE to bring Cambridge teachers together.

The workshops, hosted by Repton School, Dubai, were designed to reflect specific stages of a teacher's experience with the Cambridge curriculum, and provide valuable guidance for teacher throughout their careers. New teachers gained a thorough introduction to Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses at Stage 1 workshops (October 29 - 30), whilst more experienced teachers will attend Stage 2 workshops (November 1 - 2) that build on the skills they already use in the classroom.

An additional workshop for examination officers, conducted by Jerry Papworth, CIE Assistant Director, Operations, was held on 28 October at Westminster School, Dubai. This was a great opportunity for delegates to meet a very senior and experienced member of the examinations team, and to ask questions.

Mike Havercroft, from Riyad British School, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said: 'The professional development provided today by CIE was much as expected: succinct, to the point and professionally presented. I find CIE as an examination board, excellent in all respects.'

Beatriz S. Lacbayan, from Doha College, Qatar, found the workshops very informative. 'All the details that I need to know have been tackled and the questions were answered very clearly.'

Claire Hussain, from Al Nahda School, Abu Dhabi, said the workshops were 'very organised and innovative. All the important topics were covered. It was interesting and useful.'

Gillian Moore, CIE Training Manager, said:

"We were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the delegates - many of whom made long journeys to attend. Our professional development workshops allow teachers to discuss new ideas, and swap experiences, with peers throughout their region, and develop professional relationships which they can draw on for support in the future."

"Our thanks go to Repton School and Westminster School for their hospitality," Moore added.

David Cook, Headmaster of Repton School Dubai, said, "It was both a privilege and an honour to host CIE's Cambridge Teachers Professional Development Workshops at Repton over the last five days. Being a new school, indeed the first boarding school in the UAE, hosting the workshops was, for us, an important 'first', a chance to use our impressive facilities for the benefit of teachers from near and far. I can only hope that these workshops will be the first of many to be held at Repton. There will always be a warm welcome for CIE here."