GEMS holds International Teachers Conference

The conference was also attended by Heads of ten new UK-based GEMS schools, accompanied by Sir Michael Bichard, special advisor to GEMS, and Chairman of Artis. Artis is a GEMS associated firm which provides specialised expertise in Performing Arts to schools.

The two-day conference included a guided school tour to some of the leading GEMS managed schools in Dubai including Jumeirah College, Jumeirah Primary School, Dubai American Academy and Modern High School. The multi-cultural environment of Dubai schools helped showcase the GEMS Core Values, and its unique holistic approach to education which can be applied in schools anywhere in the world.

The conference focussed on high standards of quality assurance, hospitality and service, parent programmes, and training in the four GEMS Core Values —World Citizenship, Universal Values, Leadership Qualities, Forward Thinking, which form the basis of education in all GEMS schools.

Speaking on the importance of developing positive parent programmes, which play a key role in all GEMS schools, Hugh MacPherson, Chief Operating Officer, GEMS said "one of the objectives at GEMS is to ensure a healthy and positive relationship with parents who have placed their trust and confidence in us to lay the ethical foundations and social skills in their children."

"We aim to enhance the relationship with parents," he added "through coffee mornings, info forums and other feedback media which enable parents to discuss the school curriculum and their child's progress."

Sir Michael Bichard commented "I've been involved with education in the UK for over two decades," he said "and have found the education sector can be quite conservative. Today, education needs new and creative elements as part of its curriculum. GEMS initiatives to continually implement innovative ways of teaching and learning, underlines their commitment to provide the highest standards of quality education."

GEMS network of schools recently expanded taking the total number of schools owned and managed by GEMS across the Middle East, UK and India to 37. The Headteacher's Conference which will be held twice annually, will highlight the best practices in education from around the world to be implemented throughout GEMS network of schools.