The Aquila School proudly announces Yasmine Dannawy as its new Head of Secondary. With 30 years of educational expertise in the UAE and internationally, she brings a wealth of experience to the role.
In this interview, Yasmine shares her vision for student success, essential life skills for today’s world, and her plans to enhance the Aquila learning experience for every student.
What inspired you to join The Aquila School?
After three decades in education, I choose schools that embody their values. At The Aquila School, “Safe, Happy Learning” is not just a motto—it’s evident everywhere, from the Foundation Stage to Sixth Form. During my visit, students confidently introduced themselves; I observed perseverance, resilience, and kindness in drama, food technology, and even in the canteen. As both a leader and a parent with children at Aquila, I seek a blend of compassion and exceptional learning. Our visions align, making my decision straightforward.
How will you support each child’s individual future path?
We offer the English National Curriculum, and our UK-trained teachers provide personalized guidance from Years 7–9, helping students make informed I/GCSE choices. Options include triple or combined sciences, maths, further maths, design technology, computing, business, arts, and languages. For multilingual learners, we offer IGCSE English as a second language and flexible qualifications. Not every student needs 13–14 GCSEs to succeed. In Sixth Form, students can choose between the IB Diploma, IB Certificate, BTEC pathways, or a blended approach. Through one-on-one advising, we align students with their preferred future paths, whether that involves a degree, foundation course, apprenticeship, internship, or employment.
What life skills are you fostering at The Aquila School, especially in Secondary?
Today’s youth face social media pressures and AI misinformation. Our secondary program emphasizes digital and media literacy, critical thinking, and self-regulation. We teach study habits, sleep hygiene, financial literacy, sustainability, and service. With over 90 nationalities, students practice empathy, integrity, and global citizenship, navigate friendships and identity, and develop resilience. By Year 13, students understand their priorities and achieve strong academic results.
How do you balance academic, social, and emotional development in a changing world?
Learning is a durable skillset; researching, evaluating sources, and clear communication are crucial. Students need a safe space and a voice. Daily 20-minute tutor sessions, themed assemblies, and open dialogue facilitate this. Expert support from counselors and career advisors complements student leadership activities like Model UN and TEDx. At Aquila, ambitious learning has wellbeing at its core.
How will your experience enhance the student experience at The Aquila School?
As a third-culture English teacher of Arab heritage with 16 years in UAE education across IB, British, American, and Canadian curricula, I coach outstanding teaching and lead rigorous I/GCSE and IB moderation. I advocate for BTEC parity, demonstrating its global value to families. Having served in various roles, I offer a holistic perspective aligned with ISP’s ethos of lifelong, multilingual learning. My goal is to broaden pathways and opportunities for Aquila students to thrive.
For more information, visit: The Aquila School.
