Principal's Message

Arts education is at the heart of fostering creativity, which is an essential aspect of student life. It goes beyond mere artistic expression; it's about innovation, thinking skills, and the design cycle that students can apply throughout their lives.

Our students need to learn the myriad of skills associated with the arts. Engaging in hands-on activities allows them to create anything they can imagine with any medium they choose. This kind of experiential learning is invaluable for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it helps students gain confidence in their abilities and encourages them to think outside the box, which is essential for their overall development.

I would like to highlight the significant role that the arts play in the well-being of our students. In recent times, art therapy has emerged as an advanced and highly effective approach, providing immense benefits to those who engage in it.

Our students have been thoroughly enjoying their art sessions, finding them to be a wonderful outlet for self-expression. These activities allow them to explore their creativity and communicate their thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. The independence and flexibility that come with art therapy are incredibly valuable, as they enable students to make choices and decisions, thereby enhancing their decision-making skills.

It is truly heartening to witness the positive impact that the arts have on our students, fostering their overall well-being and personal growth. I believe that continuing to support and promote these activities will further enrich their educational experience and development.

Given the importance we place on arts, it’s mandatory for all students across our school. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to explore and develop their artistic abilities. To support this, we are committed to investing in the best resources and providing better facilities to enhance their learning experience. This includes hiring skilled instructors, incorporating modern technology, and ensuring that our classrooms are equipped with the necessary materials.

We continue to inspire our students by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. By doing so, we are not only nurturing their creativity but also preparing them for future success in an ever-evolving world.

#DreamInspireAchieve 

#PassionForArt

Principal's Bio

Hitesh is a dedicated and innovative professional with over 20 years of rich experience in School Leadership, Administration, Teaching & Training and Student Management. He joined Dubai International Academy in 2007 as a Technology teacher and has progressed through the ranks of school leadership at DIA to be the school Principal. He is an advocate of the IB philosophy and an expert in all four programmes, having led the authorisation process multiple times across the Innoventures schools. He strives to foster an environment where students take ownership of their own learning through student choice and opportunity.

He leads the school’s Academic Committee to develop and action the school’s strategic plan which have led significant school improvements in the areas of student progress, assessment, teaching for effective learning and curriculum adaptation within the annual Dubai Inspection Framework (KHDA).

Hitesh is involved in developing a whole school evidence-based programme focused around wellbeing and the improvement of positive behaviour strategies. He leads the systematic review of the cumulative impact of initiatives on teacher workload and make proportionate and pragmatic demands on staff which has improved staff retention. Working on budgetary planning, student enrolment, the admissions process and succession planning for efficient deployment of resources, leading to the school running at full student capacity is a part of his profile. He directs the quality assurance for teaching and learning including performance management systems, staff observations, appraisal, and data triangulation to ensure the highest standards of Teaching & Learning are adhered, which is reflected in the DSIB “Outstanding” rating in teaching and assessment.

He accomplishes this through facilitating the running of over 50 student led clubs, local and international trips, competitions, sports teams, student council and prefects ensured a more personalised experience for our students. A graduate in Computer Science Engineering, he also has a Master’s in Philosophy for Computer Management. He can be often found on the Cricket field coaching the school Teams and has an excellent record of his teams winning the DASSA championships in Dubai. Hitesh also heads the Group Educational Technology team that helps to maximize the use of technology systems into teaching and learning.