Meet the principal: Julian Williams

Julian Williams joined Springdales School Dubai as principal at an interesting time. The school earned a "Good" rating in its first DSIB inspection, and has ambitious plans to build on its success.

In an effort to drive school improvement, Williams tells EJME he will carry on the vision of the school's owners to invest in the professional development of staff "to impact the quality of student-centred learning".

"The challenge is in explaining to parents as well as staff that the focus is upon developing skills, rather than imparting knowledge — on asking the right questions, rather than getting stock answers right," Williams says.

To this end, Williams says, "We are working on increasing the support for targeted professional development of staff, especially in the analysis of international benchmark data to inform personalised learning. I would like to see more innovation in the use of learning technologies through the development of flipped classrooms and blended learning.

"There has been an emphasis already on empowering our parents association, with a view to using both the passion and expertise available to us to partner with subject leaders in supporting accelerated learning, curriculum review and school development projects.

"I am also a great believer in developing student voice, not in a tokenistic way, but in giving robust and constructive feedback to teachers about what they do well and what they can improve. This is about building dialogue focused on effective learning."

The school will also focus on retaining its staff, Williams says.

He concludes: "We are seeking to increase the number of school sponsorships. We are undertaking a pay review in line with agreed performance criteria and commitment to supporting enrichment programmes and additional academic support. The development of middle leadership responsibilities and a personal and professional career path is also important to school development as well as staff retention."

Biography

Julian Williams' career spans 37 years. Born and educated in the UK, he is an Economics graduate with a Master's in Education Leadership. He is pursuing a doctorate in school improvement. He holds fellowships in the Royal Society of Arts and the College of Teachers. He has been an active classroom teacher at all levels from primary to university entrance. His subject specialisms include Economics, Business, Law, modern languages, SEND/gifted and talented and EAL. He has been an international school leader since 1997, holding headships in Malawi, Colombia, China and the UAE.