Dubai International Academy claims Secondary Team of the Year title

Dubai International Academy won the Secondary Team of the Year award at the inaugural Education Journal Middle East Awards.

Judges recognised DIA's drive for school improvement. The school's 'Leaders of Learning' programme pairs teachers for mentoring, coaching and sharing good practice. The programme is closely analysed for impact. The work of the winning team has led to great success in every area of operation and this is validated by more than one external inspection/accreditation body. In the 2016 DSIB inspection report, the secondary department improved in nine indicators through strategic planning and intervention, while 28 of 42 indicators were judged Outstanding.

Judges also noted that the DIA team "demonstrates that essence of teamwork is the synergy that comes from working together – in other words, the whole is more than the sum of the parts".

Commenting on the win, Dubai International Academy's head of secondary Jayne Needham told Education Journal Middle East: "It feels amazing to win, it was a really proud moment for all of us."

"School improvement is about teamwork and everyone having their role and playing their part and making sure that we're all pulling together for the best of the students."

The sixth form team at Jumeirah English Speaking School was the highly commended nominee in the category. Other finalists included GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa, The Millennium School Dubai, and Victoria International School of Sharjah.

The Education Journal Middle East Awards were held on May 3 at Grosvenor House Dubai.

The event was sponsored by STS, Atlab, TELLAL Institute, Evolve Uniforms, iCademy Middle East, and Risalla Consulting.