As Swiss International School Dubai continues welcoming new global pupils and cementing its reputation as one of the city’s top IB schools, it is further bolstering its staff with the appointment of Rania Hussein as new Deputy Head.
Rania joins the Ieading International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum school from GEMS World Academy, itself a leading IB school, where she most recently served as Head of Senior School.
Educated in Saudi Arabia, Canada and the UK, bilingual educator Rania is herself an IB graduate and an expert in the specialised curriculum. She serves as an Examiner for English Language and Literature with the International Baccalaureate organisation.
Rania has worked within the IB Programme for the entirety of her teaching career, shaped by her own international upbringing and experiences. After attending several international schools in the Middle East, where she studied as an IB student herself, Rania graduated with Honours in Mass Communication and Media Studies from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Upon completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the UK’s University of Sunderland, she begun a highly focused and successful teaching career as Head of Year and Head of House at the British International School of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, simultaneously teaching the IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE.
Today, Rania is viewed as an industry expert. During her tenure at GEMS World Academy, under her leadership, the IB Diploma Programme outcomes grew from 29 to 37 points – and the pass rate from 67% to 100%.
Rania was also the IB Diploma Programme network leader for GEMS and oversaw the successful progress, growth and development of other IB schools within the network.
The new Deputy says: “I am extremely excited and proud to have been selected as the next Deputy Head of SISD. The school is one that I have admired from afar, especially with its focus on internationalism and nurturing global citizens. As an IB graduate and bilingual speaker myself, I know first-hand the tremendous benefits that bilingualism within the context of the IB can bring to a student’s education.
“My passion and focus is on the delivery of high-quality teaching, and offering every student a pathway that allows for them to grow personally and academically. I have spent the entirety of my career in IB schools, so it is a great privilege to join a school that embodies the IB ethos and learner profile so completely.
“I cannot wait to join what is already a thriving community at the SISD and will work hard to be an integral part of the school’s journey to excellence.”
Ruth Burke, recently appointed new School Principal and CEO from August, adds: “After an extensive talent search, Rania will join SISD as Deputy, and together we are looking forward to maximizing the benefits of bilingualism in our unique IB school, discovering and nurturing the talents of all of our students and further developing the vibrant and happy school that is SISD.”
Ruth and Rania’s commitment to teaching, deep understanding of the global IB community and professionalism underline the Swiss International School Dubai’s unwavering commitment to providing a unique learning environment for successful future global citizens, delivered by world-class educators.
Rania is a mother of two. Her husband David was also an international student, and is currently a Head of School in Dubai.
Outgoing Deputy Head, Luke Osborne, is leaving to take on a role as School Principal at the International School of Ulm/Neu-Ulm, Germany.
