Page 26 - T4 Education PR REPORT - August 2024

UAE’s Nargish Khambatta named Finalist for inaugural Asia Education Medal

Having integrated technology and entrepreneurship into its curriculum, the school has seen a

37 per cent year-on-year rise in student participation and national and international
collaborations with the likes of DFC, SAP and Microsoft.

Recognising the need to prepare students for an uncertain future, GEMS Modern Academy

introduced a number of technological innovations into its curriculum and practices to include the
region’s rst online report card system, developed entirely by students and teachers. The school

also introduced a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme, as part of which students from
Grade 2 onwards bring their own learning devices.

In 2015-16, after sending teachers to Carnegie Mellon University for training in Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) and technology integration, the school
incorporated the disciplines into classrooms. Furthermore, after partnering with Harvard Project

Zero, the school developed thinking routines and a multidisciplinary approach

towards innovation, known as the future’s curriculum method, which has been adopted by

several other schools.

Altogether, this has led to an entrepreneurial mindset that the school fosters. Starting in

primary school with Unit of Inquiry projects and moving on to Challenge-Based Learning in
middle school and the school’s Prism Project and Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme
in senior school, GEMS Modern Academy provides what it calls a scaffolded strategy for

developing critical thinking, problem-solving, design thinking and a growth mindset.

Khambatta’s outstanding leadership led her to receive the rst-ever GEMS Exceptional Head of

School Award in 2018.

Her philosophy is that all children should be given ample opportunity to discover their self-

worth, interests and passion in a secure and happy environment, which helps them grow into
con {dent young adults with a sound intellectual and moral compass to guide them to their

goals.

Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, said:
Nargish Khambatta on being named Finalist for the Asia Education Medal 2024. Her passion and

dedication to transforming education will inspire countless others to follow in her footsteps in
building a world where quality education is enjoyed by all.

“HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by

joining forces and aligning with NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve
the education environment. The Asia Education Medal brings together all those who are changing

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