Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is celebrating the outstanding achievement of all its students today on IB Results Day, with the school celebrating some of the best student progress and value-add in the Emirates this year.
A beaming Ian Thurston, Principal of Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, told SchoolsCompared:
“We are delighted to see DIA Al Barsha IB Diploma students achieving strong academic results, once again, setting new school records in the process for academic achievement, university offers and scholarships granted.
But, most importantly, what really matters… is that each DIA Al Barsha student is achieving, on average, 6 points above baseline indicators showing the value added by our school and our exceptional teachers.
Each year, DIA Al Barsha achievements go from strength to strength, this reflecting the motivation and dedication of our students and teachers – with the huge support of all our parents.
The international flavour of our school is highlighted by our students. These are drawn from 11 nations, together, achieving today, qualifications in French, Spanish, Arabic, German and Russian.
It is a wonderful privilege to be part of such a tight-knit, truly international community that supports students into prestigious universities around the world, whilst developing all the life skills to help them achieve their wider life goals.
I am so proud of my students today.”
Mr Thurston moved from the UK to Dubai in 2007. He brings to DIA Al Barsha more than a decade’s experience in school leadership and expertise drawn from the spectrum of academic, whole child and strategic areas of school life. Since 2013, he has held positions including the Head of IB Diploma Programme, Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Secondary before becoming Principal. An educationalist by conviction, it is this breadth of experience that has inspired his deep-seated ambition for DIA students. Mr Thurston holds a BA in Economics from the University of Sheffield, a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics and the NPQH from UCL. Ian joined Innoventures Education in 2021 as Principal of DIA Emirates Hills before transferring to DIA Al Barsha, his fourth school in Dubai. He loves sport, participating in triathlons, and nature, enjoying camping and hiking.
Sean Quigley, Head of Secondary, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, continued:
“We are immensely proud of our students’ outstanding achievements in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme examinations. Their success is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the exceptional education provided at DIA Barsha.
Our school is renowned for its exceptional educational environment, one in which all our students are nurtured to reach their full potential.
I must express my deep appreciation to our exceptional teachers. Their expertise and commitment have played such a crucial role in guiding and supporting our students. Their unwavering dedication has been instrumental in their success, and I commend them for their tireless efforts.
It is important to say this: our holistic approach to education at DIA Al Barsha goes beyond academics. We focus on the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of each individual student. This was evidenced in the recent KHDA report which identified our personal development of students as being Outstanding in the DP phase.
We are proud to position ourselves as a beacon of holistic education in Dubai.
Again, my congratulations to all our graduates – and their parents.
The world awaits!”
Mr Quigley holds a BSc Honours in Natural Sciences from Trinity College Dublin, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from NUIG and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership (International) from the University of Limerick in Ireland. Mr Quigley brings to DIA Al Barsha many years of experience both in teaching and leading schools in Dubai. His commitment to the IB comes in no small part from his belief in a whole child education for students and the many opportunities for students of being education internationally. Mr Quigley is a keen musician, performing regularly – enjoys cycling and sport of all kinds, and is particularly passionate about Gaelic games, including Gaelic football, hurling, Gaelic handball and rounders.
Abigail Ferrari , Deputy Head & International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator, concluded:
“I am extremely proud of our 2023 graduating class and the results they have received in their IB Diploma.
The commitment and dedication that our 2023 graduating students at Dubai International Academy Barsha have shown is so impressive. they have been the heart and soul of our school – and are a testament to the hugely warm relationships and culture we have here at DIAB.
Our students embrace the IB Diploma with resilience and determination, and it is no surprise that some of the best universities in the world have opened their doors to them.
At Dubai International Academy Al Barsha our students have developed invaluable life skills and graduate as an absolute credit to themselves, their families and our school.
I wish them all future success in their endeavours, knowing that they are both more than ready for the next step in their lives – and to make a profound difference in the world that awaits them.”
Abigail Ferrari graduated from the University of Kent with a BA Honours in English and American Literature and later pursued an MSc in Psychology from Birkbeck, University of London, and an MA in Education from Sheffield Hallam University. Miss Ferrari’s is currently completing her NPQSL. She has been a member of Innoventures Education since 2015, originally joining Raffles World Academy and then moving to Dubai International Academy Al Barsha in 2019. She has been the International Baccalaureate MYP, DP and CP Coordinator at DIA Al Barsha and is now currently serving as Deputy Head of Secondary.
The ***AMAZING *** Dubai International Academy Al Barsha Students
Delighted DIA Al Barsha student holding his IB Results certificate and being recognised by a proud Sean Quigley, Head of Secondary School, on IB Results Day 2023
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha IB results Day 2023 students celebrate extraordinary success. Pictured: Abigail Ferrari, Deputy Head and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator (far right) and Sean Quigley, Head of Secondary School (far left)
An ecstatic Anish Pai told SchoolsCompared:
“I’m delighted to have achieved 42 points! The IB Diploma was a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I’m so grateful for Dubai International Academy Al Barsha’s unwavering support and guidance throughout.”
Mudar Mustafa, continued:
“DIA Al Barsha not only fostered my success in obtaining the IB Diploma – but also my love for learning. Our school’s diverse atmosphere and culture allowed me to create bonds with my peers and teachers that has pushed me to become who I’ve always wanted to be.”
Kushi Anand, explained:
“Being successful in the IB would have been impossible if not for the support of my teachers at DIA Al Barsha and its inclusive atmosphere.
DIAB has created an ideal foundation of broad learning opportunities that has allowed me to personally develop and prepare me for my next adventure at the University of Toronto on the Lester B. Pearson scholarship!”
Eishan Tejwani, continued:
“The IB Diploma at DIAB for me was a transformative journey of intellectual and personal growth. The nurturing DIA Al Barsha community helped me expand my horizons, hone essential skills, and take a step towards becoming the best version of myself.”
DIA Al Barsha Teachers on the Graduating Class of 2023 and the Wonders of Learning
Lizahn Jordaan, Head of Mathematics, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, explained:
“Mathematics is a crucial subject for all of our students at DIA Al Barsha, not only for those who are pursuing a career in STEM.
The problem-solving skills and approaches to learning that they have applied in Mathematics is invaluable for any career path.
I always tell my students: “Everyone will need Mathematics for their future career because mathematics teaches you how to think, and if you don’t know how to think, you can’t do anything at all.
I am so proud of our graduating students. Well done!”
Jennifer Forde, Head of English, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, continued:
“English Language and Literature is a fundamental component of a students’ journey to academic success in the IB Diploma as the subject fosters communication skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness, creativity, language development, and skills of analysis.
English is one of the most spoken languages on a global scale, so it’s crucial that our students are equipped to a high standard to articulate themselves at university – and beyond.
Our graduating class of 2023 are magnificent. They deserve every single possible success – and more.”
Lynn McGovern, Head of Humanities, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, told us:
“Studying humanities, including subjects such as History, Psychology, Business, and Economics, has been immensely valuable for our students at Dubai International Academy Barsha.
The interdisciplinary nature of humanities cultivates well-rounded individuals who can analyse, synthesise, and communicate effectively and has prepared our students extremely well for university and their future careers in various fields.
At Dubai International Academy Barsha, many of our students have chosen to pursue humanity related courses around the world including Madrid, Milan, and London.
The world is in for a treat from our amazing graduating students this year.”
Lauren Tabor, Head of Science, summarised:
“Science in the Diploma Programme is such an important subject for blending the skills of different disciplines, having an impact from the nuances of language and logic of Mathematics, to developing key problem-solving skills.
More importantly, it rewards curiosity in students and builds a sense of wonder for the world around them. The Science department at DIA Al Barsha are so, so very proud of the success of our graduating 2023 students.
We hope we have guided them to continually be in awe of the natural world.
They are all amazing!”
About Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is an IB continuum school in Dubai and a leading education provider in the region, offering all IB PYP, MYP, DP & CP programmes from Pre-KG to Grade 12. The school is truly international with highly qualified and experienced staff drawn from more than 25 different countries welcoming students of over 80 nationalities. The school excels in its Mother Tongue programmes, which encourages students to continue to learn their native language alongside foreign languages. Languages offered include Swedish, Dutch, Italian, French, German, Russian and more… The school is resolutely focused on delivering a world-class international education encompassing strong academics, holistic development, extensive pastoral care and wide-ranging opportunities across a whole child prospectus in Sport and The Arts designed to ensure that every child, individually, can meet their fullest potential and aspirations.
The Video
The Results
| 2022 | 2023 | |
| No. of candidates registered in the session | 26 | 30 |
| No. of diploma and retake candidates registered | 26 | 28 |
| No. of subject entries in the session | 204 | 224 |
| No. of candidates who passed the diploma | 25 | 27 |
| Av. points of candidates who passed the DP (not rounded) | 34 | 33 |
| % of candidates who achieved 40+ points | 4% | 10.7% |
| % of candidates who achieved 35+ points | 42% | 35.7% |
| % of candidates who achieved 30+ points | 69% | 75.0% |
| Highest Diploma points awarded to a candidate | 41 | 42 |
| Average grade by candidates who passed the DP | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Total number of candidates excluded from the statistics | 0 | 0 |
Further information
Read our review of Dubai International Academy Al Barsha here.
Visit the official web site of Dubai International Academy Al Barsha here.
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