The Best School for Fine Art and Creative Studio Work in the United Arab Emirates 2023 – 2024 Revealed. Top Schools Award Winner. Official.

The Winner

The SchoolsCompared.com Top Schools Awards for

The Best School for Fine Art and Creative Studio Work in the United Arab Emirates 2023 – 2024

is awarded to:

The British School Al Khubairat

Our view of The British School Al Khubairat

Web: https://www.britishschool.sch.ae

ADEK: Outstanding / BSO Outstanding

Review: https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/school-review/british-school-al-khubairat-abu-dhabi

Review: https://schoolscompared.com/curricula/a-levels/the-british-school-al-khubairat-al-mushrif/

Every year we are absolutely blown away by the achievement of students in Fine Art, and the huge breadth of related creative disciplines, at The British School Al Khubairat. What is achieved by the Department of Art at The British School of Al Khubairat is moving in its impact across the spectrum of human emotions, deeply impressive in its technical delivery across every age group, passionately celebrated across every aspect of the life of the school and pioneering in its innovation, breadth of endeavour and the exceptional way that students in Art are celebrated nationally – and globally.

 

A visit to the British School Al Khubairat is an extraordinary experience for so many reasons, but not least in that this is a school in which Art is not confined within the walls of studios, or a classroom, but distributed across the campus in an overwhelming celebration of the best of humanity and the whole child. The British School Al Khubairat is a giant Art Campus in which the boundaries of Art, and its related disciplines, twist and turn and flow and permeate across every discipline, every aspect of the learning journeys of its remarkable students.

You have to begin the story with it hugely dynamic, beyond-passionate evangelist for Art Dan Emery, a Head of Department whose work ethic is like a giant rocket engine in its impetus to inspire an appreciation of the intrinsic creativity of young people and the capacity of Art to transform our world for good, understand it meaningfully, and become who we are in the most broadest sense. He is an absolute whirlwind of inspiration and deep commitment to his discipline. Mr Emery is not an individual to hold back – this is a Teacher and Leader in Art on a mission:

“We live in a diverse, beautiful, but sometimes challenging and complicated world and I believe there is no other subject that provides the platform better for for creative celebration, enquiry and questioning that’s vital to understanding.

Art is a subject that enables us to grow, explore and develop visual language that transcends spoken and other communication barriers.

Art allows us to develop and challenge how we ‘see’ and provides children (us all) with the tools for thinking, problem solving and visualising creative thought.

It is a privilege to see and share young artists’ creative journeys.”

Pictured Mr Dan Emery, Head of Art, The British School Al Khubairat receiving the Award of Teacher of the Year by ADEK on World Teachers Day 2022.

Mr Emery’s background is deeply embedded in the subject he loves:

“It’s quite easy to do something when you love what you do and love the subject that you are, that I am, fortunate to share and teach and learn. As a young artist growing up in Cornwall in the southwest of England I was surrounded by the changing sea and crystal clear light. These very qualities attracted the best artists from across the world and the UK. So much so that it became the spiritual home of Modern British Art. In St Ives the studios of Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron and Barbara Hepworth amongst others were and continue to be a rich source of inspiration. Avant-garde in their day, they still continue to influence the art world.

“As a young artist I followed every path I could to follow my passion and dreams. I first studied at Falmouth School of Art and then furthered my creative education at Kingston School of Art. These two institutions influenced me greatly and sowed the seed of being an educator – of discovering my way to make a difference in the world and give back to others an understanding and appreciation of a subject so important that I had to play my part in embedding it within the lives of and journeys of our future generations. I had found my calling.

“After continuing my love of travelling and briefly working in television, I studied for my PGCE as a Secondary Art teacher at Goldsmiths University. Teaching posts in London, Qatar, Dorset UK and now for the last 8 years in Abu Dhabi at BSAK complete my education journey.

“Art in all its forms excites me. The moment of a new idea with my students to be driven and nurtured forward, the mistake that happens but then releases it’s potential – and just the pure unbridled joy of making and creating, is what continues to drive me as a teacher and my own art and creative practice.

“Completion of my MA and the reflexive nature of how I researched reminded me about how I am and want to be as a teacher and facilitator with the students I teach and collaborate with. Wider collaborations with the British Embassy, British Council, The Future Centre, and other Abu Dhabi schools demonstrate my inherent desire to engage external stakeholders to enrich the art and design experience for all BSAK art students/artists

“Innovation, inclusion, opportunity and challenge is at the forefront of my educational practice. Student / ambassador led art journals, The Open Studios initiative, The BSAK Art Sustainable sketchbook programme, the Abu Dhabi school art collaborations and our Virtual Gallery Platform exemplify my, and our,  continued drive for empowerment, excellence and opportunity for all our students.”

The investment and support for Art and its capacity to transform the lives of children comes from the top. In any school, it is its Principal or Head, that must define the trajectory, the investment and the appointment of the faculty that will truly be able to educate its children – those with the fiery passion, and genuine vocation, to live a life for the betterment of our young people. At The British School Al Khubairat that takes shape with its quite exceptional and deeply humane Headmaster Mark Leppard MBA. You do not walk away from a visit with this true gentleman without feeling inspired by his commitment to children.

Pictured: Mark Leppard MBE, Headmaster, The British School Al Khubairat

Mr Leppard told us:

“If we are to prepare students for the future beyond school, then a focus on the STEAM curriculum is clearly important, but frequently, people forget the A in STEAM which is Art.

“Art in all it’s forms develops creativity, ingenuity and dedication. All are skills or traits that will ensure students play an influential role in a future world. That is why we as a school fully support the development of, and provision for, Art, as we recognise that this creative and academic subject supports the development of the ‘whole’ child.

“Art is not only a part of  the BSAK curriculum, but at the heartbeat of the whole school. Every student in the school has access to Art. Through our provision in Primary through to the dedicated studios spaces and virtual platforms in secondary we are proud of the essential part art plays in the school community and beyond. The awards won this year for highest GCSE grade, Junk Kouture and Teacher of the year are testament to the continued hard work and achievement of all involved in Art – and its extraordinary impact on every one of us.”

Art is delivered to all BSAK students across primary and secondary phases and is complimented by a rich curriculum of extra-curricular activities. The British School Al Khubairat is the only school in the region to offer Fine Art, Graphic Communication and Photography at both GCSE and A Level. BSAK students have received awards for their achievements within the UAE and Middle East across all three disciplines.

The Top Schools Award for Best School for Art in the United Arab Emirates celebrates the power of Art and Studio Work within the British School Al Khubairat where its Open Studios have transformed the school into a giant Studio and hot bed of artistic talent as far as the eyes can see as you enter the school – a project that gives life to the school we have not seen elsewhere… an initiative which absolutely takes your breath away. You do not forget this experience…

The most extraordinary initiative of the school in Art is its Open Studio project. It is hard to describe the power of this. Essentially The British School Al Khubairat has become a giant workshop and studio. There are studios everywhere as far as the eye can see as you enter the school – the place is alive with talent, and passion and some of the most beautiful Art in all its aspects we have seen in any school in the Emirates. And to watch young artists in residence, whose talent belies their years, drawing and painting and sculpting before your eyes is… a privilege you do not forget. The courage, ambition and innovation of this school to do this is in another league.

Community outreach here in Art is exceptional. Just one example, student Iva Ajtoski both won a place in the UAE regional finals and went on to represent The British School Al Khubairat, and the Emirates, at the Junk Kouture World Finals held at The Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi in the ‘Dare to Wear’ award and was, rightly, celebrated by a global audience on the world stage. Miss Ajtoski was celebrated in Teen Vogue for her achievement.

Outstanding student Iva Ajtoski of The British School Al Khubairat has been celebrated globally for her outstanding innovation and technical prowess in Art and Fashion in this criticism of capitalism and the glorification of consumerist culture at the Junk Kouture World Final

Exhibitions of student artwork from all phases are held throughout the year and The British School Al Khubairat is the partner school in New Beginnings, the Abu Dhabi schools collective Art Exhibition held at W421 and MAS. The school is proud of its many local and international associations including The Future Centre, The British Embassy, The British Council, global Universities and local and regional art galleries. The internal Artist in Residence programme ensures art is explored in context but outside of the classroom.

Pictured Dr Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Patron of the Arts at The British School Al Khubairat

As Patron of Art at The British School Al Khubairat , Dr Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Founder of The Abu Dhabi Arts Society (ADAS), provides the school with his friendship, guidance and vision in promoting its extraordinary young artists. Dr Al Suwaidi said to BSAK students:

“The originality of artwork at The British School Al Khubairat highlights your determination and passion to play a part in disrupting the art world both globally and in the United Arab Emirates.

“Art in its different forms is ever so important and meaningful, especially in times of crisis. It allows us to communicate from afar, creating positivity, appreciation and hope. The formation and viewing of art allows us to process our experiences, helps us to express ourselves,  and to understand the world around us.”

There is so much you could write about student achievement in Fine Art, Sculpture, Fashion,  Photography, Installations… the list is endless. But the truth is, Art is not words on paper, it is something you must experience. And we have. We were rendered speechless – and dazzled – in the wonder of it all. And we will, never, forget.

Award Presentation

The Top Schools Award for Best School for Fine Art and Creative Studio Work in the United Arab Emirates 2023 – 2024 will be presented to The British School Al Khubairat at a special Breakfast Celebration at The Emirates Golf Club on the morning of 16th November 2023. At the event the recipient of The Top Schools Awards 2023 – 2024 for Outstanding Contribution to Education will be revealed.

Historic winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Education in the UAE Award include H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, recognised for his era defining leadership of Education in Dubai as a force for good; and the Varkey Family, for their instrumental role in shaping education in the UAE, and ensuring the life chances for generations of children, following the founding of GEMS Education in 1959.

Our Finalists.

Our extraordinary Finalists and those schools which have achieved outstandingly in so many ways for children in the Best School for Art category follow.  Each of the following schools are recognised for their profound contribution to Art in UAE Education:

Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Web: https://www.brightoncollege.ae

ADEK: Very Good with Outstanding Features

Review: https://schoolscompared.com/uae-schools-cost-pricing/premium/brighton-college/

Review: https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/school-review/brighton-college-abu-dhabi

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail

Web: https://www.gemswellingtonacademy-alkhail.com/en

KHDA: Very Good with Outstanding Features

Review: https://schoolscompared.com/all-through/gems-wellington-academy-al-khail/

Review: https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/school-review/gems-wellington-academy-al-khail

Repton Dubai

Web: https://www.reptondubai.org

KHDA: Outstanding

Review: https://schoolscompared.com/all-through/repton-school-dubai-nad-al-sheba-3/

Review: https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/school-review/repton-school-dubai

The English College Dubai

Web: https://englishcollegedubai.com

KHDA: Very Good with Outstanding Features

Review: https://schoolscompared.com/curricula/igcse-schools/english-college-dubai-al-safa-1/

Review: https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/school-review/the-english-college-dubai

A final note.

The Top Schools Awards takes over a year to produce. It engages with parents, students educators and educationalists over countless months, and the work invested in these Awards is the stuff of sleepless nights and deeply felt responsibility. We produce these Awards to celebrate our amazing schools, our magnificent teachers – who are the centre of the universe, our school leaders, whose lives will be judged by their impact on children, and the amazing students that they build a future for. These Awards are only about recognising this – in a world in which our schools and educators have far, far too little recognition. If on exploring these Awards you do one single thing, it should be to reach out to each and every one and thank them for all they do, each and every one of our schools, teachers and school leaders. You have absolutely no idea how much that would mean.

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