Chairman Message
Dr. Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei – Executive Director, People, Commercial and Corporate Support (ADNOC)
Welcome to ADNOC Schools – where we seek to nurture and grow a multi-skilled, dynamic, and engaged sustainable talent pipeline for the nation.
At ADNOC Schools, we have future-proofed our educational system, while accounting for the unique needs and abilities of every student. Our goal is to inspire and empower the next generation to interact with the world as socially responsible, active contributors to society, equipped to achieve their utmost potential in a rapidly evolving future of work. As such, the success of our student body is ensured through a fulfilling, child-centered and contextually organized American curriculum which emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects in preparing learners for careers of the future. This approach is underscored by a school-wide consideration for student wellbeing—complemented by the positive reinforcement of individual accomplishments.
As highly capable and experienced professionals, the educators at ADNOC schools are dedicated to providing quality instruction and guidance to support every student’s learning journey. They closely engage with ADNOC Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility priorities across a range of highly impactful youth-centric STEM programs, initiatives, and challenges that have been designed to shape young minds with the vital skills and passion to power sustainable societal growth and accelerate the energy transition. A few examples of these programs include ‘Yas in Schools’, ‘SOURCE renewable water’ and the ‘Special Olympic Health program’– all of which are connected to ADNOC’s mission and work.
We also believe in the importance of heightening Emirati students’ deep-rooted understanding of the UAE’s traditions, customs and values —enabling them to navigate the diverse global landscape with a strong foundation based in their own cultural background. As such, we fully participate in the ‘National Identity Program’ – with our schools recently obtaining an ‘Outstanding’ rating by ADEK in 2023.
Recognizing the pivotal role of parental figures in student success, we wholeheartedly invite all parents to actively take part in their children’s education and our school community. To this end, our staff and administration consistently endeavor to foster strong parent-teacher partnerships.
I take pride in affirming that ADNOC Schools are exceptionally well-managed, with skilled and devoted staff, alongside strong resources and infrastructure— all coming together to support our motivated leaders of the future.
We pledge to continuously collaborate with you for the benefit of our cherished students and eagerly anticipate your integration into our wider school community.
SAHAR COOPER
Chief Executive Officer
Sahar has ceo extensive experience in global education management over a period of 25 years. She has spent the past 19 years in the UAE in various senior leadership roles having been the Chief Schools Operations Officer at GEMS Education and the Associate Director of Operations at the American University of Sharjah.
Sahar has extensive management experience in leading the delivery of large, complex and multi-site projects in education. She has an established track record of business performance improvement in education through operational delivery, supply chain management, risk and governance, health and safety, strategy development and execution, project management, M&A integration, facilities and asset management, talent development, succession planning and change leadership.
Prior to joining Aldar Education, Sahar was the Chief Schools Operations Officer at GEMS Education one of the largest K-12 private education providers globally. Her role centred around the empowering of schools to focus on delivering the best possible education by providing centralised operational support and commercial leadership for all non-academic group functions; focused on the alignment of strategy and programs to drive business value for internal and external stakeholders.
Sahar was educated in the USA and attained a Master’s Degree (MBA) in International Management, graduating with honors from Southeastern University Washington DC.
STEPHEN SHARPLES
Executive Director – Education
Stephen has worked in education for over 20 years and spent most of that time in a variety of leadership positions, including, Head of School and Principal/CEO.
Stephen has supported schools and Principals in the UK, North & South America and the UAE to develop new curriculum models, introduce innovative programs of study, train senior leaders and prepare schools for inspection. He has vast experience in school start-ups, new school buildings and expansions and raising school performance standards.
In addition to his work in school leadership he has also been employed by the International Baccalaureate Organization as a consultant and was made an IB Ambassador for the Europe, Africa and Middle East region. He has extensive experience of school improvement, raising standards and developing leadership capacity. He is particularly proud of having mentored several direct reports who later progressed to be successful Principals across the world.
In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree, Stephen holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Management and Learning.
DAVE TAYLOR
Executive Director – Operations
Dave moved to the UAE in June 2013 after having managed a £35m construction project for a new Academy model in the UK. He worked in various school based administrative and operational roles within the UK before moving to the UAE to manage and lead the construction of a British premium private school in Dubai.
Dave joined Aldar Education in December 2018 following a successful 5 years with a Dubai based global education provider as their Vice President of Operations. He brings more than 15 years of education management experience and has successfully led a network of 52 School based Operations Managers across the region, whilst also overseeing group wide support services, a housing portfolio for over 5,000 international teachers across the UAE and Support Staff accommodation for over 4,000 employees.
Dave is responsible for leading all school based Operations and Support Services along with the development and implementation of all group wide operational strategic aims, service delivery, external service provision, operational risk and safety, government relations, international staff housing and the Aldar Education brand.
Dave is a qualified NEBOSH practitioner, a member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) and is currently studying his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with Keele University.
DONNA MCMASTER
Director | Charter Schools
Donna joined Aldar Education in October 2020 from West Lothian Council in Scotland, where she was Head of Education with a proven track record of implementing transformational change across a range of Education Services. Donna provided strategic leadership to almost 80 primary and secondary schools, and 70 nurseries in all aspects of Education. She has extensive experience of leading Schools, Performance and Quality Improvement teams and Professional learning teams.
Donna has a wealth of experience, having started her career as a Physics Teacher before progressing into senior leadership and then three Principal posts, prior to her role as Head of Education.
Donna was a member of the Association of Directors of Education Scotland, representing all Directors on many Government boards holding a pivotal role leading change on a local and national level, including shaping and influencing the national curriculum. Donna has extensive experience in developing and implementing 3 – 18 curriculum models at school, local authority and national level. She has embraced international research and evidence-based approaches to influence the direction of travel in education for many years.
In addition, Donna was a Professional Associate Inspector with Education Scotland the National Improvement agency.
Donna holds an honours Degree in Physics, Scottish Qualification for Headship and Diploma in Pastoral Support.
RAVI RAMANI
Chief Financial Officer
Ravi joined Aldar Education recently as Executive Director of Finance, taking over the leadership of the Finance and IT functions for the group.
Prior to joining Aldar Education, Ravi was a key member of the leadership team that built GEMS Education into a multibillion-dollar business. Within his 16 years, GEMS grew from 17 schools to 68 in the Middle East, increased revenues by more than 12x to 1.2B$ and raised three rounds of private equity capital.
Ravi’s career path accelerated along with this expansion, from Senior Financial Analyst in 2005 to Chief Product & Planning Officer in 2017. Ravi brings with him finance and strategy skills relevant for the Education sector particularly in building schools and operating business models, developing strategic master plans of ‘what to build’ & ‘where to build’, public private partnership models, benchmarking studies, greenfield pre-operations, acquisition and integration.
ARYEAH MOHASSES
Director | Strategy & Innovation
Aryeah is a global education commercial leader with over a decade of regional experience in empowering schools to deliver the best possible education through providing central commercial and strategic support. He has been in the region for over two decades and has joined Aldar Education as the Director of Strategy & Innovation in November 2018.
Prior to joining Aldar Education, Aryeah served as the Vice President of Commercial Operations at a Dubai based global education provider for 5 years where he was responsible for developing commercial engagements with third parties, driving operational M&A integration initiatives and deploying global strategic sourcing activities across large, complex, multi-site projects. Throughout the past 5 years, Aryeah has been instrumental in overseeing the fit out and development of over 40 new schools in the region from concept design all the way through to delivery and operation.
Aryeah earned his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Texas A&M University and his Honors Bachelor of Science (H.Bsc) in Economics and Statistics from the University of Toronto.
Dr. Arif Al Hammadi
Trustee
Executive Vice President, Khalifa University
Mrs. Ayesha Al Hammadi
Trustee
Senior Vice President, Group People Performance & Rewards Function, ADNOC
Mr. Saud Al Shamsi
Trustee
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Planning, ADNOC
Mr. Faisal Kashwani
Trustee
Vice President, Workforce Planning & HC Data Analytics Division, ADNOC
Mrs. Sahar Cooper
Trustee
Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Education,
Operator and Manager of ADNOC Schools
Mrs. Hissa Al Hajri
Trustee/Secretary
Senior Vice President, Talent Acquisition Function, ADNOC
Senior Management
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Dr. Terry Burwell | Principal – Abu Dhabi |
| Paul Grimaud | Principal – Madinat Zayed |
| Hovig Samuel Demirjian | Principal – Ruwais |
| Raisa Musaied Al Mansoori | Principal – Ghayathi |
| Noura Mohammed Alomaira | Head of Admissions & Registration |
Noura Al Omaira
Head of Schools Administrations
Noura Al Omaira has a track record of successful education and administration improvement. Noura began her education career in 1999 and currently, she is Head of Schools Administration for all ADNOC Schools oversee all school operations including students’ wellbeing, country programs activities, ADNOC Schools education committee, and overall daily HC activities including secondees management and staff up to principles’ selection as an active member playing a major role in creating smooth partnerships between ADNOC, ADNOC Schools, and ALDAR. Her role has been expanded to include building strategic relationships with the Ministry of Education, the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi, and other educational institutions. Additionally, she is responsible for enhancing the branding of ADNOC Schools, improving its ADEK rating, promoting National Identity, and overseeing audit and governance efforts.
She has supported Emirati graduates through implementing ADNOC Career Programs for UAE Nationals and she is a member of Women Arab Diplomats arranged by the General Women’s Union. Her educational experiences have offered her the opportunity to ensure academic success through process, communication and training improvements.
This is mainly accomplished through collaboration with different individuals, such as educators, parents, and students. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, and an encouraging community.
Additionally she is responsible for the development and supervision of all marketing and communications strategies for the school. She oversee the development of goals, strategies, KPI and implementation plans to execute comprehensive marketing campaigns for ADNOC Schools across UAE.
She is successfully handling all the Strategic management in school business refers to the planning, management, utilization of resources to define and achieve objectives efficiently. It also includes a review of internal processes and external factors impacting the business. Formulating and implementing strategies allow a school to proceed with its action plan.
Salman Masud
Manager – IT Services & Operations
Salman Masud moved to the UAE in June 2008 and brings over 16 years of IT management and leadership experience to ADNOC Schools. Salman joined ADNOC Schools in April 2016 following a successful 8 years in UAE working with various institutions.
Salman is responsible for leading all school-based IT Services and operations along with the development and implementation of IT strategy, IT service delivery, and creating value for our students and staff by providing congruent and sustainable IT solutions in support of the vision of our leadership to promote STEM-based education.
In addition to his MS degree in Computer Sciences, Salman holds various IT certifications and training in IT Service Management, IT infrastructure, business applications, Cloud computing, Storage, and security.
Sneha Shetty
Finance Manager
Sneha Shetty has taken over as Senior Accounting Manager- ADNOC Schools in March’20. Prior to this, Sneha served as Finance Manager in various other companies in UAE as well as India.
She has overall more than 15 years of experience across industries encompassing commercial and corporate aspects of industry.
Ms. Sneha is member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. She has obtained degree in B.Com from Mumbai University and also is member of Abu Dhabi Chapter of ICAI.
Vision
The ADNOC Schools, in line with the UAE government’s pioneering initiatives, aims to become a premier school in the region, graduating highly competent, socially responsible citizens and future national leaders.
Mission
The mission of ADNOC Schools are to prepare Emirati and other students, through an academically rigorous curriculum, to achieve their highest potential in a global, technologically advanced society, where Arabic and Islamic values are honored and cultural differences are respected.
Profile of Graduates
ADNOC Schools Graduates will….
⦿ Achieve a strong academic foundation for admission to colleges and universities of highest standing
⦿ Possess a high level of skills in mathematics, science, technology, and written and oral communication
⦿ Be able to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively and work creatively
⦿ Be competent decision-makers who are able to set clear personal goals
⦿ Acquire a global outlook which respects the national Arabic and Islamic heritage as well as world cultures
⦿ Act as humane, ethical individuals who are able to develop relationships with others based on mutual respect
⦿ Value the environment and use natural resources wisely
⦿ Maintain and appreciate a physically active and healthy lifestyle
⦿ Nurture in themselves and others compassion, accountability, and respect for personal dignity so as to contribute to the greater good
⦿ Become confident independent individuals who love learning and have a strong sense of discipline and self
Schools Policies
ADNOC Attendance and Record Guidelines
ADNOC Management of Student Behaviour Policy
ADNOC Schools Assessment Policy Elementary
ADNOC Schools Assessment Policy Gr.6 to Gr.12
ADNOC Schools Attendance Policy
ADNOC Schools Behavior Management Policy
Summary Statement of ADNOC Schools Staff Development
The ADNOC Schools offers 100% of its academic staff professional development aligned with the curriculum, school improvement and whenever feasible training to meet personal goals. Non-academic staff members also receive training to support their academic counterparts as needed.
Although there are 10 days devoted to professional development annually, funding for attending conferences or symposiums is available throughout the year.
In addition to what has been offered by The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), much of the professional development taking place on our campuses is delivered by teachers and instructional leaders on topics which include but aren’t limited to: Curriculum Mapping with Atlas Rubicon, PowerSchool applications, topics in special needs education, classroom management, instructional technology, differentiated instruction and assessment.
These trainings are provided by an experienced faculty with extensive prior knowledge who are willing to share what they know.
Cadres of trainers have been established as a result of devoting resources to attending conferences and symposiums.
Protocol for emergency
Dear Faculty and Staff:
Kindly note the protocol for emergency procedures that must be followed by all school employees:
Excerpt from ADEC Policy Manual, Page 191
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Student safety is the primary concern in any emergency. The Principal has the responsibility for determining what circumstances amount to emergency situations and what action the School should take. Some of these actions include cancellation of School, early dismissal and evacuation of students and staff from the School. Principals must organize efficient emergency drills at least once a year, as these assist School leaders to assess the preparedness of their School for crises and address potential weaknesses or gaps.
When weather conditions such as rain or fog interfere with safe travel to and from school, or lead to cancellation of the school day. The principal, and in the case of ADNOC Schools, Head of Schools is responsible for the delegation of duties and communication should such a situation arise. If you are in the building during an emergency situation where student arrival to campus is delayed, please be in your assigned classroom and prepare for a normal day of work. Under no circumstances should a test/exam be given when delayed student arrival results in shorter class periods. Principals are responsible for communication and ensuring that schedules for such days are followed. Under no circumstances should a teacher be responsible for disseminating announcements regarding school closures, delayed starts or early release.
Thank you in advance for your adherence to this policy.