Named the World’s Best School for Environmental Action 2025, Arbor School is redefining British education in Dubai through a unique blend of ecological and environmental education, strong academics and a warm, ‘living campus’ environment.
Principal Gemma Thornley reveals how ecoliteracy, creativity and real-world experience shapes Arbor’s future-ready students.
Q: Arbor School is known for its unique approach to the British curriculum. What makes the school different from others in Dubai?
A: Arbor is a British curriculum school, but what sets us apart is the way we integrate ecological and environmental education into every stage of learning. From Primary to Sixth Form, students explore the world through an ecoliteracy lens; combining strong academics with real-world understanding, compassion and responsibility. Our goal is to help every child grow into a confident, capable and globally aware young person who can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Q: You have spoken about preparing young people for an ‘unknown future’. What does that look like in practice?
A: While we offer GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs and the EPQ, we know that qualifications alone won’t prepare students for the future. Young people now need skills that can’t be automated: critical thinking, creativity, communication, resilience and the ability to work well with others. Everything at Arbor is designed to nurture these capabilities: our curriculum, our Futures Counselling Programme, and the hands-on learning experiences that take students beyond traditional classrooms.
Q: Can you explain what ‘ecoliteracy’ means at Arbor?
A: Ecoliteracy is not a separate subject – it’s a way of learning. We layer an eco-lens across the curriculum, so students see how different subjects connect to global issues. In physics they might explore sustainable design; in biology, living ecosystems; in humanities, environmental ethics; and in performing arts, environmental storytelling. A Year 7 unit on urban architecture, for example, links maths, science, drama and geography. This encourages students to think deeply about the world and their place in it.
Q: How does this approach change when students reach the upper years?
A: At Key Stages 4 and 5, the eco-lens becomes more analytical and advocacy-based. Students complete the Global Perspectives GCSE, which is a mandatory additional qualification at Arbor. It teaches them to evaluate complex issues, develop reasoned arguments and understand systems-level change – skills that universities and employers value. They also complete our in-house Global Impact Certificate, and many extend this further through an EPQ in sustainability, innovation or environmental leadership. These qualifications strengthen applications to selective universities and give students confidence in tackling real-world challenges.
Q: Arbor offers a Futures Counselling Programme in secondary. What is this and how does it benefit students?
A: The futures journey starts in Year 9 and continues to Year 13. Every student receives personalised guidance on:
- choosing subjects, pathways and career options
- building resilience and self-confidence
- university and scholarship applications
- interview, communication and networking skills
- wellbeing and life skills
In Year 12, all students complete a work placement in a sector that matches their interests. Recent placements include Microsoft, Nova Pharma, Cundall Engineering, AW Rostamani, PopArabia and leading hospitality groups. These experiences help students mature, make informed choices and enter university with real-world insight.
Q: How do creativity, sport and leadership support the development of future-ready students?
A: These areas are essential. Through drama, music and visual arts, students learn to express ideas clearly and think creatively – traits that matter just as much as exam results. DASSA and BSME sports give students resilience, teamwork skills and confidence, while outdoor learning encourages adaptability. Leadership is woven throughout school life: from being an ambassador or eco-committee member to joining the student council or leading a house team. These roles teach young people how to influence, collaborate and communicate – qualities that universities and employers consistently seek.
Q: What kind of young people graduate from Arbor?
A: We want students to leave Arbor not just with strong qualifications, but with purpose, confidence and the ability to thrive in an unpredictable future. Our graduates are thoughtful, resilient, articulate and ready to contribute positively to the world – in business, in their communities and in the world they will inherit.
Q: What would you say to parents considering Arbor School for their child?
A: If you’re looking for a British curriculum school that values academic achievement and whole-child development – a place where your child will be nurtured, challenged and inspired – then Arbor is a wonderful fit. We’re proud of our award-winning ecoliteracy model, our living campus and our supportive, diverse community. Most importantly, we want every child to feel known, understood and empowered to become the very best version of themselves.
For more information, or to book a tour, visit www.thearborschool.ae
