The Arbor School, an ecological school based in Dubai, welcomes Frances Powell as Head of Secondary to complement its already strong leadership team. The Arbor School has grown from strength to strength under the leadership of Principal Mr Brett Girven, the Head of Middle School, Mrs Mandi Kirby, and the Head of Primary School, Mr Daniel Nichol. In response to the expansion of the secondary school, the Arbor School embarked on a worldwide search to find a leader who had the knowledge to lead the development of the rigorous academic programme but also someone with a vision of what education could and should be – experiential, authentic, and inspired by the natural beauty, human ingenuity, and profound ecological and social challenges of our world. A leader whose ambitions matched Arbor’s unique aspiration for a distinctive approach to teaching, learning, and transformational change.
The Arbor School is excited to welcome Ms Frances Powell to the Arbor School community and Senior leadership team as the Head of Secondary School
“Ms Powell is a purpose-driven leader, just right for our purpose-driven school”
Commenting on the appointment of the Arbor School’s newest team member, Brett Girven, Principal at the Arbor School said: “Ms Powell brings a unique range of skills and experiences, complemented by a personal approach which focuses on ensuring students flourish in all aspects. With her experience in some of the highest performing international schools, as well as knowledge of our unique local context, and the British curriculum, Ms Powell is a purpose-driven leader, just right for our purpose-driven school.”
Frances Powell brings over 14 years of international experience
Frances Powell brings over 14 years of international experience with a strong focus on values-based education, balancing high academic expectations alongside well-being, which remains at the very core of school life at Arbor School. She believes that a school leader must lead with integrity and should develop relationships across the school community, based on trust and mutual respect. Her educational philosophy is that a school should nurture compassionate, principled, and globally-minded citizens. Based on her experience in South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, Ms Powell brings her expertise in developing programmes and structures that enable students to flourish socially and emotionally, alongside her drive to ensure high academic attainment for all, and her strategic insight into preparing students to make their mark on the world confidently and successfully. She is very excited to build on the strong foundations already established at Arbor. The Arbor School celebrates its diverse community and unique context as the school progresses into its next phase of Secondary education.
