Home LearningExcellence In...Schools Gemma Thornley Leads THE Arbor School with a Vision for Sustainable Education

Gemma Thornley Leads THE Arbor School with a Vision for Sustainable Education

by Belinda Breeze

The Arbor School is an exciting, dynamic, and forward-thinking school that prepares young people for a rapidly changing world, nurturing a core belief in environmental mindfulness, responsibility, and the importance of sustainability

At the Arbor School Dubai, our curriculum is not just about academic rigour; it is a transformative journey that prepares students for an ever-evolving world. What excites me most about leading Arbor into this next chapter is the synergy we create between academic excellence and our unique focus on sustainability and ecoliteracy. 

“A transformative journey, sustainability meets academic excellence”  –  The Arbor School fosters academic success while instilling ecological responsibility in students, preparing them for real-world challenges.

As Principal, I am committed to ensuring our students excel academically while nurturing their ability to think critically about the environmental and social challenges facing our planet. I am proud to say that we offer more than just the National Curriculum for England. We embed sustainability and environmental mindfulness at the heart of everything we do. It takes a team of passionate educators who believe in our mission, combined with specialists, who we employ full time to align our unique pedagogical approach. Through our ecoliteracy framework, students gain the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become responsible global citizens who understand the complex interdependencies between human activity and the natural world. 

“Hands-on projects and biodomes”  – Students at The Arbor School learn through outdoor experiences, hands-on projects, and interdisciplinary studies, fostering a deep sense of purpose and environmental mindfulness.

Designing a curriculum that empowers students to apply their learning in real-world contexts through hands-on projects, outdoor learning experiences in our biodomes, and interdisciplinary studies has been a labour of love. An Arbor student is encouraged to question, innovate, and find solutions to pressing global challenges. We know that this approach fosters not only intellectual curiosity but also a deep sense of purpose. 

I am thrilled to be the one to take Arbor to the next level by further integrating sustainability with academic achievement. My vision for Arbor is clear: to see students leading the way in academic success while embodying the values of ecological responsibility and global citizenship. This can be achieved by aligning academic rigour with our unique sustainability mission. We have a moral duty to prepare young people to excel in their chosen fields and ensure they can contribute meaningfully to creating a more sustainable future. 

This holistic approach to education sets Arbor apart, and I look forward to building on this foundation to take our students to new heights of achievement and impact.

Comments from Parents: 

Sarah J., Parent of Year 3 Student: “Choosing The Arbor School for my son was the best decision we made. The way the school incorporates sustainability into every lesson has changed the way he thinks about the world around him. He comes home talking about biodiversity and conservation, and I love seeing him so excited about learning while also caring for the environment.”

David R., Parent of Year 6 Student: “What impresses me most is how Arbor goes beyond academics. The outdoor learning and hands-on projects have given my daughter a much deeper understanding of real-world challenges. The school’s focus on critical thinking and environmental responsibility is exactly what today’s generation needs. It’s an inspiring place for children to grow academically and personally.”

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