Mr. Steven Giles

Dear Dar Al Marefa family,

As the principal of Dar Al Marefa School, I am extremely proud to lead this wonderful school community, which is the embodiment of an extended family for us all. From our youngest students entrusted into our excellent KG provision, all the way through to our eldest students in grade 12, I am proud of the educational offer every one of our students receive.

"To challenge is to grow, to grow is to succeed"

I am passionate about ensuring students are happy, confident and empowered to reach new heights, take risks, and challenge themselves. They will be truly nurtured, extended and motivated to learn new skills every single day through an innovative bilingual international baccalaureate educational offer. I believe in a reflective, tolerant, resilient and respectful environment for all, widening horizons and setting aspirational targets. Students are challenged academically to be ambitious, targeting high profile career paths, mindful that their emotion, well-being, and self-esteem needs to be at the forefront of all they and we do.

"We prepare students for life, not to sit an exam" 

I expect an excellent attitude and ethos from the students to their studies, knowing that if it is their absolute best, then I can ask no more. This is not just in an academic sense, but holistically as an individual in all aspects. I expect the same of my teachers and support staff. I truly believe it is a privilege to be a part of a school community, where we have the opportunity to shape lives and realise dreams on a daily basis. 

"We only have teachers and staff who genuinely care and strive for the best from their students and from themselves"

It is so important for me to ensure that each teacher and member of support staff have a genuine passion to help young people. Our leaders, teachers and staff will listen, care, collaborate and reflect to ensure the students make accelerated and personalised progress. Everyone here will work as a team, will always ensure that the student is at the centre of all we do.  

"Dar al Marefa is a school where memories last a lifetime"

School should be a place where memories are created, and I believe in facilitating and creating an environment where this can happen. We never sit still and accept that something is good enough, we always strive for better and to be the best.

"One school, one community, one future"

Dar Al Marefa is at the heart of the Al Khawannej community. This purpose built, bespoke innovative, groundbreaking campus in the heart of one of the most desirable areas of Dubai, literally rises from the desert and will be school buildings like nothing you have seen before. It will be wonderful to welcome you and show you around. I am proud to be a part of the school community and its future and I hope you will be too.

Steven Giles