David Jones is Preparing Springdales Students for a Future-Ready World

Edarabia had the opportunity to interview David Jones, Principal of Springdales School Dubai, to explore how the school is preparing students for a rapidly evolving world through future-ready skills, STEM education, and responsible AI learning. In this conversation, he highlights the importance of inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, creativity, and personalised student support, alongside a strong sense of belonging and cultural respect. He also shares how Springdales builds meaningful community partnerships and plans to expand its STEM Academy, AI opportunities, and career pathways to equip every student with the confidence and skills to shape the future.

1. What has been the most encouraging development among your students so far this academic year?

The most encouraging development this year has been the rapid growth of future-ready skills across every phase, from Early Years to Grade 12. Through our STEM programmes, students are building and coding robots, exploring machine learning and applying AI to real problems. Learning is increasingly inquiry- and project-based, so students take ownership, test ideas and explain their reasoning. We see the impact in sharper metacognition and problem-solving, and in outstanding core external attainment in the core subjects. This momentum is the foundation of our Future Ready programme and our contribution to Dubai’s E33 vision.

2. Your teachers are central to the student experience. Can you share a story of a teacher who has made a real difference to students?

Every teacher at Springdales makes a real difference, but one colleague stands out: the Science lead in our Primary section. This teacher has pioneered STEM learning through dynamic inquiry and project-based challenges, in which our youngest learners design, build and test real solutions. Their classrooms buzz with curiosity, and their influence reaches well beyond them through mentoring colleagues and shaping how STEM is taught across the phase. This work proves that future-ready learning starts early, and it reflects our distributed leadership model, where teachers grow into leaders from within Springdales.

3. Beyond grades, what skills, values, or qualities do you want every student to leave with?

Beyond grades, I want every Springdalian to leave future-ready: confident with technology and AI, able to think critically and creatively, and adaptable enough to thrive in careers that may not yet exist. In line with the E33 vision, we place strong emphasis on oracy, presentation and interpersonal skills, alongside resilience, leadership and ethical judgement. Our values matter just as much. Guided by our motto, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family”, students leave with deep respect and tolerance for all cultures, a strong connection to UAE national identity and a commitment to making a positive difference.

4. How does your school help every student feel they belong and receive the support they need to thrive?

Belonging begins with knowing every child well. Our inclusion team, SAWA, meaning “together” in Arabic, supports Students of Determination, EAL learners and gifted and talented students through personalised plans and a three-tier model of support. Our SEND Alternative Pathway, built on the ASDAN curriculum, gives students a respected route to independence and life skills. Regular Pupil Progress Meetings make sure no child slips through the net, while our pastoral team, counsellors and wellbeing programmes support every child’s emotional health. Students also share and celebrate their own heritage, so every family sees itself reflected in our community.

5. How is your school using AI and digital tools while still building critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning?

We use AI and digital tools to deepen thinking, not replace it. Through STEM programmes, students code, build robots and explore machine learning, while the CBSE Artificial Intelligence skill subject gives older students a firm grasp of how AI works and how to use it ethically. AI-enabled platforms help teachers personalise learning, but students are taught to question outputs, verify sources and detect bias. Projects follow a “make, test, improve” cycle in which students explain their reasoning and present their own conclusions. Technology supports, and never replaces, the human connection between teacher and student.

6. What would you say truly sets your school apart, and what would a parent notice on their first visit?

What sets Springdales apart is our big heart. On a first visit, parents notice a warm, inclusive community where every family is welcomed and every child is known. They see confident students explaining their projects, robotics and STEM learning in action, and spacious classrooms designed for collaboration and inquiry. Behind this is strong CBSE expertise, outstanding ASSET attainment in the core subjects and a clear vision aligned with UAE priorities and E33. Above all, they feel our motto, “the world is one family”, in the way students, staff and parents treat one another.

7. How does your school connect with the wider community, through local partnerships, service projects, or cultural events?

Community partnerships are central to learning at Springdales. We collaborate with schools including Nord Anglia school, Dubai for curriculum development and Arbor School on environmental and sustainability projects. Our students lead recycling drives with Dubai Municipality experts, compete at the Dubai Science and Engineering Fair and undertake STEM challenges at local universities. We celebrate UAE national identity and our many cultures through events across the year. These links bring learning to life and build responsible and tolerant citizens.

8. What are you most excited about for the rest of 2026–2027, and what would you tell parents about your plans for next year?

I am most excited about moving forward with future ready skills, aligned with KHDA’s Future Ready guidance and the E33 vision. Future skills remain a key gap in school education, and Springdales is determined to close it. To parents, I would say that next year we will launch a new Springdales STEM Academy, expand AI learning opportunities alongside clear education on AI’s risks, and grow student-led learning, which is already gaining strong momentum. We will also strengthen career pathways from Grade 8. Parents will be our partners throughout, and we will involve them in shaping these plans at every step.