50 Years of Educational Excellence: RAK Academy
RAK Academy: 50 Years of Outstanding Education in Ras Al Khaimah
RAK Academy, a prominent institution in the United Arab Emirates education scene, has been serving students for half a century, gaining increasing renown over the years. Established in 1975 with just 20 students, it now accommodates 2,700 students from 75 different countries, expanding into four campuses across various areas of Ras Al Khaimah.
Development and Expansion of the Academy
Initially operating as Ras Al Khaimah English Speaking School, RAK Academy welcomed students on a single campus in the Khuzam area for decades. In recent years, however, it has experienced significant growth. In 2018, the academy opened new campuses in Al Rams and Al Hamra, thus expanding educational opportunities.
a, Al Rams Campus: Focuses on Emirati culture while integrating modern technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics into education.
b, Al Hamra Campus: Emphasizes sustainability, mathematics, and coastal environment opportunities.
c, Khuzam City Campus: The main campus dedicated to bilingual education from kindergarten to 12th grade, offering British A-Levels and the IB Diploma programs as well as music and performing arts training.
Graham Beale, the executive director of the academy for the past five years, describes the school as a "family of schools" system where each campus implements unique focus and educational goals.
Teacher Support and Development Opportunities
The academy not only focuses on student success but also pays particular attention to the continuous professional development of teachers. Emma Lloyd, who has been with the institution for 15 years as Key Stage 1 leader, mentioned that RAK Academy partially funded her professional qualification attainment.
Thanks to the academy's support, Emma completed the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) course, which allowed her to step into a higher leadership role.
Nebal Bakkar, an Arabic language teacher who has worked at the school for 22 years, shared similar experiences. According to Nebal, the academy has produced numerous successful graduates in various fields such as medicine, engineering, education, and business.
"The academy's support and community atmosphere greatly contribute to my dedication. I take great pleasure in participating in school events even outside working hours," said Nebal, highlighting that teaching is not just a profession but a calling for him.
Technological Advancements in Education
The RAK Academy has also brought significant changes over the years in terms of technological advancement. Natarajan Kumar, who has been working as a design and technology lab technician at the institution since 1998, recalled a time when manual cutting techniques were used.
Today, students work with advanced 3D printing and cutting technologies, which not only enhance the learning experience but also prepare them for the challenges of the modern labor market.
The Impact of RAK Academy on the Community
RAK Academy excels not only in education but also works closely with the local community. Graduates return to the school, expressing gratitude for the knowledge and support received. The academy aims to continue supporting its students in all areas of life and equipping them with skills that shape their careers to meet future challenges.
Summary
The story of RAK Academy is a success story built on the combination of quality education, a committed teaching staff, and innovation. The institution continues to lead the educational sector in Ras Al Khaimah, consistently striving to provide even more opportunities for future generations.
