Work Experience: British International School Riyadh (2022–2024)

From August 2022 to July 2024, I served as a KS3, IGCSE, and DP Music Teacher at the British International School Riyadh (BISR), primarily at the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) campus. During my tenure, I developed and implemented the IMPACT curriculum, a transformative approach to music education that revolutionized how students engaged with the subject. IMPACT, which stands for "Interactive, Mentorship-driven, Practical, Academic, Collaborative, and Transformative," integrated ensemble-based learning with music theory, composition, cultural studies, and performance. This curriculum provided students with a structured, interdisciplinary framework, blending rigorous academics with practical application and creative expression.
 

The implementation of the IMPACT curriculum significantly enhanced the music program, aligning it with the high standards of IGCSE and DP academic frameworks. By emphasizing ensemble learning as a central pedagogical approach, students not only refined technical skills and developed improvisation techniques but also deepened their understanding of music’s cultural and historical contexts. The program fostered creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills while instilling a greater appreciation of music as an art form.
 

My work extended beyond the classroom and contributed significantly to the cultural life of the school. I established and directed a variety of musical ensembles, including rock bands, jazz bands, and vocal groups, which became vital components of the school’s artistic identity. I organized and led key school-wide events such as the Music Wave competition, jazz workshops, and the Battle of the Bands, which provided students with opportunities to perform, compete, and showcase their talents in a supportive environment. A defining moment of my tenure was co-directing the school’s first musical production, Oliver!, which brought together students, staff, and the community to create an impactful collaborative project. This initiative also laid the groundwork for the establishment of a school orchestra, further expanding the opportunities available to students.
 

I also facilitated student participation in regional events, such as the prestigious SAIK Band Workshop in Jeddah, which enabled students to collaborate with peers from other international schools across the Middle East. These events exposed students to professional-level musical experiences and encouraged them to pursue excellence in their craft. Additionally, I represented BISR in performances at diplomatic events hosted by the German and British embassies in Riyadh, further strengthening the school’s cultural engagement and enhancing its ties with the wider community.
 

During this time, I also completed the COBIS Program for Middle Leaders (CPML) from 2022 to 2023, a year-long professional development initiative focused on team building, decision-making, and curriculum leadership. As part of the CPML Leadership Challenge, I organized a cross-cultural jazz workshop in collaboration with the British International School Dhahran (BISD). This event featured guest musicians from Germany and exemplified the principles of IMPACT by combining mentorship, creative expression, and collaborative learning. The workshop brought together students and educators from different schools and cultural backgrounds, leaving a lasting impact on all participants.
 

While my first year at BISR was a period of creativity, innovation, and cultural contributions, challenges arose during my second year under campus leadership. A management style characterized by micromanagement, lack of support, and public reprimands created a difficult work environment that strained morale and undermined collaboration. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to delivering an engaging and high-quality music program, ensuring students continued to benefit from the innovative and collaborative approach of the IMPACT curriculum.
 

Reflecting on my time at BISR, I am deeply proud of the transformative changes I introduced to the music program and the cultural contributions I made to the school. The IMPACT curriculum, along with the events and ensembles I led, left a lasting legacy that demonstrated the power of music education to inspire creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Although the challenges of my second year ultimately led to my departure, the experience reinforced my belief in the critical role of music education and its ability to foster a thriving, inclusive community.