Latest news with #SISD
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Zawya
Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai pioneers Esports in education
Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD), part of the prestigious Nord Anglia Education group, is set to become the one of the first schools to offer the BTEC Level 2 qualification in Esports within the traditional curriculum – marking a bold new direction in how schools prepare students for the future world of work. Launching in August 2025 in partnership with EStars, the new elective will be open to students in Grades 6 and 7 and reflects SISD's commitment to equipping students for the careers of tomorrow. The Level 2 BTEC in Esports will sit alongside a range of exciting new electives which complement the MYP curriculum for our secondary students. Options include Instrumental Music (in partnership with The Juilliard School), Computer Science, Entrepreneurial Thinking, and Language Acquisition in French, German and Spanish. Students can choose one of the electives to study, which all represent an opportunity to do something different outside of the 'traditional' curriculum, within the school day. These electives will be in addition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum, encompassing eight subject groups, including; Language Aquisition, Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and Health Education and Design. Esports is not about playing games – it is an introduction to a fast-growing billion-dollar global industry. This addition to the curriculum also aligns with the Dubai Future Foundation Programme for Gaming, which is expected to generate over 30,000 jobs by 2033. The BTEC in Esports is accredited by Pearson Education and offers students a unique opportunity to gain industry-relevant knowledge, build future-ready skills and develop a valuable network within the Esports ecosystem. Paul Gardner, Head of Secondary (Middle School) at SISD, said: 'At SISD, we believe education should be as dynamic and forward-thinking as the world our students are preparing to enter. Esports is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally – and by offering this qualification, we're helping students transform their passion into potential. This isn't just about gaming – it's about digital entrepreneurship, leadership, communication and innovation. We're proud to be leading the way in the UAE, and globally.' The Level 2 BTEC in Esports will offer pathways into a variety of roles within the sector, including team management, production and broadcasting, marketing, coaching, analysis, journalism, community management and event organisation. It will also strengthen transferable skills such as communication, collaboration and digital fluency – essential for any modern career. Mags Byrne, Founder and CEO of EStars, said: 'We are delighted to be working with the SISD team, to provide students with an innovative qualification to transform how students are prepared for the fast-growing global industry.' Whilst on the one hand, SISD has shown great innovation in responding to the emerging needs of tomorrow's job market, they are also grounded in the most up to date research regarding the pros and cons of technology use in schools. In secondary school, mobile phones are handed in and locked away in a classroom safe before lesson 1. Students don't have access to these devices again during the school day. Laptops and tablets are also not allowed in public spaces. These steps have led to enhanced socialisation and relationship building amongst students. During academic time, each lesson begins with a tech-free 10 minutes, to ensure that positive digital habits are embedded. Staff have undergone extensive PD, focused on the SAMR approach to tech use in school, meaning technology should only be integrated when they transform learning in ways that wouldn't be possible without them. The BTEC in Esports is designed to meet the changing needs of Dubai's community and to reflect the shifting career landscape awaiting the classes of 2031 and 2032. As industries evolve, SISD is committed to expanding its curriculum to ensure students not only meet academic benchmarks, but emerge with confidence, creativity and a deep understanding of the world they are entering. This latest addition to SISD's curriculum reflects the school's ongoing innovation and its mission to inspire and prepare students for meaningful futures as truly global citizens in a rapidly changing world. About: Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school that blends a global outlook, bilingual approach, and Swiss culture, all while remaining firmly rooted in the Dubai community. Opened in 2015, SISD is the largest Swiss school outside of Switzerland, with over 2,600 students from more than 100 nationalities. With a mission to inspire confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, SISD offers unique bilingual and STEAM programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class education for students aged 3 to 18. For more information, please visit
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Future-focused: Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai expands IB Career-related Programme
Dubai: Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD) is placing renewed emphasis on the value of its International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), following the outstanding results of the Class of 2025. Offering a compelling alternative to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or A-Level pathways, the IBCP is designed to support students who wish to engage in career-related learning, whilst gaining transferable and lifelong skills. The IBCP combines academic rigour with real-world experience, providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage directly with industry and develop practical skills. SISD's IBCP programme features globally recognised BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Business and Hospitality and the newly launched BTEC in Sport, Business and Management. These qualifications provide students with focused, practical knowledge across these industries. In addition, students study three IBDP subjects alongside a core of personal and professional development. SISD's IBCP students have continuously exceeded global averages in their Diploma subjects, and achieved an impressive 100% Distinction level in their BTEC Diplomas this year - the highest possible grade - reflecting outstanding academic excellence. Principal Ruth Burke says 'The IBCP offers a unique advantage for ambitious students who thrive in applied learning environments and gaining places at great universities.' In addition to SISD's BTEC Diploma in Business and Hospitality, the innovative BTEC Diploma in Sport, Business and Management launches in August, providing students with the opportunity to explore business fundamentals alongside subjects such as; Sports Psychology, Applied Anatomy and Physiology, and Sports Performance Analysis. By combining the principles of Business Management with an in-depth exploration of the key elements of sport, students will be prepared to access top universities around the world. The Business and Hospitality BTEC diploma is delivered in partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, a world-renowned hospitality management institution. This collaboration allows SISD students to gain highly valuable sector-specific experience that's rare within the UAE's secondary education landscape, while aligning them with some of the most prestigious hospitality schools and employers globally. A Grade 12 SISD graduate says: 'The IBCP programme, combined with a BTEC qualification, has completely redefined what success in education can look like. It gave me the chance to study what I'm passionate about, hospitality and business, while also gaining real-world experience through internships and projects. The mix of academic learning and practical, career-focused study prepared me not just for university, but for life beyond the classroom. I didn't just learn theory - I learned how to apply it. I am excited to be heading to EHL, one of the world's leading Hospitality universities this year." One of the standout features of our IBCP programme is the exclusive student placement programme, offering learners the opportunity to gain practical, industry-level experience in world-renowned hotels. SISD students have completed placements at iconic locations such as the Burj Al Arab, gaining firsthand insight into the high standards and professionalism that define hospitality. Dr Lisa Bardin, IBCP Coordinator at SISD, says: 'The IBCP is increasingly recognised by leading universities for its academic integrity and the practical competencies it develops. At SISD, we are proud to offer a pathway that not only meets the high standards of the IB framework but also prepares students for the challenges of both higher education and industry.' The strength of the IBCP offering is further reflected in the diverse and impressive range of university acceptances achieved by SISD students. These include EHL (EHL Hospitality Business School), University of Birmingham, City St George's, University of London, Heriot Watt University, École de management de Normandie , HULT International Business School, Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM), Queen Mary University of London, Regents University London, The American University of Paris, Murdoch University, SOAS University of London and the American University of Rome. Rhiana Courlander, University Guidance Counsellor at SISD, adds: 'Our IBCP students are gaining entry into some of the most respected institutions across Europe and beyond. The combination of BTEC qualifications, IB academic standards and SISD's tailored guidance means they are well-positioned to succeed both at university and in their chosen careers.' The IBCP is a powerful option for students who are motivated by a specific career direction and want to access a pathway that merges academic achievement with applied, purposeful learning. SISD's commitment to excellence in this area positions it as one of the few schools in the UAE offering such a comprehensive and future-ready programme. Grade 11 applications are being accepted for the IBCP, with limited spaces available for the new BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, Business and Management. SISD encourages early applications as interest in the IBCP continues to grow. The school is also preparing new enhancements to its secondary provision over the summer, reinforcing its commitment to offering innovative, high-quality education pathways that reflect the evolving aspirations of its student community. For more information about the IB Career-related Programme and the new BTEC pathways, visit SISD's website. About Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school that blends a global outlook, bilingual approach, and Swiss culture, all while remaining firmly rooted in the Dubai community. Opened in 2015, SISD is the largest Swiss school outside of Switzerland, with over 2,600 students from more than 100 nationalities. With a mission to inspire confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, SISD offers unique bilingual and STEAM programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class education for students aged 3 to 18. Media contact: Ananda Shakespeare Shakespeare Communications ananda@
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Socorro High School counselor named finalist for Texas School Counselor of Year
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A Socorro High School counselor has been named one of the six finalists in Texas for the annual School Counselor of the Year award, according to the Socorro Independent School District on Thursday, May 15. Cristina Alvarez, a counselor from Socorro High School, is one of the six finalists for the 2025-2026 Lone Star State School Counselor Association Texas School Counselor of the Year award. 'I'm really humbled, and I love that I get to represent the hard work that my colleagues and I do at Socorro High School,' Alvarez said. 'It's not just me. There are eight of us (counselors at Socorro High School) and being a finalist lets me represent the work that we all do daily, serving our students with social and emotional support and academically.' According to Socorro ISD, Alvarez has been a counselor for 11 years, including seven years with the school district. Alvarez has been the counselor for the early college program at Socorro High School for three years, and prior to that, she was a counselor for Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School for four years, SISD said. 'I decided to move to the high school because of my students in middle school. I wanted to be the person that helped them, and they saw every day,' Alvarez said. 'It has been a privilege to see them grow in high school, earn their associate degree and then graduate from high school.' Alvarez will participate in the interview process for the state award on May 21, SISD said. Socorro ISD said the 2025-2026 Texas School Counselor of the Year will be announced at the end of May. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Socorro ISD celebrates 2 Teachers of the Year at annual gala
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Socorro Independent School District (SISD) celebrated its top two educators from across the district at the annual Teacher of the Year Gala. The 2025 Teacher of the Year Gala took place on Friday, May 9, at the El Paso Convention Center. Edith Miranda, a bilingual pre-K to fourth-grade teacher at Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School was named the 2025 SISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. Michael Neff, a 10th-grade world history teacher at Montwood High School, was named the 2025 SISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. 'You have continued the great legacy all while holding ourselves to the highest standards of achievement in SISD,' Interim Superintendent James Vasquez said. 'All of you have been instrumental in leading our students to excellence in the classrooms, on the field, on the pitch, in the concert halls. I applaud and thank everyone in this room for your contributions to our successes.' Socorro ISD teachers, administrators and community members were in attendance for the gala, according to the news release by SISD. In addition, the event recognized 50 Teachers of the Year from across all SISD campuses, including the eight finalists who underwent a 'rigorous' selection process. According to Socorro ISD, Miranda and Neff received the Teacher of the Year awards for 'their enthusiasm for teaching and for inspiring their students to seize the opportunities provided by SISD for long-term success.' 'Oh, my babies are going to be so excited,' Miranda said. 'They're 4 years old, 5 years old. They just knew I was coming to a celebration, and they were like, 'Ms. Miranda, have so much fun! We'll see you Monday.' So, they'll be excited.' 'It's a big responsibility to carry on my shoulders being representative of the entire school district and to represent my awesome Montwood community and feeder pattern. I mean, I'm just so grateful for the opportunity,' Neff said. Miranda has been an educator for 12 years and Neff has been an educator and coach for 10 years, according to Socorro ISD. According to the school district, the Teacher of the Year award is 'one of the highest accolades that an educator can receive.' Miranda and Neef will represent Socorro ISD at the Region 19 Teacher of the Year program and they will have the opportunity to advance to the state level, SISD said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
El Paso County voters to decide key school board seats, city races amid low early turnout
Voters across El Paso County will head to the polls to weigh in on several school board and municipal government races. Most crucial to El Paso voters in the Saturday, May 3, election is the race to fill four seats on the El Paso Independent School District board of trustees, a race that has attracted 11 candidates. Voters will also decide who will serve on the boards for the San Elizario Independent School District, the Socorro Independent School District and El Paso Community College. The local school board elections come as the state prepares to launch a private school voucher program, putting public school leadership on its heels as it prepares for an expected drop in funding. The town of Anthony will be electing a mayor, while other municipal races will unfold in Horizon City and San Elizario. The village of Vinton will vote on a proposition to reduce its property tax rate. Despite such a wide field of races, early turnout was sluggish. During the early voting session, which kicked off Tuesday, April 22, and ended Tuesday, April 29, only 4,499 in-person votes had been cast by the more than 319,000 eligible voters. Only 1,146 mail-in ballots had been received, bringing the early voting turnout to just under 1.8%. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at nearly 80 voting sites across the county. A full list of Election Day voting centers can be found on the El Paso County Elections Department website. The election is open to all registered voters who reside within each entity appearing on the ballot. For example, only residents who live within EPISD boundaries are eligible to vote in the EPISD elections, and only residents of Anthony, San Elizario, or Horizon City are eligible to vote in those municipal races. More: El Paso Teachers Association endorses EPISD candidates, accuses rival of pro-voucher bias Following is a breakdown of the races that will appear on Saturday's ballot: EPISD District 1 Nelson Bank Lean Hanany Monica Elena Benjamin EPISD District 3 Jack Loveridge John Ponce De Leon EPISD District 4 Isabel Hernandez Juan M. Duran Mindy Sutton EPISD District 5 Melvin Milton Israel Irrobali Robert Osterland SISD District 2 Ryan Woodcraft Shawn Ollis SISD District 3 Jose Alonzo Jr. Pablo Caldera Jr. Charles W. Smith Joshua Carter Guerra SISD District 4 Raul Villalobos Caryn Gonzalez Paul Guerra SISD District 5 Cindy Hernandez Gary Gandara Manny Rodriguez Town of Anthony, mayor Richard Villareal Anthony Turner Martin Lerma Benjamin Romero Town of Antony, Place 1 alderman Lourdes Garcia Town of Anthony, Place 2 alderman Manny Balderas EPCC District 4 Eduardo A. Flores Luther Marcena Jesus Mendez EPCC District 6 Eddie Mena Diana Yadira Mooy SEISD Place 1 Lorenzo Luevano SEISD Place 2 Axel Lopez Asael Cordona SEISD Place 3 Michael Martinez Alexis Ann Tellez Village of Vinton, Proposition A Reducing the tax rate in the Village of Vinton for the current year from $0.801437 per $100 valuation to $0.688226 per $100 valuation Town of Horizon City, Place 1 alderman Guillermo (Willie) Ortega Charlie Ortega Town of Horizon City, Place 2 alderman Scott Quiroz Town of Horizon City, Place 4 alderman Robert Avila Sandra Sierra Town of Horizon City, Place 5 alderman Katherine Ames Town of Horizon City, Place 6 alderman Adrian Rivera Matthew Gardea Town of Horizon City, Proposition A The reauthorization of the local sales and use tax in the Town of Horizon City, Texas at the rate of one fourth (1/4) of one percent (1%) to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets City of San Elizario, Place 1 alderman Hector Ramos City of San Elizario, Place 2 alderman David S. Cantu Tony Grijalva City of San Elizario, Place 3 alderman Lorenzo Leyva Haciendas Del Norte Water Improvement District, Proposition A The issuance of bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for waterworks system and the levying of a tax in payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@ This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What to know: El Paso County elections this weekend
