MODERN ACADEMY - Key Persons
Sunipa has been associated with GEMS Modern Academy for the last 18 years. Before taking over as the IBDP Coordinator in 2018 she was a Biology teacher in Senior School, Head of Science, Assistant Dean and Assistant DP Coordinator. During her illustrious career, she has always been involved in introducing innovative teaching and learning methods in classroom for student centric learning.
In her capacity of Assistant Dean and Assistant DP Coordinator, she has been engaged in conducting internal professional development training for teachers. As IBDP Coordinator Sunipa is actively involved in the implementation of IB standards and Practices to ensure the growth of IB Diploma Programme at Modern.
Sunipa holds a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters degree in Biology from Calcutta University, India. She continued her higher studies through a research on ‘Phyllospheric Microbiology' and was awarded a doctorate (PhD) for her work.
Job Titles:
- Vice Principal Senior School
John joined GEMS Modern Academy in September 1990 as a Math and Chemistry Teacher in the senior school. Over the past 29 years, he held various positions at Modern, that of a House Master, Afternoon Activities coordinator, Supervisor of the Middle and Senior school, Dean of Studies and is currently the Vice Principal of the Senior school.
John holds a Master's degree in Science [MSc] and Bachelors degree in Education [B.Ed]. He is an integral part of the school community with many years of experience behind him.
Job Titles:
- Vice Principal - Middle School
With over fourteen years of experience in teaching, staff and pupil development, Sydney first joined Modern in 2008 where he served in many capacities such as Academic Coordinator and Senior Supervisor, IBDP EE Coordinator and Examiner for the IB Examinations. In 2015 he also served as the Chief Examination Officer of the ICSE examination in Dubai.
In 2017 Sydney transferred to GEMS Our Own English High School, Al Ain, where he served as Vice Principal for two and a half years, helping to improve the school's ADEK rating in thirty three inspection parameters.
Toshiko joined Modern as a Primary teacher in 1999 moving on to the Middle and Senior School and is currently an IBDP teacher (English Literature) and the Head Primary, looking after the heart of the school.
She holds a Masters of Education. Having donned many hats as Academic Coordinator and House Master (Senior School), she was appointed as the first Transition Supervisor (Grades 8 and 9) to pilot the co-education system at Modern. Three years later in 2016, she was appointed Head Primary and is currently change managing its transition to the PYP.
Toshiko believes as the world continues to change, parents and teachers, have to prepare children for a life that we cannot yet fathom, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams Khalil Gibran.
Modern's vision is to inspire children to be positive change makers. Quintessentially, the focus is, was and will always be the child! Toshiko thanks parents for the trust they place in the school each day and assures them of the care and commitment of the teachers and leadership team in the fascinating journey of nurturing intellect, honing skills and instilling deep rooted values in children.