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Sarah Polley

Sarah Polley

Sarah Polley

True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.

Nikos Kazantzakis

About Me

As an educator, I believe that much of my passion for the power of education comes from my own experience of learning. I was incredibly fortunate to have been taught the value of education as a transformative power and, wish to share this vision with as many others as possible.

My role here at Safa British School is centered on assessment, data, and reporting. It is my strong belief that only when we have a full picture of a child, can we begin to map out their best possible course. I work alongside teachers and leaders to utilise all of the available information on every child to better understand the whole child and to harness their full potential. Much of my interest in the future of assessments is linked to triangulating wellbeing data with academics.

When not at school, I can usually be found outdoors, in the gym or a yoga studio. Mental and physical wellbeing are hugely important to me as is lifelong learning. I am currently undertaking further studies in educational leadership and plan to gain my yoga teaching certification this year.

My Experience

Following the completion of my graduate degree in Law, and a career working for the UK government, I began my postgraduate studies in education in 2012. Working with children inspires me daily and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work with such phenomenal potential.

After qualifying as a teacher, I worked for several years in a small state school in the North East of England. I quickly began taking on leadership roles within my school and worked alongside the local authority on developmental projects in reading and writing. Progressing from classroom teacher to leader, I developed a strong passion for school improvement planning and growth.

In 2017, I relocated to the UAE in order to broaden my experience of teaching and leadership. Moving from a small state school in the UK to a large private school here was an incredible opportunity and perhaps one of the most rewarding learning experiences I have had to date. For two years, I worked out of class as a middle leader in a twelve form-entry school where I was responsible for raising attainment in core subject areas. I also undertook school inspection training and took part in the review process for several schools in Dubai. Following this, I longed to return to the classroom and to work in a school where a strong sense of community was integral – I found Safa!

I began my time at Safa as a class teacher and enjoyed every moment of teaching in a school as progressive and inspiring. After that, I took on middle leadership responsibilities and now consider myself supremely fortunate to be working on the Senior Leadership Team as Safa British School continues on its journey of growth.