Raha International School empowers students through values-driven, experience-rich learning and deep personal connections
PARTNER CONTENT: What if success in school wasn’t just about awards and exam results? What if it was about knowing who you are, how you think, and how you connect with others?
That’s the guiding philosophy at Raha International School (RIS) in Abu Dhabi – where education is intentionally designed not just to inform, but to inspire. In a world that often narrows academic success to certificates and statistics, RIS offers a refreshing alternative: a values-led, experience-rich, and relationship-driven journey that spans from early childhood to graduation.
A broader definition of achievement
Speaking with Michael Bloy, Principal of Raha’s Gardens Campus, one thing becomes immediately clear: at RIS, learning is personal.
At the heart of Raha’s philosophy is the belief that success in education should be about more than academic achievement. “We are shifting the conversation away from exam results being the sole indicator of success,” says Michael. “Our goal is to nurture emotionally grounded, socially responsible, and intellectually curious individuals.”
Students at RIS are encouraged to define their own version of success – one that includes self-awareness, wellbeing, and meaningful contribution, alongside academic performance.
The school places relationships and emotional growth on a level with intellectual development, believing that one feeds the other. There’s a true sense of connection, personal growth and agency in learning.
Children are encouraged to connect with themselves and their communities, reflecting a broader definition of excellence that extends far beyond the classroom.
Powered by IB, grounded in purpose
RIS delivers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum – from the Primary Years to the Diploma Programme — offering students aged three to 18 a consistent, globally recognised path.
While the academic credentials are impressive at RIS (a 98% pass rate in the Diploma Programme places students among the UAE’s top performers), it’s the how of learning that really defines the experience.
“Students are not just learning content,” explains Michael. “They are learning how to learn, reflect, and apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts.”
This is not surface-level IB branding. At RIS, the framework runs deep — encouraging interdisciplinary exploration, curiosity-led inquiry, and personal reflection. Students build portfolios, set goals, and regularly assess their own growth, not just their grades.
Connection first
Walk into any classroom at Raha and you will feel it: the emphasis on connection. Teachers are not just delivering lessons – they are mentoring, guiding, and genuinely getting to know their students.
This relational model means that students are seen as whole people, not data points, and the reflective approach fosters a sense of ownership over learning. Students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate their interests, and document their growth.
RIS’s integrated curriculum combines academic challenge with wellbeing support, encouraging students to explore creatively, engage physically, and contribute socially. From service initiatives to performing arts, from science projects to mindfulness sessions – every experience is crafted to help learners discover their strengths and purpose.
Learning that lives in the real world
RIS’s emphasis on experiential learning is not merely philosophical; it’s embedded in daily practice. Each morning starts with a reflective check-in, helping students to self-regulate and set intentions and allowing teachers to really connect with each student individually. Lessons often spill out of the classroom and into the wider world.
Take the recent mangrove planting project, for instance. Students weren’t just learning about environmental science – they were actively engaging in it and then presenting what they learned rather than simply recalling it. Biology, climate science and stewardship, public speaking, and community engagement came together in a single, memorable experience.
These moments are where knowledge becomes personal, where theory meets action. Students begin to see how their interests, skills, and values connect – and that’s when true motivation kicks in. “The key is to find that child’s version of success and what motivates them as an individual,” comments Michael.
Relationships as the real curriculum
Perhaps the most powerful element of the Raha experience is the school’s belief that relationships are not supplementary to the curriculum; they are the foundation of learning. Strong bonds between students and teachers, peer support, and a sense of belonging shape the learning environment.
“Learning thrives in a safe, connected environment,” says Michael. “When students feel seen and understood, they are more willing to take intellectual risks, accept feedback, and explore their potential.”
This focus extends to relationships among peers, between students and teachers, and even into the broader community. It’s a model of schooling that sees connection not as a side benefit but as an essential condition for authentic learning.
The power of the IB’s continuum
The journey from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme emphasises the strength of the IB’s continuum model in supporting holistic development. “The transition is seamless here at RIS, which allows us to maintain consistency in how students reflect, connect, grow, and learn.”
Reflection and personal connection are cornerstones of the IB process, and RIS fully embraces them. Students are regularly encouraged to think about their past learning, assess their progress, and link it to their personal aspirations. This process helps students internalise their knowledge and see it as part of a broader, lifelong journey.
The school also distinguishes itself through its mentoring system, which replaces traditional tutor-time roles with more personalised guidance. Mentors help students set goals, integrate their academic and extracurricular interests and strengths, and develop a sense of purpose.
RIS’s educators understand that learning is personal. By integrating extracurricular activities from debate and STEM to music and service initiatives, students are given multiple avenues to explore their strengths and passions.
Students are guided to set goals, reflect on their progress, and integrate academics with their passions. Whether it’s debating, robotics, creative writing, or sports – these opportunities are not seen as side activities, but as vital expressions of each student’s identity and essential components of a balanced education. The goal is to cultivate not only academic achievers but also thoughtful, creative, and community-minded individuals.
Looking forward: evolving with purpose
RIS continues to evolve. New developments include a dedicated Diploma Lounge and plans to introduce vocational strands within the IB Diploma Programme – an exciting evolution for students who excel in applied, hands-on learning.
These changes are all about staying relevant to the needs of today’s learners, while staying rooted in timeless principles: curiosity, reflection, connection, and purpose. In an education landscape often driven by metrics, Raha International School offers something much more substantial. Here, success is not just about where students go next, but about who they become along the way.
Through its commitment to relationships, values, and meaningful experiences, Raha is redefining what it means to be educated – and shaping a generation ready to lead with heart and purpose.
IB Education: values, experiences & relationships
VALUES
At its heart, IB education is grounded in a commitment to developing principled, compassionate, and globally aware individuals. It fosters a deep respect for diversity, integrity, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, encouraging students to succeed academically and lead with purpose.
EXPERIENCES
IB learners engage in rich, inquiry led experiences that stretch beyond the classroom. Whether through creative projects, personal reflections, community action, or real-world research, students are challenged to think independently, explore new ideas, and connect learning to life. The curriculum is intentionally holistic, blending academic rigour with creativity, service, and personal growth.
RELATIONSHIPS
Collaboration is at the core of the IB journey. Students, teachers, and communities form strong, respectful relationships built on shared curiosity and mutual understanding. Learning is shaped by dialogue, cultural exchange, and a sense of shared responsibility, which cultivates empathy and a global mindset.
The role of parents and community
At RIS, engaging parents as partners in the learning journey is a key priority. The school places strong emphasis on helping families understand the core philosophy of IB education, particularly its focus on wellbeing, reflective thinking, and inquiry-based learning.
“We want parents to recognise that this is a deeply thoughtful, research-backed model that differs from more traditional, competitive systems, and that difference is vital for long-term growth.” Michael Bloy, Principal Raha International School, Gardens Campus
For more information, visit Raha International School
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