By Raiyan Anwar
Raiyan Anwar is the Cross Curricular Program Team Leader at Al Rowad International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (a NuVuX Partner School). Raiyan works closely with the NuVuX team to create hands-on learning experiences for students across the school.
It’s been a long time in the making, but we’re excited to have finally partnered with NuVuX here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to help spark a shift in the educational mindset.
At Al Rowad International School, we’re firm believers that all children have God-given talents. With our NuVu-integrated Cross Curricular Programme, many students are finally being able to showcase their skills through meaningful hands-on projects.
One standout project has been the “Green Rowad” studios—an initiative to green our school sites with innovative planters and fun upcycling space-interventions. Inspired by the government's “Green Riyadh” mission to green the city and better preserve the environment, this studio was an opportunity for students to be part of something bigger. A real-world project. Huge thanks to Kate and Dina for tailoring the studios to our needs!
That said, launching wasn’t easy. Like in many schools, due to the curriculum pressure, our students have not had much room for hands-on exploratory learning. Creativity and innovation was uncomfortable territory. But with patience and strong coaching, we’ve started to rewire that mindset and unlock some amazing talents: master sketchers, natural storytellers, and home-grown inventors. Now, 10 weeks in, some students can’t imagine school without it - Alhamdulillah!
Feedback from our community has shown the level of growth and interest in this hands-on learning:
“This subject needs to continue next year...”
– says a grade 8 student, as he reluctantly leaves the studio at the bell.
“In other subjects learning has to happen. But here, it just happens…”
– a Science teacher’s observation upon attending some of the sessions.
“I'm so happy you guys are developing these soft-skills early on. Honestly, in this day and age this is what they're lacking - we can deal with academics later.”
– a parent acknowledging the need for a shift in focus.
