Dubai schools unite for leadership LEAP

ISP students in Dubai developed leadership skills and explored future academic pathways in a collaborative workshop with the University of Toronto.

ISP Students Experience Leadership and Future Pathways with the University of Toronto. As part of the International Schools Partnership’s (ISP) collaboration with the University of Toronto, The Aquila School proudly hosted a Leadership Education Camp; Academic Prep (LEAP) workshop for students from across the ISP network. This initiative reflects how students benefit from ISP’s global partnerships, giving them access to world-class learning opportunities close to
home. 

ISP schools across Dubai came together to welcome participating students from neighbouring campuses, creating a vibrant community of shared learning and inspiration. The workshops brought together ambitious learners to strengthen their leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while exploring future university pathways.

Classrooms buzzed with discussion as students collaborated on group challenges, shared ideas, and built confidence through hands-on learning. Each session was led by University of Toronto faculty, who guided students through leadership- focused discussions before exploring one of three pathways: Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, or the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With small group sizes, every participant was able to engage directly, ask questions, and develop their ideas alongside peers from different ISP schools.

The workshops followed a hub-school model, with selected ISP schools in Dubai serving as hosts while neighbouring schools nominated participants. Students especially valued the opportunity to connect with peers from other campuses, exchange ideas, and form friendships that stretched beyond their own school communities. Many said they felt proud to represent The Aquila School and inspired by the diversity of perspectives around them.

According to Ms Lyvica Adekunle, our career counsellor, the experience is only the beginning of how students will apply what they have learned. This collaboration between ISP and the University of Toronto reflects ISP’s ongoing commitment to opening global pathways for students and ensuring they leave school confident, capable, and ready to succeed in the world. Through partnerships like this, ISP continues to connect its schools with world-class opportunities that prepare students for success at university and beyond.