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Supporting teaching excellence at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy

28 Aug 2019 | Advance HE is to deliver programmes to support teaching excellence at the newly opened Academy

Advance HE is to deliver programmes to support teaching excellence at the newly opened Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA).

The work coincides with the arrival of the first cohort of students at the Academy this academic year. Initially, a number of staff will be supported in their applications for Fellowship or Senior Fellowships – the internationally recognised scheme to reward an academic’s ongoing commitment to teaching excellence.

Advance HE will also deliver a Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (CTLHE) programme at SPAA for 15 staff over three modules. As well as focusing on the latest approaches to teaching in higher education, the Certificate programme will support participants in applying for Fellowship.

SPAA was founded in 2018 following the foresight and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Sharjah, who wanted to create ‘a western style performing arts academy’ in the UEA.

SPAA is the first performing arts academy of its kind in the region and the new students will study in programmes and courses including acting, musical theatre and production. Within the next three years, the Academy aims to introduce postgraduate courses, and the possibility of a Dance BA is in the pipeline.

Jacqui George, SPAA’s Head of Production and Technical Skills, said, “This is a really exciting time for SPAA. We’re opening our doors to new students and we’re determined to offer the best possible academic and artistic experience. It’s really important to ensure that we continuously develop and enhance teaching. Fellowship is a great way to embed that dynamic approach because it requires staff to constantly reflect on their teaching and to keep looking for ways to develop it.”

Kristian Rumble, Advance HE International Partnership Manager, said, “We are delighted to be working with the team at SPAA. I’m confident that supporting their work to build capacity and sustainability in teaching excellence at the Academy will help to deliver the vision of an outstanding performing arts academy. We’re also very pleased to welcome SPAA as an Access Member of Advance HE, joining the many conservatoires and performing arts institutions who are already members.”

There are now over 120,000 Fellows worldwide, including over 1,000 of those working at institutions in the Gulf states.

Fellowship demonstrates a personal and institutional commitment to professionalism in learning and teaching in higher education. Across four categories, from Associate to Principal, Fellowship provides individuals with recognition of their practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning. Find out more about Fellowship and institutional accreditation. 

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