Schooled in creativity: Our Own English High School Sharjah–Girls

For Our Own English High School Sharjah – Girls, creativity is a way of life, just as academics is. The school is known for celebrating creativity, inclusion, and wellness, which, it says, is not accidental but earned. “Our Own English High School Sharjah – Girls chooses to pause, create, and connect — it is a place where brushstrokes speak louder than words, where poetry finds its rhythm in the heartbeats of students, and where music, theatre, and crafts aren’t just subjects — they are languages of expression and joy,” says a spokesperson.

At the helm of this vision stands Asma Gilani, Principal and CEO, winner of the ‘Principal of the Year’ GEMS Award, who believes that education must nurture not only the intellect, but also the spirit. It is this philosophy that perhaps has transformed the school into a sanctuary of creativity and artistic celebration. KG students, for example, immerse themselves in multisensory experiences aimed at building foundational auditory skills, to nurture creativity and self-expression. Through music- and art-based activities, they explore the world of sound, using everyday items such as pots and pans, and translate what they hear into imaginative drawings — blending observation, communication, and creativity.

Initiatives like this lay the groundwork for programmes such as MUZART, a signature event in Grade 5, which integrates therapeutic qualities of music with the expressive freedom of art. A finger-painted tree here is not just art — it is an introduction to whole ecosystems. A group song is not only fun — it is a collaboration in rhythm. Kinder Souq, another initiative, celebrates the vibrant spirit of traditional Arab marketplaces. Young learners craft and sell items such as lanterns, puppets, pinatas (a decorated figure of an animal containing toys and sweets suspended from a height and broken open by blindfolded children as part of a celebration), and more — showcasing creativity alongside cultural heritage. In addition are lively performances such as fitness mob dances and yoga sessions, that highlight the importance of health and balance.

At the Art to Frame festival.

The Art to Frame festival brings together Students of Determination and their families in the school auditorium, transforming it into a cheerful space, where spontaneous chalk drawings and canvas paintings, blossom into powerful expressions of emotion and identity. Complementing this programme is A.U.R.A., held annually as a meaningful expression of Awareness, Understanding, Respect, and Acceptance. A.U.R.A. unites students of determination, parents and learning support assistants, to craft sustainable artworks inspired by global goals such as climate action and well-being.

The recycled-material art projects are reminders of teamwork, care and a shared responsibility for the planet. The spirit of service and cultural inclusion finds expression in Sad Al Fajwa — meaning “bridging the gap.” Since 2019, the Arabic immersion programme, led by Gifted & Talented students, has empowered non-Arabic-speaking parents with practical language skills for everyday life in the UAE. Sad Al Fajwa reflects the richness of Arabic culture, where language is a living bridge that connects generations, nurtures belonging, and fosters respect. Another enterprise, Inkspire, provides a platform for literary voices to flourish.

Through poetry, short stories and spoken word, students explore language as a tool for healing, provoking thought, and fostering connection. The annual Our Own Education Summit (OWSUM) is a much-anticipated event featuring skill-based workshops, where students lead and engage peers, parents, and staff. Workshops focus on traditional and creative arts including weaving, crochet, theatre, pottery, creative writing, poetry, and prose. The platform nurtures hands-on learning and collaboration, allowing students to explore and develop diverse skills, while fostering social spirit and creativity.

The results of quilling.

The school makes it a point to celebrate students who exemplify creativity, leadership, and cultural connection. In 2023, Afshan Nawaz Khan had the rare honour of welcoming Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, at the Arabic Forum hosted by the Sharjah Education Academy. Our Own English High School Sharjah – Girls was the only non-native Arabic school invited to the Second International Forum for Arabic Teachers, titled Roots and Innovation, organised by the Sharjah Private Education Authority in collaboration with the Sharjah Education Academy. It was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Afshan’s contributions to sustainable art and environmental advocacy has also earned her the Hamdan Award for Distinguished Student in the Non-Academic Field, 2025.

“The same spirit of meaningful expression extends into family life,” the school continues, underlining that the GEMS Family First Art Competition celebrates strong home-school partnerships. A shining example is Anureema Sinha, Grade 6J, who created a winning masterpiece in the Under-13 category. Her vibrant canvas, depicting a family tree inspired by May’s Leadership Gemstone — Aquamarine, symbolising Adaptability — was a touching representation of how families grow, evolve, and are grounded in love. In May this year, the school won the Overall Championship at Meraki’25, held at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai.

Under the theme Where Media Meets Creativity, students showcased their teamwork across a variety of creative categories, including sustainable fashion, mad ads, reels, memes, music spoofs, and mobile journalism. Asma Gilani sums up: “When creativity becomes a way of being, learning transforms from routine to revelation. At Our Own, we honour every voice, every spark, every story. We are building not just achievers, but artists of life — resilient, expressive, and ready to lead with empathy.”