Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), a leading IB school located in Al Jadaf, has unveiled Le Jardin Suisse, a beautifully designed green space that merges Swiss-inspired elements with sustainability and hands-on learning. As part of the school’s commitment to fostering a holistic education, this new garden area at the multiple award-winning school is more than just a place to grow plants – it is more akin to an interactive outdoor classroom where students can engage in inquiry-based learning, deepen their connection with nature, and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
Rooted [HP1] in SISD’s Swiss heritage, Le Jardin Suisse is a celebration of both natural beauty and educational innovation. The garden’s design, created in collaboration with Al Barari, reflects some of the key principles of Swiss environmentalism – precision, sustainability, and harmony with the natural world – while also adapting to Dubai’s unique climate.
Featuring a dedicated learning zone with wooden tables and benches, a Zen walkway for mindfulness, a herb and vegetable planting area, a composting corner and a carefully curated selection of trees, the space provides a beautiful new sanctuary for students to explore, discover, and reflect.
A Living Classroom Aligned with the IB Curriculum
More than just a recreational area, Le Jardin Suisse is deeply integrated into SISD’s International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, reinforcing key concepts in science, environmental studies and social responsibility.
The IB framework emphasises inquiry-based learning, and the garden offers students the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiments, observe plant life cycles and explore sustainable agriculture techniques firsthand.
Through activities like planting seeds, measuring growth, and keeping nature journals, students can gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems and food production, all while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
With sustainability at the heart of SISD’s educational philosophy, the garden also serves as a model for water conservation and resource management. The school has implemented an efficient irrigation system using underground pipes to minimise water waste, ensuring the garden thrives even in Dubai’s arid climate.
Students across Early Years and Primary are now being actively encouraged to participate in the garden’s upkeep through ‘Green Teams’ and gardening clubs, with additional support from SISD staff and a dedicated head gardener.
The special new space will also be used for lessons and extracurricular activities, ensuring the garden remains a dynamic learning hub throughout the school year. Beyond scientific exploration, the garden offers opportunities for creative expression, mindfulness and interdisciplinary learning, as students can use it as inspiration for art, writing and storytelling.
Community Involvement and a Growing Vision for the Future
The launch of Le Jardin Suisse has been pioneered by Ms Gullrukh Rafiq, SISD’s Student Enrichment lead and Assistant Head of Primary. She commented, “The establishment of Le Jardin Suisse has been a collaborative effort, reflecting SISD’s commitment to supporting strong ties with its community. Parents and students played a key role in shaping the garden’s identity, with the school hosting a naming competition that allowed families to suggest ideas for the space. As the project evolves, we plan to expand community involvement by inviting parents and local volunteers to take part in morning gardening sessions, composting initiatives, and general maintenance activities.”
This inclusive approach aligns with SISD’s broader vision of sustainability and global citizenship, encouraging students to recognise their role in preserving the environment for future generations. The long-term goal is to introduce edible education programmes, allowing students to harvest and use fresh produce in their learning experiences. From growing tomatoes and herbs to exploring food security and nutrition, the garden will continue to serve as an evolving educational resource.
Ms Rafiq believes Le Jardin Suisse represents an important step forward in SISD’s mission to provide an education that extends beyond the classroom. “Our new garden is a space where students can learn, reflect, and develop a deeper connection with the environment. It brings sustainability to life in a tangible way and gives our students an opportunity to understand the natural world through hands-on experiences. We hope it will inspire them to become responsible global citizens who recognise and understand the importance of protecting and nurturing our planet.”
As part of the Nord Anglia Education group, SISD is dedicated to pioneering innovative learning spaces that encourage curiosity and creativity.
