At Durham School Dubai, recognised widely as the Best British school in Dubai, education is more than a structured curriculum — it is a purposeful journey that nurtures imagination, expression and individual growth. Our Year 3 pupils recently embarked on a vibrant creative experience inspired by Pablo Picasso’s Cubist art movement. Through this artistic exploration, students discovered how creativity blends with critical thinking, cultural understanding and personal expression, perfectly reflecting our school’s mission to develop confident, well-rounded learners.
Encouraging Holistic Development at the Best British School in UAE
As the Best British school in UAE, Durham School Dubai remains committed to embedding creativity into everyday learning. Our Picasso-inspired art activity demonstrated how creative projects enrich emotional, cognitive and social development. Pupils experimented with geometric shapes, bold colours and asymmetrical designs to create expressive Cubist portraits. This hands-on artistic journey offered far more than drawing; it empowered children to analyse perspectives, explore emotions through colour, and communicate ideas visually. Such experiences highlight why schools with strong British values place emphasis on creativity as a fundamental aspect of holistic education.
Innovative Classroom Experiences at a Top British School in Dubai
Durham School Dubai is celebrated as a Top British School in Dubai because of its dedication to meaningful, engaging learning experiences. The Picasso art project exemplifies how we encourage students to step beyond traditional methods and embrace artistic risks. Pupils learned to deconstruct familiar shapes, reinterpret facial features and combine multiple viewpoints into one imaginative artwork. This process nurtures flexible thinking — a key strength of British-style education. By motivating students to innovate rather than imitate, we ensure they grow as confident thinkers ready to navigate both academic and creative challenges.
A Strong Foundation Through British Curriculum Schools in Dubai
Among British curriculum schools in Dubai, Durham School Dubai stands out for integrating artistic exploration seamlessly into the academic structure. The British curriculum emphasises a balanced, well-rounded approach, where creative subjects play a vital role in developing analytical, linguistic and emotional intelligence. Through their Cubist portraits, Year 3 pupils applied mathematical understanding of shapes, strengthened fine motor coordination and expanded vocabulary related to colours, shading and artistic expression. This interconnected learning reflects the strength of the British educational model, where creativity and academics support one another to build deeper understanding.

Global Awareness at a Top British International School Dubai
As a leading Top British international school Dubai, Durham School Dubai encourages students to appreciate diverse cultures, artistic traditions and global perspectives. Learning about Picasso introduces children to a significant movement in art history while demonstrating how creativity evolves across time and place. Pupils discussed how Cubism challenged traditional artistic rules and explored the concept of viewing the world through multiple angles. This exposure to international art inspires curiosity and cultural awareness — essential skills for young learners preparing to thrive in a globally connected society.
Personal Growth and Expression at a Top British School in UAE
Durham School Dubai embodies the values of a Top British School in UAE by creating an environment where every child feels safe to express individuality. The Picasso activity allowed each pupil to interpret Cubism in a personal way — some used bright, energetic colours, while others chose softer tones to convey calmness or introspection. Teachers guided students through reflective conversations about the emotions represented in their artwork. This personalised expression builds resilience, self-awareness and confidence, nurturing students who not only excel academically but also understand themselves more deeply.
Preparing Learners for a Bright Future
Through creative exploration, cultural learning and academic excellence, Durham School Dubai prepares pupils to become independent thinkers and future-ready global citizens. The Picasso-inspired project is just one example of how our school blends tradition with innovation, ensuring children develop not only strong academic foundations but also imagination, confidence and a lifelong love for learning.
Conclusion
Durham School Dubai, proudly recognised as the Best British school in Dubai, continues to inspire students through meaningful, creative and intellectually rich learning experiences. The Year 3 Picasso Cubism project demonstrates how art can spark curiosity, build emotional intelligence and strengthen academic skills. With a nurturing environment, a dynamic British curriculum and a commitment to holistic education, we empower every child to discover their potential and express their unique voice. Through creativity, culture and character development, we prepare our pupils for an exciting and successful future.