Farah Darazi

PYP Coordinator & Vice Principal - Advanced Learning Schools

I am an experienced educator and educational leader with over 20 years of experience in international education. Originally from Lebanon and currently based in Saudi Arabia, I have dedicated my career to teaching, curriculum development, and school leadership within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.

I have served as a Grade Five homeroom teacher, pedagogical leader, and PYP Coordinator at Houssam Eddine Hariri High School, and I am an active member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN). Throughout my professional journey, I have worked as a bilingual (Arabic–English) PYP workshop leader, IBED workshop leader, participated in IB school visits as a team member, taken on the role of Programme Leader, and previously co-chaired the IB World School Association in Lebanon.

Currently, I hold the positions of PYP Coordinator and Vice Principal at Advanced Learning Schools in Riyadh, and I serve as the PYP Representative in the Saudi IB School Association. I am passionate about empowering educators, fostering collaboration, and promoting high-quality, student-centered learning experiences through professional development and shared best practices.

Speaker Sessions

Leaders in Education 1499

Sep 29 2026 | 4:05pm - 5pm

Building Strong Foundations: Early Childhood Education Excellence in the Saudi Context

Session Summary:

Early childhood education serves as the cornerstone of lifelong learning, shaping cognitive, social, and emotional development during the most critical years of human growth. This session explores evidence-based approaches to early childhood education that align with Saudi Vision 2030's commitment to educational excellence and cultural values. Participants will discover how to create developmentally appropriate learning environments that honour Saudi heritage while preparing young learners for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The session emphasises practical strategies for implementing play-based learning, fostering Arabic language development, and building strong partnerships between families, educators, and communities. Join this session to:

• Learn to create developmentally appropriate educational settings that integrate Saudi cultural values, Islamic principles, and Arabic language development while incorporating international best practices in early childhood education

• Discover how to apply play-based learning, inquiry-driven exploration, and social-emotional learning frameworks that support holistic child development and prepare students for future academic success aligned with Vision 2030 goals

• Explore strategies for engaging families and communities as active partners in early childhood education, creating supportive networks that extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen cultural identity while promoting educational excellence

Speakers

Maryum Nawaz | Partnership Development Manager MENA - FinlandWay Preschools
Sabine ElArissy | PYP Coordinator - Etqan Global Academy - A Nord Anglia School
Farah Darazi | PYP Coordinator & Vice Principal - Advanced Learning Schools
Shahad Obaid | Assistant Head Primary - Student Experience and Progress - Beechhall School Riyadh
Tracy Austin | Founder and Headteacher - Phileas Fox Nursery School / Academy Nursery School
Jennifer Mayorga | Elementary School Teacher - American Schools Dhahran (International Schools Group)
Adila Naidoo | Assistant Head of Primary & Academics - Beech Hall School Riyadh
Maisa Almatrafi | Early Childhood Educator KAUST Section - Building Blocks School
Maria Johnson | Teacher/Owner/Manager - Little School, New Zealand