June 10^th 2002

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

RE:  Reference for Bala Swaminathan

Bala Swaminathan joined Emirates International School as a full-time High School Physics teacher in 1994.  Mr. Swaminathan took responsibility for teaching Physics to IGCSE level and IB level in one of the largest departments in this school.  Bala has taught a very successful course where our IGCSE and IB pass rates have quadrupled in five years and currently stands at 65 students graduating per year, a large majority of them having taken Physics.

Bala was one of two members of staff out of over 200 who initiated a Science website for his students which allowed our students and their parents to be provided with up to the minute curriculum information and help.  He also was the GCSE Coordinator, served as a member of the Pastoral Committee and presented two successful Staff Development presentations titled "Square Peg in a Round Hole" and "Development of Whiteboard and Online Instruction Based on Theories of Learning".

Emirates International School is a large progressive International School of 1750 students from KG1-Grade 12.  The school has impressive facilities and specifically in the Science Block has seven fully equipped laboratories.  We have over 80 nationalities of students and 24 nationalities of fully qualified staff.  We are also an accredited school with the Middle States Association (USA).

One thing you will notice about Bala is his bright enthusiastic personality, which he uses to enthuse his students to obtain the best academic performances possible.  He has excellent working relations with other staff members and with parents and students alike.

We wish Bala all the best for the future.  I would unreservedly recommend Mr. Bala Swaminathan for any position for which he qualifies.