Introduction
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), established in 2019, represents a pioneering educational institution in the UAE dedicated to the performing arts. Under the visionary leadership of Executive Director Professor Peter Barlow, SPAA has rapidly emerged as a centre of excellence for theatre, production, musical theatre and dance education in the Middle East.
Here we explore how SPAA’s strategic partnership with Advance HE has revolutionised teaching and learning practices within the academy, particularly through the Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (CLTHE) programme and Fellowship recognition scheme.
The unique context of SPAA
SPAA operates in a distinctive educational landscape. Located in Sharjah, one of the UAE’s cultural capitals, the academy serves as a bridge between Western performing arts traditions and Middle Eastern cultural contexts. What sets SPAA apart from many traditional higher education institutions is its faculty composition – the majority of teaching staff come from professional performance and production backgrounds rather than conventional academic pathways.
These industry professionals bring invaluable real-world expertise and artistic excellence to the classroom. However, many arrived with limited formal pedagogical training. This created both a challenge and an opportunity: how could SPAA harness the extraordinary professional knowledge of its faculty while developing their capabilities as educators?
Working in partnership with Advance HE
Recognising this unique challenge, Professor Peter Barlow made the strategic decision to invest in teaching excellence through a partnership with Advance HE. The collaboration focused on implementing two key initiatives:
- Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (CLTHE): A structured program designed to develop pedagogical skills among faculty members
- Fellowship Recognition Scheme: A pathway for professional recognition of teaching practice aligned with the Professional Standards Framework
The partnership was carefully tailored to address SPAA’s specific context, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of faculty members and the specialised nature of performing arts education.
Faculty transformation journey
The faculty at SPAA embarked on a transformative journey through the CLTHE programme. For many, this represented their first formal engagement with pedagogical theory and practice. The programme’s structure allowed for:
- Exploration of learning theories within a performing arts context
- Development of assessment strategies appropriate for creative disciplines
- Integration of reflective practice into teaching approaches
- Creation of inclusive learning environments that honour diverse cultural backgrounds
Coming from a professional theatre background, I knew how to perform, but teaching required a different skillset. The CLTHE programme helped me translate my artistic knowledge into effective learning experiences for my students.”
SPAA acting tutor
The programme validated my industry experience while providing new frameworks to structure my teaching. I now approach my classes with both artistic intuition and pedagogical intention.”
Production faculty member
Measurable impact
The collaboration between SPAA and Advance HE has yielded remarkable results:
- Fellowship Recognition: Over 60% of SPAA’s faculty have achieved Fellowship status, with attainment at Senior and Principal Fellowship
- Pedagogical Innovation: Implementation of new teaching methodologies specifically tailored to performing arts education
- Student Satisfaction: Significant improvement in student feedback scores regarding teaching quality
- Curriculum Development: Enhanced programme design incorporating research-informed teaching approaches
- Professional Identity: a stronger sense of academic identity among faculty from industry backgrounds.
Cultural sensitivity and contextual adaptation
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the collaboration has been the contextual adaptation of Advance HE frameworks to SPAA’s unique cultural setting. The partnership acknowledged the need to respect local cultural values while implementing international educational standards.
Through careful negotiation of these cultural dynamics, SPAA has developed a pedagogical approach that honours both global best practices and regional sensitivities. This balanced approach has positioned SPAA as a model for other specialised arts institutions in culturally diverse settings.
Leadership Vision: Professor Peter Barlow’s Commitment
The success of this initiative can be largely attributed to the visionary leadership of SPAA’s Executive Director, Professor Peter Barlow. His unwavering commitment to teaching excellence has been the driving force behind the partnership with Advance HE.
Professor Barlow’s investment in faculty development reflects his understanding that artistic excellence and pedagogical effectiveness must go hand in hand. By prioritising teaching development alongside artistic achievement, he has created an institutional culture where education is valued as highly as performance.
As one faculty member noted: “Professor Barlow doesn’t just talk about teaching excellence—he invests in it. His support for our development through the Advance HE partnership shows that he truly values education as central to SPAA’s mission.”
A model for specialised education
The SPAA-Advance HE collaboration provides a compelling model for specialised educational institutions, particularly those in the creative arts sector. It demonstrates how industry expertise can be successfully integrated with educational best practices to create truly transformative learning experiences.
Through this partnership, SPAA has not only enhanced its teaching and learning capabilities but has also contributed to the broader conversation about what constitutes excellence in performing arts education. The academy now stands as a testament to how strategic investment in teaching development can elevate an institution’s educational impact.
As SPAA continues to evolve, the foundation established through the Advance HE partnership will undoubtedly support further innovation in performing arts education—creating new possibilities for students, faculty, and the broader cultural landscape of the UAE and beyond.
Our partnership with SPAA has its roots in a shared vision for teaching excellence – recognising that highly motivated and rewarded teachers, committed to continuous improvement, and with strategic direction, leads to great student experiences and outcomes. “It’s in no small part that Professor Peter Barlow’s leadership has been instrumental in SPAA embracing Fellowship, the Professional Standards Framework and Advance HE membership. His energy and that of his team has been inspiring. Not only has SPAA engaged with our programmes, but they have also achieved Fellowships and contributed to our global community of practice through our grant-funding awards. “We look forward to working alongside SPAA as they deliver their strategies and their outstanding offer to their students.”
Kristian Rumble, Advance HE Head of Partnerships (MENA)
Advance HE Fellowship
Advance HE Fellowship demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and provides recognition of practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning.
Fellowships are embedded in the UK and have been adopted by increasing numbers of higher education institutions globally.
Our Festival of Fellowship celebrates the year in which Advance HE has met several significant Fellowship milestones, including 2,000 Principal Fellows, 200,000 Fellows, 25,000 Senior Fellows and 50,000 Associate Fellows.
