Education UAE - Issue 12

CHOOSING A NURSERY, HOW TO START THE PROCESS

DECEMBER 2022

CAMPING: WHERE TO GO WITH YOUR FAMILY

INSIGHTS ON THE APPLICATION OF METAVERSE IN EDUCATION

A NEW ERA IN EDUCATION?

It is naive to think that the widely diverse global challenges concerning the future can be addressed by mere tinkering with the present educational system. The oft-heard claim that children at school today are being trained for jobs that do not even exist yet is, to a degree, true, but then it’s always been true. Could a student have guessed in the 1970s, sitting in class with his slide rule and calculator, that he would be programming computers in the future? No, the job simply didn’t exist. Personal computers didn’t exist. It was a different world, just as in 10, 20, 30 years it will be different again. So, the idea that we live in a unique era is wrong – we just live in a different era. It is an era, though, that schools are responding to in a variety of innovative and exciting ways. In ‘New Schools, New Ideas’ in this issue of Education UAE, we home in on the fresh concepts that these establishments are bringing to the world of education, with several clearly pushing back boundaries to provide children with a relevant, inclusive, and just plain more interesting mode of learning. Of course, it is not only the learning aspect that schools have to consider in an age where people are being put under increasing pressure to succeed, including school children. Mental health is, at last, taking its place at the forefront of considerations in the nation’s schools. With this in mind, we talk to Dr Lynda Hyland, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Head of the Careers and Employability Department at Middlesex University Dubai. This is an important and timely feature, and I would urge everyone to read it. Naturally, as we hit the festive season, it’s not all academics and health; we go camping in the UAE, look at the latest craze to hit Dubai, Padel Tennis, and delve into the world of Lego® and its growing influence in education. There’s much more to enjoy too, so grab a mince pie, sit down, and feast on this Christmas issue of Education UAE!

Rod Millington Editor-in-Chief

Complimentary Copy

TEAM

Belinda Breeze

Daniel Murad

Laura Wojciechowski

Leah De La Hunty

Rod Millington

Zarna Sanghavi

CONTACT

educationuae@tpg.media www.education-uae.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

@educationuaemag

@educationuaemag @education-uae

Rod Millington has been active in the commercial writing sector for over 30 years, with work published throughout Europe, North America, the Far East, and the Middle East. During this time, he has had the privilege to speak to a wide range of fascinating and entrepreneurial people, from captains of industry through to pop icons such as Sir Paul McCartney. In total, Rod has had over 25 million words committed to print across more than 35 publications for clients as diverse as FIFA, Cunard, Virgin Atlantic Airlines, and Dubai Municipality.

ADEK

ADEK AWARDS ABU DHABI’S EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATORS ON WORLD TEACHER’S DAY 2022

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) marked World Teachers Day 2022 by honouring three exceptional teachers for their dedication and contribution to the profession. This took place in a trio of surprise award ceremonies that were organised at the individual schools.

Selected for their remarkable contribution and passion, this year’s winners of the World Teachers Day Awards 2022 were Greeshma Rajesh Anil Kumar from Mayoor Private School, Daniel Stephen Emery from The British School Al Khubairat, and Suneela Bukhari Salman Chaudhry from Islamiya English School Abu Dhabi. ADEK representatives were joined by school leaders, colleagues, and students to celebrate the remarkable work of the winning teachers throughout the past year.

Commenting on her success, computer science teacher Greeshma Rajesh Anil Kumar said: “This is a great day for me. I feel extremely happy and proud of this recognition, which I did not expect. I would like to thank our school principal and all my colleagues for the great support they have given me throughout my teaching journey. My advice to young teachers is to believe in themselves and their ability to excel; if I can win this recognition, then anyone can!”

Art teacher Daniel Stephen Emery was another who was shocked to receive the award: “I am happy and shocked, as this is the first time I have got this kind of

recognition. While I am lucky to have been recognised, I believe that I only represent our school culture and the people I work with, so this is for everyone at our school.”

Finally, English language teacher Suneela Bukhari Salman Chaudhry, who was elated with the award, said:

“I am thrilled and overwhelmed, yet I am humbled to be chosen as one of the winning teachers. I am grateful to Allah and our headmistress who has been a true mentor and source of support throughout my time with the school.”

The winners were surprised at their schools with student testimonials, a presentation of prizes, and a trophy

My advice to young teachers is to believe in themselves and their ability to excel

SPEA

AUTHORITIES IN SHARJAH PROHIBIT FAILING SCHOOLS FROM ADMITTING NEW STUDENTS

Sharjah’s weak or very weak-rated private schools will no longer be able to accept new students. The schools will receive their rankings after Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) conducts inspections, which began on 16 October and last until March 2023. They will be evaluated based on how effectively they will perform in areas such as curricula, teaching evaluations, leadership, student accomplishment, wellbeing, and protection.

Each school will host SPEA experts for four days as part of the evaluation process, and schools could also face administrative penalties if they fail to improve. These include not being able to increase fees and being forbidden from putting into action expansion plans until they progress their performance and ranking.

For schools with a good rating, the evaluation will take place every two years, and for those with an excellent or very good rating, it will take place every four years.

The data will be made available to parents, according to SPEA Director Ali Hosani, to assist them in making informed judgments when selecting schools for their children. “A transparent, detailed, and comprehensive assessment of the performance and quality of education in the emirate’s private schools will be provided to help parents make appropriate decisions when choosing their children’s schools. Ten new private schools that opened last year in Sharjah will not be subjected to the assessment process.”

The assessments, which have been warmly welcomed throughout Sharjah, will need to take into account all of the different curricula, fees, education methods, and cultural backgrounds of staff, students, and parents.

Ibrahim Barakeh, Director of Al Shola Schools Group, which runs five schools in Sharjah and Ajman, commented: “We certainly agree on the goal of the evaluation process, which is to raise the quality of education. But we have reservations about the method and assessment tools.”

Only time will tell, but everyone agrees that this is a very positive step forward by SPEA.

Each school will host SPEA experts for four days as part of the evaluation process

The data will be made available to parents to assist them in making informed judgments when selecting schools for their children

 Ali Hosani, SPEA Director

 Ibrahim Barakeh, Director of Al Shola Schools Group

NEW GUIDING FRAMEWORK TO PRIORITISE AND IMPROVE WELLBEING AT DUBAI’S PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Wellbeing Matters, a new guiding framework for Dubai private schools, will give parents, teachers, and students a shared understanding of what wellbeing looks like in schools, and how it can be improved.

Based on international wellbeing research and policies, and schools’ existing wellbeing data, the framework will set standards and enable greater improvement of wellbeing provision over time.

The guiding framework includes specific focus areas on which schools will be evaluated, such as how well schools are leading a wellbeing culture; how well they are listening to the needs of their students and staff members; and how well they are creating policies and processes to improve student wellbeing.

Fatma Belrehif, CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, said: “Building on the legacy and the data provided by the five-year Dubai Student Wellbeing Census, many schools have already incorporated the values of wellbeing into their culture and practices.

“This framework represents the next stage of our wellbeing journey, enabling us to work more closely with schools, teachers, and parents to ensure better learning outcomes and happier, healthier futures for our children. We appreciate the insights of all the school leaders who worked with us to develop the framework.”

International research points to wellbeing as an enabler of improved educational outcomes, enabling students to have more positive experiences of school; higher levels of selfesteem; and increased motivation.

W���B���G matters

The Dubai Student Wellbeing Census, conducted annually for the past five years, involves more than 100,000 students and comprises one of the world’s largest and most culturally diverse data sets on student wellbeing. Schools received customised data reports, enabling them to initiate policies as well as track and improve their students’ wellbeing over time.

The Government of Dubai has consistently promoted wellbeing in

education through its strategic plans as a means to building connected communities and thriving residents.

The results of each school’s wellbeing evaluation will be published with its inspection report and parent summary report, due to be released in 2023.

Wellbeing Matters: A guiding framework for the monitoring and improvement of wellbeing in Dubai private schools is now available on the KHDA website.

The Dubai Student Wellbeing Census, conducted annually for five years, involved more than 100,000 students

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Taking account of wellbeing evaluation focus areas, school leaders should be mindful of five guiding principles as they work to develop further the quality of wellbeing provision and outcomes in their school communities:

WELLBEING EVALUATION AREAS

The wellbeing evaluation focus areas take account of the multidimensional approach to wellbeing development. Informed though theoretical models, student wellbeing data, international research, and wellbeing frameworks globally, they guide the direction for the school’s wellbeing journey and provide the focus for monitoring and evaluation.

LEADING AND PURSUING WELLBEING

Setting and pursuing a wellbeing vision

Sustaining and embedding improvement

To read the framework - click here

KHDA PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN DUBAI 2022-2023

MORE THAN 326,000 STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN DUBAI’S PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AN INCREASE OF 4.5% FROM THE END OF THE 2021/22 ACADEMIC YEAR IN JUNE TO THE START OF THE 2022/23 ACADEMIC YEAR IN SEPTEMBER.

The continued growth of Dubai’s private school sector is testament to the world-class teaching and learning taking place at schools across Dubai every day; to Dubai’s ability to continue to attract families to live and work; to transparent regulations; and to our community’s commitment to high-quality education.

As well as data on curricula, teachers and Emirati students, the infographic also includes the name of the flower that students are most commonly named after – can you guess what it is? Download and find out!

216 SCHOOLS

in luding 4 NEW s hools in 2022/23

32,327

Emirati Students

418 Students of Determination

an 2,800 students are named after flowers!

REWARD SYSTEM TO HONOUR TOP HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DUBAI

WHAT IS THE REWARDS SCHEME?

His Highness

Sheikh Hamdan bin

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has announced a reward scheme to recognise Dubai’s highest-performing secondary school students in specific curricula and provide them with financial rewards and academic sponsorship. The initiative aims to meet the demands of Dubai’s future job market by recognising and incentivising the emirate’s top students. The initiative also supports the UAE’s goal of supporting Emirati development and maximising Emiratisation rates.

The new scheme supports the approach adopted by His Highness

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in honouring top high school students across the country. It also aims to highlight students’ specific talents and competencies, and guide them to contribute towards futurefocused sectors of the economy.

WHICH CURRICULA ARE INCLUDED IN THIS SCHEME?

Curricula included in the reward scheme are UAE Ministry of Education, US (AP), UK (AS and A levels) and International Baccalaureate. To be eligible, students must have graduated from school in the 2020/21 academic year.

HOW WILL HIGH PERFORMING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS BE IDENTIFIED ACROSS DIFFERENT CURRICULA?

KHDA coordinates with private schools in Dubai to identify the top performing students across all included international curricula using tariff point weighting.

Based on international best practices, the system calculates students’ assessment results submitted by their schools and provides scores across the curricula. Scores are calculated separately by the Ministry of Education for schools offering the MoE curriculum.

For more information about the tariff points weighting, please visit this link.

WHAT ARE THE REWARDS AND INCENTIVES THAT THE HIGHEST- PERFORMING STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE?

The scheme will include financial rewards for students, as well as academic scholarships for Emiratis at universities at home and abroad. Expatriate students will receive discounts at international university branches in Dubai and will be granted priority in receiving golden visas for themselves and their families.

The Dubai Student Wellbeing Census, conducted annually for five years, involved more than 100,000 students

The scheme will include financial rewards for students

ABU DHABI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE (ADEK) CONGRATULATES THE NINE TEAMS WHO REPRESENTED THE UAE IN THE WORLD ROBOT OLYMPIAD 2022 FINAL

The event was held between 17th and 19th November in Dortmund Germany under the theme ‘My Robot, My Friend’.

The annual competition aims to enhance students’ STEM skills, creativity, and problem-solving, inspiring a future generation of scientists, engineers, and inventors from around the world.

The UAE teams competed against the international teams that represent 73 countries in the international competition to showcase various ways of how robots can interact with and help humans. The nine UAE teams, selected following the national qualifier stage hosted by ADEK, took part in the world final across four categories: Future Innovators, Future Engineers, RoboMission, and RoboSports.

Future Innovators Category: all UAE participating teams won silver medals for their efforts and achievements.

 The UAE Future Coders team won 7th place in the elementary subcategory for their healthcare robot.

 The Pioneers team won 8th place in the junior sub-category for their sensory robot.

 The Smart Emergency Team won 10th place in the senior sub-category for their Smart Emergency Station

Future Engineers Category:

 The Apollo team won 6th place for their autonomous robot.

UAE

represented the UAE in WRO International Final 2022

RoboMission Category: all UAE participating teams won bronze medals for their efforts and achievements.

 The Storm Troopers team in the elementary sub-category.

 The RBH Junior Team in the junior sub-category.

 The Khorfakkan Robomission team in the senior sub-category

 The Team Azza in the senior sub-category

RoboSports Category:

 The Digital Robot team came in 23rd place for their autonomous robots in the robot tennis challenge playing doubles in a match against other teams.

The UAE participation in the World Robot Olympiad International 2022 Final was not limited to its talented teams as ADEK’s Klaithem Alneyadi who served as a head judge at the international event for the fourth year.

“This year’s competition was especially unique for our team, as it came after two years of online participation,” said Alneyadi. “We are proud of our teams and their great achievements across all categories. Their performance at

the qualifier and international event is a testament of our joint efforts in promoting STEM skills, robotics, AI, and coding among young generations. The innovative skills and creativity that our teams showed encourages us to support more students to realize their full potential in these areas of knowledge.”

UAE represented among head judges committee

Fatima Al Zaabi, WRO Program Manager at ADEK also added “We are proud of the ongoing success that our UAE teams continue to achieve at the World Robot Olympiad finals. The great turnout that we see every year in the national qualifier is translated into the remarkable successes that our teams achieve in the international event. We are looking forward for more successes in next year’s competition”

For the 14th year in a row, ADEK led the UAE participation in WRO, starting with the national qualifiers where ADEK invited all public, private, and charter schools, as well as universities, to take part in the UAE qualifiers. The national qualifiers saw the participation of 1,800 students across 512 teams including 402 teams from public and private schools, 34 teams from charter schools, and 76 teams from other institutions such as universities, centers and companies.

Nine

teams

LEARNERS OPEN DAYS AT CITIZENS

MAKE A NOTE OF 13 AND 27 JANUARY IN YOUR DIARY, FOR THESE ARE THE DAYS THAT YOUR CHILD CAN EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CITIZENS LEARNER!

Your child will be a ‘Citizen’ for the morning and will join in the lessons alongside the school’s current learners. Find out exactly what makes Citizens School unique and how its learners are embracing opportunities of the future with the skills and experience they gain at Citizens School.

Parents will get to take a tour of the school, meet the Senior Leadership Team, and ask any questions they may have about Citizens or Dubai’s education system in general.

Citizens School is a newly opened school in Dubai that reimagines traditional education and challenges the conventional. Citizens is modernising the way in which education is served to children by fostering creative

Citizens School has created a bespoke framework called the Citizens Future Framework

thinking, equipping children to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, and uniquely meeting children’s wellbeing and educational needs.

Using the British National Curriculum as a foundation framework, Citizens School has created a bespoke framework called the Citizens Future Framework. This enhanced educational philosophy includes themes such as wellbeing, entrepreneurship,

sustainability, and creativity, and forms the culture of the school.

If you are looking for a school that will prepare your child for the future and gives them a head start in life, this event is for you.

There’ll be plenty of time to discuss and ask questions about any topic you are interested in and find out about the special offer for founding families – 20% off on all school fees.

To find out more about more, visit Citizens School now!

EDUCATION SAUDI LAUNCHES AT GESS 2022

GESS Dubai, the Middle East’s biggest education conference and exhibition, concluded its 15th edition with a bang, having welcomed thousands of guests, over 300 sponsors and exhibitors, and 200+ speakers over its three-day run. Included in the celebrations was news of the launch of Education Saudi, the new stablemate of Education UAE, which was present at GESS, represented by Partner and Media Director, Laura Wojciechowski.

“We are thrilled to be launching this new publication in Saudi Arabia. With so much construction and development going on at the present time, the Kingdom is seeing an influx of highly skilled ex-pats who are arriving, of course, with their children. This means finding suitable new schools and we will be there to assist parents with vital data and intelligence on all of the leading international schools so that they can make better-informed choices.

The success and popularity of Education UAE and the years of listening to parents and Educators has allowed us at tpg media to refine the platform to give the reader what they want and the Saudi Education sector is now the beneficiary”.

Education Saudi will cover the whole gamut of the education world, from early years through to university, with news, features, and interviews with leading lights in the industry, all presented in an informative yet easy-to-read and fun manner.

The first issue will be out in 2023 with the online soft launch out now at www.education-saudi.com.

Education Saudi will cover the whole gamut of the education world in the Kingdom.

LEGO® SETS: IMAGINE, CREATE, LEARN

WHEN YOU BROWSE THROUGH THE VAST ARRAY OF LEGO® SETS, YOU CAN SEE WHY IT IS SO POPULAR WITH BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS WORLDWIDE. FROM CAR SETS TO DOLLHOUSES, DINOSAURS TO SUPERHEROES, IT’S HARD TO DISCOVER A LEGO SET THAT DOESN’T STIMULATE YOUR CONSTRUCTION, CREATIVITY, IMAGINATION, LEARNING, AND ENDLESS PLAY POSSIBILITIES!

 Jeroen Beijer, General Manager/Vice President - Middle East and Africa at LEGO Group

Education UAE recently had its own adventure when it chatted with Jeroen Beijer, General Manager/Vice PresidentMiddle East and Africa at LEGO Group, first asking him about the company’s Play Well 2022 survey, which yielded some extremely interesting results from both children and their parents.

Education UAE: What were the most fascinating findings from the LEGO Play Well 2022 study, and did you receive any surprises?

Jeroen Beijer: Perhaps not surprising, but certainly a significant finding from the study was that nearly 9 out of 10 children in Saudi Arabia and the UAE stated they wished they could play more with their parents. When this is combined with another finding showing that over 70% of parents feel guilty about spending too much time on their phones and the internet in front of their children, it suggests that we have a tremendous opportunity to spend more

quality time together as a family and break some unhealthy routines.

EdUAE: Did the parents who completed the survey suggest that LEGO was a form of play that they could sometimes join in with? Did it promote fun for the whole family? And do you think this is an important aspect of play?

JB: Whether you are 1 or 99 years old, we know that LEGO Play appeals to children of all ages, abilities, and interests all across the world and may be done alone or with others. We at the LEGO Group want to make sure that everyone who plays with our products has both the joy of building and the pride of creation. We know that playing together makes children feel valued and recognised, and it boosts self-esteem and self-confidence. Unsurprisingly, playing together helps parents connect with their children and favourably influences their child’s personality development. In fact, 93% of parents

in Saudi Arabia and 95% in the UAE believe that play strengthens family bonds.

EdUAE: Mental health problems in children have increased dramatically in recent years, but isn’t play the most natural way of combating stress and anxiety in children?

JB: We live in increasingly busy and often stressful times, and this affects both adults and children.

This LEGO Play Well 2022 study proved that play is a great way for children to shift their focus and mindset.

In our study, 8 in 10 children stated that play helps them switch off and relax after a day at school.

70% of parents feel guilty about spending too much time on their phones and the internet in front of their children

Furthermore, the study found that 95% of parents in Saudi Arabia and 96% of parents in the UAE believe that their family is happier when they play together more. We all know that eating a balanced diet is important for staying healthy, but I feel we should also be more conscious of how we spend our time outside of work/school. We must ensure that our diet includes enough play, as a healthy play diet is an important component of a healthy, happy child and family.

EdUAE: Can a lack of play stunt a child’s social and emotional development?

JB: Multiple studies have confirmed that play is one of the best and most natural ways to learn new skills, and through play, children learn so many critically important things.

Let me illustrate a few:

 Through open-ended and non-scripted play kids learn to use their imagination and creativity to define things that never existed before.

 As kids encounter new challenges, they learn how to solve problems and try different solutions until they find the right one, thus teaching them problemsolving and resilience.

 Through playing with others, kids learn how to collaborate and resolve conflicts as well as appreciate the different inputs and insights other children might have.

 Play also teaches them that it is okay to fail but most importantly you need to keep trying.

At the LEGO Group, we want every child to be prepared for a bright future by giving them plenty of joyful, playful experiences that enable them to thrive now and in the future.

EdUAE: Would you agree with Fred Rogers, the creator, showrunner, and host of the preschool television series Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood, that: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

JB: Yes, I fully agree. Children possess an amazing natural potential to learn and are very curious by nature. Young children also have an imagination and inventiveness that helps them create new ideas and opportunities, as well as a strong motivation to connect and engage with others. Playing, therefore, has a central role in preparing children for challenges in childhood and throughout adulthood.

of play styles and play preferences in children. Some kids prefer making things, while others enjoy role-playing with various characters. The expansion of different themes has enabled us to reach a bigger audience and deliver something of interest to everyone.

EdUAE: How do you see the LEGO brand continuing to grow in the Middle East – as a brand it seems to offer more and more every year, so do you think it can become increasingly important in the education sector?

JB: We are continuing our phenomenal growth journey in the Middle East as more parents and kids are becoming fans of LEGO play. For more than 40 years, LEGO Education has been working with teachers and educational specialists to deliver playful learning experiences that bring subjects to life in the classroom and make learning fun and impactful. We have a wide range of physical and digital educational resources that encourage students to think creatively, reason systematically, and release their potential to shape their own future, building academic and critical 21st-century skills.

EdUAE: Play is the foundation of being a well-functioning human being, and not only in childhood - did you play with LEGO bricks as a child, and do you still ‘have a go’ today? When I visit my granddaughter, I must admit I start building things … even when she’s not there!

As parents, we must take an active role in giving our children these playlearning opportunities and experiences. As a parent, I believe we should all be mindful that our children do not spend an inordinate amount of time online, as watching someone ride a bicycle on YouTube or TikTok does not bring the same learning as attempting to create something yourself.

EdUAE: When I was a child back in the 60s, I had LEGO, but not the vast choice of concepts – such as Harry Potter and Star Wars – that are available today. Do you believe that incorporating movie themes helps children to utilise their imaginations more and assists them in learning faster? I think it would have done with me.

JB: We believe there is no right or wrong way to play, and we observe a wide range

JB: Yes, I grew up with LEGO bricks and, as a child, I loved playing with LEGO City and Space, and at a later stage LEGO Technic. Today, my house is filled with LEGO sets as both my son of 9 and daughter of 11 still love to build and play with them, and with the LEGO Botanical sets, even my wife has caught the LEGO building virus! I hope that at the LEGO Group we continue to inspire children and adults to continue to play because as the LEGO Play Well study shows, it’s a vital ingredient of a happy life!

95% of parents in Saudi Arabia and 96% of parents in the UAE believe that their family is happier when they play together more

In our study, 8 in 10 children stated that play helps them switch off and relax after a day at school

70% of parents feel guilty about spending too much time on their phones and the internet in front of their children

Whether you are 1 or 99 years old, we know that LEGO® Play appeals to children of all ages, abilities, and interests

 Jeroen Beijer, General Manager/ Vice President - Middle East and Africa at LEGO Group

THE IMPORTANCE OF ART IN EARLY YEARS

There is a growing recognition of the value of creative work with early years children, with art not only fun and entertaining but also educational. Education UAE spoke to Sechni Jooma, a teacher at Ladybird Nursery

Al Barsha, one of Dubai’s leading British nurseries for children aged between six months and four years, to get her professional take on giving youngsters the opportunity to become open and expressive.

Education UAE: Why is practicing art important for early learners?

Sechni Jooma: Art encourages creativity and imaginative thinking; it is a natural activity to support free play in children. The freedom to manipulate different materials in an organic and unstructured way allows for exploration and experimentation. Art gives children the ability to express themselves; they can communicate their own emotions, thoughts, and experiences through what they are creating. When you see art created by other children, you are seeing the world through their eyes. When you are creating your own piece of art you are letting others see what you see or feel.

Art allows children to practice a wide range of skills that are useful not only for life but also for learning. Art develops children’s fine motor skills, cognitive development, maths, and language skills. Free play or free expression is also good for overall health and wellbeing. Giving children a creative outlet can help relieve stress and work through things happening in their lives.

EdUAE: How does art impact early learner development?

Sechni: Art aids in physical development, it helps children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, by grasping pencils, crayons, chalk, and paintbrushes, and helps children to develop their fine motor muscles. This development will help children with writing, getting dressed, and other tasks that require controlled movements.

Art aids in cognitive development, as it helps children learn and practice skills such as ‘Patterning’ and ‘Cause and Effect’ (i.e., ‘If I push very hard with a crayon the colour is darker’). They can also practice critical thinking skills by making a mental plan or picture of what they intend to create and following through on their plan.

When you see art created by other children, you are seeing the world through their eyes

Sechni Jooma, is a qualified Cache 3 Early Years Educator who has been working for Ladybird for the last six years. Seshni, a mum of two children of her own, is currently also completing her Cache Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children and Young Peoples Services.

Art helps children develop their maths skills, as well as learning, creating, and beginning to understand concepts such as sizes, shapes, making comparisons, counting, and spatial reasoning. Art also supports the development of children’s language skills, which happens when they describe and share their artwork. You can encourage this development by actively listening and asking open-ended questions in return. It is also a great opportunity to learn new vocabulary with regard to their project (i.e., texture).

Art develops children’s emotions, giving them the chance to express their emotions and feelings. It provides them with a sense of achievement if they are happy with what they are doing and what they have created.

EdUAE: How important is it for their mental and emotional wellbeing?

Sechni: Free play or free expression is good for overall health and wellbeing. Giving children a creative outlet can help relieve stress and work through things happening in their lives - they can express their feelings and emotions through their artwork. It gives children a

sense of achievement and independence when creating something they like and, importantly, what they have chosen. It makes them happy.

EdUAE: When is the right age to introduce art to early learners?

Sechni: You should introduce art to children from around six months to one year. Open-ended toddler art activities provide children with the opportunity to freely explore materials and processes.

then be interested in creating something from what they have chosen. Talk about artwork with children. Take them to galleries or museums to foster their interest in art, read books about art or children doing art. Display their children’s artwork around the house. If they see that you are happy and proud of what they have created, it will encourage them to continue creating, which builds confidence. Encourage children to paint and express themselves freely.

Parents can sit down with their children and paint. Talk about what they are painting and how it makes them feel. Parents can also start an art activity and leave materials next to them for the child to use, as children often mimic what their parents do.

EdUAE: How can parents reinforce the importance of art at home?

Sechni: Parents can create a workspace; select a spot in your home with readily available art materials to allow children to have a dedicated workspace of their own that they can go to whenever they feel like creating something.

Go shopping together for art materials. Let the children be involved in the process, as it is more likely that they will

Art develops children’s fine motor skills, cognitive development, maths, and language skills

Encourage children to paint and express themselves freely

GETTING IT RIGHT WHEN CHOOSING A NURSERY

Concerned about finding the right nursery for your child? How do you choose? What are the best things to look for and how do you know whether the nursery is right for your child? We spoke to Louisa McCormack, Principal at Ladybird Nursery Al Barsha, to find out what you should be looking for, what you should be asking, and how you can support your little ones when you first enrol them.

Once you have decided that it’s time for your child to go to nursery, you have to decide what type of curriculum you are looking for, the distance you are prepared to travel,

and the available budget. “I would be prepared to visit several nurseries before making a final decision. Reach out to the nurseries and arrange tours,” Louisa begins.

“When touring a nursery, look out for the amount of space the children have; this is important. How many different areas of play inside and outside are they able to go to and how often? What facilities do they have for the warmer months when the children are not able to be outside? How happy do the staff look? Are they warm and welcoming? How do they communicate with parents? Ask about the policies and procedures surrounding meal times, behavioural management, and support with potty training.

“I think it’s also very important to ask about the staff ratios in class and the number of children in the classroom per day, as well as the qualifications the teachers and assistants

hold and the annual staff turnover. Certain aspects of nursery life are more important to some than others. For example, a younger child would need to sleep during the day. I would be asking about the sleep room and policy around sleeping. Are they with an adult the whole time? Are they able to sleep when they want to? What is the settling-in policy?”

HAVE I DONE THE RIGHT THING?

Naturally, once a decision has been made, it’s human nature to think, “Have I done the right thing?” “Was that other nursery better?” So how can parents set their minds at rest that they have made the right decision? Louisa suggests that a good indication you have got it right is how supported you feel as a family and how your child settles and responds to the teacher and surroundings whilst they are there. Do the children talk positively about their day when they get home? Are they excited to go back?”

Not everything will run smoothly of course, as Louisa explains: “Transitioning into a nursery can be an unsettling time for both children and their parents, but the children must not feel their parents’ anxieties, as this

Louisa McCormack, Principal of Ladybird Al Barsha, having previously been Deputy Manager of its JVC branch. She is a qualified Early Years Educator and holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health, Social Care, Children, and Young People’s Services.

will make them more anxious. Look out for changes in a child’s routine. Has their sleeping been affected? Do they seem clingier when they get home? Or do they get upset when you leave the room when they didn’t before? Have they started having toileting accidents again? It is very normal for a child to be affected in this way.”

Consequently, it’s very important to support early learners when they start at a new nursery, with honesty being at the top of the list. “Let them know where they are going and for how long,” Louisa advises. “Take the children for a tour of the chosen nursery at least once so they can visualise where they are going and get excited about what

they have seen. Talk positively about the nursery and how excited you are for them that they are going to make lots of friends and enjoy themselves. Show photos of the teacher and assistants so they recognise a face on their first day.”

MAKING THE CHILD AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE

“We have a very gentle transition period at Ladybird, individually tailored to each child. We ask the children to come in every day (even if they are only signed up for two or three days) for short periods of time, increasing the time each day until the child is completely settled. This allows them to build on the understanding that their main carer will come back for them.

“We send lots of literature before a student starts at the nursery explaining our policies and procedures so the parents fully understand what will happen and when. We also ask for lots of information from the carers about the child. We call this the ‘getting to know you’ form. This form gives the

teachers valuable information about the child’s needs and interests so they can plan accordingly to make the child feel as comfortable as possible.

“At Ladybird, we also have an activity at the classroom doors, which allows the children to express how they are feeling as they enter. This allows them to let the teacher know if they are great, good, I’d like to talk, or I’m struggling. It’s all about ensuring that the child knows that they are being listened to, feel comfortable with their teachers, and are given the room and understanding to grow and prosper,” Louisa concludes.

“I think it’s also very important to ask about the staff ratios in class and the number of children in the classroom per day”

“It’s very important to support early learners when they start at a new nursery, with honesty being at the top of the list”

Established: 1981

Curriculum:

Reggio Emilia, UK EYFS, Other

Fees from:

AED40-50k

Age range: 45 days - 3 years+

Location: Villanova Mall, Villanova Community

Jumeirah International Nurseries

JINS provides a child-centered approach to early childhood education with wellbeing at its heart. Our curriculum is based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, along with International Preschool Curriculum, and elements of The Curiosity Approach and Reggio Emilia.

It is enriched further with our ‘Positive Education’ culture to ensure the wellbeing and character and holistic development of every child. As an industry leader with over 40+ years of expertise, JINS has won numerous awards in childcare and early education in Dubai and boosts brain power in children aged 45 days to 5.11 years old (FS1, FS2 and Primary Prep).

WHY CHOOSE JUMEIRAH INTERNATIONAL NURSERIES?

• We’re loved and trusted by parents and have serviced over 12,000+ happy families in the UAE since 1981

• JINS is part of the Fortes Education Group with a rich 40+ year history of excellence & innovation

• We’ve been voted Nursery of the Year Dubai by the Mother, Baby & Child Awards 2021-22

• JINS follows an enriched EYFS British Curriculum with principles from Reggio Emilia and The Curiosity Approach, and is further enhanced with principles of STEAM and Positive Education

• We nurture each child’s unique qualities and potential –through project-based learning and extensive planning and innovative learning programmes such as Brain Gym, Wow Words and Accelerates Maths

OUR FOUNDER

• We have 9 Vibrant Branches located throughout Dubai in the thriving communities of The Greens, Al Safa, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Mirdif, Villanova, Ibn Battuta Mall, JBR and the Palm Jumeirah.

• Our Strong Affiliation with the Top Schools in Dubai (Regent International School, Sunmarke School, Clarion and NLCS) allows for seamless transitions into EYFS and Primary School

• We’re proudly guided by our Master Educators and Dynamic Early Years Leaders

• We boast Highly Qualified & Certified Early Years Practitioners

• JINS offers wrap around care & Flexible Weekly Hours for our families (7:00 am – 6:00 pm, 5 days a week, including Fridays)

Mrs. Mankani is the Founder of Jumeriah International Nurseries (JINS) and has also been instrumental in setting up Fortes Education’s various schools.

Contact us:

+971 4 577 8497

An educator at heart, Mrs. Mankani’s career has spanned teaching positions in the classroom to headship posts. Her guiding principle as an educator has always been to provide children the means to achieve excellence and to realise their full potential. Mrs. Mankani’s wealth of experience has enabled JINS to provide practical solutions to the challenges of delivering, assessing, monitoring, and evaluating early years’ curricula in all our Centres.

Mrs. Mankani works closely with a range of stakeholders (Nursery Managers, Early Years Educators & Practitioners, as well as children and parents) at each nursery and school to craft and implement both development and strategic plans. Mrs. Mankani ensures high standards of student conduct and academic achievement, as well as excellence in curriculum delivery, administration, governance and operations.

Mrs. Shakuntala Mankani, Founder

David Cook, Headmaster at Repton Dubai and Chief Executive Officer for the Repton Family of Schools in the UAE, has trained at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and holds a BA (Hons) in History and an MA in Victorian Literature and History from Birkbeck College, University of London.

INHALE POSSIBILITY, EXHALE CREATIVITY

THE VALUE OF ARTS IN SCHOOLS HAS LONG BEEN A SOURCE OF CONTROVERSY. WHILE SOME BELIEVE IT IS TRIVIAL IN COMPARISON WITH COMMON CORE AND STEM-FOCUSED SUBJECTS, OTHERS CONTEND THAT THE ARTS HAVE INTRINSIC VALUE FOR BOTH EDUCATION AND EVERYDAY LIFE. EDUCATION UAE WAS DELIGHTED TO DISCUSS THIS, AND OTHER IMPORTANT TOPICS, WITH DAVID COOK, CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER OF EXCELLA AND HEADMASTER AT REPTON DUBAI.

“Yes, the arts are being taken more seriously, but your question is still valid,” David begins. “There is a prescriptive curriculum and most schools in the world will prioritise maths, English, the sciences, and a language. And of course, here in the UAE, they have also added Arabic, which is compulsory. So, if you’re not careful, the arts, what people sometimes call the creative subjects, can get squeezed.”

This concerns many people, because the benefits of arts education have been thoroughly researched, and the conclusion is that the arts can teach life skills, inspire students, and allow them to experience the world in a different way.

But as David explains, schools are aware of the importance of the arts and take positive steps to ensure that they remain an essential aspect of the curriculum: “One of the big things we discuss with parents is whether we are producing young people who are consumers or young people who are creatives. Employers tell us that they want creatives. In other words, they want people who are critical thinkers, problem solvers, and collaborators who can create. Therefore, subjects like art, design, coding, and music, which are all by their very nature creative subjects, lend themselves to problem-solving, working in groups, and creativity. So good schools right across the world ensure that there is still a place in the curriculum for all of those subjects.”

BECOMING CONNECTED

Naturally, many youngsters want to emulate their favourite musicians and artists, and this is a good thing, it instils a passion within them. However, not everyone can become a Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, or Khatia Buniatishvili, so do schools need to manage expectations too?

“They do, yes, but it effectively comes down to - and schools do ask this question - at what stage do you allow students to specialise?” David continues. “If you think about traditional schools, they would probably stop art in the second or third form of senior school. At Repton, though, we insist on keeping a broad education for as long as possible. Consequently, art, music, design, coding, and digital studies are compulsory for as long as possible, certainly into Year 8 and Year 9. The reason for this is that to create real interest in these subjects, you have to spend a little time with them: how do you know you’re going to enjoy art if you have never experienced it; how do you know you going to delight in music unless you’ve studied it. So, it’s about a broad curriculum, keeping it compulsory for a little longer.”

Although it is challenging to carve out a successful career in the arts, it is more than possible with talent, desire, and a lot of hard work. So, if a school sees that talent in a student, how do they go about encouraging them?

“Good schools have got subject specialists, and if you have good subject specialists you have passionate people running the departments. But at Repton, we also encourage these specialists to become connected. What I mean by this is not just connecting with other schools but with other organisations. When I was the Headmaster of Merchant Taylors School in Liverpool in the UK, for instance, I ensured that music teachers were connected to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and art teachers had a relationship with Tate Liverpool. We do the same in Dubai.

“Schools are aware of the importance of the arts and take positive steps to ensure that they remain an essential aspect of the curriculum”

There’s Alserkal, the forward-thinking arts and cultural enterprise based here, and our art department is connected to that. That’s just one example, but the mark of a good specialist is not just teaching the subject. They also have to produce opportunities outside of school, and they can only do that if they are connected,” David says.

EVERYONE PARTICIPATES

Sports can be described as another ‘nontraditional’ pathway, with Repton having a fine tradition of encouraging psychical health and wellness. As David explains, though, it’s not all about winning. “Playing sports should be important at all schools, particularly after coming out of a pandemic that has kept everyone couped up inside, spending far too much time communicating via screens and not enough time expending a little bit of pent-up energy.

“The key reason we do sport at Repton is not to win or compete; the main

function is to participate and promote a healthy lifestyle. Most adults stop playing competitive sports by the time they get to university. But the question is, are they still active in their 20s, 30s, and 40s? Are they still reasonably healthy? That’s why I say to my sports heads, the test is not whether the school wins trophies, it’s whether the students are still active at the age of 30.”

This is certainly a common-sense approach, not only for future health but also because not all youngsters enjoy or are good at sports, so pushing them to be competitive can be counter-productive.

“That’s correct,” David continues, “sports are important and for some people, they are the most important thing. But at Repton, we’ve got a sort of hierarchy of what we do in sports and number one is participation, which is why we do something called inter-house.

“Every single pupil is in one of the eight houses – it’s based on Repton UK – and every pupil competes a dozen times against seven other houses, not just in sports competitions but in arts and photography, debating, and many other subjects. This is because we want to give maximum participation to everyone. The best 15% will play netball, football, rugby, or cricket for the school, but we want 100% to participate.”

As with the arts, Repton has links with sports organisations outside of school, such as the Exiles and Hurricanes rugby clubs and the ICC (International Cricket Council), which has its headquarters in Dubai. It’s one big holistic approach to ensuring that young people can, if they wish to and have the ability, excel in their chosen sport or simply stay fit and healthy, while also having some fun.

PREPARING FOR JOBS THAT DON’T YET EXIST

Raise your hand if you’ve heard this before: After finishing their education, students will apply for and take jobs that don’t yet exist. It all sounds a bit counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? How can you prepare someone for something that doesn’t exist? David explains that it’s not so much about ‘individual jobs’ but more about skills that will be in demand across most industries, and which schools can and do teach.

“When talking about preparing for careers that don’t yet exist, people use phrases such as independent thinking, critical thinking, the ability to communicate, and digital skills. In fact, many of these jobs are and will be digital. So, for instance, a good example would be a Tik-Tok influencer or a drone controller, or a telecommunication physician, where you are doing online medical stuff. A lot of it is digital and schools have got to make sure that students have the digital infrastructure. That’s why schools now teach computing or digital studies rather than ITC, as students

“Good schools have got subject specialists, and if you have good subject specialists you have passionate people running the departments”

want to learn how to make an animated film, create a PowerPoint presentation, or use social media effectively.

“I must admit, I’m a bit traditional too, believing that while we need all of these modern technology-based skills, we also need to teach the basics. For example, a number of the top colleges, such as Imperial College London and MIT, and we’ve been sending young people to both for years, want students to have really good maths and physics. And at Repton, we do something called a computer coding club. So we’ve got youngsters

who love coding, and if their maths and physics are good, they have the building blocks in place for a successful higher education and subsequent career if that is their chosen pathway.”

There is no doubt that traditional, time-honoured skills will always be important, no matter how fast technology continues to accelerate and change the world around us. “At some stage, each youngster needs to dissect a frog, or you have the horrendous experience of watching a frog being dissected on an interactive whiteboard.

Frankly, you might as well watch that on YouTube at home. Where’s the learning in that?” David says. “So, the doing, getting your hands-on learning is what’s important, that’s why all of our science lessons at Repton are practical.

“It’s vital that it isn’t just kids watching videos. Unfortunately, a lot of science is taught like that in schools nowadays. Instead, kids should be dissecting sheep’s eyeballs and titrating liquid rather than watching a tutorial of someone else doing it. You can watch someone making a table on a video, or you can get hold

of a plane and gouge some stuff in the wood and learn how to do it and how not to do it. I do think that good schools, and we’re lucky we have the resources at Repton, should get students into a design engineering workshop - we’ve still got drills and lathes here. We have some quite traditional methods, but then we enhance them, asking what can technology do, such as computer-aided

design and 3D printing. So, we still teach those traditional skills, but we then have the facilities to add to them.”

ALLOWING CHILDREN TO BECOME BORED

Most children grow up mentally healthy, but surveys suggest that more children and young people have problems with their mental health. Some experts suggest that this could partly derive from being under too much pressure to succeed, which can lead to a range of symptoms, from reduced self-esteem and anxiety to sleep issues. It’s also worth remembering that piling the pressure on can lead to a student not wishing to participate at all; the pleasure can be taken out of the entire activity.

So, I think social media is both brilliant and a curse.”

MOZART AND MOUNTAINS

Melvyn Bragg, the English broadcaster, author, and parliamentarian, once wrote a book entitled ‘12 Books that Changed the World: How Words and Wisdom have Changed our Lives’, and to conclude, we wondered how not only books but also the other arts, as well as sports, have shaped David Cook’s life?

“Hugely,” David responds instantly. “I’m not a great musician, I’ve played a bit of clarinet, but classical music really moves me. It was my head of music when I was at school who instilled that love into me - basically, good teachers, whatever they do, can instil a passion for their subject and make the enjoyment of it infectious. You can be infectious as a teacher and pass on your enthusiasm to children, and that’s why, sometimes, if I’m listening to Mozart or some other wonderful music, it’s off-the-scale brilliant!

“Whenever people talk about the mental health crisis, there’s no real agreement about why it’s happening, but they do think there are some common factors. Parents can, for instance, if they’re not careful, translate anxiety onto their kids.” Camilla Cavendish, Senior Fellow at Harvard University and former Director of Policy for British Prime Minister David Cameron, talks about the ‘benign neglect’ of our generation of parents, saying that you have to go through boredom into imagination, which I thought was a really interesting idea. You’ve got to allow children to be bored so that they then have to use their imagination. “With modern parenting, if you’re not careful, kids leave school at the end of the day, then straight to Kumon Maths, and then to guitar practice. Basically, the youngster’s play is being organised and I think that can create a lot of anxiety.

“I also think that social media and the whole selfie way of having to look great all the time can become toxic. A lot of social media and overuse of screen time are not helpful for children and there are age recommendations that most parents, sadly, ignore.

“I have a love of reading too, and I like climbing mountains, which I also got from a great guy who taught us Duke of Edinburgh, who took us, 13,14, 15-year-olds, up into the mountains. So, I got my love of mountains from school and I got my love of music from school, and those have been two good places for me to go when I need not just relaxation but inspiration.”

“The key reason we do sport at Repton is not to win or compete; the main function is to participate and promote a healthy lifestyle”

“It’s vital that it isn’t just kids watching videos”

DUBAI HEIGHTS ACADEMY: WHERE EVERY DAY IS AN EXCITING NEW ADVENTURE

‘A UNIQUE SCHOOL’ IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR PHRASES ON THE WEB WITH MORE THAN 176,000 RESULTS! IT’S AN OVERUSED PHRASE, BUT WHEN TALKING ABOUT DUBAI HEIGHTS ACADEMY, IT IS HARD TO STEER AWAY FROM IT, WITH THE SCHOOL TREATING EACH STUDENT AS AN INDIVIDUAL WITH INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, RESULTING IN A CULTURE WHERE STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO FLOURISH IN A CREATIVE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT. EDUCATION UAE SPOKE TO THE SCHOOL’S PRINCIPAL, ALISON LAMB, FIRST ASKING HOW SHE WOULD DESCRIBE DUBAI HEIGHTS ACADEMY TO A PARENT WHO HAS JUST ARRIVED IN THE UAE.

Alison Lamb is a leader with more than 21 years of headship both in the UK and internationally. Her experience of teaching and leadership spans 30 years in early years, primary and secondary and in a wide variety of schools including mainstream and special education; including schools for moderate learning, emotional, behavioural, and medical needs, EAL, private and state, co-educational and single gender.

Alison: Moving to a new country can be a complicated and stressful process and choosing the right school for your child in a brand new environment is probably going to be one of the biggest challenges parents can face. While there are hundreds of schools in the UAE, you are going to want to look for one where you know your child is going to be in great hands; where they feel safe and secure, where they love the environment they learn in, where every day is an exciting new adventure and where everyone is welcome and accepted.

bringing AI technology into our classrooms to develop our students’ literacy and socialemotional skills for both Primary and Secondary.

EdUAE: You have now been at Dubai Heights Academy for a little over three years; what changes or changes of direction have you brought to the school in that time?

Alison: We are extremely proud of maintaining and further embedding our original mission and vision. And this remains unchanged despite the growth and development of the school in the last five years. We haven’t felt the need to ‘change direction’ but it is the nature of school life to be continually improving through ongoing self-evaluation and listening and acting on feedback from external inspection services, parents, students, staff, and governors.

Dubai Heights Academy (DHA) is exactly that. We may only be a small school but that does mean that we have greater capacity to tailor learning to each child, everyone knows everyone, and we look after each other like a family. Our parents frequently comment that one of the things they love the most about us is how we make time to meet and greet them as they arrive at school every single morning. That can be something that is lost when you go to a big school.

Our vision is a school designed around ‘Every Child, Every Mind, Everybody’ and we embrace all students in the fullest sense, catering to those from a wide range of academic abilities thanks to our strong team of academic staff, inclusion specialists, and state-of-the-art facilities, the latter including a dedicated Enrichment Zone, where you will see a climbing wall, ball pit, light sensory room, and many other fun, physically engaging learning spaces.

We draw and build on strong family ties, Islamic values, and deep-rooted heritage to build a vibrant well-knit international community. I am proud to say that this year we have 59 nationalities at DHA - an incredible mix of languages and traditions, making our school a fantastic place to teach children an appreciation for the diversity of cultures around the world.

Moreover, we are a school that is focused on developing knowledgeable and innovative students who can undertake the challenges of whatever the future holds. Our unique collaboration with MIT is a reflection of that. We are the only school in the region with a partnership with MIT,

Dubai Heights Academy has been recognised in the most recent Dubai Schools Inspection as having very strong parental communications and levels of engagement, something we have been striving to be better at, over the last few years.

The core of any school’s success is simple: students must be happy and engaged in their learning and making progress, which is something we now do very well. This was also recognised in our recent inspection. Inspectors said they observed well-behaved and responsible students, who enjoyed excellent relationships with teachers and their peers. Students’ personal and social development, care and support, partnerships with parents and the community, management, staffing, facilities and resources were all described as very good features of the school and we are proud of what we have achieved.

Our vision is a school designed around ‘Every Child, Every Mind, Everybody’ and we embrace all students in the fullest sense

The core of any school’s success is simple: students must be happy and engaged in their learning and making progress

EdUAE: What do you do to make sure that pupils have high expectations of their work and themselves?

Alison: At DHA, we teach about growth mindsets, and we focus on effort as well as excellence. We communicate our high expectations of learning outcomes to our teaching faculty, which then filters down to the students. Teachers are continually providing formative feedback on students’ work so that they know how to improve.

We have meaningful and respectful relationships with our students, which

creates a safe environment to learn and where students are willing to take risks. We know all our students’ capabilities using our assessment data. We also get to know them on a personal level, their hobbies and interests, and each individual’s learning style, so that we can try different motivational strategies. When students face challenges and find things difficult, they are supported and encouraged to try their best. Even if they don’t succeed at first, they will learn that ‘failure’ is an essential element of the learning process.

EdUAE: What kind of pastoral care do you offer at the school?

Alison: Our school is fully inclusive, and our inclusion department is able to support a range of student needs thanks to their extensive combined knowledge and experience. The team includes our Head of Inclusion, Pastoral and Wellbeing, a Deputy Head of Inclusion, and inclusion teachers who all work together to meet the specific needs of our students. Moreover, we are lucky to have our partner, Sensation Station, offering speech, occupational and physical therapy, right here, from within our school facilities during operational hours.

This year we also welcomed a new School Counsellor, who works to support student wellbeing and to help remove any barriers that may exist in relation to academic progress and performance. She works closely with our students to identify their capabilities, capacities, and their interests so that they can continue to develop their social skills, and build self-esteem, confidence and independence with someone they trust and in an environment where they feel safe in.

EdUAE: What values do you bring to the role of Principal? If you overheard colleagues talking about you, what do you think they would say?

Alison: I have spent the last 20 years as a Principal in the Middle East so I bring with me cultural awareness and knowledge of working in an international school. It is important to ensure everyone takes a level of responsibility in establishing and sharing the vision of the school and the importance of this for academic success. To facilitate this, I have given significant focus to developing leadership skills and encouraging collaboration among teachers, staff, students and parents to help build a stronger community.

I am always learning and I feel that I have grown as a Principal over the years. I recognise the benefits of active listening, empowering others, motivating change, and communicating more clearly as these are essential elements of being an effective Principal.

My colleagues are likely to say that I am passionate and dedicated to my work and I am fully committed to the school’s vision, direction, and goals.

As there is a heavy emphasis on problemsolving in this role, I do believe colleagues would say I am a good collaborator and will consider all viewpoints to evaluate creative solutions. Sadly, it’s rarely possible to please everyone and I think colleagues would say I am decisive and will stand by my decisions.

EdUAE: How important is it to be a risk-tasker as a Principal? Can you give an example?

Alison: Principals are often called upon to make decisions and find effective and innovative solutions to problems and risk-taking is an essential skill a good Principal should possess. At DHA, we work collaboratively to assess and minimise risks both operationally as well as academically. As a Principal,

I feel it is important that risk-taking occurs at different levels across the school, and within the classroom as this can lead to inspiring and empowering others, building resilience to failure, and helping students to grow both academically and personally.

EdUAE: What do you do to ensure that your teachers are motivated and happy?

Alison: Being a teacher is an incredible challenge and keeping teachers motivated is an important part of a Principal’s role. We recognise that our teachers go above and beyond to ensure our students receive the best possible school experience. I feel it is important to make myself available through an open-door policy and allow the teachers a voice.

At DHA, we recognise the importance of wellbeing and have implemented a number of initiatives to keep our teachers positive. Feeling valued motivates teachers and small actions such as praise, recognition and small gifts have a big impact on teacher morale. Providing opportunities for professional and personal development is important in maintaining positivity along with encouraging collaboration, as this can reduce workload. Recognising key stress times is important and we ensure deadlines are appropriately scheduled throughout the term to avoid work overload.

At primary school, I was identified as having a talent for sports and I was often selected to play for teams with members older than I was

EdUAE: What role do you feel assessment has in raising achievement in schools?

Alison: Assessments play an essential role in allowing the teachers to track progress, plan next steps, report attainment, and involve students and their parents in the learning journey. Well-designed assessment methods provide valuable information about student learning and inform us of what students have learned, how well they learned it, and where they struggled. Assessment data is analysed to inform teachers in providing more personalised and individualised learning approaches in order to raise achievement.

EdUAE: Did you enjoy going to school? How different do you think your experience was from what the students of Dubai Heights Academy experience today?

Alison: I loved going to school, especially in my upper primary 7-11 years. I enjoyed learning through topicbased projects and preferred activities that were more creative and visual.

I really enjoyed being given extra responsibilities because it helped me develop my self-confidence and leadership skills. At primary school, I was identified as having a talent for sports and I was often selected to play for teams with members older than I was.

My secondary school years were more challenging. I had to work hard to achieve success. Things didn’t come so naturally to me, and I didn’t seem to be able to find a niche or a subject to excel at except sports and performing arts. Students at DHA are very fortunate to learn in a school where there are specialist teachers, resources, and facilities. I never had the opportunity to learn about the technology of the future with MIT and work with specialist sports coaches, as our students do. Neither did I have access to the amazing online learning platforms that I know would have engaged me and enhanced my learning and skill development. My learning experiences were more passive, where students at DHA get the opportunity to

learn through a variety of methods, such as inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, peer-to-peer learning, and e-learning. Put simply, students today are aware of their learning and they learn by doing, rather than being told.

The other major difference I see in school today is the emphasis placed on the care, welfare, and wellbeing of students.

There are so many benefits but first and foremost it is our moral responsibility to nurture those in our care. Overall wellbeing enhances intrinsic motivation, decreases disciplinary issues, increases academic achievement, improves school satisfaction, and leads to the flourishing of individuals and communities. Those who feel better can learn better.

EdUAE: When did you know you wanted to work in the education sector? Who or what has been your biggest motivation?

Alison: I initially wanted to work in the medical field. I was inspired by forensic science after watching TV dramas and following an amazing work experience in a hospital in Newcastle. Sadly, I didn’t achieve the qualifications required to enter into this field of work, so when I left school I initially registered to train as a nurse.

My mother knew me well enough to encourage me into teaching. She was my motivator. I then decided to follow in my mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps to become a teacher and I spent the next four years at Northumbria University studying for a Bachelor’s in Education (Hons) Degree. As soon as I started teacher training, I knew it was the right job for me. Teaching came naturally and for the first time, I was excelling in something and being recognised as a talented and engaging teacher.

Hannah Hall, is pioneer in school social media enhancement and a marketing expert within education. Hannah has a solid understanding of how to market sustainably and how to market sustainability, with the goal of making use of all the tools the digital world has to offer to support meaningful projects striving to make a positive impact. Hannah avidly supports volunteer opportunities and created VollabUAE (Volunteer and Collaborate) in 2020.

SUSTAINABLE MARKETING PART ONE:

HOW TO TELL YOUR STORY

BY HANNAH HALL

Whether it’s changing how you source or activate marketing tasks, there are a huge number of ways school marketers can make their marketing more sustainable. On top of the benefit to the environment, changing practices will also help improve the school’s brand perception as more socially responsible – a key USP for today’s parents. But how do you effectively market sustainability and make ‘sustainable’ more than just a buzzword used in school marketing narrative to drive admissions.

In the competitive world of education, social media marketing combined with community marketing are incredible options to use to increase brand awareness, actually the most effective as far as I am concerned particularly for schools marketing elements of sustainability in both operations and education. But ensuring that the sustainable story you are telling sets you apart from everyone else is as crucial as aligning the marketing strategy with the eco objectives of the school. Promoting sustainability is a great way to boost a brand, but you have to get it right and ensure you are marketing your ‘greenness’ correctly.

Whether a school is wholly environmental in its operations and/or is educating students on sustainability and the environment, it is important that current and prospective families see that it flows below surfacelevel greenwashing and is successful through authentic storytelling.

Authenticity is now a major factor for parents when they are deciding which school to choose. In this era of authenticity, schools need to qualify for the ‘reality test’ if they genuinely want to connect with their prospective families.

Using storytelling in a marketing strategy can really help communicate green credentials to prospective families. Whether it is through face to face communications, newsletters, press releases, or social media posts, speaking directly to your families is a must to increase brand awareness and produce a positive ‘environmentally aware’ reputation. Nowadays, parents are interested in the transparency of a school and look to its online presence for every day, real-life experiences of students, staff, and its community. Social media platforms might not be the first choice while planning for a sustainability messaging strategy but there has been a trendsetting rise in the use of social media in school marketing, and now it is a highly effective lead-generation platform. Here are some pointers when telling your story to ensure your brand is always at the forefront of your current and prospective families’ minds and search queries.

Using storytelling in a marketing strategy can really help communicate green credentials to prospective families

1. USE STRONG OPENERS

Craft captivating opening statements that focus on the why before the what. With three seconds to grab your reader’s attention make sure they see immediately that you are environmentally conscious and aware.

2. WRITE FOR YOUR AUDIENCE

Who are you writing your content for? What most appeals to them or what have they engaged with in the past? Your target audience should form the basis of all your content writing, so it’s crucial you know who they are.

3. RESEARCH YOUR CONTENT

As humans we are constantly learning. One of the most important aspects of storytelling is the ability to flex your writing skills and effectively write about a topic about which you know very little. Research is an integral part of content creation, after all, your storytelling should place you as thought leaders in your field.

4. PHOTOGRAPH WITH PURPOSE

Photographic storytelling is the art of conveying stories, ideas, and viewpoints through the medium of photography. Photography is not just the practice of creating visually interesting or stunning pictures but is about telling stories. Shoot different angles - high and low - because it will drastically change how the image is conveyed. Shoot photos at the subject’s level to bring more intimacy to the image, shoot above the subject for a bird’s eye view, or shoot from a lower angle to give the subject a heroic frame. Show depth. Having a strong focal point where the image is sharp and letting the rest of the photo blur draws the audience into an image.

5. GET CREATIVE

Fill your content with what makes you different and why are you standing tall when it comes to sustainable issues. Don’t forget to weave your USPs into your content and photography to prove what you say you do, you actually do.

6. OPTIMISE YOUR CONTENT

We are always crafting content for people who are consuming and reading our stories online so optimising your online content to make sure it’s found and seen is essential. Think of clear sentences and paragraphs, keywords, and visual elements like bullet points and quotes. Use search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques, best practices, and content strategies to maximise its appeal.

7. EDIT BEFORE YOU POST

Editing is a vital part of the entire content creation process. Let editing be part of your content creation plan. It’s a necessary part of the process, after all. Just as much as forming your hook, carrying out your research, and crafting great content is. Editing is the final flourish. Consider leaving time between writing your draft and editing it and fresh eyes will see more. Making your marketing more sustainable makes sense in a world where environmental concerns are now occupying the minds of a wide range of consumers. Making marketing sustainable is, therefore, not just about the actions you take, and your intentions, but how you communicate these actions and intentions to your target audience.

HANNAH HALL

Promoting sustainability is a great way to boost a brand, but you have to get it right and ensure you are marketing your ‘greenness’ correctly

Authenticity is now a major factor for parents when they are deciding which school to choose

ALL CHILDREN CAN ACHIEVE AT DEIRA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

AT DEIRA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, THEY ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL IN AN INCLUSIVE, FORWARD-THINKING AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT, IN WHICH EACH CHILD’S INDIVIDUALITY IS VALUED AND ENCOURAGED. A MEMBER OF THE AL FUTTAIM EDUCATION FOUNDATION, THE SCHOOL IS PROUD OF ITS ABILITY TO FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS WITH STUDENTS, PARENTS, STAFF AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY, WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION DICTATING AN ENRICHING AND VARIED SCHOOL EXPERIENCE IN BOTH THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND. EDUCATION UAE SPOKE TO THE SCHOOL’S DIRECTOR, SIMON O’CONNOR, ABOUT THE CURRICULUM, THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY, WELLBEING, THE ARTS, AND MUCH MORE BESIDES.

Simon O’Connor is a highly experienced School Director with almost a quarter of a century of experience serving prestigious and highly regarded schools in the UAE and the UK. He is committed to raising the standards of academic achievement and continually improving the quality of learning and teaching.

“We have 1800 students at Deira International School (DIS) and run the English National Curriculum from the age of three; so, at the earliest foundation stage right the way through to 16-yearolds taking GCSEs,” Simon begins. “However, post-16 is where we diverge a little bit with the curriculum in that we do the International Baccalaureate (IB), which of course is not unique. But what I think is unusual is that we do a variety of IB options, such as the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).”

The career-related programme is obviously assessed in a very different way, but what’s really distinctive at DIS is that students have the opportunity to take up internships with the Al

Futtaim Group, with Simon explaining:

“Let’s be honest, there are internships available that are a complete waste of time. Essentially students are there to make the tea or do the filing. But this is absolutely not the case with us. The students who do internships cover a wide variety of specialisms, from HR to legal, and everything in between. This puts them in a very good position to be able to ask important questions, as well as preparing them for the world of work, which is fundamental to the Al Futtaim Education Foundation vision.”

The Need for Human Interaction

The modern workplace has been impacted significantly by the rise and ongoing advancement of technology. Millennials and now Generation Z are the ones that have fuelled this revolution, relying on continual advancements in technology to enact efficient changes within their organisations. But are we in danger of losing the personal touch?

“Absolutely. One of the things, when Covid arose, was that certain parts of the education sector almost gloried in the fact that we don’t need schools; actually, I think the reverse is true. If the lockdown showed us anything it is that human interaction is fundamental. I don’t like the word facilitators, I prefer teachers because I think teachers do so much more than facilitate.

“I think today schools are reversing the situation, from developing and

encouraging technology to almost putting the brakes on it. Interestingly, DIS won an award two years ago for the use of technology in the classroom. It was an international school award and we’re very proud of it, but in the last six months, we have, for example, returned to exercise books. Technology is great and it’s really important, and we are a technologically fluid school, but there’s more to it than that.

“Emails are becoming a bit of a thing of the past, it’s just dinosaurs like me that use them. Our students, though, work seamlessly off TEAMS, with its whole battery of technology and apps. Yet while we can use that, our young people still need to be able to use exercise books. We also need to train students on how to use technology effectively, which will continue to evolve and gather pace (the introduction of artificial intelligence will grow in schools) but it’s not a panacea, it doesn’t solve every problem, and actually, I think Covid taught us that.”

Do You Need Help with Anything?

Technology is vital in today’s world, but then so are people and their dreams, desires, worries and anxieties. This is why DIS has created a wellness structure that is as broad as it is professional. “We’ve got a whole variety of different ways we support wellbeing. A simple and obvious solution is that in the past we had a wellbeing counsellor in our secondary school, but now we have a complete team. There is a counsellor in primary school

and a wellbeing counsellor in secondary school, and they both work very closely together. In addition, we also have what we call a wellbeing hub where all of this is coordinated, so the wellbeing team talk to the pastoral team, which will talk to the medical team, so we’ve developed that side of things considerably.

“Furthermore, we now have embedded structures to ensure that we’re doing this correctly. I do think this is a way in which technology can be harnessed well. We have an app where once a week we check in with the students, and we have a series of domains where we are asking them about how they feel, and that helps to build a profile of the student. The first question is, “Do you need help with anything?” If the student says “no,” then it stops there. However, if they do have a concern, the app sends an alert to one of our team and they are with the student within minutes.”

Welcoming Parents Back to School

Good parent-school partnerships are one of the best ways to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing, and at DIS they are committed to keeping parents involved in the school community, as Simon explains: “Schools should be joyful places and it’s a cliche to say that they are the best years of your life, but they should be. I see it as a responsibility to ensure that’s the case. I can’t make sure everyone’s happy every day but one of the real joys this term is we’ve been able to have parents back on-site for the first time in two years. Throughout the pandemic, the joy had gone, but now it’s back. I really can’t overemphasise how nice it’s been to have parents on-site every day.”

The parent-teacher meetings at DIS are just the tip of the iceberg. The school runs sessions every morning for parents - information sessions, perhaps how to help with a child’s homework, or it could be an explanation of the early years’ goals for parents, anything that affects the children. There are a number of councils too, including a parent association that looks at school events and another that considers the strategic direction of the school. There is also an Emirati parent council.

“One of the top nationalities of students in our school is Emirati,” Simon says, “which is obviously a culture that we want

to ensure is preserved and celebrated correctly, and the parent council helps us to achieve that.” There are school basics such as weekly newsletters and video diaries too. There’s a whole range of ways in which the school works and communicates with parents.

Self-Discovery

“One of the things that frustrate me is when certain people say that schools haven’t changed in 30 years. Well, anyone close to the education sector knows that schools have changed dramatically, and one of the things

that has enabled that dramatic change is the breadth of the curriculum.

“An hour ago, I was in an assembly where singing and dancing were absolutely central because music and the arts are an important part of our curriculum. One of the exciting things we’ve introduced this year is a linkup with an organisation called Arts International, which sends recent graduates to DIS to help develop the arts.

“But I think as someone with a particular passion for music, there’s a misconception

“The students who do internships will cover a wide variety of specialisms, from HR to legal, and everything in between”

about the arts and what they can deliver in a cross-curricular way. So while we support our drama students when it comes to such things as auditions, we also offer leadership coaching in drama classes to student leaders to help them obtain good public speaking skills. At DIS, we always look at how people can work together, and how we all understand our role in that collaboration is central to the values of the school. The arts are particularly useful for this.

“I’ve done quite a lot of choral singing, and if you think about the skills

attached to that, there is teamwork, listening closely, following directions, and this all helps to develop self-esteem and confidence. I particularly love the arts because you can discover things about yourself, abilities and passions, that you didn’t know you had.”

Climbing the Mountain by a Different Route

DIS is big on inclusion, recognising that every single student has potential. “My head of secondary has a beautiful picture on the wall, essentially it’s of a mountain with a variety of routes to the top.

The message is clear, it’s about us all heading in the same direction, but getting there in different ways,” Simon says.

“We do an awful lot of continual professional development with our staff too. It’s not a case of “you need to do better,” because I’ve got amazing teachers in my school. Instead, it’s helping teachers to continually evolve, which we all do, it’s a lifelong journey, and we’ve got a programme, for instance, where we get French teachers to go and look at English classes, PE teachers turn up at maths lessons, and history teachers take a look at biology. We have an environment in which we encourage people to just go and take a look – it’s so powerful and it drives the quality of teaching because people are learning from each other.”

No Barriers to Learning

DIS recognises that everyone learns at a different speed and because the school advertises itself as inclusive it is eager to welcome everyone no matter what their needs. “Parents with children that have particular learning barriers often have communities that recommend schools that they think are most effective, and I’m pleased to say that we have an unusually high number of students on our special needs register,” Simon explains.

“We are proud of the fact that we accept any student and there are very few circumstances where this would not happen. We can adapt the curriculum if necessary and offer individual support, but generally, we want any barriers to be worked on in the classroom so that there is a recognition that someone with particular barriers is not unusual. It is the responsibility of the inclusion team to equip teachers with the tools to help them solve any issues that may arise. We have comprehensive structures in place to help identify academic barriers to learning; it is something we have become very good at.”

Naturally, through the very nature of living in the Middle East, challenges can also arise with regard to language, with some DIS students arriving with very little, if any, English. “One young man that comes to mind, and he spoke very little English, is Chinese, but he is now thriving. That is because we have the tools and expertise necessary to help non-English speaking students, and this sometimes involves outside-

of-school work. Currently, we are actively working with the University of Birmingham here in Dubai to develop some language acquisition programmes so that, for example, if a student arrives in September we would expect them to have done a little bit of work in the summer holidays, helping to get those basic building blocks. We will almost without exception take students no matter what challenges they may have. It all comes back to the mountain and the different routes that we all take.”

School: a Good Place to Make Mistakes

“We’ve done a lot of work on the culture of the school, which is a subject that fascinates me,” says Simon. “If you look at the corporate world, they’ve been heavily into organisational culture for 30 years, while schools have largely ignored it. But at DIS we take this very seriously and have built a culture based on our values - Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect. There is nothing very contentious there, but the point is how we use those values. Every single student

and member of staff at this school, I can guarantee, understands these values. If someone has done something wrong it is easy to relate to how they were behaving, and that is without integrity. I think this approach helps everyone to understand.

“Behaviour, of course, has to be learned like everything else. If a student in year 8 doesn’t know about the English Civil War, no one is going to be surprised as that is what he or she has come to learn. But they will also learn how to interact and how to behave correctly - no one is born with that understanding, so that is part of the education that we give.

“There is no safer place than a school for students to make mistakes and take risks. And not just the students. I frequently tell my staff that I don’t mind if they make mistakes (as long as they don’t make the same mistake twice) as it encourages exploration and development. Failure is an integral part of success. None of the greatest achievements in the world would have been made without something going wrong at the first attempt.

It is persistence that gets things done, so we never simply say to our students, “that’s wrong,” we ask them to do their corrections. We don’t call them corrections nowadays, but going back and being persistent is a great investment for the future.

“Qualifications alone cannot define our students’ success. They graduate as dynamic and influential global citizens, well-prepared to take on leadership roles in whichever field they choose. That’s what makes DIS such a challenging and yet exhilarating place to learn, develop and explore.”

“Schools should be joyful places and it’s a cliche to say that they are the best years of your life, but they should be”

“I think today schools are reversing the situation, from developing and encouraging technology to almost putting the brakes on it”

“We are proud of the fact that we accept any student and there are very few circumstances where this would not happen”

UNIVERSAL AMERICAN SCHOOL: AN INSPIRATIONAL AND INCLUSIVE PLACE TO LEARN

OPERATING AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT SCHOOL GOVERNED BY THE AL FUTTAIM EDUCATION FOUNDATION, UNIVERSAL AMERICAN SCHOOL (UAS) IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO GROW AND LEARN, WITH A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY OF CARING AND CURIOUS INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INSPIRED TO CHALLENGE THEMSELVES WITHIN A RICH ACADEMIC, ARTISTIC, AND ATHLETIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME. EDUCATION UAE CAUGHT UP WITH THE SCHOOL’S DIRECTOR, KEVIN LOFT, FIRST ASKING HIM ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY AT UAS.

Kevin Loft, Director at Universal American School, has worked across education as a teacher, leader, principal, CEO, and consultant, and has led outstanding private and public schools in New Zealand, the UK, and the UAE.

“We’re around 1,090 students at the moment; pretty evenly balanced between elementary and high school. American passport holders account for around 14% of students, but we have 78 different nationalities in all, so diversity is built into the school,” Kevin begins. “And when I talk about diversity, I don’t just mean nationality; it’s about inclusion and how the school operates, and the culture we build around that.

“Our staff is very diverse too. Again, not just in terms of nationality, but with regard to background and age. Many schools in Dubai have a lot of young staff, but we are very diverse age-wise, which I think is quite rare here.

“That sets a really nice tone for the school community, and if you speak to the parents they say the community is the key thing about the schoolthat’s what they love about the school, that’s why they keep coming back. All those little things that we’ve set up in developing the school, being true to what we say rather than just saying it and not showing it, makes it a nice place to be.

“I’ve worked in several different schools in the UAE over the past 13 years, and this is the most diverse school that I have worked in.”

A School Culture based on Authenticity

UAS runs quite a bespoke model of the American curriculum, rooted in New York State standards and taught through the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB), on a campus that incorporates a wide array of facilities, including expansive science and ICT labs; fully equipped athletic field and track; natural grass

football pitch; multi-sport gymnasium; extensive indoor and outdoor covered play areas; multi-purpose hall; two large fully equipped art studios; language specialist rooms; separate elementary and secondary libraries; medical clinic; recording studio; and ceramics studio.

There is a misconception amongst some people, though, that the American curriculum is easier than, say, the British curriculum, which is predominant in Dubai. “I’m always disappointed when I hear parents say that,” Kevin responds. “We run AP exams alongside our IB exams, and they are tough, there’s no doubt about that! Moreover, there are other pathways offered that the British curriculum doesn’t. I like the model of having multiple pathways - we can build a programme for every student in our school, not just the academically strong ones. All of our kids are able to have something built around them to ensure that they get a good education.

“If you speak to the parents they say the community is the key thing about the school - that’s what they love about the school”

“I’ve taught five different curricula in my career, and the one thing I’ve discovered is that 2 + 2 always equals 4.

Ultimately, it’s about the teachers and the culture, with the American curriculum being as strong, if not stronger, than those from other countries.”

School culture is something that is regularly discussed by the school leadership team, and Kevin says that there is one word that comes up in conversation more than others: authenticity. “It’s the authentic nature of the students, as well as the staff and the parents, and I really do value the fact that there is an authentic level of conversation. It’s not pretentious, it’s about parents saying, “this is what I want for my kids” and then deliberating on how we get there.

“Everyone is involved in that conversation without judgement or putting too much pressure on the school - parents tell us honestly what they

want us to do and we listen honestly to the conversation, which allows us to continually move forward. So I think it’s a really good culture here of listening, taking things on board, and then acting upon them. I feel we have a nice dialogue going on with our parents and it’s the kids who win in the end.”

Of course, we have lived through interesting times over the past couple of years and the many challenges that have cropped up have often been steep learning curves. Countless lessons have been learned though, one of the most pertinent being the importance of face-to-face conversation.

“I like the model of having multiple pathways - we are able to build a programme for every student in our school, not just the ones that are academically strong”

“One of the first things we did when things opened up again was to launch a community café - the ‘Comm-UNITY’ café’ to be more exact,” Kevin explains. “What I said to parents was, after two years of telling you not to come into the building, we want to significantly change the structure of how we welcome you into our school. And I think the parents appreciated that. We have done something specifically for them - we do things for kids all the time, that’s our job, but this was expressly aimed at parents to let them know that they are all valued here. We do want to hear them and we do want to have conversations with them.

“The staff are in the café all of the time too, it’s not just the parents, and our seniors are going to start accessing it next term. Any time of the day, there will be different parents in there at different

times, allowing us to have that ongoing dialogue. I think on the back of Covid, it’s given us a safe place to do that.”

Balancing Technology with Meaningful Relationships

Technology is an increasingly important aspect of education, but we wanted to ask Kevin if there was a danger of losing the human touch as we pursue ever-growing digital integration.

“Yes, I think there is a danger, and for me, technology is always a tool. Once upon a time, a pen was the latest technology and now it’s a computer. Our students come in with their own computers and their own devices, but it’s important that we make them tools and not the only things in the classroom. We still need to read, and we still need to write, but technology is a tool to help us - whether it’s inquiry or discussion or delivering a product - it’s a vehicle to get there.

“With Covid, there was immediate talk about going virtual, and then when we went in that direction we all said, you know what, that’s not the answer because at the end of the day there is a human at the end of that computer and that’s who we need to engage with. Relationships are key at UAS and you

We’ve got trips coming up to four destinations around the world, specialist arts organisations coming into the school, plus Umrah in Saudi Arabia

can’t develop those from behind the screen. The key part of our classrooms is the relationship, the dialogue, and the ongoing negotiation between staff and students. Technology is in everything we do, we can’t get away from it, but we have to make sure we don’t get lost in it.

“We’ve just added a recording studio and an editing suite - technology is not always a laptop computer – so we are walking as fast as we can down that path, but we are balancing it with meaningful personal relationships.”

Creative Arts for Everyone

The installation of a recording studio underlines UAS’s commitment to giving its students a well-rounded education that includes the creative arts, which for so long have been looked upon as second-class subjects in many schools.

“Yes, that’s true,” Kevin says, “and one of the focuses for me, when I came to the school, was the creative arts, not just music, painting and drama, but also things like ceramics. We now have a dedicated space with a kiln and pottery wheels; it’s nice to have something tactile for the kids to be involved in.

“For music, as I said, we have installed a recording studio and a podcast studio, as well as a sound room that controls both of those spaces, so the students learn about the mixing desks and everything.

“We also have a dance studio and our drama provision has always been strong here. We’re looking to expand that even more too, by creating additional breakout spaces so that students can express themselves in different ways.

“When we introduced art in my previous school it was about the elite kids, but what I have been clear about here is that I want to find that one kid who doesn’t know that they have a passion or an ability.

We can then get up on stage, and it might be to do a speech, but whatever it is, they can discover something about themselves that they didn’t previously realise. To me, that’s what the arts deliver.

“The arts are both a confidence builder and a commercial skill. They are about being able to project, to deliver a message, and in business that is a valued skill. There is a skill base that’s more than just books and tests, there’s another element to bring into what we learn, and the arts are a vital aspect of that.”

Taking Risks and Getting Things Wrong

In January 2023, UAS will welcome a new member of the team – a School Community Events Manager, who will help boost extra-curricular opportunities and reach out even more into the community. “It’s about ramping everything up,” Kevin explains. “We are committed to ensuring that our students have every opportunity to learn and grow. We’ve got trips coming up, for instance, to four destinations around the world, specialist arts organisations coming into the school, plus Umrah in Saudi Arabia. So there are cultural elements and community involvement, and it’s all evolving.

“As well as sports and other extracurricular activities, this year we’ve asked our staff to try and express their own passions and share them with our students. So it’s not just chess clubs and sports teams. I’m trying to get one or two new things on the table, giving the kids the opportunity to have a crack at completely new things.”

Whether it is in the classroom, in the recording studio, or out on the sports field, the first thing that UAS insists upon is that students feel safe, feel that they can take risks, that they can get things wrong, and that the teachers are there to support them.

“When I hear the parents say that the relationships are really strong here, then I know we’re getting that right.”

Mutual Respect

Naturally, kids can be kids, so there has to be a degree of discipline in place too, but it’s discipline that revolves around mutual respect and, as Kevin

says, expectations. “I’m a big fan of expectations. You can go up to youngsters and say, this is how it’s done, why didn’t you do it like that? But if you haven’t told them beforehand what the expectation is, it’s all rather self-defeating. You’ve got to lay the tracks before you can run the train, and it’s the same with behaviour, getting in at the beginning and stopping anything unacceptable.

“It’s a broad brush too, such as how we walk into a room, and how we greet someone when they walk into the room. All those little things add up to what behaviour is in school, including being proud of our uniform, being on time, and understanding what a difference this makes to everyone else in the classroom. So we have those conversations with the students - it’s not a heavy-handed approach, but it is a constant approach, and it makes the kids feel part of something special.

“It’s the same with our teachers. We bring in staff from all around the world and having the clarity there when they walk in helps enormously - what’s expected of them, providing them with that safe environment, because they have to feel safe before they can make the students feel safe. It’s continual evolution. You can’t get everything right all at once, but we want to make sure we’re all on the bus going in the same direction.”

The installation of a recording studio underlines UAS’s commitment to giving its students a well-rounded education that includes the creative arts

Excellence in Schools

CHOOSING THE BEST CURRICULUM FOR YOUR CHILD

ONE OF THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PARENT IS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR KIDS RECEIVE A QUALITY EDUCATION; THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH AND COMPARE VARIOUS APPROACHES TO TEACHING. EACH COUNTRY, OF COURSE, HAS CREATED ITS OWN SYSTEM FOR EDUCATING ITS CHILDREN, AND THE EXTENSIVE HISTORIES OF THE VARIOUS CURRICULA DO GIVE PARENTS LOOKING FOR A TOP-NOTCH EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN A FRAMEWORK.

There is certainly no onesize-fits-all approach to the education of children, and the child who thrives under one educational system may not do as well under another. Consequently, the key to understanding the needs of an individual child is to find a curriculum that best meets their specific needs, interests, and talents.

Naturally, there is very little difference between what happens in a UK curriculum classroom and what happens in a US curriculum, IB curriculum, or Indian curriculum school when children begin school at the age of three or four.

Regardless of the curriculum, a substantial chunk of early childhood education focuses on play-based learning and the growth of important social skills. However, as students advance through school, the curriculum does become a more pressing topic.

On a recent appearance on the Helen Farmer show on Dubai Eye 103.8, Education UAE Partner and Media Director, Laura Wojciechowski, and Founding Principal at Citizens School, Tracy Moxley, began to fill in a few of the gaps, with Tracy explaining: “I understand why parents become confused because there is so much choice, so many different curricula. Every single parent, including myself, wants their child, because they spend so much time at school, to be happy. If you have happy children and they enjoy going to school and they enjoy being in that environment, they’ll learn, and I think that’s the key.”

“I think the question for most parents is,” Laura says, “what are the options out there? We’re living somewhere where there’s something for everyone - Australian, French, Italian, German, Swiss, Japanese, it’s endless.

That is why at Education UAE we strive to provide an unbiased platform for parents; there’s so much choice and it’s finding how your child is going to be happy. So we provide a platform where parents can find out about the schools and opportunities, allowing them to make informed decisions.”

Those decisions are frequently straightforward for families from the UK, the US, and India. Their curricula are readily available in the UAE, thus students are frequently driven to choose the ‘one from back home’. For families that must make a decision, though, it makes sense to evaluate all available options and to decide which one seems to be the best fit based on current needs, future plans, location, and costs.

If you have happy children and they enjoy going to school and they enjoy being in that environment, they’ll learn, and I think that’s the key.”

- Tracy Moxley

 Tracy Moxley, Citizens School, Punam Verna, Dubai Eye, Laura Wojciechowski, Education UAE and Helen Farmer, Dubai Eye

 Tracy Moxley, Founding Principal at Citizens School

But what happens if there is a need to change to a new curriculum mid-way through a student’s education after moving to the UAE; is this a major cause for concern? Simon O’Connor, Deira International School Director, says this is not necessarily the case, but there are caveats: “Changing curriculum isn’t of itself a problem. Although they are different, most curricula deliver similar core components, but there are differences. However, this needn’t be seen as a problem. It is certainly the case that some options suit different students better. The issue arises in the timing of a move. Most schools will divide the curriculum into different phases, or key stages, and these can be two or three years in length. Especially in the older years, it is far better for a

student to go through a complete phase or key stage than move mid-way.

“So, it is certainly important to consider the timing of a move once a student is 13 years old or more. At this point, students will start to study examined courses, such as GCSE, IB or A-level, and if they are to achieve all that they can in these courses then being in one school for the whole course is by far the better option.”

It’s All About Passion

“There’s been a real focus on the early years in the UAE of late and early childhood is really significant and important, and I think we now know that,” Tracy Moxley said on Dubai Eye.

“Play-based learning with some formal academics really mark that age and

stage for every curriculum, so in terms of bringing your child into US, UK, IB or Indian curricula you will find playbased, flow type learning, where there’s lots of sensory stimulation and play activities, with some formal academics and child development areas. So there are actual outcomes for age groups within different curricula that are pretty much the same, so parents don’t need to worry too much about that.”

Consequently, it seems to be about making the right fit; where will the child be happiest and most inspired. Tracy agrees, explaining: “At Citizens, we’re looking for the child to be an active participant in the learning process.

Consequently, it seems to be about making the right fit; where will the child be happiest and most inspired? Tracy agrees, explaining: “At Citizens, we’re looking for the child to be an active participant in the learning process.

 Simon O’Connor, Deira International School Director

Different schools offer different opportunities. Some schools are very traditional in their academic approach - they can be the British, IB American curriculum or Indian curriculum - they are all academic curricula. But it’s how the school does that, what kind of environment is the child going into, are there opportunities for children to find their passion and their purpose so that they can suddenly say to you, “I know where I want to be”. I think it’s the responsibility of every school, no matter what the curriculum, to help every child to find their passion.”

Looking to the Future

One of the first questions a parent must ask is, where do they see themselves in the future? Will they be staying in the

staying in the UAE, returning to the UK or will they be heading to pastures new?

The UK curriculum is probably the more obvious choice if you intend to relocate to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or Canada. Additionally, it is the curriculum that is most prevalent internationally.

The UK curriculum is favoured as a backup choice by a large majority of Indian families due to the historical ties between the subcontinent and the UK, as well as the limited availability of Indian curriculum schools in the UAE. However, both programmes are viable alternatives given the number of students from the subcontinent who attend British universities..

The US curriculum makes sense if you believe that the US is a future destination. But keep in mind to only consider schools with accreditation, as the US curriculum differs greatly from State to State, something that a lot of non-Americans don’t realise.

A common misconception seems to be that the US curriculum is less rigorous intellectually than other well-known curricula. This is incorrect and there is undoubtedly intellectual rigour for students with university ambitions under the US system, which mandates that students take standardised tests for college admittance (such as the SAT and AP).

Nevertheless, to ensure that students graduate with a highly regarded, globally recognised university entry certificate, a number of US curriculum institutions in the UAE have elected to offer the IB Diploma programme in addition to a High School Diploma.

Think about the International Baccalaureate programmes if you’re considering Europe or Latin America. The IB programmes are increasingly popular and well-regarded by major universities around the world. They are taught in English, French, and Spanish using a unified teaching style throughout the world.

Furthermore, there are schools in the UAE that teach their own hybrid curriculum (particularly the SABIS schools), and due to their close ties to the Levant, these are especially appealing to expat Arab families. Additionally, there are more and more schools that provide international curricula with a strong Arabic and Islamic emphasis, which appeals to many Arab expat families.

Another consideration that can be overlooked by families is the significant disparity between academic calendars in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Staying Ahead of the Game

Whichever option parents choose, they will always have to be thinking one step ahead when it comes to their child’s education and will need support, help and advice when making those ‘make-or-break’ decisions. We asked Simon O’Connor how they approach this at Deira International School.

“We are fully aware of the magnitude of the decision in choosing a school and therefore will offer as much guidance as needed to help parents and students,” he begins. “We have an admissions team who guide parents through the application process and can provide discussions with the academic team to explain what we do here, the curriculum we offer, and what the student will be studying. Parents can also talk to our careers guidance team if they are joining at an age where university choices are pertinent.

“Beyond this, parents and students will be given a tour of the school so they can see the school in action. Once a student joins, we provide transition support for the first few days to ensure the student and parents can quickly settle.”

There is a solution, though. Either repeating a half-year of study or jumping ahead - which, of course, will come with its own unique set of challenges. But it’s absolutely possible and something that happens with relative frequency.

And always keep in mind that although it’s a big decision, you can always change your mind later on if you realise it wasn’t the best choice after all.

Given the overwhelming amount of interest and calls into the show with parents seeking guidance, we’re happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Evaluate all available options and decide which one seems to be the best fit based on current needs, future plans, location, and costs

Another consideration that can be overlooked by families is the significant disparity between academic calendars in the northern and southern hemispheres

Established: 2017

Curriculum: British

Fees from: AED37-68K

Age range: 3-14

Location: Al Barsha South, Dubai

Dubai Heights Academy

Dubai Heights Academy draws and builds on strong family ties, Islamic values and deep rooted heritage to foster a vibrant, well-knit international community of over 58 nationalities. We are focused on developing knowledgeable and innovative students who can undertake the challenges of whatever the future holds.

Our school is progressive, creative and engaging; offering enriching programmes and state of the art facilities; where every child feels secure, significant and valued.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Dubai Heights Academy community and showing you why Every Child, Every Mind and Everybody matters.

WHY CHOOSE DUBAI HEIGHTS ACADEMY?

Dubai Heights Academy aims to truly embody the perfect balance of creativity in learning and commitment to academic excellence that suits all children in a harmonious environment. Our experienced teachers look for opportunities to involve students directly in decisions relating to their own learning, encouraging them to see the relevance of what they are doing and take ownership of their learning. Our school is inclusive in every sense of the word, with a team of expert SEND staff catering to a wide range of student needs, using our special facilities and resources that support their progression.

We are a forward thinking school and our unique collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology is testament to our commitment to preparing young people for success in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to be the only school in the region offering a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy programme to enhance our students’ literacy, social and emotional development; thus bringing the future of learning directly to our classrooms

OUR PRINCIPAL

Alison is an established school leader with more than 21 years of successful headship both in the UK and internationally. Her experience of teaching and leadership spans 30 years in early years, primary and secondary departments and in a wide variety of schools including mainstream and special education; including schools for moderate learning, emotional, behavioural, and medical needs, EAL, private and state, co-educational and single gender.

Since 2019 she has been committed to her role as Principal of Dubai Heights Academy and brings with her a wealth of experience in leadership in the Middle East.

Contact us:

+971 4 356 3333

Alison Lamb, Principal

Alison is also a PENTA trained British School Overseas inspector with outstanding knowledge and experience in local and international school accreditation. She has worked widely as an executive committee member and country representative for British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), mentoring new school principals and helping schools work through the requirements for achieving BSME accreditation.

Since joining Dubai Heights Academy, she has led the school forward in its journey of excellence including the achievement of a good rating on its very first KHDA inspection, with several very good features.

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD PERSONAL STATEMENT WHEN MAKING THAT UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

If you’re eager to enrol in a top university this academic year, you’ve no doubt already considering how to maximise your chances of being accepted to your preferred institution. You’ve probably already considered the common suggestions, like getting involved in extracurricular activities related to your topic of study or volunteering. There are, though, many other things you may do to increase your odds without ever leaving your home.

Not only do you need to be well-versed in your subject matter when applying to universities, but you also benefit from having a thorough understanding of both the institution and the department. You can easily increase your chances of being accepted by doing thorough research on the colleges and departments you’re applying to. This will enable you to formulate personalised responses to inquiries like “why do you wish to study at this university?”

You can also find helpful application advice from current students at the university you want to attend by visiting student forums. The Student Room, which features separate forums for all the top universities and courses, is a nice example from the UK. Find

the appropriate forum for the university of your choice and look for topics about applications. You’ll be able to see how the competition (other prospective students) is preparing so you can get some ideas from what they’re doing, and you’ll be able to ask current students questions to obtain firsthand information on the admissions process, such as what to expect from interviews.

One of the most crucial tasks you must complete to have a successful application is writing a fantastic personal statement. This is your time to show the institution that you are enthusiastic about the subject and that you are prepared to put in a lot of effort to learn and advance your desired profession. So what does it take to make your University Personal Statement stand out?

FIVE KEY TIPS

The fact is that, despite its importance, many students can find it challenging to deliver a well-thought-through statement. Therefore, St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, in the Caribbean, has highlighted five key tips to develop a strong personal statement: do your research, identify what you want to write about, know how to write it, make it personal, and get feedback.

1Do your Research

Before you start putting anything in writing, think about what career you would like, and investigate universities that are well-equipped to help get you there. Invest time in researching the programme and if it offers opportunities that will help you meet your career goals. Your personal statement should reflect that you have done your research and know how the outcomes of the programme match your professional aspirations.

Find out what attributes they are looking for in their students, as these qualities need to be reflected in your personal statement. For example, the SGU School of Medicine requires aspiring medical students who are compassionate, have strong academic achievement potential, can learn from their mistakes, are critical thinkers, are team players, responsible, and dedicated to life-long learning. Some universities will list their desired traits on their website and your statement should reflect these qualities..

2Identify What you Want to Write About

Now that you know the qualities that your university of choice is looking for in its students, it’s time to show through your writing that you have these characteristics. It is not always easy for people to talk about themselves, so here is a list of questions that will help you write the answers that your university may be looking for.

 Why do you want to study your chosen course?

 Why is this subject of interest to you?

 How do your current or previous studies relate toyour chosen course?

 What are your interests outside of school, such as hobbies, extracurricular activities andadditional responsibilities? What skills or qualities do these experiences give you?

 How would studying this programme support your future plans?

3Know How to Write Your Statement

Writing your statement eloquently is as important as the first two steps, if not more. Imagine having all the content you need but not expressing yourself effectively. The piece must have a solid structure and flow of ideas. It should reflect your thought process, transitioning from one idea to the other smoothly.

Ideally, your statement should start with an introduction to the topic you intend to address. Following that, come your main points, which would be the answers to the questions listed in step two. Lastly, you need to have a conclusion to wrap up the piece and tie it back to your introduction. Once you finish writing your statement, make sure you proofread it once and twice for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes.

4Make it Personal

This is your opportunity to flex your strengths that are in line with your career of choice. So don’t be shy to express your enthusiasm and what you are good at. It gives a personal essence to your statement that might just get you a place in your programme of choice.

Not everyone’s journey to becoming a doctor is the same. You need to identify where you’d like to practice when you graduate and what speciality is of interest to you. You also need to have a clear understanding of what drives you, which will also help you determine how to frame your statement. Showing aspiration and a long-term plan can give the university an idea of your level of motivation. It should feel natural and easy to write about, since you’d be expressing something that you are passionate about.

5Get Feedback from People You Trust

Before you go ahead with submission, it’s always worth asking people you trust for their feedback, for example, your tutors, counsellors, or experienced professionals. A concept may be clear in your mind but poorly expressed in writing. They will give you an outsider’s perspective if something does not sound right or is unclear. Therefore,

expect to produce several drafts of your personal statement before being totally happy with it.

To summarise, your personal statement should give the university obvious reasons as to why you are a perfect match for their programme. From the passion for the subject you are aiming to study to your personality traits, interests, writing style, and career goals they all need to encourage the school to have you on board.

BE MEDIA SAVVY

Universities today are considerably more social media savvy and have their own internet presence. Although this is fantastic for getting to know them better, the drawback is that they may likely consider your internet presence when assessing your application. As a result, you must pay close attention to the impression that your social media profiles project. In order to prevent admissions tutors from seeing images of you doing or saying things you may not want them to see, make sure your Facebook page, for instance, is set to private.

Reuniting families, creating friendships and finding jobs are just a handful of the many incredible advantages to using social media. But when applying to a university it can turn into your worst nightmare. Be careful when posting anything on social media. In the end, once people have seen it, you can’t make them un-see it.

It is not always easy for people to talk about themselves, so we have created a list of questions

Once you finish writing your statement, make sure you proofread it once and twice for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes

It’s always worth asking people you trust for their feedback

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY DUBAI CELEBRATES CAMPUS EXPANSION

Middlesex University Dubai recently inaugurated its campus expansion at Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), furthering its commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education in the UAE. We spoke to Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, to ask him about the expanded campus, its facilities, the success of the university, and the higher education sector in general.

Dr Cedwyn Fernandes is the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, with over a decade of experience in higher education in the UAE. He also has experience in the corporate world as an economist with Saudi Arabian Airlines.

 Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai

EdUAE: Why was the decision taken to expand the campus?

Dr Cedwyn Fernandes: The campus expansion builds on 18 years of achievements and innovation in providing a quality UK degree within the UAE. The past few years have been particularly successful. We received a 5-star KHDA rating recognising our world-class reputation and academic excellence in 2020 and then again in 2022, and have been recognised by KHDA as Dubai’s largest UK university for the past two consecutive years.

With our growing student body, the need to expand our facilities and ensure they are innovative and provide the latest technology, equipment and software for our wide range of programmes has always been part of our growth plan. If we are to continue to be the international university of choice for the region’s future innovators and industry leaders, we knew the campus expansion was pivotal to our continued success.

EdUAE: Can you talk about the design of the campus?

CF: The campus was designed with our students’ needs in mind, allowing us to provide an educational environment that contains everything they need to prepare themselves for the world of work once they graduate. We, therefore, wanted to ensure that our students have access to the latest technology and software and the best support services and selection of extracurricular activities available.

The expanded facilities aim to redefine the future of the entire university experience, unifying essential student services, academia, and extracurricular activities and catering to the unique requirements of ambitious students launching their careers in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

The facilities are designed to encourage collaboration, entrepreneurship and academic exploration. For example, the campus expansion adds five fully-equipped computer labs and 20 new classrooms to our Dubai Knowledge Park campus. Students from all programmes can enjoy technology-powered learning spaces, as well as inspiring, contemporary social and fitness spaces that

encourage connection. Theatrestyle, open lecture halls and areas for both group collaboration and individual silent study cater to all learning and teaching approaches.

These facilities build on the specialist technical labs available across the wider campus for students studying programmes such as IT, Film, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Data Science, Psychology, Cybersecurity and Robotics. These labs provide exclusive access to the latest software and practical equipment, having been designed in careful collaboration with our industry partners to ensure the education on offer caters to employer demand.

EdUAE: What facilities does the campus offer to students, and is there anything particularly different or surprising that people may notice?

CF: The campus has a vast array of facilities that support both student learning and encourage them to develop themselves professionally and personally. Students come to university to figure out who they are and who they want to be after they graduate - it is our role as educators to empower them to succeed inside and outside the classroom. The facilities reflect this core philosophy.

The facilities are home to a centralised student services hub, which houses the University’s extensive support services that serve the needs of all students. Resources include the Careers and Employability Service, which provides career counselling and planning, and the Centre for Academic Success, which facilitates mental health support, health and wellbeing counselling, learning disability support, inclusivity training and academic skills workshops.

The MDX Social Hub is the unique focal point of the Middlesex student experience as a modern, welcoming and relaxing themed space that is centred around promoting student health, wellbeing and connection. The Social Hub has been designed in response to students’ feedback about the types of facilities they wished to see on campus.

The Hub boasts an extensive range of facilities, including a fully equipped gym, arcade, music and gaming rooms, industry-grade dance studio, running track, basketball court, DJ booth and more. Many of these spaces are multi-use, supporting the needs of our social clubs, sports teams, faculty and students alike.

In addition, the central University Library is now an expanded, stateof-the-art hub for empowering all students to develop their research skills and complete their assignments with confidence. Students can access an extensive collection of print and digital books, journals, conference papers and more, as well as group and silent study areas and a comfortable, relaxing fiction library. The equipment and furniture chosen for the Library also cater specifically to the needs of students of determination, considering accessibility and mobility.

EdUAE: Middlesex University has perhaps been one of the UK’s most successful higher education establishments in Dubai; why do you think this is?

CF: We believe our success and continued growth as Dubai’s largest UK university is due to the fact we put our students’ learning at the heart of everything we do. We are immensely proud to now have 4,500 students from over 118 nationalities studying with us, many of whom come from abroad to study for their affordable UK degrees in Dubai.

We enjoy strong connections with industry, which enable us to empower our students to engage professionally with their chosen field through guest speakers, internships and real-life projects as part of the curriculum.

Our faculty are incredibly supportive, facilitating many of these connections themselves.

For example, our Middlesex students took part in a range of exciting opportunities at GITEX that were designed to help them gain realworld experience. Danish Nihal and Suryakant Sharma, MSc Robotics students, were selected as finalists at the UAE Internet of Things Challenge. Business Information Systems secondyear student Muhammed Anas was a GITEX YouthX Unipreneur Ambassador, subsequently being recognised during the GITEX YouthX Awards Ceremony for his contributions to the event’s team.

I am proud to say Middlesex University Dubai was recognised as the Best University in Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the GITEX YouthX Unipreneur Awards 2022. The award was granted in recognition of our Computer Engineering and Informatics Department’s commitment to facilitating excellence in STEM research and teaching and learning, and providing opportunities in the field for all Middlesex students to develop entrepreneurial skills that benefit the UAE’s tech ecosystem.

Our students’ success is our success. These expanded state-of-the-art facilities are part of this commitment to ensuring we provide them with the very best UK education and unrivalled student experience in Dubai.

EdUAE: How would you describe the culture at Middlesex University and will the new facilities help to fuel this?

CF: The student culture at Middlesex University Dubai is based on global collaboration and connection and preparing our students to become leaders in their chosen fields. As we are part of a wider university network - with a campus in London and a campus in Mauritius - our students benefit from joining an international community, and when they graduate they join a global network of over 274,000 fellow alumni. This community helps our students share knowledge, unlock new opportunities, and gain an international edge on the traditional university experience.

For example, Middlesex University

Dubai students can transfer their credits abroad from their second undergraduate year to our campuses in the UK or Mauritius, helping them stand out on the global job market, as today’s employers covet international experience.

Our inaugural GRADSTOCK

Employability Festival 2022 is another example of how our campuses come together in collaboration to benefit all students. Led by our Careers and Employability Services team in partnership with the Middlesex teams in London and Mauritius, we hosted this careers event for our students and recent graduates. The action-packed programme saw 951 attendees engage with 47 leading organisations, including Michael Page, Google, Hilti, PwC, Cognizant, Bayut/Dubizzle and Axiom Telco. A number of global professional bodies such as ACCA, CIPD and IMA also offered career advice and certification opportunities. Some of our alumni even came back to campus to share their stories of professional careers in the creative and media industries.

This was an event that truly highlighted Middlesex University’s ‘one global university’ strategic approach. Students and alumni at our London campus and in Dubai had the opportunity to attend a series of simultaneous employability sessions and MasterClasses across campuses through virtual conferencing.

The new facilities also provide us with learning and social spaces in line with our global philosophy, which allows us to continue to host successful initiatives like this for our students, catering to both their professional and personal goals. For example, during the International Week of Welcome at the start of the academic year, many of our new students came together in the MDX Social Hub to socialise, relax, and try out the sports facilities and arcade games in the welcoming surroundings

The fully equipped Campus Gym also runs weekly training sessions and diverse classes that students can sign up for, to improve both their physical and mental health.

The Dance Studio has also hosted sports sessions and tailored workshops as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

EdUAE: Can you talk about the UAE’s education sector in general and its development in the ongoing growth and success of the country?

CF: The UAE’s knowledge-based economy is making its impact felt on the world stage, and an unrivalled education ecosystem is at the heart of providing the talent that will achieve the nation’s ambitious goals. By creating dedicated business hubs for

education such as Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, international universities like ours have been able to support the youth in the region to pursue their ambitions for their future.

Through initiatives such as the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, the UAE leadership has indicated its support for the growth of universities in the nation, which has enabled us to thrive, develop, and achieve everything we have done so far.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently said that “education never stops”. It is true –we must always continue to learn and improve our knowledge. We encourage all Middlesex University Dubai students to become lifelong learners, in line with these principles.

LET’S LEARN TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND TAKE A STEP FORWARD AS A SOCIETY

Dr Lynda Hyland Senior Lecturer Psychology, Head of the Careers and Employability Department at Middlesex University Dubai, Lynda Hyland is a chartered member of the British Psychological Society and a member of the American Psychological Association, She holds an M.Sc. in Health Psychology from University College London.

There is no doubt that we need to talk more about mental health issues, and in doing so promote increased inclusivity so that people feel safe opening up, seeking help, and speaking out. It is with some enthusiasm, therefore, that in this issue of Education UAE, we speak to Dr Lynda Hyland, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Head of the Careers and Employability Department at Middlesex University Dubai. We began by asking about mdxMindset, monthly wellness talks that were launched in October 2022.

Lynda: We are delighted to have launched mdxMindset Talks, a new Middlesex University Dubai Wellness Office initiative. These monthly talks will be open to students and staff at our university, and to the wider community. We will invite a range of key stakeholders, who have a lot to say about wellness issues, to engage in dialogue on various topics from social anxiety to conflict and mental health. This forum to discuss under-addressed issues is an essential step towards increasing awareness, signposting support, and destigmatising a range of mental health challenges that can be faced by anyone. We also hope to have the opportunity to debunk some myths about mental illness and create an informed and active learning community.

EdUAE: Young people seem to have more mental health challenges today than ever before -why do you think this is and how do we combat it?

Lynda: During adolescence and early adulthood, ‘fitting in’ with one’s peer group greatly matters. Young people try to form their identity and shape who they are in relation to the world around them. This can be a tumultuous experience, and it is neither new nor unique to the current generation of adolescents. However, over the last few years, young people have navigated this journey towards adulthood in markedly different circumstances than previous generations.

Youth mental health difficulties are on the rise. The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that one in seven adolescents experience mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, and several recent international studies show that the pandemic has exacerbated this.

The mental health burden of the pandemic (in part due to isolation, interrupted social and educational opportunities, and fear of the unknown) has been most manifest among young people, with an additional negative impact on those with preexisting mental health difficulties (WHO, 2022). The adolescent experience is also affected by social media. Although the opportunities

to maintain connections with peers through social media were helpful during the pandemic, overuse of social media has several negative consequences. Cyberbullying, social comparison, and the formation of unhealthy sleep and eating schedules are some adverse outcomes documented in the academic literature.

Educators and families can work to combat the rise in mental health challenges. Recognising these problems is an essential first step, as is talking about them openly. Creating safe spaces for young people to share their thoughts and experiences regarding mental health issues and fostering strong social support networks can make a huge difference. At Middlesex University Dubai, we offer a suite of supports under our ‘Mental Health Matters’ initiative. This includes mental health counsellor support and student-led group discussions on various wellbeing topics. Embedding these supports within the university creates a culture of openness in which students can reach out for help when needed.

EdUAE: Do you believe that mental health ‘stigma’ is a thing of the past in the UAE or is there still work to be done in society at large?

Lynda: While great strides have been made to destigmatise mental illness, it remains a problem. Studies show that mental illness stigma still exists in the wider population and even among healthcare providers. Worryingly, this poses a real barrier to seeking and receiving mental health support when needed. Tackling this is challenging but improving people’s knowledge and beliefs about mental health issues - their ‘mental health literacy’ - can reduce stigma.

We hope that mdxMindset

Talks will be an important contributor to enhancing mental health literacy in the UAE

The UAE has a National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health, in which stigma towards mental illness is identified as a critical challenge.

This policy also states that increasing community knowledge about mental health issues is a vital part of the multi-sectoral strategy to promote mental health. We hope that mdxMindset Talks will be an important contributor to enhancing mental health literacy in the UAE.

EdUAE: Would you agree that mental health problems beset us all one way or another, and it is more of a bell curve than a cutand-dried diagnosis? Given that, what symptoms should people look out for in order to know when it is time to reach out and seek help?

Lynda: Approximately one in eight people (around one billion) live with a mental disorder (WHO, 2022). This figure is jarring, but it is likely to underestimate the real picture, as not everyone experiencing mental health difficulties will receive a formal diagnosis.

Additionally, this figure shows a snapshot of a given time; the lifetime prevalence of mental illness is much greater. Given the huge numbers, it is highly likely that we (or those close to us) will experience mental illness at some point in our lifetime. The things to look out for vary according to the specific mental health challenge being faced, but can include changes to behaviour, irritability/anger, neglecting responsibilities, and reporting physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches (American Psychological Association, 2022). Of course, these can occur in the absence of mental health difficulties, so the important thing is to stay connected with others and keep an eye on the duration and frequency of these symptoms.

Acting before the issue becomes debilitating will result in better outcomes. When people experience significant distress in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning, there is a problem that must be addressed immediately.

EdUAE: How effective and costeffective are school-based mental health treatments for special needs schoolchildren?

Lynda: Early intervention is important and can result in much better outcomes than intervention at a later stage. We know there are consequences of failing to tackle child and adolescent mental health issues, which can continue to impact the person into adulthood, limiting health, social, educational, and occupational outcomes. Intervening early is more effective, in terms of outcomes for the person and in terms of the cost. It is crucial to invest early to achieve these benefits.

Children with additional needs in the classroom who require support should receive it. It is essential, though, that the right investments are made, and to recognise that some school-based prevention programmes have shown mixed results. While some have demonstrated positive outcomes, others fail to impact mental health. This variability may, at least in part, be due to the methodological limitations of the studies assessing effectiveness, with researchers pointing towards the need for improved data from better-designed studies.

Regardless of the location of the intervention (school, clinic, community settings), the important thing is that treatments are evidence-based, and they offer feasible, cost-effective improvements that can extend into the medium- to long-term.

EdUAE: Does exercising actually help mental health?

Lynda: Exercise is one of the best things we can do to support our mental health. This is evident across many studies in countries worldwide.

A study involving data from 1.2 million people in the US showed a significant association between exercise and mental health (Chekroud et al., 2018).

This was particularly evident in the case of team sports, cycling, and aerobic and gym activities, but all exercise types were associated with lower mental health burdens.

Even after matching across physical characteristics and demographics, those who exercised over the previous month noted 43% fewer days of poor mental health. Interestingly, the positive outcomes were strongest for those who exercised 3-5 times per week, for 30-60 minutes per session. Exercising more frequently and for longer durations did not show positive effects. Exercising more than 23 times per month or for more than 90 minutes at a time displayed negative associations with mental health. So, it seems you can have too much of a good thing! The take-home message here is that

Studies show that mental illness stigma still exists in the wider population and even among healthcare providers

A study involving data from 1.2 million people in the US showed a significant association between exercise and mental health (Chekroud et al., 2018).

 Dr Lynda Hyland, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Head of the Careers and Employability Department at Middlesex University Dubai

you don’t need to be in the gym 24-7 or do high-intensity cardiovascular exercise; even walking can improve our mood, release endorphins, and protect our mental health.

EdUAE: How can someone support a friend who has mental health issues?

Lynda: In our increasingly busy lives, it can be hard to see beyond our own challenges and notice that others may be struggling. Take the time to check in with your loved ones. If you identify that a friend might need support, ask questions, offer them a listening ear, and reassure them that you care. Let them speak and resist the temptation to jump in with well-intentioned ‘solutions’. Know that telling someone to ‘cheer up’ is not helpful. Instead, validate their emotions. Avoid judgement and be present for them. Know your limits and signpost them to appropriate professional support if needed.

EdUAE: What should parents look out for in their children to ensure they act in a timely and understanding manner if a mental health issue arises? And how do they start a conversation with a young person about the possibility they may be struggling?

Lynda: It can be hard for parents to identify that their child is experiencing

mental health challenges, particularly when differentiating possible signs of distress from the often-expected adolescent emotional rollercoaster. The American Psychological Association (2022) notes some key signs to watch out for, including changes in eating and sleeping habits, and in social behaviours (e.g., a previously socially active teenager who no longer wants to leave their room).

If parents suspect their child is experiencing a mental health difficulty, UK-based NHS guidelines (2020) say that parents should take it seriously and talk to the child. However, even after identifying a potential problem, it can be hard for parents to start a conversation on this issue. They might be afraid that they will say the wrong thing or worsen the situation.

Create opportunities to talk (e.g., while doing chores such as preparing food or walking the dog). Ask open-ended questions. Let your child know you are there for them and, like supporting a friend in distress, validate their feelings. Broaching these subjects is easier in families where communication is already open, and emotions are more commonly discussed. If your child does not want to talk to you about what they are going through, let them know you are there for them when they are ready. In the meantime, encourage them to talk to someone they trust (e.g., a good friend or family member) and if you think your child needs professional support, be prepared to reach out for this.

EdUAE: What do we need to do as a society to take the next step in combatting mental health problems? Lynda: We must inform ourselves and recognise that mental health problems can impact us all. If we really want to combat this issue, we must do our bit to address structural factors that make some people more at risk of mental illness. Issues like

inequality, poverty, and discrimination all contribute to mental health. Become an ally for those with mental illness by normalising the conversation about mental health issues, using supportive language, and speaking up when others do not or cannot. Education about mental health issues has the power to change the harmful narrative that has allowed stigma to pervade despite the advances in treatment and outcomes for those with mental health problems.

EdUAE: Finally, as someone who has suffered from depression at times throughout my life, I have found that one of my best ‘weapons’, when the fog descends, is to say to myself: “Right, this is me now, it’s not who I am, but at this moment in time I’m in deep trouble, so just be at one with it and accept it, and wait to see what tomorrow brings.” So, is it important to be honest with yourself when going through difficult times; not finding excuses or kidding yourself that you’ve just got the ‘blues’?

Lynda: Good question! While every situation is different, kidding oneself will only work in the short term, if at all. It does not allow you to address the issue and reduces the likelihood that others will be able to support you when you need it most. Honesty can help. Being kind to oneself and acknowledging that today is bad, but tomorrow may be better, can be a powerful resource. The approach you mention, recognising the presentmoment experience without judgement, is a key feature of mindfulness, which has shown effectiveness in improving psychological wellbeing. What is most important here is that you have developed a strategy that works for you and that you can tap into when needed.

For schedule of planned talks, click here

It can be hard for parents to identify that their child is experiencing mental health challenges

Established: 1870

Course Types:

Art and Design

Business and Law

Computing Engineering

I.T.

Social Science

Subjects:

Accounting and Finance, Architecture, Design - Interior & Fashion, Business, Law, Computing, Engineering, Social Science, Health & Life Science

Fees From:

AED42 - 78K

Inspection Rating: KHDA approved

Location:

Dubai International Academic City, Dubai

De Montfort University Dubai

Founded in 1870, De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester has grown into a global institution with 26,000 students and 2,600 staff. Our courses embed employability in their curriculum and our research feeds into students’ learning. DMU has been ranked in the top 20 universities for graduate prospects in The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and previous DMU graduates have gone on to win Oscars and work with organisations such as the BBC, HSBC, Nike, BMW and the NHS.

At DMU Dubai, we welcome students from all backgrounds and are proud to offer the perfect combination of award-winning teaching, excellent facilities, and a fantastic student experience. For more information, please visit www.dmu.ac.ae

At DMU, we have an ambitious Research Strategy which aims to make research central to our mission as a university.

As a university committed to the public good, we have a track record of research that impacts society and makes a real difference to people’s lives through improvements to health and well-being, infrastructure, creativity, economic growth, business and civil society.

Our commitment to research is integral to our aim to develop our students as critical thinkers. This was recognised in the assessment that accompanied the

A MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF CAMPUS

university’s award of TEF Gold in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework. It was recognised that our research “fed into the curriculum through a focus on application to real-world settings and research-led work placements”

As the United Nations’ (UN) designated Global Hub for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 – the only UK university to be designated as such – we have a commitment to address the UN SDGs in our research, teaching and enterprise activity.

Our goal at DMU is to enhance social and educational justice while advancing the UAE labor market. With their breadth of knowledge and skills for the future, DMU graduates are sure to touch people’s lives for the better.

We are firm in continuing the reputation for excellence that DMU has built so well over the last 150 years - and supporting economic development in the UAE through highly skilled graduates, industry engagement, and high-impact research. According to Simon Bradbury, Pro VC International, DMU’s vision is to provide a transformative educational experience for our students. DMU Dubai will ensure to operate at the same level of quality as its Leicester campus. Our focus on supporting students to become entrepreneurs and the importance of sustainability is the key to the success of our graduates.

WATCH UNIVERSITY VIDEO 

WHY CHOOSE DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY DUBAI?

Prof. Michael Gallimore, Head of Campus, De Montfort University Dubai

International Year Zero (with subject pathways)

• Art and Design

• Business and Law

• Computing

• Engineering

• Social Science

Undergraduate Courses

• Business Management BA (Hons)

• Accounting and Finance BA (Hons)

• Psychology BSc (Hons)

• Interior Design BA (Hons)

• Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

• Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)

• Law LLB (Hons)

• Fashioon Communication and Styling BA (Hons)

• Architecture BSc (Hons)

Postgraduate Courses

• Master of business Administration (Global) MBA

• Human Resources Management (MA)

• International Business and Management (MSc)

• Strategic and Digital Marketing (MSc)

• Project Management (MSc)

• Energy and Sustainable Development (MSc)

• Artificial Intelligence (MSc)

• Data Analytics (MSc)

• Fashion Management with Marketing (MA)

CITIZENS SCHOOL AND KINTERACT JOIN FORCES TO DELIVER A TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Citizens is thrilled to be working with Kinteract, a next-generation learning, assessment and portfoliobuilding education application that creates a unique, holistic learning pathway for every learner.

Innovative models of learning need a new kind of technology to deliver transformation and outstanding outcomes for students. With the incredible vision, team and resources in place at Citizens, supported by Kinteract’s groundbreaking technology, everything is set to provide children in Dubai with a distinctive, hyperpersonalised and unrivalled learning experience.

Citizens School and Kinteract have joined forces at the forefront of the global education movement, which has two key strands.

The first recognises the wonderful diversity of human talent that needs to be nurtured by schools rather than squeezed out by a narrow curriculum. Every child is unique and yet the traditional approach that persists, in many schools, sees all children being taught much the same things. Why? Because in the industrial age, those things were easy to identify and they used to be enough. They were also easy to organise. Now we have the technology to give every child what they need to follow their own pathway; to find their flow, their purpose or, as the Japanese would say, their ikigai. Citizens aims to support every learner to find their passion and their purpose in a challenging but also nurturing environment.

“We wanted a progressive learning management system that provides the Citizens community with an opportunity to build and review a learner’s personalised e-portfolio that can stay with them after school and beyond; an instantaneous access to track progress, in terms of formative and summative assessment, which offers a ‘live’ account of their learning journey. Our learners, our mentors and

Now we have the technology to give every child what they need to follow their own pathway

PARENTS FIND THE BEST SCHOOLS IN THE UAE

Our NEW directory provides a comprehensive review and virtual tour of each school in the UAE, allowing you to make the best decision for your child’s education.

Simply filter by your requirements and look through the quality providers listed.

FEATURE YOUR SCHOOL IN OUR DIRECTORY CONTACT US

our parents will experience a platform similar to Facebook in terms of access and communication, but designed around each child’s individual progress and attainment. The age of holistic, personalised learning is here and a child really is more than just a grade,” explained Tracy Moxley,

Executive Principal at Citizens School.

Secondly, and the practical manifestation of this trend, is the growing demand for hyper-personalised learning from students and their families. We find ourselves in a new world, where rather than every child following more or less the same curriculum, the child now really is the curriculum. So, in this learner-driven age, we have to provide precisely what every child needs, when they need it - not just in core subjects, but across every aspect of a child’s learning journey.

This is now possible, with the vision of the team at Citizens, supported by Kinteract’s groundbreaking technology. The days of mass education are over.

A unique selling point of the platform is the focus on all forms of learning and achievement

 Tracy Moxley, Executive Principal at Citizens School

And the exciting thing is that the technology now exists to make all this a reality. Kinteract is the only technology designed to build, support, track and evidence outcomes of personalised learning pathways for any learning, not just a homogenous curriculum. Like Citizens, Kinteract is committed to the child as the curriculum, a philosophy that can be traced back to the work of John Dewey over a hundred years ago - but is only now made possible by innovative technology.

In addition to driving and tracking every child’s unique achievements, Citizens will use Kinteract to deliver and evidence the impact of its innovative Citizens Future Focused Framework, ensuring that students graduate with the knowledge, skills, values and attributes they will need to thrive in an uncertain world. For Citizens, no other system has the flexibility to easily and effectively incorporate and drive such bespoke programmes.

And of course, no one knows their children better (and that they are all different!) than the parents. This is why Kinteract empowers parents in unique new ways. Not only is there secure communication with teachers, but this is also available with instant, highquality translation in multiple languages. And when it comes to learning, parents and children are able to contribute evidence of all achievements to Kinteract and this will be visible to the teachers, forming a key part of the child’s portfolio. By combining parent engagement and student agency in this way, Citizens and Kinteract are providing a transformational model, with the school as a true member of the extended family.

By empowering every citizen to showcase their unique talents, skills and achievements in a range of required formats, Kinteract is making

The age of holistic, personalised learning is here and a child really is more than just a grade

Kinteract empowers parents in unique new ways

 Phil Redhead, Director of Education and Innovation at Kinteract

a significant contribution to improving equality and inclusion and recognising and embracing all forms of diversity. A unique selling point of the platform is the focus on all forms of learning and achievement, rather than the standard approach of measuring performance

across a predetermined, narrow hierarchy of subjects - an approach that is prone to further entrenching inequality of opportunity. With Kinteract, everyone has the opportunity to succeed in any field.

AS:

 Age agnostic - appropriate for learners of all ages to build their e-portfolios

 Familiar, clean, social-media style interface with a fast and intuitive workflow similar to Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn

 Supports lifelong learning - school leavers retain access and continue to curate their achievement portfolio throughout their lives and careers

 Dynamic approach to building the narrative around the journey in real-time, from first use, not a last-minute collation of evidence - data and evidence are collected at the point of learning for maximum efficiency - it is a living, breathing learning journey

 Students and parents have real agency and can fully participate in the learning journey; they can upload and curate in partnership with the school

 A hashtag system provides the ability for users to collect any evidence and search and organise content easily, customising reports and outputs for any purpose.

Phil Redhead, Director of Education and Innovation at Kinteract said: “Citizens School and Kinteract share a common vision of future-focused learning, which combines the nurturing of key skills, values and attributes with learner agency to follow individual passions. Kinteract’s adaptable technology is unique in its ability to facilitate learning, track progress and evidence achievement against any framework, whilst providing every child with ownership of their learning pathway to lifelong fulfilment. It is often said that we measure what we value and we value what we measure. The Citizens vision, powered by Kinteract, is a transformational move toward valuing every child and all forms of learning and achievement. We look forward together to seeing the students and entire Citizens community thrive in the years ahead.”

CITIZENS SCHOOL

 +971 50 237 7273

VISIT WEBSITE

EMAIL US

KINTERACT

 +44 116 4979 090

VISIT WEBSITE

EMAIL US

THE CITIZENS LEADERSHIP TEAM FELT THAT THE BLEND OF FEATURES OFFERED BY KINTERACT RESONATED WITH THE SCHOOL ETHOS AND VISION. FEATURES SUCH

CONNECTIONS MADE SIMPLE AND ENGAGING ... THE SMART WAY

Connections matter. We study, work, and parent better when we have good connections, and our community grows stronger and healthier with each new connection. That is why award-winning SMART Technologies is committed to creating solutions that empower and engage, providing interactive technology that makes students’ and teachers’ lives simpler and more connected. So, when Education UAE had the opportunity to sit down with Ruben Cammaerts (Vice President, International Sales) and Aaron Fright (Regional Director – Middle East), we thought it was too good to miss. We began by asking, is technology a boon or bane for education?

Ruben Cammaerts: Having been in the industry for over 35 years, and with over 60 million leaders, teachers, and students engaging with SMART from all over the world, it’s been part of our remit to undertake quite a lot of research on that very subject.

People expect that with the billions of dollars spent on technology and education, the learning outcomes should improve significantly. However, this is not what we see. What we do see are pockets of success and some marginal gains. Where technology is implemented well, we do see a lot of success - results that improve significantly thanks to technology.

But it’s never technology just for the sake of technology; you can almost guarantee that would have no major impact. What you need is a mission and a vision, and to know where you want to go, what success looks like, and what your KPIs are. These

are critical to achieving success. Technology on its own is not the answer.

At SMART, we have something that we call our ‘formula for success’, which is actually quite simple: It starts with the leadership and a vision, looking at teaching practices, what is trying to be achieved, and so on. Only then can you start considering the technology, and how realistic it is for a teacher to use it on a day-to-day basis. Software is therefore the second thing. Then you can start to look at the hardware because by this time you know what you want to achieve. But the most critical thing is professional development. How can schools ensure that teachers feel comfortable with the technology, and how can they overcome that resistance to change that we all have? And that’s what we call our formula for success - if you follow these steps, we can almost guarantee a successful outcome.

Ruben Cammaerts, Vice President, International Sales, SMART Technologies is skilled in partner management, go-to-market strategy, sales operations, sales management, and strategic partnerships. He has a degree in commercial engineering, focused on economics and I.

Aaron Fright, Regional Director - Middle East, Smart Technologies has 30+ years of experience in the software and hardware technology space. He has excelled in a variety of sales management positions within multinationals throughout EMEA and Asia.

“The most critical thing is professional development”

EdUAE: What is working well in education right now?

Aaron Fright: We actually have some excellent examples. What we’ve been doing for the last year is documenting success stories we have come across all over the world. And we’ve put these on our website, which we hope will inspire people. We listen and we learn, and then we take examples of success for other educators to use and take advantage of.

RC: We spend a lot of time in consultative conversations and have discovered that where technology is working well it’s because schools have made the right decisions; it’s been a collective decision, with all key stakeholders involved, not just the IT department or the Principal, no matter how good their vision may be.

EdUAE: What is the changing role of the teacher and how do we support that new role?

AF: I think based on what we see; teacher burnout, time management, and not enough time for professional development are big issues. It’s a bit of a pressure cooker situation for teachers because they need to deliver.

We don’t believe that technology is going to replace the teacher, absolutely not. But if you look at what’s happening with the future of education, where schools, for example, are allowing students to create their own learning schedules, the teacher becomes more of a facilitator, a mentor. And with the right technology used in the right way, and with the right teaching practices, the skills and development of students can be accelerated dramatically. So, I wouldn’t say the teacher’s role is changing, but I would say the pressure on the teacher means that we need to accommodate new ways of teaching.

“Parents want to be more actively involved in terms of what the school is offering and how the school is connecting with the parent community”

OVER 60 MILLION teachers, students, and leaders engage with SMART all over the world.

OVER 3.5 MILLION SMART displays shipped globally with the support of our partners.

OVER 35 YEARS of innovation since inventing the original SMART Board® in 1987.

“We don’t believe that technology is going to replace the teacher, absolutely not”

EdUAE: Is it important to involve parents in Edtech planning?

AF: Critical, 100%. We have this Edtech assessment tool where stakeholders in the education world take surveys, and one of the biggest things we’ve discovered from our base of around 6,500 schools is that post-Covid there is a big appetite for understanding where things are going extremely well and to maintain that, and where things are going not quite so well and improve it.

This is particularly true in the UAE where there is a big private school environment. Parents want to be more actively involved in terms of what the school is offering and how the school is connecting with the parent community.

RC: Learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings, it continues, and the more the environment at home or in the community aligns or contributes to that, the quicker young people will learn. So yes, parental involvement is one of the most critical things.

EdUAE: Finally, how do you see the future of education?

AF: Before Covid, we would have conversations with ministries and ask them what they were trying to achieve, and they would say “21st-century learning.” We would reply, “Great, how are you going to deliver that? What does that look like? How are you going to measure success?”

They couldn’t articulate their responses because they didn’t have a holistic, cohesive plan. But since Covid, when we had something like two billion students not going to school, there’s now an acknowledgment that things have to change.

This is particularly exciting in the UAE because it’s such an innovative, out-ofthe-box environment. People like it here because they can be creative; they can make change and create impact.

RC: The future is about taking the success stories and rolling them out, and it is starting to happen.

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“It’s never technology just for the sake of technology; you can almost guarantee that would have no significant impact”

Steven Gibson has taught in three different primary schools in the UAE since 1999, when he left teaching in Liverpool, UK, for an adventure overseas. He has been Year Group Leader for many years and now has embraced the role of KS2 English Leader at Jumeirah English speaking School, Arabian Ranches.

RENAISSANCE: TOGETHER, WE ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY

As technology continues to evolve, and as teachers and students connect in new ways, Renaissance International remains committed to empowering the education sector with research-proven, rigorously developed solutions that are globally recognised for excellence. That’s the big picture, but at Education UAE, we wanted to drill down and see how effective these solutions are for individual schools. With that in mind, we spoke to Steven Gibson, Head of Key Stage 2 English and a class teacher at Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS - Arabian Ranches), who was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his busy schedule to discuss his professional thoughts on Renaissance and how it helps in achieving good student outcomes.

“JESS has been in partnership with Renaissance for seven years now,” Steven begins, “and the Star Assessments, in particular, is an excellent tool for monitoring growth and spotting potential challenges.”

Star Assessments helps schools and individual teachers streamline the entire process, providing valid, reliable data to promote the delivery of the right instruction, at the right time, for the right reason. “And as an English teacher, AR (Accelerated Reader) is excellent; it works very well and the children love it,” Steven explains. “It adds a bit of competitiveness and at the same time, it allows us to home in and focus on where a student might not be pushing themselves as much as they might to reach their unique potential.

“The students find it easy to use and enjoy the immediate results. It is an effective strategy to evaluate how well they are doing with regard to independent reading. The assessment reveals the student’s areas of strength and weakness as well as a wealth of information that can be used to work with them to hone their particular skills and abilities,” Steven says.

Of course, reading is too often seen as a hardship by youngsters. Putting pressure on children to read certain books (many of which are the ones we enjoyed ‘back in the day’) can overshadow their ability to read for fun. It might then be challenging to pique a child’s attention once they have lost it. Self-motivation and curiosity suffer if teachers and parents always pick the literature. But if we want to help our kids form a good relationship with reading, we should pay attention and allow them the independence to choose.

“We must put trust in our young people, and that’s what we do at JESS. As a result, we have seen a high success rate in students who have kept their AR goals. And one of the reasons for this is that it gives students more freedom, allowing them to choose the books they want to read instead of having it forced upon them,” Steven says. “Naturally, the choice is enormous, so students can focus on their interests, favourite authors, preferred subjects – the list goes on. But ultimately, it makes the learning experience so much more engaging and fun.”

WHEN DATA BECOMES A STORY

As Steven illustrates, AR and other Renaissance tools are a real boon for educators, but we wondered if a school was new to this technology, how important it would be for teachers and administrators to have professional development and training in order to collect, evaluate and use data effectively? “It’s a little bit of a learning curve but it’s quite intuitive, so you soon get the hang of it, “Steven says. “Once you do, it ceases to be just data and becomes a story; it can be fascinating to see how individual students progress year on year, seeing their achievements and progression. It’s good to be able to see the student’s growth and share this information with parents.

“When educators share data with families meaningfully, they form a powerful partnership that benefits students. A number in isolation can be

confusing, but when that data makes sense, parents can engage and act on it and are able to understand their child’s classroom activities, tests, and other assessment measures, thus understanding their strengths and, just as importantly, their needs.”

“The students find it easy to use and enjoy the immediate results”

“When educators share data with families meaningfully, they form a powerful partnership that benefits students”

Self-motivation and curiosity suffer if teachers and parents always pick the literature

USEFUL EVIDENCE

Since school inspections are essentially the only way for governments to guarantee and assess educational quality, they play a crucial role. When done well, school inspection is a skill that has the power to transform both teaching and learning. However, can the Renaissance suite of tools assist a school in preparing relevant information for inspectors?

“Yes, because inspectors need to know and understand the unique structure, behaviours, strengths, and weaknesses of a school, and providing such data is yet more useful evidence for them. So I think it is quite valuable with respect to school inspections,” Steven concludes.

There is no doubt that when teachers bring together tuition and guidance with a multi-layered look at where

students are and what they’re ready to learn, young people grow. Assessmentdriven instruction and practice are central to continuous learning and at Renaissance, they have developed tools that can more effectively accomplish advanced learning goals and outcomes, with less resistance, fresh insight, and more student involvement.

Assessment-driven instruction and practice are central to continuous learning

FOCUSING ON THE ‘WHY’ BEHIND THE ‘WHAT’ OF MATHS

By establishing its first regional team in Abu Dhabi, Cuemath, a worldwide maths learning platform with Indian roots, has bolstered its presence in the United Arab Emirates and across the region. The newly hired team will seek to serve customers, develop local alliances, and open doors to important MENA markets. Education UAE was at GESS to speak to Divi Ramola, Head of APAC and EMEA, Cuemath, to find out more about the company’s global success and expansion.

Divi Ramola, Head of APAC and EMEA at Cuemath, is a seasoned EdTech industry leader with over 12 years of experience in the Indian and Asia-Pacific markets. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.Sc. in Cognitive Science from UCLA.

We first asked Divi about the general philosophy of Cuemath and how it has responded to market demands. “We talk to a lot of parents, really trying to understand their needs for maths education for their children, and what we hear constantly is around the conceptual side,” Divi begins. “Maths is a subject that many children shy away from or have anxiety around, and our goal is to address that and provide something that they can feel joy with, which goes a long way to building their self-confidence.

“If you talk to adults and ask them about their own maths journeys, many of them will tell you that they can’t do maths because of the way that it was taught. This was more by rote with a lot of memorising. Our approach, though, is much more about using real-world

examples and focusing on the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ of maths. And we find that children learn very well once they associate a concept with a real-world example and how it has relevance in their lives.”

Cuemath has around 200,000 students across 80 countries, with a lot of growth happening organically. Now, though, it is starting to be more strategic in its approach, which is why it is seeking partnerships in the UAE. “The

UAE is very important to us – it’s sort of doorway to all of the Middle East and the MENA region. This is because a lot of countries look to the UAE as a role model for the focus they have had on education and the innovative practices that they have,” Divi says.

“It is also a very diverse market. You have people from all over the world following very different curricula, so it’s very interesting for us to be here and to be able to test the market with the American, British, Australian, IB, and Indian schools, and seek out partnership opportunities.”

Cuemath has around 200,000 students across 80 countries, with a lot of growth happening organically

“Everything we do we measure and track so that the individual objectives of the children are being met”

ULTIMATE OPTIMISATION

“Everything we do we measure and track so that the individual objectives of the children are being met,” Divi says. “Our technology platform, LEAP, is at the heart of this, and the way that we have organised our lessons is through the LPAR (Learning, Practice, Assessment, Revision) methodology, dictating that every learning module has goals.

“What’s unique about the platform is it can be optimised for each individual school. For example, there could be a student who is very quick on the uptake in terms of the concept, being taught it just once to be able to retain it. However, they then need a lot of practice to reach mastery, and that’s what we focus on. We don’t want to just complete a section and be done with it. We want to show that there is mastery of the concept, which is where the LPAR comes in.

“There might be another child that takes a lot more time to grasp the concept, so the teacher will try to teach them in different ways by using visual stimulation and all of the different tools we have at our disposal.

“It has to be an authentic experience too, so the child cannot be in a contrived environment where someone is teaching to them or talking to them – it’s very collaborative and once they feel that they can learn and they can solve the problem by themselves, with a little bit of guidance, success and growing self-confidence quickly follow.”

Cuemath has around 200,000 students across 80 countries, with a lot of growth happening organically

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF THE NEXT GENERATION

In June 2022, the company announced raising $57 million in a fresh round of fundraising, led by Alpha Wave, at a valuation of $407 million. In the last two years, Cuemath has expanded to over 80 countries and aims to expand to 100 countries by FY2023, strengthening its presence in North America, APAC, the UK, Europe, Middle East, and capturing markets in Africa and South America.

“This last round of fundraising is very significant, particularly given the economic environment.

We see this as confidence in our business model and our very customer-centric, empathetic approach to learning, with a strong focus on learning outcomes.

“We are utilising the funding in several ways, such as putting a team into Abu Dhabi – MENA is a major focus for us. We’re also setting up a Learning Lab in Boston, which is the heart of higher education in the western world, and we’ll be focusing on learning efficacy and how we can influence that. But whatever we do, the focus is always on the child,” Divi concludes.

“It has to be an authentic experience too, so the child cannot be in a contrived environment”

GESS DUBAI 2022 ROUNDUP

GESS Dubai, the leading education conference and exhibition in the Middle East region, welcomed thousands of visitors, over 300 brands and exhibitors, and 200+ speakers over its three-day run, and will be returning next year from 30 October to 1 November 2023 to continue to contribute in shaping the future of education in the region.

Exhibitors from a variety of categories from EdTech (AI, AR, VR, coding, and digital), STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), hardware (3D printers, AV, multimedia technology, and accessories), school management tools, uniforms and equipment, furniture and design solutions through to books, arts, crafts, music, educational toys, language

learning, sports, fitness and wellbeing, online learning, government bodies, associations and more unveiled and demonstrated a plethora of revolutionary products and solutions designed to empower educators with the tools to future-proof their learning environment.

Government bodies also took country pavilions, including the UAE Ministry of Education, which also features

Nebras Education Holding, Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solution LLC, Sharjah Private Educations Authority (SPEA), United Educational Publishing, and Alef Education, and The Saudi Pavilion, which houses the Ministry of Education – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Education & Training Evaluation Commission, National eLearning Centre (NELC), Emkan Education (Aanaab Platform), and Classera.

A special spotlight was shone on emerging businesses at the start-up pavilion.

Some of the brands included youHQ, Coding First, Setterox 3D Printing Products, Growgreen Limited, Jana Reading, Ligiscool UAE, StuDIYo Lab, Atheii Smart Technology, The Little Engineer, Practice Pal Music, Houroufi, Markanyx Solutions Inc., How to Teach Music Online, Windsor Uniforms, Louise Dawson Educational Services, Ipaxi Paxikid /Landpax LTD, Metanoia, and Donams.

A series of stimulating workshops, talks, and panel discussions awaited visitors at the conference area, featuring various zones such as the Future Transformation Room, the Wellbeing

Room, the Global Learning Room, the Leaders in Education Conference, Skills Development Training, and the Growth Mindset Room. The final day saw a packed line-up of topics, including The Benefits of VR-based Training and Education by Nikhail Nair, Consumer Business Lead, MEA at HTC VIVE; Mind Masters: Mindfulness and Wellbeing to Support Students to Learn by Dominic Watts, Coach and Trainer at The Free Spirit Collective; Using Machine Learning to Evaluate Spoken Language Proficiency by Ahmed El-Shimi, Chief Product Officer at Speechace; Leading with Vulnerability by Jeni Dellman, Head of Primary School at British School

Muscat; and a Panel Discussion on The Metaverse and the Future of Learning.

Alongside the exhibition and conferences, a glittering gala event celebrated the quality and diversity of educational products, resources, services, and people as well as the best educational establishments and the most dedicated members of the teaching profession. The awards were divided into two sections – the first for Teachers, Schools, and Education professionals, and the second for Suppliers and/or Distributors.

Alongside the exhibition and conferences, a glittering gala event celebrated the quality and diversity of educational products, resources, services, and people

A special spotlight was shone on emerging businesses at the startup pavilion

 Judges Commendation Award – Teachers, Schools and Educational Professionals – Mr. Ebenezer Kojo Otoo – Winneba Secondary School (Ghana)

 Best Sustainable / Eco-friendly Product – N M B Water Treatment (UAE)

AWARDS FOR TEACHERS, SCHOOLS, AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS

Ambassador for the Environment

KRISTINA ROWENA ESTERO

The British School of Bahrain (Bahrain)

Best Initiative for Inclusion and Wellbeing

GEMS MODERN ACADEMY (UAE)

Best Use of Digital Learning in the Classroom

AIDAN GODWIN

Repton Al Barsha (UAE)

Best use of STEAM Learning in the Classroom

DIANNA KUHN

Rio Vista Elementary (USA)

Best use of STEAM Learning in the Classroom

LISHA JOYAL

Al Hekma International School (Bahrain)

Community Award for Citizenship

ABDULLAH ALHUSSEIN

SB Overseas (Lebanon)

Innovation in Education

THE FARMHOUSE AT ARBOR

The Arbor School (UAE)

Outstanding Contribution in Education

SHIRIN FARZANA

The Winchester School Jebel Ali (UAE)

Judges Commendation Award

Teachers, Schools and Educational Professionals

KAMIL MAJEED

Nordic International School, Lahore (Pakistan)

Judges Commendation Award

Teachers, Schools and Educational Professionals

MR. EBENEZER KOJO OTOO

Winneba Secondary School (Ghana)

Mark Duncan Award for Educational Influencer of the Year

KAUSOR AMIN-ALI

All Children Read (UAE)

The category winners from over 800 entries from a total of 51 countries are:

 Judges Commendation Award – Supplier – Edpuzzle (UK)

AWARDS FOR SUPPLIERS AND/OR DISTRIBUTORS

Best CSR Programme for Education

FRG KOREA CO., LTD. (South Korea)

Best Digital / VR / AI Product DISCOVERY EDUCATION ESPRESSO (UK)

Best Free App / Software Product PICTOBLOX (India)

Best Paid App / Software Product THINGLINK (Finland)

Best Product to Promote Arts, Music and Drama in the Classroom

THE KNOWLEDGE HUB SCHOOL RADIO (UAE)

Best Product to Promote Wellbeing in the Classroom

ESTARS (UAE)

Best Sustainable / Eco-friendly Product

N M B WATER TREATMENT (UAE)

Innovation Product Awards Digital / Coding / Software

ELSA, CORP. (Vietnam)

Innovation Product Awards – non-ICT / Equipment / Hardware

ACTION MATS (UK)

Early Years Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year

SCHOLASTIC ASIA YOUNG STORYTELLERS AWARD / SCHOLASTIC ASIA

(Malaysia)

Primary Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year

TWIG SCIENCE (UK)

Secondary and Higher Education Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year

ARISTO E-COMPANION FOR INTERACTIVE GEOGRAPHY (Hong Kong S.A.R., China)

Secondary and Higher Education Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year

BEDROCK LEARNING (UK)

SEN Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year

MTALENT / LEARNETIC (Poland)

Start Up Company of the Year

FACE THE FUTURE (Singapore)

Judges Commendation Award

SUPPLIER WELBEE (UK)

Judges Commendation Award –Supplier EDPUZZLE (UK)

The launch of tpg media’s new publication, Education Saudi, was also announced by the company’s Partner and Media Director, Laura Wojciechowski, who attended on behalf of Education UAE and presented the award for the Ambassador for the Environment to Kristina Rowena Estero from. The British School of Bahrain (Bahrain).

Visitors expressed how GESS Dubai exceeded all their expectations

WHAT A WEEK!

Exhibitors praised the event as it once again proved to be a valuable platform to generate awareness for their products and services and engage with key decision makers in the industry.

“We have signed two contracts at our booth, which is something that never happens at other educational fairs in the past so we were really really happy that we attended GESS Dubai 2022,” Daniel Rogoz, Co-founder and CEO of Kinderpedia.

“We’ve had an incredible show, taken some fantastic leads, and we are very excited about the opportunities ahead. We will be back, and look forward to seeing everyone at GESS Turkey”, Andrew Ridgway, Founder and CEO of

Visitors also expressed how GESS Dubai exceeded all their expectations, sharing how the conference provided them with ideas and insights on how to leverage digital technology in their classrooms and schools, as well as helping them in their journey to improve in their profession.

“GESS Dubai was back and what a week! Loved the relationships we built with new vendors for our schools and the inspiration that radiated from the speakers!” Linda Parsons, Innovation Lead of Al Futtaim Education.

“GESS Dubai is not only a great opportunity to learn from the diverse pool of knowledge in the education industry but also one of the best platforms to network with the greatest minds in the education sector. The exhibition showcases state-of-theart technologies and platforms to implement in school while the talks present perfect guidelines for educators on how to improve teaching methods and revolutionise the school culture. I’m proud to be a part of the diverse GESS community and look forward to positive interactions in the future,” Kamil Majeed, Principal and COO of Nordic International School, Lahore, Pakistan.

For more information on GESS Dubai or if you are interested to participate in next year’s edition, visit www.gessdubai.com or send an email to enquiries@gesseducation.com.

“We have signed two contracts at our booth, which is something that never happens at other educational fairs”

FUTURE INSIGHTS ON THE APPLICATION OF METAVERSE IN EDUCATION

by Siju Philip, Head of Innovation at Global Indian International School Dubai

In the current digital age, the potential for technology to revolutionize education is immense. One of the most exciting and far-reaching technologies that could majorly impact school education is Metaverse. It is a virtual world platform that allows users to explore, create, collaborate and interact with 3D objects in an immersive environment.

Metaverse has tremendous potential for use in schools with its ability to create immersive, interactive, and simulated environments. For example, teachers can use this technology to provide an incredible learning experience for students by creating 3D surroundings wherein they can explore different topics.

Educators can create 3D models of complex systems such as the human heart or brain to explain their functions better. Using Virtual Reality (VR) technology, students can explore these 3D models up close without leaving their desks. This allows them to discover and study concepts more deeply than ever before. They can move around the model in realtime while also receiving audio commentary from their teacher, who explains why certain

parts look a certain way. Furthermore, the 3D environment allows students to ask questions and get personalised feedback from their teacher.

Metaverse also has the ability to transform group learning. Instead of having a lecture in one room, with everyone seated at desks, educators can create virtual classrooms where the students can interact with each other in an immersive setting. For example, they could discuss topics and present their ideas while standing on a stage or virtually explore places around the world, such as ancient ruins or outer space, to learn about them first-hand. Educators can eventually use Metaverse to create virtual programmes and activities designed for students of different ages, which could help make learning fun and interesting.

Siju Philip Head of Innovation at Global Indian International School Dubai and a NASA Certified Aeronaut-X Educator, has a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry and boasts comprehensive knowledge of IB, IGCSE, and CBSE.

At Global Indian International School (GIIS) Dubai, we promote Metaverseoriented education through interesting and age-appropriate lesson plans. We are also building STREAM subject content which will be exhibited on Metaverse for students across grades. We have also organised summer camps where Metaverse-related topics were explored and experienced by students from different schools.

In today’s world, Metaverse is perfectly positioned to take advantage of a new trend towards gamified learning. It allows educators to create virtual worlds explicitly tailored for learning purposes. For example, these virtual worlds could feature realistic

simulations or even entire fantasy worlds, encouraging engagement through creative play-based activities

The possibilities are almost limitlessfrom fun number games to immersive virtual reality experiences, Metaverse has the power to revolutionise the way students learn. Metaverse can even open up new ways for students to interact with each other and their teachers. For instance, by employing avatars in a virtual world, it’s possible to foster collaboration and teamwork between students regardless of their location. This opens up a whole new range of opportunities for intercultural exchange and global learning projects.

Moreover, Metaverse can offer unprecedented opportunities for educational analytics. By tracking how students interact with lessons, educators can gain insight into what works best for their students. They can then tailor class content accordingly to ensure maximum engagement and progress over time.

In this way, the Metaverse can become a powerful platform for learning that goes beyond traditional teaching methods. As educators continue to explore its potential, Metaverse will become an integral part of how we learn in the future. All these prove that possibilities and applications are truly endless when it comes to learning with Metaverse in the future.

Metaverse has tremendous potential for use in schools with its ability to create immersive, interactive, and simulated environments

 Siju Philip, Head of Innovation at Global Indian International School Dubai

Metaverse is perfectly positioned to take advantage of a new trend towards gamified learning

Shaping the future of education

Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls

The 15th edition of GESS Dubai returns in 2022, free to attend to anyone working in the field of education. The exhibition provides educators access to the products and solutions that meet the needs of the modern classroom and transform the way students learn. Alongside the exhibition runs an extensive conference programme and awards ceremony, making GESS Dubai the complete event for the education industry.

This year’s event runs under the theme “Shaping the future of education”, and our world-class conference will feature a range of renowned speakers and educationalists sharing their knowledge and passion in over 150, free of charge, CPD accredited talks and workshops. Our collaborative and innovative sessions will allow you to take home practical teaching methods, to use in your classroom immediately.

Inspiring Speakers

Here are some of the confirmed speakers so far whose topics will inspire, energise and empower educators seeking new, innovative ways to take teaching and learning to the next level:

Rob Houben, Educational Leader, Change-Maker and Change Creator

Russell Cailey, Executive Director, TGS Innovation and Training Centre, THINK Global School

Dr. Inas Sobhy, Chief Intelligence Officer, Badr University

Nic Ponsford FRSA, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Equality Collective

Gavin McCormack, Teacher Trainer, Children's Author, Philanthropist and School Principal

Kristel Solomon-Saleem, Director of Student Support Services, The KAUST School

Dr Sarah Rogers, CEO, Quest Direct Professional Services

Jonathan Newport, Managing Director (Learning & Development), Team Teach

Keep Up To Date With New Products And Innovation

Meet hundreds of companies showcasing the latest educational products and solutions that teachers use to make them more effective in helping their students achieve better results. With numerous country pavilions including Germany, Korea, UK, Saudi Arabia and India, GESS Dubai is the trusted platform for suppliers of the entire spectrum of educational products and services.

A Conference To Engage And Inspire

Alongside the exhibition runs our globally renowned, free to attend and CPD accredited conference featuring seminars, live case studies, workshops and panel discussions. Our conference streams provide educators and leaders alike the exposure to the latest trends, best practice as well as the latest tech in the pursuit of excellence in their classrooms.

GESS Talks Arena: Featuring an exciting range of talks from individual keynotes, to panel sessions and 1-2-1 interview style conversations. With inspirational keynotes and dynamic movers and shakers, these sessions are designed to inspire and engage to help you learn about the latest global education trends and to push your education agenda forwards.

Leaders in Education Conference: Our new two day programme, exclusively for Principals and members of Leaders in Education, these sessions look at the challenges that leaders of schools and institutions face, the qualities required to make a good leader and the skills required to succeed in senior positions. Bringing in high level international speakers and local experts to deliver two days of world-class education and professional development.

Wellbeing Space: Hear inspiring wellbeing, SEN and Early Years talks that will outline the latest international research and techniques to help educators learn how to boost, motivate and inspire both themselves and their students to achieve the very best.

Skills Development Training: These certified workshops are designed for those wanting to know more about stepping into leadership and acquiring useful skills and insights into the techniques and knowledge essential to aspiring leaders. Longer than our other conference sessions these are designed for educators wanting to dig deep, explore and skill up their toolset.

Future Transformation Zone: What does the future of education look like? How can new and evolving technology be integrated within the classroom? These sessions will explore the latest technological advances, trends and thinking and showcase the latest innovations in education. Covering all aspects of education and demonstrating best practice to improve and enhance teaching and learning. Hear from expert speakers and discover the latest trends.

Global Learning: Find out about the latest innovations in education from global and regional perspectives. Find out about key International education issues, be empowered and ask the questions you've always wanted to. Experience these dynamic workshops first-hand and learn how to future proof your school.

PADEL TENNIS: THE BEGINNERS’ ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Padel Tennis is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. One of more than 30 racket sports played at clubs and courts from Dubai to Detroit, it is threatening to catch up in popularity with established favourites such as tennis and badminton.

Conceived in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, padel tennis shares a lot of similarities with the traditional game. The people of Acapulco, Mexico, were the first to play the sport, and then it swiftly caught on throughout the rest of Latin America. Today, it is a global phenomenon, and nowhere more so than in the UAE.

HOW DO YOU PLAY PADEL TENNIS?

Padel is tactical, thrilling, demanding, and extremely addictive. It’s a low-impact, highintensity cardio workout that both singles and doubles can benefit from. Tennis and padel have rules that are fairly similar and are simple to master. However, the distinctions are instantly apparent once you start playing.

The court is the first thing to mention; it is half the size of a typical tennis court. The enclosure is the next component and is framed by either wire or perspex. This framing is then employed, as in squash, to strike the ball against the rear or sides of the court, in attack or while returning. Then there are the padels themselves. They

resemble enormous table tennis bats and are made of plastic and foam. They can deliver tremendous force. There are no limits on how you strike the ball, but only underarm serves are permitted. The balls have been modified too, to lessen the pressure. In actuality, it is not unusual for players to use regular tennis balls that have been depressurized with the aid of a needle.

Padel is a faster game to play than tennis for several reasons, including the smaller playing area and, like squash, the fact that back and side walls can be used as part of the game. Imagine a squash court that is three-quarters the size of a tennis court, enclosed within a four-wall box. Then, imagine adding a large stringless bat, and you start to get the idea.

WHERE TO PLAY?

The speed, energy, and excitement padel offers makes it a great game for everyone, no what matter your age! So it’s no surprise that padel facilities are springing up all over the place, with some of the best being in the UAE.

The speed, energy, and excitement padel offers makes it a great game for everyone, no what matter your age!

DUBAI

Central Padel Dubai

Seven courts are available for players to get active on at Central Paddle, with two of the world’s best players, Juan Lebrón and Agustín Tapia, the first to test them out at the launch. There is coaching for all ages and abilities, as well as sessions for ladies, children and beginners. There is also a club shop to allow you to acquire essential kit.

Dubai Golf

Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the Dusit Thani Dubai all have courts that are managed by Dubai Golf. For members, a tournament schedule is maintained, and visitors can play for a fee.

Just Padel

The largest provider in the Middle East with 34 courts spread out around the city. A number of them are in schools, while others are at places such as Kite Beach and Ripe Market. All courts at Just Padel are bookable.

Other facilities in Dubai include Padel Point, Matcha and Smash.

ABU DHABI

Al Forsan International Sports Resort

Al Forsan is one of the biggest and best sports complexes in Abu Dhabi and ideal if you want to play padel. The ride out to Khalifa City might be a little bit of a drive, but the exceptional facilities and artificial lake make it worth the trip.

Let’s Padel Academy

Let’s Padel Academy is located out in Mussafah and is an impressive indoor padel facility that includes four courts. Qualified training is available for all ages and levels.

Marina Padel

If you’re looking to play padel in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, look no further than Marina Padel at Yas Marina. And if you’re if not a ‘pro’ padel player, there is access to professional coaches. There are also events and competitions.

Other facilities in Abu Dhabi include Beach Club at Beach Rotana, Yas Acres Golf and Country Club and Zayed Sports City.

SHARJAH Sharjah Beach Club

Sharjah Beach Club has everything you need to play padel tennis, including rackets, balls, refreshments, and of course some of the finest courts in the emirate.

The Basic Rules

The rules of the game are fairly straightforward. Unlike in tennis, the ball remains playable if, after being hit on the ground, it then hits the walls. The scoring is the same as in tennis.

When serving, the ball must bounce once on the floor. Players can reach over the net with an arm or racket when hitting a ball but if the racket hits the net (or if the ball hits the wall or fencing before it hits the floor) it is a foul. Once the ball hits the ground, it may strike the wall or fencing before it is returned. Out-of-court plays are allowed, leading to some thrilling rallies.

Padel tennis is fast and furious, great fun and exercises almost every muscle you know of ... and quite a few that you don’t! So, get involved today; one of the world’s fastestgrowing sports is on your doorstep.

Padel is tactical, thrilling, demanding, and extremely addictive

BESPOKE SPORTS CLOTHING FOR EVERYONE!

You may not think it’s an economic option for a small local sports club or school to have a sportswear factory manufacture a unique bespoke club kit. But you’d be wrong. OG Classic supplies customised sportswear clothing to a broad range of customers in the UAE, currently 15 schools and over 20 sports clubs, including teams competing in the 2022 Dubai 7s, the longest-running annual sports event in the Middle East.

When a design is truly bespoke, it allows schools and sports clubs to become genuinely distinct, with Gwillym Poole, CEO at OG Classic, commenting: “One of the international invitation teams for this year’s Dubai 7s took its kit design to another level, and it was very impressive. What they are doing for the youngsters what they are doing for the youngsters is extraordinary and inspiring. ‘It’s for the Kids’ is a saying you should see quite often.

“Then we have one of the most famous schools in Dubai, which has chosen a design that really sets them apart from everyone else. Whatever the challenge, though, Adil, our lead designer, has nailed the designs for everyone this year.”

Of course, schools and sports clubs do not need to have a ready-made design when contacting OG Classic. It’s unusual if they do, although the company enjoys seeing new ideas from its customers. “Our in-house design team can create anything a customer desires, and I think only once has someone said, “sorry, I don’t like it.” So that is a 99.9% success rate of getting it right, which we’re quite happy with!”

100% RECYCLED CLOTHING

However, with OG Classic, it’s not just about the fabulous design and quality of the product. The company is also very keen on sustainability and environmental awareness, as Gwillym explains: “I think our offering has something for everyone. The recent deliveries of our 100% recycled clothing have really impressed people, not least how the modern feel and comfort of the products are, once again, next level. Most will not know how much of a difference they are making. But they are. Long may it continue.”

Leading-edge Corporate Social Responsibility is high on the list of objectives at OG Classic too. Essentially, whatever the company does, it is committed to having a positive effect on the community. As Gwillym puts it: “Being there for others whilst striving to be the best we can be.” Furthermore, the company’s office/showroom is a meeting hub where people and employees want to be - a welcoming place with welcoming people. And this fuels superlative customer service.

Gwillym Poole, the founder of OG Classic has been in the Middle East for almost 10 years, having worked his way up to GM with another sportswear clothing brand, running the operation in the UAE. OG Classic was born to provide a superior product and service to the sector.

“The recent deliveries of our 100% recycled items have really impressed people”

THE ’WOW!’ FACTOR

“Relationships are key, Gwillym explains. “In tandem with our suppliers and partners, we do everything we can for our customers, understanding their expectations and responding with solutions that include delivery within just eight weeks of the order being placed, which is way ahead of most of our competitors in the industry. We believe that there is a way if you have the will to do it. Naturally, not everything goes to plan, but it’s how we react that is key. Everyone at OG Classic is proud of their ability to consistently go beyond the extra mile.”

It will come as no surprise, therefore, that OG Classic is pushing boundaries not only in design, production, customer service, and delivery, but also geographically.

“We are currently growing as organically as we can,” Gwillym says. “We are servicing our existing customer base in the UAE while pushing deeper into the region day by day. We have delivered all over the world, but we anticipate having a much wider reach in the GCC and beyond in the coming years.

It is not all hard work either; OG Classic likes to get to know its customers, becoming good friends with many of them. Recently, for instance, the UAE’s largest sports club, Dubai Hurricanes, took delivery of its amazing 100% recycled kits.

“We had the pleasure of welcoming every age, size, shape, and sport into our showroom for a

photo shoot, where I got to have my children (Owen and Grace, hence OG) model for it. A real ‘wow!’ factor for me personally and I know the team loved the experience!” concludes Gwillym.

To find out more and discover how your young sports stars can dazzle the opposition in more ways than one, visit OG Classic!

“Our in-house design team can create anything a customer desires”

NEW AND EXCITING EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES AT CITIZENS SCHOOL

The Citizens School formal curriculum is supplemented by a robust extracurricular programme, allowing learners to develop a wide range of skills and interests that help build knowledgeable, confident, and articulate young people with the character to mature into future leaders and effective global citizens. With this in mind, the school has teamed up with several specialist organisations to provide its students with the very best coaching in basketball, swimming, football, and language training.

STAR BASKETBALL ACADEMY

Whether you’re new to basketball or an experienced player, the Star Basketball Academy allows players to improve their skills and learn new ones with professional ACEP-qualified coaches trained in the United States.

With the best coaching techniques and practices for students (8-18 years), their coaches understand that each player learns differently and cater to individual needs through a unique programme that allows young basketball players to improve their shooting, defence, and ball handling, while also developing leadership skills, confidence, and work ethic.

Star Basketball Academy also offers an exclusive E-learning system, which allows players to watch sessions before training and communicate between teammates, parents, and coaches. Registration is simple and extremely competitive prices are supported by flexible 4 - 12-week packages and a transport option for both training and games that make the whole process easy for families.

The coaches at Star Basketball Academy are motivated to give their best to all of the young players under their care, including supplying each player with a performance report after each four-week cycle (released online), making them better in every respect.

To find out more or to register, telephone 05 0588 1380/05 0488 4513 or email info@starbasketballacademy.com

Follow Star Basketball Academy via social media on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn

SPEEDO SWIM SQUADS DUBAI

When learning to swim, it is always advisable to be accompanied by a competent, experienced swimming teacher who knows what they are doing and has the appropriate qualifications. That’s why Speedo Swim Squads Dubai is so popular, with a comprehensive range of programmes that go from beginners taking those first few strokes through to full competition training led by qualified teachers and internationally recognised coaches.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, Speedo Swim Squads Dubai offers six distinct programmes, with something for everyone.

 Baby Swim: Aimed at babies and toddlers from four months to three years, Baby Swim focuses on building water confidence and water safety, helping to build up motor skills and the basic strokes through what are called the FUNdamentals principles.

 Learn to Swim: From three years to adults, this programme has a focus on developing the four strokes, improving technique, and developing dynamic aquatic skills to strengthen water confidence and swimming ability.

 Early Training: From six years to adults, Early Training is for those who want to extend their strokes and distances and who may be considering competition training in the future.

 Competition Programme: This distinctive programme is for those who love to compete and are aspiring national and international swimmers. The programme is led by a French National Junior Team Coach and a former Spanish National Junior Team Coach.

 Swim Fast Tri-Programme: A highly specialised adult amateur and professional tri-swim programme that includes access to customised group training, pre-planned sessions, and a video library.

 Synchronized Swimming: Combine swimming, dancing and gymnastics to create spectacular routines in time with music (from age six).

To find out more or to register, telephone 04 354 9525 or email info@speedoswinsquad.com

Follow Speedo Swim Squad Dubai on social media at Instagram

REAL MADRID FOOTBALL SCHOOL

The most successful club in the history of football, with a staggering 14 UEFA Champions League trophies under its belt, as well as countless other silverware and being named ‘The Best Club of the 20th Century’ by FIFA in 2002, Real Madrid is one of the most important sporting institutions in the world.

It goes without saying, therefore, that there is certainly nowhere better to develop footballing knowledge and skills, and if you are aged 4-17 you can do so right here in the UAE!

The Realmadrid Foundation Academy UAE boasts professional football coaches with vast experience who are certified by the Real Madrid Foundation in Spain. Its coaches are subject to a minimum of two annual training sessions by Real Madrid Foundation coaches flown in from Madrid to ensure that its training techniques are up to the highest standard possible and continue to be in line with the ethics of Real Madrid.

A school of football, the Realmadrid Foundation Academy is run the same as any school, with classes designed to be both educational and inspiring to help players achieve their goals, whether that be to improve the standard of play, fitness levels, achieve elite standards, or just have fun!

So if you have a budding young Zinedine Zidane, Alfredo de Stefano, or Luis Figo in your family, book a free trial today by calling 05 0343 0172. Alternatively, email belshatarat@baniyas.ae Follow the Realmadrid Foundation Academy on social media on Instagram and Facebook

HEADWAY INSTITUTE

Learning a new language can be a rewarding experience, not only improving career prospects and opening new doors but also helping to broaden one’s perception of the world and enhance cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving.

These are just a few of the reasons why Citizens School has teamed up with the Headway Institute, a language training centre that provides lessons taught by native-speaking teachers with specialised linguistic education. Most of the teachers are qualified to a minimum Master’s level in language teaching or a related subject and have additional certificates in language teaching (CELTA, DELTA, TESOL, TOEFL).

All classes are conducted in school, which saves both time and energy for both the student and parents, with a choice of four of the world’s most widely spoken languages:

 Arabic Beginners: Thursday, 3.00-4.00pm (FS 3-4), 4.00-5.00pm (Y1-6)

 Arabic Mother Tongue: Tuesday, 4.00-5.00pm

 English for Beginners: (Three times per week)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 3.30-4.30pm

 French: Monday, 3.30-4.30pm

 Spanish: Tuesday, 3.30-4.30pm

For further information, call 04 383 9210 or email classes@ headin.pro (please mention Citizens School when making contact). Follow the Headway Institute on social media on Facebook and Instagram

Numerous Benefits

Extracurricular activities benefit learners of all ages because they encourage better social, mental, and physical health. Furthermore, they are a wonderful way to explore interests, make new friends, and build social skills that will last a lifetime. And if all that were not enough, universities often look for extracurricular participation during the admissions process.

The good news for learners at Citizens School is that there are numerous extracurricular opportunities for learners of all ages, and the quartet featured here could well be a good place to start!

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION LIES BEYOND TRADITIONAL LEARNING

by Amit Kothari, Executive Committee Member of Education Business Group

As part of its Reading Month initiatives, the Ministry of Culture and Youth hosted a talk session on its YouTube channel. The conversation about the importance of bedtime stories with Isobel Abulhoul, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Ibtesam Al Bayati, children’s book author, was moderated by Youssef Abdel Bari. The speakers discussed the impact of reading to children and how it can be made a part of daily routine.

Education Business Group (EBG), a nonprofit formed under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), currently services 53% of the city’s private school student cohort. Below are EBG’s long-term strategies that private schools in Dubai need to consider to help shape the generation of tomorrow.

 Wellbeing awareness - As students adapt to the new normal, mental wellbeing has become an outspoken, top priority for children, adolescents, parents, and teachers alike. It is thus essential for teachers to listen to any concerns they may have and demonstrate understanding as well

as empathy. Regular check-ins have been implemented in some of the schools to offer students the opportunity to have oneto-one conversations with their teachers and reconnect in an open environment.

For younger kids, teachers tend to be role models and help shape their students in their transformation into young adults. It is common for children to mirror the way adult figures around them behave, so it is important for both parents and teachers to watch their actions and remain calm. Today, schools have been progressively incorporating mental health into the lives of children with activities such as yoga, meditation

Amit Kothari, Executive Commitee Member for Interstar Advisory, an Education Management firm based in the UAE, is also an Executive Committee Member of the Education Business Group and is responsible for all new business development, strategy, and finance.

practices, and breathing techniques. Additionally, schools have assigned dedicated wellbeing officers on campus along with school counselors to guide and support students.

 Sustainability and eco-literacy - Schools need to adhere to a ‘sustainability first’ ethos and maintain a green environment, initiate ecological activities, and ensure the inclusion of eco-literacy in the curriculum. Project-based education and place-based learning are great ways to introduce kids to environmental responsibility. From growing their own fruits and

vegetables, separating recycling bins, and reducing plastic use, to joining beach clean-ups, similar eco-friendly activities can become the stepping stone to building a sustainable mindset from a young age. Placebased learning also invites children to learn about the environment and study science in ecological locations and learn first-hand about nature.

From an operational perspective, schools could work towards minimising their environmental impact, utilising solar power for energy needs, recycling water for agricultural use, and implementing waste separation and wind energy generation.

 Collaboration - Fostering collaboration between students helps build interpersonal skills that prepare them for the real world. For younger students, Free Play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of a child. When schools do not incorporate play into the curriculum, students tend to lack communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. When children play, they learn to work together and figure things out without help from a teacher or an adult.

Interactive Learning Centers are another teaching strategy that can enhance the likelihood of positive peer-social interaction among students. The great thing about learning centres is that they are structured, so that students must interact with one another.

 Safe learning space - Today, most public and private schools follow anti-bullying policies to protect children and encourage a friendly and inclusive environment. As most reported bullying situations arise at schools, staff and teachers should possess the know-how and tools to resolve such issues. Certificates such as mediation classes and conflict resolution workshops are necessary for teachers to effectively manage these situations. As some children are more reserved, teachers could be aware of the warning signs – for example, sudden withdrawal from activities, loss of appetite, and change of attitude towards learning and friendships.

In line with the anti-bullying program organised by the Council of the UAE in collaboration with UNICEF, schools in Dubai are continuously ensuring to build healthy and progressive relations between students, parents, caregivers, and educational staff members.

An embodiment of the UAE’s leadership to provide a holistic environment that builds future generations, these strategies support students to cultivate relationships and ensure a prosperous future for the community as a whole.

Regular check-ins have been implemented in some of the schools to offer students the opportunity to have one-to-one conversations with their teachers and reconnect in an open environment

From an operational perspective, schools could work towards minimising their environmental impact

A CLEANER, MORE HYGIENIC WASHROOM FOR CHILDREN

THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVE PUT AN UNPRECEDENTED SPOTLIGHT ON HYGIENE ACROSS THE GLOBE, ESPECIALLY IN SHARED SPACES SUCH AS SCHOOLS. IN WASHROOMS. FOR INSTANCE, DAMP HANDS CAN TRANSFER UP TO ONE THOUSAND TIMES MORE BACTERIA THAN DRY HANDS, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH EFFECTIVE HAND-DRYING FACILITIES TO HELP MINIMISE THE SPREAD.

Dyson hand dryers produce up to 85% less CO2 than other hand dryers and can dry 18 pairs of hands for the price of a single paper towel

This is why warm air dryers are commonly used in shared washrooms as a hand-drying solution, but unfortunately, not all hand dryers are created equal. Some warm air dryers can flag up some very real hygiene concerns, including using unfiltered air to dry hands or requiring activation through a physical button.

These same warm air dryers are also often guilty of high energy consumption - an unwelcome contribution to a school’s carbon footprint and expenses.

So, where is it possible to find all of these requirements within one product? The answer is Dyson Airblade hand dryers, which help to create a cleaner, more hygienic washroom for children.

All of the hand dryers are touchfree and include HEPA filters, which capture 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, including bacteria and viruses from the air, ensuring hands are dried with cleaner air, not dirty air. Additionally, Dyson Airblade hand dryers can help schools save on costs, washroom space, and CO2 emissions, with no single-use paper waste.

offices, or high-traffic environments. Each has been designed to ensure that space in the washroom is being utilised to its full capacity. To find out which Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer is best suitable for your school and the space you have available, book a consultation by visiting www.dyson.ae

SAVE ON COSTS, WASHROOM SPACE, AND CO2 EMISSIONS

Several things should be taken into consideration when choosing a hand dryer:

 Robustness and reliability: schools should invest in hand dryers that will last and be able to withstand multiple uses per day.

 Efficient filtration of the air: hand dryers should have filters to remove particles, including bacteria and viruses.

 Fast drying: Damp hands can transfer up to one thousand times more bacteria than dry hands and children might not wait around to dry their hands properly with an inefficient hand dryer.

 Energy efficiency: schools should be looking to transition to energyefficient hand dryers meaning lower annual running costs, maximising school savings.

 Carbon footprint: schools should look for hand dryers that show reduced CO2 energy consumption (i.e. Carbon Trust certified).

This latter point is important, as paper towels have a high carbon footprint, closely followed by warm air dryers. Dyson Airblade hand dryers produce up to 85% less CO2 than other hand dryers and can dry 18 pairs of hands for the price of a single paper towel. Put simply, Dyson engineers have developed a machine that not only works effectively and hygienically but also has a lower impact on the environment than other hand-drying methods. Dyson Airblade hand dryers are exceptionally cost-effective too, costing up to 99% less to run than paper towels.

If you need any additional guidance, you can contact DysonProfessionalMea@ dyson.com or call 04 4487132 where one of the company’s expert advisors will be able to assist you. When you are ready to order your dryer, this can be done directly online where you will be asked to pick a date and time for delivery and installation. Once installed by Dyson’s team of professionals, your dryer will be ready for use immediately.

So, should you consider switching to Dyson? Consider installation time, noise, speed, hygiene, energy savings, and maintenance, not to mention the fact that all Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers come with a five-year warranty, and we think the answer is self-evident!

REVOLUTIONARY AIRBLADE™ TECHNOLOGY

Only a Dyson dries like a Dyson. Since the launch of the first Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer in 2006, the company has continued to evolve, innovate, and improve its hand dryer technology.

Airblade™ technology scrapes away water at 690km/h. Additionally, the Dyson digital motor V4 uses digital pulse technology to draw up to 20 litres of air per second through the machine, for fast hand drying.

There is a selection of Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers, which have been designed to suit a variety of schools,

Some warm air dryers can flag up some very real hygiene concerns

Dyson hand dryers are exceptionally cost-effective, costing up to 99% less to run than paper towels

Damp hands can transfer up to one thousand times more bacteria than dry hands

UNIFORMS WITH SUPERPOWERS

We help schools to attract and retain students with school uniforms that align with the environmental and societal values of today’s parents and children.

The uniforms we make tell a story. From the fields where the organic cotton is grown, to the beaches where plastic bottles are collected, they all have a sustainable start.

Then it’s the makers turn, who expertly turn these raw materials into clothing, in factories where their safety and wellbeing is guaranteed, and they are paid fairly.

With sustainability being such a buzzword and greenwashing becoming commonplace, we believe that it is important to back up claims with facts and data. This is why we calculate the impact of making our uniforms and use this data to offset our impact by purchasing carbon credits, making our uniforms carbon neutral.

It’s a sustainable story we’re proud to tell, and one we hope you’re proud to pass on to your students.

Using nothing but materials from sustainable sources allows us to have the most positive environmental impact possible. Here are the four sustainable materials that we currently use to make our products.

ORGANIC COTTON

Organic cotton really is a game-changer. It uses up to less water and less energy, whilst producing less CO2 than conventionally farmed cotton. Plus, it eliminates the use of GMOs and harmful pesticides. For all those reasons, 100% of our cotton is organic – it’s a nobrainer.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

We try to use as little plastic as possible, but for now, when we need to, we only use recycled and not virgin polyester. This means we use less energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. It also diverts PET bottles away from landfills, reducing soil contamination and water pollution.

TO FIND OUT MORE, DOWNLOAD

REGENERATED NYLON

All of our swimwear is made from regenerated nylon. This starts out as disused fishing nets and then, hey presto! It turns into our swimming trunks and costumes.

A FREE COPY OF TOXIC THREADS HERE.

COCONUT SHELL

Even our buttons are sustainably sourced because they’re made from upcycled coconut shells.

STAYING POSITIVE, WORKING HARD, AND MAKING IT HAPPEN!

I FIND INSPIRATION IN A VARIETY OF PEOPLE AND THINGS. BUT I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT THE PERSON WHO INSPIRED ME MOST AT THE END OF 2022 IS A 17-YEAR-OLD STUDENT AT DEIRA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (DIS), ASEEL _____, A FRIENDLY, INTELLIGENT, ENTERTAINING, AND DRIVEN YOUNG WOMAN WITH THE WORLD AT HER FEET. YET IT HASN’T ALWAYS BEEN AN EASY JOURNEY.

“I moved to Dubai three months ago,” Aseel begins, “and now I’m studying for my GCSEs at DIS. Next year I’ll be taking my GCSE exams.” Then, without missing a beat, she added, “My favourite colours are white and blue because they symbolise peace.” This was said in an offthe-cuff, humorous manner as she gathered her thoughts about what to say next, but there is very real meaning in that statement.

We’ve all heard celebrities when asked what their greatest desire is, respond with “peace in the world”. And while that is a laudable sentiment that we all share, many of them have never been touched by war. Aseel, on the other hand, is a Syrian refugee who, living in Lebanon for the past 14 years, understands exactly what war and being forced out of your homeland really mean.

Transforming Lives

Aseel finds herself in Dubai thanks to the Al Futtaim Education Foundation (AFEF), which has joined together with Alsama, a charitable foundation based in Lebanon that provides informal educational support for over 500 refugee children. Through this partnership, a special academic excellence scholarship was offered to high-achieving refugee children to attend DIS, with the scholarship covering the tuition fees and living expenses.

To make this ambitious dream of transforming lives a reality, AFEF reached out to the Al Futtaim Group and schools community living in Dubai, asking, if circumstances permitted, to host and take into their care a scholarship awardee for a full academic year. Aseel was lucky enough to find a wonderful Dutch family, which is, no doubt, one of the reasons why she is now so hooked on the language.

“It’s absolutely amazing living here in Dubai! Aseel says. I have made a lot of friends here from all over the world, and I’m learning new skills and abilities. When I came here three months ago everything was very new to me. The Dutch family I am living with, for instance, with a different language and culture, was a completely new experience – everything was new, but I was determined to overcome the challenges and enjoy my new life.

“I’m having a lot of fun. I’ve visited so many new places. I went to the top of Burj Khalifa, and saw the Burj Al Arab and Jumeriah Beach – there’s so much to do and see. There have been fantastic days out with the school too, such as going to Abu Dhabi on a business trip. I try to participate in all activities at school.”

Aseel was lucky enough to find a wonderful Dutch family, which is, no doubt, one of the reasons why she is now so hooked on the language

From Medicine to Business

Aseel is a girl with big, but achievable, dreams too. “When I finish my GCSEs next year, I’m hoping that I will also be able to do my IB, and after that, I would love the opportunity to go to university in the UK to study business.

“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a doctor. When I came to Dubai, though, out of nowhere I changed my mind and I now want to be a businesswoman. In Lebanon, when I see people there, I want to help them and I thought the best way was to be a doctor - if I was a doctor, I would have the skills and knowledge to help people. But when I moved to Dubai, I thought about it. What would happen if I became a businesswoman? I can make more money, then I can go back to my country, to my people, and to my community to help by utilising my skills; I think this is really needed now and will be in the future.

“I must say, my parents were surprised when I changed my path because I’ve been saying I want to be a doctor for the last 14 years! Nevertheless, my mom always supports me, and whatever I decide she is going to say “Okay if that’s what you want, that’s fine, I’m going to support you”. But my dad was like, “Are you sure? You can’t keep changing your mind, you have to sort it out”. I told him I was sure and he now supports me wholeheartedly.”

Tied up in Bureaucracy

Aseel’s quest to become an international businesswoman is being kick-started by an internship with the Al Futtaim Group, where she is looking to pick up new knowledge and experience. “It’s through DIS,” she explains, “and I’ll be learning about business, marketing, sales, and much more besides. It was the school that actually inspired me to

do something with business, and I’ll be learning about the different business departments and specialisms; for example, human resources, marketing, legal - I want to learn as much as I can.”

Once Aseel switched from medicine to business, she approached it in the same way that she approaches everything, with 100% commitment. In fact, having chosen business for her GCSE, she achieved the highest possible grades. “I was so surprised! This is my first year learning business and I am so pleased that I did so well.” Info@disdubai.ae

It hasn’t all been plain sailing over the past three months though. When returning to visit her parents in Lebanon, she got no further than Lebanese Passport Control. “You can’t enter Lebanon,” the border guard said, and when Aseel asked why she was told that she was a refugee in the country but had left, so was forbidden to re-enter. “I explained that I had gone to Dubai with the help of the Al Futtaim Group and, after a long discussion, they discovered it was their mistake. When leaving Lebanon for Dubai, they stamped my passport without asking any questions, and they didn’t ask me if I was a refugee.”

Despite the Lebanese authorities admitting it was their mistake, Aseel still had to get on a plane and return to the UAE. Like every other country on earth, paperwork and legal jargon rule supreme, so Aseel’s family has now hired a lawyer in Beirut to sort everything out. “They are working on my documents in Lebanon, and they’ve said it will be at least a month because it’s the holidays now and everyone has gone home. I’m hoping it will all be done in the next couple of months and then I can visit my parents.”

It’s frustrating for Aseel, naturally, but like everything, she will take it in her stride as she works to become ‘International Businesswoman of the Year 2030’.

“It’s absolutely amazing living here in Dubai!”

“It was the school that actually inspired me to do something with business”

STAYING SAFE IN THE ONLINE WORLD

FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Many people believe that youngsters today are lightyears ahead of most parents and teachers when it comes to using technology. They use their phones and laptops so rapidly and instinctively that it’s easy to think they know all there is to know about the internet and the online world. But when it comes to keeping safe online and knowing what to do if difficulties develop, young people frequently have a lot to learn.

Establishing a direct and honest conversation with your children about their use of social media, apps, games, and the internet is the best approach to keep them safe. Start promoting safe behaviours and talk about online threats as soon as you can, ideally as soon as they begin using the internet. There is ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stuff out there; discuss the distinctions between the two.

Modern filtering and reporting systems can be useful (and comforting for parents), but they cannot resolve every online issue. You should make children and teenagers feel safe approaching you if they feel intimidated or uncomfortable.

Tell them they did the right thing and ask for assistance from national authorities, such as eCrime in Dubai,

or teachers and specialised groups if they do come to you with a problem. You can also report cybercrimes to the nearest police station in your area, or call 999 for help. Consider the ‘My Safe Society’ app too, which has been launched by the UAE’s federal Public Prosecution and is available on iTunes.

We would advise parents to limit their youngsters’ online exposure. Although you would imagine that predators only gather and exchange explicit images, authorities frequently discover pictures of kids in typical settings like the beach or the bathtub.

Don’t ever disclose your full name, birthday, phone number, address, or place of education

FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

If you use any device connected to the internet, protect yourself!

CONFIDENTIALITY

 Keep your devices, information, and passwords safe.

 Make sure your privacy settings remain high by constantly checking them.

 Don’t ever disclose your full name, birthday, phone number, address, or place of education.

ONLINE FRIENDS

 The real world and the virtual world can differ significantly - is your online friend really whom they claim to be?

 Never plan a meeting with a ‘virtual’ friend without first talking to your parents or a teacher.

 If you do decide to meet an ‘online’ friend in person, take suitable safety precautions, whatever your age - let people know where you’re going and, preferably, take someone with you.

Stay

THINK BEFORE YOU SHARE

 Even while sharing messages and pictures with friends you know personally from school, be cautious - Don’t post it if you’re concerned that someone else might read or see it.

 Don’t doubt your intuition. Don’t respond if an online encounter makes you uncomfortable.

 And keep in mind that nothing you share online can ever truly be deleted. After it’s posted, you can no longer edit it and it’s there forever.

REPORT IT

 Take screenshots of any stuff that makes you uncomfortable and show them to a trusted friend or relative.

 Mistakes do occur. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from reporting a dangerous or threatening situation even if you’ve done something you regret doing or saying.

safe by remembering that not everyone is as nice as you or your mum and dad, or that nice Mr Einstein, who teaches you science!

Start promoting safe behaviours and talk about online threats as soon as you can, ideally as soon as they begin using the internet

IN PRAISE OF THE GLORY OF THE HUMBLE TEENAGER AS ‘HERO’

SIAN DAVIES, ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER OF THE SIXTH FORM AT JEBEL ALI SCHOOL

A question many parents ask themselves, at least once, when their children hit those ‘problematic years’ is: why would anyone remotely coherent and sane choose to work in a school, especially one with teenagers?

Schools are marvellous places, altruistic organisations where young minds are developed and children explore their philosophical outlook on life, the world and everything. Pragmatically, they are establishments where parents send children to be cared for while they work. Cynics say they are a place to send children so that parents can achieve some peace and quiet.

and develop kindness, resilience and determination. Mandela also recognised education as a tool for the empowerment of young people.

Einstein was more critical of schools: “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”

Sian Davies, Assistant Headteacher and

English

Teacher at Jebel Ali School. Sian is a voracious reader and lover of literature. She has worked in Qatar, Spain, the UK and Dubai. With a passion for pedagogy, student leadership and holistic education, Sian is currently studying for her Masters in Education.

Literature

Nelson Mandela praised education as: “The most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Mandela recognised that schools help young people to learn life’s necessities: how to read and write, how to communicate effectively, how to make friends and settle disputes, play sports, act, sing, learn an instrument, pass exams, make jokes, share adventures,

Does school make education more of a challenge? Arguably it does; as schools are full of teenagers. Teenagers experiencing growth spurts, hormonal surges and huge developmental changes: physical, cognitive and emotional.

The teenage years are notorious for impulsive behaviour, recklessness, disobedience, subversive rebellion, strange clothing choices, dyed hair or long hair or shaved hair, or a

Teenagers are the anti-heroes of developmental phases, as bad as the infamous ‘terrible twos’

combination of all three. Monotone answers (if given at all), excessive sleep, shouting, defiance, a loathing of authority and a desire for irresponsibility. Teenagers are the anti-heroes of developmental phases, as bad as the infamous ‘terrible twos’.

Which

brings us back to the question:

Why would anyone remotely coherent and sane choose to work in a school, with teenagers?

A recent British YouGov survey asked almost 1,000 teachers to cite the reasons why they worked in the profession. The top reason? 83% of teachers said seeing pupils develop and achieve. What is all the more astounding about this figure is that teenagers are not renowned for good judgement, sensible decisions or respectful love of authority. They are not renowned for heroism. And yet, as teachers we love our jobs. At Jebel Ali School we adore our

evolving Sixth Form and its popularity with our local community, we love the existing students and young people new to the school who are becoming part of our exciting post-16 provision.

We strive for our best to honour young people’s decisions and support them in their learning, supporting them on their hero’s journeys.

At Jebel Ali School we adore our evolving Sixth Form and its popularity with our local community

Being a teenager takes immense courage and energy

Since Einstein’s school days, educationalists have become more aware of the cognitive developments in young brains. We know that the rational part of a teenager’s brain is not fully developed, and won’t be until the age of 25. Teenage brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part, the part that responds to situations with good judgement and an awareness of longterm consequences. Unlike adults, Teenagers process information with the amygdala, the emotional part of the brain.

Teenagers’ brains are still developing the connections between the emotional and the decision-making centre. They often experience overwhelming emotional inputs, which they find difficult to explain because their feelings are more

powerful than the rational aspects of their brains. This can lead to shouting with frustration, denying homework ever existed in the first place and hating everyone, everywhere, all of the time.

A teenager’s brain also becomes more able to think abstractly. They can make plans and set long-term goals, they can develop an interest in the larger world, concerned with philosophy, politics, and social issues. Teenagers see the potential for independence and control, and, conversely, peer influence and acceptance become more important; they compare themselves to their peers. This can lead to insecurity, joy and anger - sometimes all at the same time.

The teenage years are also a period of growth spurts and puberty. Teenagers

grow at a fast pace and their bodies go through changes which can feel overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes frightening. They can be more gawky, clumsy spiders than graceful, heroic athletes or dancers.

So we ask again, why would anyone remotely coherent and sane choose to work in a school, with teenagers?

The response, for me, is that it can feel quite magical to work in a school and just watch, over the course of a year or years, as these teenagers become young people. It feels magical to watch teenagers’ brains develop as they discover the breadth and beauty of the world, as they create opinions and battle their impulsivity and make mistakes. At the end of this piece is a link to a poem which encapsulates the celebration of life as a teacher and the joys of working with young people at Jebel Ali School every day.

It is magical, as a teacher, to be a part of young people’s lives at this stage of their development. Being a teenager takes immense courage and energy, every single day, to face GCSE exams and A-levels, to negotiate friendships and expectations, and depths of feelings which seem inexplicable. And teenagers walk their paths every day with hope and joy and sometimes fear, and they journey on their paths with energy and resilience. We are privileged to see those children emerge from the chrysalis of their teenage years and become young adults. We teach in schools, with teenagers, because it is an everyday miracle, to experience the glory of the humble teenager as they walk their hero’s journey.

Celebration of Life as a Teacher

JEBEL ALI SCHOOL

We know that the rational part of a teenager’s brain is not fully developed, and won’t be until the age of 25

FEATURE

YOUR COMPANY IN OUR NEW SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY FOR EDUCATORS

Make your company accessible to 1,000’s of education buyers in the UAE, giving them access to view your latest products and services in our brand new SUPPLIERS directory.

WELCOME TO TEACHERS’ CORNER!

In this issue of Education UAE, we introduce a new section, ‘Teachers’ Corner’, which will incorporate all kinds of news, analysis, features and fun. We are launching this because you have our gratitude for selecting such an honourable profession. Many people don’t consider it to be as crucial as doctors and engineers. But who creates them? It’s the teachers! So, this is our way of saying ‘thank you’.

It is said that teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible. Teachers are the ones who alter students’ lives for the better by making learning pleasant and exciting for them. Teachers are the people who mentor our young people, assist them in creating goals, support them in all circumstances and create opportunities for them to speak up and be heard.

Teachers are a crucial factor in all of our lives. They shape and mould each and every person into who they become.

Everyone, at some point, has felt like they weren’t doing well enough or that they absolutely could never learn that tricky maths equation. Teachers don’t accept “I can’t” as an answer, and they help students get through any blocks that are thrown up.

If people started to underestimate the importance of teachers in our society things would start to go very, very wrong, very, very quickly! We would have no society without them. The sick would not be treated by doctors. Engineers needed to develop infrastructure wouldn’t exist.

No electricity would be produced. The internet would only exist as a concept.

What’s more, no great minds would contribute to the advancement of society in the absence of university lecturers. Even though this may seem obvious, it needs to be reiterated from time to time because, as a species, humankind has the habit of taking things for granted after a while. Just think how exciting going into space was 50 years ago; now it doesn’t even make the headlines.

We consider ourselves fortunate in the UAE to have such gifted and qualified individuals among us as teachers. We are so appreciative of your decision and belief in the significance of this profession. We hope you enjoy this new section of Education UAE.

Teachers don’t accept “I can’t” as an answer

THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING: 99 STUDIES THAT EVERY TEACHER NEEDS TO KNOW

he Science of Learning summarises 99 of the most significant and influential studies on the subject of education into clearly readable summaries to assist teachers in their efforts to support students’ learning as effectively and efficiently as possible. With 22 additional studies in this second edition, covering important topics that include cognitive-load theory, wellbeing, and performing well under test pressure, this fascinating book digs deep into the realm of research to explain what aids student learning.

Taking a very simple and transparent path, The Science of Learning decodes and presents information in a way that even teachers who are not familiar with academic reading could understand. Each paper is also presented with illustrations that aid in the processing of the information.

This unique resource gives teachers the essential details and implications of each study, including large and small-scale studies, quirky and renowned studies, and everything in between. Each overview asks essential questions, describes relevant research, incorporates images and text, and weighs practical consequences.

EACH OVERVIEW IS ATTRIBUTED TO ONE OF SEVEN KEY CATEGORIES:

 Memory: increasing how much students remember

 Mindset, motivation and resilience: improving persistence, effort and attitude

 Self-regulation and metacognition: helping students to think clearly and consistently

 Student behaviours: encouraging positive student habits and processes

 Teacher attitudes, expectations and behaviours: adopting positive classroom practices

 Parents: how parents’ choices and behaviours impact their children’s learning

 Thinking biases: avoiding faulty thinking habits that get in the way of learning

The Science of Learning makes it very easy to access and act on the concise summaries of educational research study findings, related research, and classroom implications, including explicit cross-referencing to other studies in the book. For educators looking to either shift their current practice to something with more than simply anecdotal support or to ensure that what they are doing is rigorous and valid, this is unparalleled.

As Jonnie Noakes, Head of Teaching and Learning at Eton College in the UK, said: “This is the educational research book I have been waiting for!”

The Science of Learning ought to be available to every teacher.

The Science of Learning makes it very easy to access and act on the concise summaries of educational research study findings

Each paper is also presented with illustrations that aid in the processing of the information

STUDENTS FROM ALL SEVEN EMIRATES WERE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PAINTING WIZARD UAE 2022 COMPETITION, WHICH WAS OPEN FOR ALL STUDENTS FROM GRADES 1 TO 10

IN CELEBRATION OF THE NATION’S 51ST UAE NATIONAL DAY ON 2 DECEMBER 2022, A LIVE ART COMPETITION – THE PAINTING WIZARDTOOK PLACE AT THE METROPOLITAN HOTEL, SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD, DUBAI, AND EDUCATION

UAE WAS IN ATTENDANCE TO WITNESS IT.

Students from all seven emirates were invited to participate in the Painting Wizard UAE 2022 competition, which was open for all students from grades 1 to 10. The competition’s theme was ABCD - Anybody Can Draw - and the finale had the top 10 finalists from four categories: Grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-10.

Each category’s winners received certificates, trophies, and several other prizes as part of the awards ceremony. The LIVE ART competition’s finale theme was ‘Teslam UAE - 51st UAE National Day’, which started at 3.00 pm and continued until 5.00 pm, with the finalists showing great creativity and art skills.

The competition captured the pivotal moments of painting and artwork. After the competition, the award ceremony and gala dinner took place. The award ceremony was attended by several prominent business leaders, parents, principals, and others. This edition of the Painting Wizard Competition was a huge success. MICE Experts – the organiser of the event was joined by The Paintbrush Art Community as Knowledge Partner. The event was powered by Byjus, Platinum Partner SIVVI, Gold Partners - Zywa, Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital, and BrightChamps.

Education UAE Magazine, Khaleej Times, Young Times, NABD & Kidzapp were the media partners. And the people who had a huge hand in the event’s success were Mrs Sonal Purohit, CEO of The Paintbrush Art Community, for handling the juries for the event and Ms Vaishali and Mr Rakesh Nair, co-founders of MICE Experts, who handled the entire event with their organising team.

Education UAE is now eagerly anticipating the next edition of the competition, for which dates will be announced soon.

THE PAINTING WIZARD

This year, the competition’s theme was ABCD - “Anybody Can Draw”, and the finale on December 2nd had the top 10 finalists from 4 categories

10 hours battery life

ASUS BR1100C is designed with one thing in mind: to keep on going however tough the environment gets. Built to military-grade standards, it’s packed with clever protective features, including an all-round rubber bumper, spill-resistant keyboard and ultratough I/O ports. BR1100C also supports up to WiFi 6 and 4G LTE for fast connectivity and has AI-powered noise-canceling technology for high-quality remote learning and conferencing.

ASUS BR1100

• Windows 11 Pro

• Intel® Celeron® N4500 Processor 1.1 GHz

• Intel® UHD Graphic

• 128 GB eMMC

• 4GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM

• 11.6” LED back lit, HD (1366 x 768) 16:9, anti- glare , 220 nits brightness

• Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac)+Bluetooth 5.0 (Dual band) 2*2 – Gigabit WiFi

• Noise -reducing camera

• Power and internet status LED indicator

• Spill-resistant keyboard can cope with liquid spills of up to 330 cc

• US MIL-STD 810H militar y- grade standard

• 720p HD camera//With privac y shutter

• World-facing camera 3.0M camera

• Weight with batter y 1.40kg

THE STUDENT MINDSET: A 30-ITEM TOOLKIT FOR ANYONE LEARNING ANYTHING

The best and brightest tend to achieve their desired outcomes. They do this through adhering to behaviours, procedures, and strategies, rather than relying purely upon their talents and abilities, to produce desired outcomes. In ‘The Student Mindset’, Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin offer simple, practical, and entertaining techniques to aid students in organising their study time so they too can enjoy successful learning.

The two authors have determined the five crucial qualities and behaviours that all students need in order to achieve their goals: vision, effort, systems, practice, and attitude (VESPA).

The six co-existing key phases are preparation; starting study; collecting and shaping; adapting, testing and performing; flow and feedback; and dealing with the dip.

The exercises in this book have been created to help you gain control and improve as a learner by sharing workload management techniques and revision strategies linked to calm, focused study which, eventually, will help you to earn good results. At each point, you’ll face challenges and learn new ways of working.

This superb practical guide to becoming a successful and confident student elegantly packages these skills, which include a variety of efficient prioritisation, stress reduction, procrastination-busting, and mindset development approaches.

John Morris, Director at JTM Educational Consultants, commented: “This is a truly brilliant text, overflowing with tricks and tactics which will enable learners to boost their performance levels by adopting the routines, strategies and habits of those who have succeeded or who currently do well.” We think you may agree.

These attributes outweigh cognitive abilities by a wide margin, and Steve and Martin offer a ready-made set of study ideas, approaches, and tactics that are intended to foster these qualities and improve your motivation, commitment, and productivity.

Although the book’s 30 exercises are grouped thematically by VESPA themes, they are organised around six important learning phases so that you can identify which phase you need to work with before selecting from the variety of tools and approaches to support it.

The two authors have determined the five crucial qualities and behaviours that all students need in order to achieve their goals

“This is a truly brilliant text, overflowing with tricks and tactics”

“This is a truly brilliant text, overflowing with tricks and tactics”

CAMPING:

WHERE FAMILY AND MARSHMALLOWS GET TOASTED AT THE SAME TIME

The UAE is much more than just its magnificent retail malls, majestic hotels, and soaring skyscrapers. A completely different experience can be had camping out beneath the sun, the sky, and the stars.

Camping is an enjoyable pastime with a variety of alternatives and locations to pick from and varied terrains and vistas to explore. Indeed, you will be spoilt for choice in the UAE, which offers everything from the most testing and challenging sites to those of cheery, visual charm. Here, we have listed some of the most popular destinations; we leave you to decide how adventurous you want to be!

FROM WI-FI AND BATHROOMS TO TOTAL SOLITUDE

Situated in Ras Al Khaimah, the Banan Beach Resort is an exuberant, beachfront venue where an overabundance of coloured tents welcome you. But this is not exactly an orthodox camping site, with luxuries such as a BBQ station, wi-fi, and bathrooms; there is even a provision for dining! There are a host of water activities too, not to mention moonlight yoga sessions. It’s all a little bit ‘scripted’, but it does mean you need to put in minimum effort to get maximum pleasure.

Ideal for beginners and fairly close to local habitation and facilities, Lahbab Sands Camping in Dubai, while not being nearly as ‘civilised’

as the Banan Beach Resort, does require a laidback approach. Renowned for its Bedouins and dazzling red sand, it is also known for dune bikers and dune bashers (driving at various speeds over the soft dunes of Dubai), with ‘The Big Red’, an enormous 300-foot dune, one that every ‘basher’ want to master. Regularly inundated with groups of enthusiastic tourists, Lahbab Sands Camping is great for novice campers.

When compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain is frequently disregarded. The Umm Al Quwain beach, however, is one of the top camping locations in the country. Many campers choose to set up their tents close to the water, and if you decide to do so, it is essential to check the tides before choosing a spot! Fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching are all enjoyable activities here, with frequent flamingo sightings. This is a comfortable and distinctive camping experience by the sea.

If you fancy something a little wilder and off the beaten track, head for the Hajar Mountains

Sand and more sand stretch into the distance

If you fancy something a little wilder and off the beaten track, head for the Hajar Mountains, where you can twist and turn your way from small villages below to the rocky summit, with the camping site giving you bird’s-eye views of the surrounding countryside. The path is uneven, so be ready for some trekking before you set up camp. If you’re tenacious enough, you can also visit the spring waters at Masafi. Favoured by more experienced campers, think about going as a group with tour guides to have the best first encounter.

For the more hardy traveller, the ‘Empty Quarter’ is a genuinely remote area where sand and more sand stretch into the distance. This is stimulating but challenging camping, so plenty of water, GPS, and maps are essential. Don’t forget to refuel your car; the locations are dispersed and it’s simple to get lost in this area.

Perhaps it’s best to get a little training under your belt first, and where better than Sani Resort, one of the world’s leading family and beach resorts, with pine-fringed beaches, the Sani Forest, and Sani Wetlands? From here, you can embark on the Bear Grylls Survival Camp Bear Grylls Survival Camp, where you learn navigation skills, spear making, stalking, and tracking; all adding up to an exclusive family bonding experience. Build a fire, a raft to escape, try catching some wild food of your own, and then settle down for the night. It’s a unique vacation, and at night you’ll learn astronavigation and toast marshmallows on the campfire. Oh, and following this, you’ll be far safer if you decide to tackle the Empty Quarter!

GLAMPING TAKEN

TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Nothing could be any further, figuratively speaking, from the Empty Quarter than The Nest, desert glamping that is billed as an exclusive, unique, and eco-friendly overnight experience. This is five-star luxury under the stars.

Guests stay in private ‘nests’ that have been imagined and created by architect Gianni Ranaulo. Each nest features a magnificent bedroom area, a

private en-suite bathroom, an outdoor majlis, and your own devoted Mudeef who will make sure you have the most amazing time imaginable.

With opulent lodging and fine dining, this elevates the concept of ‘glamping’ to an entirely new level, with wood-oven-cooked pizzas, wagyu beef sliders, and seafood from the Mediterranean all available on the menu.

The 14 nests blend organically into the Arabian Desert, sitting serenely nestled amongst the dunes of the surrounding Dubai Conservation Reserve. And if all that were not enough, there’s the opportunity to book a ‘sky safari’ – an evening tour of the stars and constellations with an on-site astronomer. The whole experience sounds a little out of this world!

PRICES

So there you have it, outdoors family fun for everyone, from those who want a real challenge quite literally in the middle of nowhere to others who prefer nibbles and Champagne under the heavens. The choice is yours.

The 14 nests blend organically into the Arabian Desert, sitting peacefully nestled amongst the dunes of the surrounding Dubai Conservation Reserve

Camping is an enjoyable pastime with a variety of alternatives and locations to pick from and varied terrains and vistas to explore. Indeed, you will be spoilt for choice in the UAE, which offers everything from the most testing and challenging sites to those of cheery, visual charm. Here, we have listed some of the most popular destinations; we leave you to decide how adventurous you want to be!

FROM WI-FI AND BATHROOMS TO TOTAL SOLITUDE

Situated in Ras Al Khaimah, the Banan Beach Resort is an exuberant, beachfront venue where an overabundance of coloured tents welcome you. But this is not exactly an orthodox camping site, with luxuries such as a BBQ station, wi-fi, and bathrooms; there is even a provision for dining! There are a host of water activities too, not to mention moonlight yoga sessions. It’s all a little bit ‘scripted’, but it does mean you need to put in minimum effort to get maximum pleasure.

Prices range from:

 Chalet (6 people, 4 rooms, including 3 beds and 3 baths) AED4,600 per night – breakfast included

 Loft Tent (4 people, 2 beds – one Queen and 1 Double) AED3,000 per night – breakfast included

 Small Tent (2 people, 1 shared bathroom) AED400 per night – breakfast included

 Group 0f 20 (10 Small Tents, 2 people per tent, 1 bed per tent, shared bathrooms) AED2000 – breakfast included

Ideal for beginners and fairly close to local habitation and facilities, Lahbab Sands Camping in Dubai, while not being nearly as ‘civilised’ as the Banan Beach Resort, does require a laid-back approach.

Sand and more sand stretch into the distance

If you fancy something a little wilder and off the beaten track, head for the Hajar Mountains

Renowned for its Bedouins and dazzling red sand, it is also known for dune bikers and dune bashers (driving at various speeds over the soft dunes of Dubai), with ‘The Big Red’, an enormous 300-foot dune, one that every ‘basher’ want to master. Regularly inundated with groups of enthusiastic tourists, Lahbab Sands Camping is great for novice campers.

When compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain is frequently disregarded. The Umm Al Quwain beach, however, is one of the top camping locations in the country. Many campers choose to set up their tents close to the water, and if you decide to do so, it is essential to check the tides before choosing a spot! Fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching are all enjoyable activities here, with frequent flamingo sightings. This is a comfortable and distinctive camping experience by the sea.

Conservation Reserve

If you fancy something a little wilder and off the beaten track, head for the Hajar Mountains, where you can twist and turn your way from small villages below to the rocky summit, with the camping site giving you bird’s-eye views of the surrounding countryside.

The path is uneven, so be ready for some trekking before you set up camp. If you’re tenacious enough, you can also visit the spring waters at Masafi. Favoured by more experienced campers, think about going as a group with tour guides to have the best first encounter. For the more hardy traveller, the ‘Empty Quarter’ is a genuinely remote area where sand and more sand stretch into the distance. This is stimulating but challenging camping, so plenty of water, GPS, and maps are essential. Don’t forget to refuel your car; the locations are dispersed and it’s simple to get lost in this area.

Perhaps it’s best to get a little training under your belt first, and where better than Sani Resort, one of the world’s leading family and beach resorts, with pine-fringed beaches, the Sani Forest, and Sani Wetlands? From here, you can embark on the Bear Grylls Survival Camp, where you learn navigation skills, spear making, stalking, and tracking; all adding up to an exclusive family bonding experience. Build a fire, a raft to escape, try catching some wild food of your own, and then settle down for the night. It’s a unique vacation, and at night you’ll learn astronavigation and toast marshmallows on the campfire. Oh, and following this, you’ll be far safer if you decide to tackle the Empty Quarter!

Primal Survival Course: In this intense 24-hour survival experience, you’ll learn practical lifesaving skills, attitudes such as resourcefulness and calmness under pressure, and push yourself farther than ever before. From AED1,200.

Family Primal Survival Course: Designed to inspire fathers and sons, mothers and daughters alike, this 24-hour outdoor adventure has been created by Bear Grylls and his close team of experts and is delivered by our hand-picked instructors on Jebel Jais. From AED1,000.

Essential Survival Course: Learn the basics of survival on this fast-paced four-hour course.

Based on Jebel Jais this course will leave you tired but exhilarated. Even in such a short time, you can get an understanding of the skills Bear uses to survive the wild. From AED450 / Adult & AED325 / Child.

GLAMPING TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Nothing could be any further, figuratively speaking, from the Empty Quarter than The Nest, desert glamping that is billed as an exclusive, unique, and eco-friendly overnight experience. This is five-star luxury under the stars.

Guests stay in private ‘nests’ that have been imagined and created by architect Gianni Ranaulo. Each nest features a magnificent bedroom area, a private en-suite bathroom, an outdoor majlis, and your own devoted Mudeef who will make sure you have the most amazing time imaginable.

With opulent lodging and fine dining, this elevates the concept of ‘glamping’ to an entirely new level, with wood-oven-cooked pizzas, wagyu beef sliders, and seafood from the Mediterranean all available on the menu.

The 14 nests blend organically into the Arabian Desert, sitting serenely nestled amongst the dunes of the surrounding Dubai Conservation Reserve. And if all that were not enough, there’s the opportunity to book a ‘sky safari’ – an evening tour of the stars and constellations with an on-site astronomer. The whole experience sounds a little out of this world!

Nest Overnight (including breakfast):

 AED2,300 Dune Nest

 AED2,500 Sunset Nest

 AED2,800 Sunrise Nest

* Each Nest accommodates 4 guests

* Complimentary up to 5 years old

* Price excluding Tax

So there you have it, outdoors family fun for everyone, from those who want a real challenge quite literally in the middle of nowhere to others who prefer nibbles and Champagne under the heavens. The choice is yours.

The 14 nests blend organically into the Arabian Desert, sitting peacefully nestled amongst the dunes of the surrounding Dubai

Celebrate the festive season with an epic line up of awardwinning Christmas brunches, traditional turkey roasts, and live entertainment

FIVE PALM JUMEIRAH

 BLVD ON ONE

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, 24 DECEMBER FROM 7PM

Get into the festive spirit at BLVD on ONE this Christmas. Indulge in our lavish festive dinner buffet with an array of cooking stations serving up international classics including a live carving station and a delicious dessert selection, paired with entertainment for the whole family.

Early bird offer:

 AED449 per person, indoor seating, includes house beverages

 AED499 per person, outdoor seating, includes house beverages

 AED249 per child

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH, 25 DECEMBER FROM 12:30PM-4:30PM

Grab your friends and family and take in the beautiful Dubai winter weather this Christmas Day with BLVD on One’s al fresco Christmas brunch. Indulge in a range of international food live stations and enjoy live tunes by the band taking stage on our famous social pool.

Early bird offer:

 AED399 per person, indoor seating, includes house beverages

 AED499 per person, includes house beverages, outdoor seating

 CINQUE

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, 24 DECEMBER FROM 7PM

Executive Chef Mauro di Leo invites you to celebrate the most special day of the year Amalfi coast style. Indulge in gourmet Italian dishes and the ultimate Christmas favourite: fresh-outthe-oven Panettone. Celebrate with exclusive handcrafted drinks paired with live entertainment whilst dining inside or al fresco.

Early bird offer:

 AED599 per person, includes house beverages

 AED499 per person, includes non-alcoholic beverages

 AED299 per child (A La Carte menu available)

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH, 25 DECEMBER FROM 12:30PM-4:30PM

Christmas the Italian way – with gourmet dishes by Executive Chef Mauro di Leo and plenty of live entertainment to keep you entertained throughout the day. Indulge in a selection of classic antipasti followed by our pasta and BBQ live stations, and of course a selection of traditional Christmas pastries and sweet treats.

Early bird offer:

 AED599 per person, includes house beverages

 AED299 per child

MAIDEN SHANGHAI

NAUGHTY NOODLES BRUNCH, 24 & 25 DECEMBER FROM 1-4PM

Just like it should be, our Christmas at Maiden Shanghai is a naughty but nice! And because one is just not enough, our award-winning Naughty Noodles brunch will take place not only on Friday, 24th December but also Saturday, 25th December. Delicious Chinese food and specially crafted cocktails with the best of live entertainment and breathtaking views of the Marina skyline from our rooftop terrace.

24 December

 AED450 per person, includes house beverages

 AED500 per person, includes house beverages and sparkling

25 December

 AED499 per person, includes house beverages and sparkling

 THE PENTHOUSE

Catch the UK’s no1 urban DJ, Charlie Sloth hit the decks at Dubai’s most award-winning rooftop to turn your boxing day up a notch! From 9pm get ready for the very best Hip Hop & R&B tunes as you party into the early hours. Dine, drink and dance to the very best Hip Hop anthems of all time – there is nowhere else you’ll want to party at this Boxing Day.

 Tables available with minimum spend on request

 Bar Entry free for Ladies

FIVE JUMEIRAH VILLAGE

TRATTORIA BY CINQUE

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, 24 DECEMBER FROM 7PM-11PM

Get into the festive spirit at Trattoria by Cinque with this hearty family-friendly Italian feast. Our chefs have prepared a delicious 5 course set menu for you to enjoy this Christmas Eve, just as you would around Nonna’s table in Italy. We’re talking all the authentic delights from arancini to carpaccio di fassona, mushroom tagliatelle, roasted lamb leg and panettone, of course!

Early bird offer:

 AED399 per person, includes house beverages

 AED250 per person, includes non-alcoholic beverages

 AED199 per child

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH, 25 DECEMBER FROM 1PM-4PM

No one knows how to feast on Christmas day quite like Italian families, and we’re bringing you all the delicious traditional Italian delicacies for you to enjoy with your friends and family. Our chefs have carefully crafted a selection to transport you to Italy. Enjoy our pasta station – complete with everything from lasagna alla bolognese to risotto funghi tartufo; and BBQ station with king prawns, juicy ribeye and octopus. Leave room for dessert because the dolci station is packed with sweet treats including tiramisu, baked spice apple, pannetone and a whole lot more. You know the rule at Trattoria by Cinque, never skip Dolci!

Early bird offer:

 Christmas Day brunch including house beverages from AED399 for adults and AED199 for children

NOMAD BRUNCH, 24 DECEMBER FROM 1-4PM

What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a global street food celebration? Bring your squad to NOMAD Brunch for a Christmas Eve you won’t forget. Feeling nostalgic and want to use the holidays to celebrate your roots? With buzzing live stations cooking up authentic cuisine from Latin America, India, Europe, and The Levant, we’ll bet we have your home dish on the menu! Plus get fezzy with our DJ, live entertainment and social pool access if you fancy a dip!

Early bird offer:

 AED349 per person, includes house beverages

 AED399 per person, includes house beverages and sparkling

 SOUL ST.

 THE SOCIAL POOL BY SOUL ST. EPIC SUNDAY LADIES DAY POOL PARTY, 25 DECEMBER, FROM 12PM - 4PM

Escape to the tropics and discover the ultimate pool day at The Social Pool by Soul St, Christmas edition. Get your tan on while you sip on unlimited bevvies and enjoy tasty treats from the BBQ. Vibe to the DJ’s epic beats while our drummer has you shaking your palm-palms. With Soul St, you know to expect tons of IG-opportunities so be sure to come in your best Christmas bikini and snap away all day.

Early bird offer:

 AED149 per person, includes house beverages and sparkling

 GOOSE ISLAND TAP HOUSE

CHRISTMAS ROAST DINNER, 25 DECEMBER FROM 12PM-8PM

If a roast dinner at Christmas is your festive tradition then you will want to be at Goose Island Tap House this Christmas. Already having won awards, Goose Island is well-known throughout Dubai for its unique gastropub atmosphere, great tunes and of c ourse, for its roast dinner. With options spanning from turkey, lamb, pork, chicken, beef, plant-based, and with all the trimmings– you’ll find it hard to rival a roast dinner as good as this one.

Early bird offer:

 AED199 per person, Christmas Roast

 TURKEY TAKEAWAY

GOOSE ISLAND TAP HOUSE, FIVE JUMEIRAH VILLAGE

THE DELISSERIE, FIVE PALM JUMEIRAH

Hosting your nearest and dearest in the comfort of your own home? Take the stress out of the festivities and let our award-winning chefs do it for you. Simply place your order with us and collect it before your great gathering.

Takeaway Turkey with all the trimmings for:

 AED495 - 6kg

 AED750 - 8kg

 Pecan Pie AED220

Ring in 2023 in spectacular fashion with lush new year’s eve gala dinners And parties with prime firework views, and epic new year’s day pool parties and the ultimate beach extravaganza

views,

FIVE PALM JUMEIRAH

 THE PENTHOUSE

DUBAI’S NO 1 SKYLINE VIEW WITH CAFOLLA AND ENGEL Dubai’s no 1 spot to watch all New Year’s fireworks – Marina skyline and downtown view. Join in the extravaganza at one of Dubai’s hottest spots and ring in the New Year with live entertainment including Irish duo Cafolla and Engel! Drink, dine and dance the night away to the best live entertainment until the sun comes up and have the party of a lifetime at the one and only The Penthouse.

MARINA SKYLINE VIEW

Early bird offer:

 VIP Sofa – AED20,000 (up to 6 guests)

 Row 1 – AED6,000 (up to 2 guests)

 Row 2 - AED5,000 (up to 2 guests)

 Row 3 - AED5,000 (up to 2 guests)

 Indoor - AED2,000 per person (2-4 guests)

CITY VIEW - BURJ AL ARAB

Early bird offer:

 Backstage VIP - AED40,000 (6-10 guests)

 VIP Gold - AED30,000 (up to 10 guests)

 VIP Silver - AED20,000 (up to 10 guests)

 Premium dining tables - AED8,000 min (2-4 guests)

 Dining Tables - AED3,000 per person (2-4 guests)

 BEACH BY FIVE

Ring in 2023 with the most stunning skyline view of the city and Arabian Gulf. Soak up those FIVE beach vibes this New Year’s Eve, dine under the stars with our smokin’ beach BBQ and live cooking stations that will ensure you feast like a King and Queen. Dress to impress, enjoy a lineup of entertainment, including hit international DJ Klingande. Be sure to keep the champagne flowing as you get ready to watch the stunning fireworks.

Early bird offer:

 AED2,500 per person, House Package

 AED3,000 per person, Premium Package

 AED1,500 ages 13-20 | AED1000 per child

 BOHEMIA

1 JANUARY, FROM 1PM

Don’t miss Dubai’s number one melodic house beach spectacular featuring the best of international DJs at Beach by FIVE and kick 2023 off with a bang! Soak up the sun from one of our deluxe sun loungers, take a dip in one of the beach Jacuzzis or keep cool in our stunning glass-lined pool whilst listening to the crème de la crème of international DJs spinning the best of house tunes.

Early bird offer:

 General access from AED200 for ladies & AED300 for gents, including 3 drinks.

 Sunbeds, high tables, cabanas, and VIP tables available on request with minimum spend.

 CINQUE

GOURMET ITALIAN NEW YEAR’S EVE

Italians know how to celebrate the holidays, and New Year’s is no exception. Chef Mauro di Leo has curated a special fun-fine dining Italian menu, inspired by his Sicilian roots for the occasion. Dive into a sea of flavours with our specially curated festive menu and choose to dine inside or al fresco to enjoy breathtaking views of the fireworks.

Early bird offer:

 AED1,500 per person, Indoor, includes house and sparkling beverages

 AED1,800 per person, Outdoor, includes house and sparkling beverages

 AED2,500 per person, Pool Rooftop Deck, includes house and sparkling beverages

Early bird offer:

 AED750 per child

 BLVD ON ONE

INTERNATIONAL GALA DINNER

Ring in the New Year with a bang. Gather your loved ones and upgrade the last hours of 2022 with a family-style New Year’s Eve buffet at BLVD on One with plenty of live entertainment, several food stations featuring dishes from all around the world, a chocolate fountain and top views of the city’s fireworks. It’s the perfect way to ring in 2023 with your nearest and dearest.

Early bird offer:

 AED1,500 per person

 AED800 per child

 MAIDEN SHANGHAI

GOURMET CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE

We like a party at Maiden Shanghai, and New Year’s Eve is a special moment in the calendar. Expect delicious Chinese cuisine by Chef Bing along with a banging party atmosphere, incredible entertainment, and champagne showers to ring in 2023 with a bang. Topped with prime Marina Skyline firework views.

Early bird offer:

 AED899 per person, 1st & 2nd floor indoor

Early bird offer:

 AED2,000 per person, 1st floor terrace

Early bird offer:

 AED3,000 per person, 3rd floor (includes G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne per couple)

 From AED400 per child

166 Festive Brunches

NAUGHTY NOODLES BRUNCH

1ST JANUARY FROM 1PM – 4PM

Start 2023 the naughty way, with our award-winning Naughty Noodles brunch, enjoy delicious Chinese food and specially crafted cocktails with the best of live entertainment and breathtaking views of the Marina skyline from our rooftop terrace.

 AED350 per person, includes soft beverages

 AED450 per person, includes house beverages

 AED500 per person, includes house and sparkling beverages

 PRAIA

CALIFORNIAN GALA DINNER

Dance the night away and enjoy prime views of Dubai’s firework displays at Praia this New Year’s Eve. Partygoers can look forward to a Californian al fresco dinner and the hottest beats by hit international DJ Klingande. It ’s al fresco glamour and luxury at its f inest.

Early bird offer:

 AED2,000 per person, lower level

 AED2,500 per person, middle level

Early bird offer:

 AED3,000 per person, higher level

 BLING

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH FATMAN SCOOP

Immerse yourself in the most exclusive clubbing experience, in the very heart of the glamorous celebrity hotspot, the iconic Five Palm Jumeirah this New Year’s Eve. American hip-hop ar tist and the undisputed ‘voice of t he club’ Fatman Scoop will be back performing live at BLING on 31st December 2022. Hip-hop’s biggest hype man, best known for his popular “Be F aithful”, which was a massive hit on the club circuit and even topped the UK charts! Even if it ’s Scoop’s rambunctious baritone hyping a track for P.Diddy, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott and Ciara, Usher, Pitbull, Hardwell, Tinie Tempah, Chris Brown, David Guetta, Deorro, Skrillex, Dj Mustard, and Steve Aoki to name a f ew, Scoop’s booming voice, catchy hooks, electrifying energy and charismatic presence definitely does not go unnoticed! He is - and has been the most sampled voice in music for years!

Early bird offer:

 Table reservations for AED2,000 per person (minimum 4 people) advance bookings required.

 Walk in AED750 minimum spend per person

 THE SOCIAL POOL

SPLASH DANCE

1 JANUARY FROM 12PM

Continue the New Year celebrations with The Social Pool’s extravaganza – Splash Danc e! We’re talking high-energy performances, throwback dance tunes fr om our resident DJ, cooling cocktails, plenty of disco balls and live entertainment set against the stunning skyline view of the Dubai Marina and Arabian Gulf.

Early bird offer:

 AED200 ladies & AED300 gents, fully redeemable on food and drinks.

 VIP sofas and tables available on request with minimum spend.

 Sofas and sunbeds first come first serve.

FIVE JUMEIRAH VILLAGE

 SOUL ST.

CARNIVAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY, FROM 8:00PM

End 2022 with an epic Carnival New Year’s Eve fiesta at Soul St, the hottest street food hotspot in Dubai. Feast on delicious street food, and enjoy the best of Latin, Asian, Indian and European flavours. Dine sharing style succulent Indian lamb chops, Singapore chilli crab, oysters with mango caviar, Latin corn masa fritters, and plenty more while you vibe to the best live beats and sip through bottomless beverages. A party like no other, get your groove on amidst the coolest street art in Dubai and ring in 2023 with a bang.

Early bird offer:

 AED1,000 Indoor Seating, includes unlimited house and sparkling beverages

 AED1,500 Outdoor Seating, includes unlimited house and sparkling beverages

 THE SOCIAL POOL BY SOUL ST.

EPIC SUNDAY,

1 JANUARY, FROM 12PM

Escape to the tropics and discover the ultimate cityscape pool day at The Social Pool by Soul St. Get your tan on while you sip on unlimited bevvies and enjoy tasty treats from our weekend BBQ. Vibe to the DJ’s epic beats while our drummer has you shaking your palm-palms. With Soul St, you know to expect tons of IG-opportunities so be sure to come in your best bikini and snap away all day.

Early bird offer:

 Ladies Pool Day with live stations, bottomless bevvies & live tunes from AED149 Sundays

 TRATTORIA BY CINQUE

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR THE ITALIAN WAY

Gather your friends and family and toast to the New Year with a selection of handcrafted drinks by our expert mixologists. Feast on a selection of signature antipasti, and authentic Italian mains including gamberoni king prawns, bisceta beef angus ribeye, and pasta live stations serving up homemade agnolotti pasta with Canadian lobster and tasty risotto zafferano & tartufo. Be sure to leave room for the extensive dessert live stations with more than 18 sweet treats on offer. Dine inside or al fresco to enjoy shining views of the city, and simply celebrate la dolce vita with our range of live entertainment - just like the Italians do.

Early bird offer:

 AED799 per person, includes house beverages

 AED399 per child

 THE MANSION

NEW YEAR’S EVE RAP PALACE HOUSE PARTY

Get ready for an electrifying New Year’s Eve party with the UKs biggest urban DJ, CHARLIE SLOTH & friends at Dubai’s lat est celeb hotspot, The Mansion at FIVE Jumeir ah Village! Enjoy chart-topping music, mesmerizing entertainment and a whole lot of fun at this opulent nightclub as Charlie Sloth and special guests take over the night until the early hours!

Early bird offer:

 AED799 per person from 10pm1am including pass around canapés and unlimited house beverages

 AED500 per person, walk-ins post 12am including 5 beverages

 GOOSE ISLAND TAP HOUSE

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Taking it back to basics, ring in 2023 with your mates and sample your way through the largest sips selection in town at the hottest Tap House in town. Goose Island Tap House is the venue for your New Year’s Eve fun for the whole family. Delicious foodie treats, plenty of games, before the final countdown to 2023.

Early bird offer:

 AED399 per person, includes unlimited beverages

 AED499 per person, includes unlimited beverages, tapas & desserts

Ring in this Festive Season with Expectational Christmas Deals and Unbeatable Views at The Beach JBR!

Dining Offers:

 FRATELLI AL BUFALA RESTAURANT

Festive Menu

 Indoors Seating: AED350 per person

 Outdoor Seating: AED380 per person

This Christmas, children in Dubai will get a chance to Meet and Greet with Santa in his Grotto at The Beach, JBR the laid-back urban beachfront destination, all set to celebrate an enchanting Christmas, 4pm to 10pm every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.

Christmas celebrations can continue in the Pavilion at The Beach, 60,000 square feet retail space featuring six licensed restaurants, making it the ideal spot for dining while overlooking the glittering

waters of the Arabian Gulf. This licensed venue, dotted with restaurants and outdoor terraces, offers unlimited entertainment and incredible festive brunches offers that will enlighten your day!

So, whether it’s a jolly time with Santa, or enjoying amazing weather with family and friends in the outdoors coupled with spectacular views, or savouring international feasts, The Beach, JBR has it all planned out for you!

 EATALY AT THE BEACH

Festive Brunch

Buon Natale Christmas Day Brunch Every Saturday from December 10 until December 25. Bruch menu include main courses, cold buffet, desserts and refreshments.

 Packages start from AED395 and raising to AED595

 LA MEZCALERIA

La Bruncheria

Sharing platters, main course and desserts from 1pm to 5pm on December 24.

Festive Brunch & Dinner

 Christmas Brunch on 25 Dec and

 Christmas Dinner on 24 – 25 Dec.

Festive Dinner

 3 course menu with a choice of starters, traditional Turkey and all the trimmings and dessert from 12pm onwards. 149 per person.

 Soft drinks and Mocktails – AED250

 Wine and Beer – AED330

 Open Bar – AED395

 Premium Bar – AED490

Christmas Eve Dinner

3 course festive menu including starter, main course and dessert from 8pm to 1am on December 24.

 AED295 per person.

Christmas Day Brunch

Festive menu including a sharing platter, main course and dessert from 2pm to 6pm on December 25.

 Soft drinks and Mocktails – AED250

 Wine and Beer – AED330

 Open Bar – AED395

 Premium Bar – AED490

 BLA BLA

 CLAW BBQ

Head to The Beach, JBR, the laid-back urban beachfront destination with your friends and family to create the best memories during Christmas!

An array of magical winter festivities at Yas Island

Featuring meet-and-greets, family fun and spectacular festive performances for all ages, Yas Island, one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations

is all set for the holiday season

From festive cheer to magical experiences, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, is marking the season of the year with a Winter Wonderland in Yas Mall, a series of festive shows, fireworks displays and many more activities for all ages throughout the holidays.

 THEME PARK FUN WITH WINTERFEST

Visitors can get into the festive spirit and celebrate the holidays with the return of Winterfest at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Winter Spectacular at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, running until January 8th, 2023. The highly-anticipated series of festive events will dazzle visitors to Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s world-class attractions with the biggest festive celebrations and spectacular shows, spreading the holiday cheer with new character meet and greets and spectacular seasonal performances.

 THE NUTQUACKER AT WARNER BROS. WORLD™ ABU DHABI

The all-new live show ‘The NutQuacker’ debuts with an unrivalled performance that is bound to delight spectators. The show is the largest theatrical production ever brought to Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, featuring an international cast of 50 singers, dancers, acrobats, and specialty artists performing an unforgettable festive spectacle with the fanfavorite duo Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck alongside Lola Bunny, Tweety, Sylvester, Taz and Tom & Jerry, who will be adding their own playful touch to the classic Nutcracker ballet.

 CELEBRATING THE START OF 2023 IN COLOUR AND STYLE AT YAS BAY WATERFRONT

Yas Island will dazzle with spectacular lights and fireworks as they launch two special fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve at 9pm and midnight, celebrating the start of 2023. Families and friends can gather together with the destination’s dazzling fireworks displays as part of the family-friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks show at 9pm, ahead of the second traditional midnight fireworks spectacle. As with every year, the skies over Yas Island are due to burst with color in celebration of the New Year.

FESTIVE DINING OFFERS AT YAS ISLAND

 W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

All I want for Christmas is B.I.G –W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island’s famous brunch, B.I.G – Brunch In Garage, will be celebrating the winter season with not one, but two brunches. On 24th December, their brunch will be available from 7pm – 11pm, and on 25th December, a second brunch will run from 1pm – 4pm.

Prices start at  AED450 per person.

B.I.G-GEST COUNTDOWN TO 2023

Can’t wait to ring in the New Year? Kick off the party at B.I.G Gala with access to W Lounge’s iconic after-brunch bash. Sunday 31st December 8pm – 1am.

Prices starting from:

 AED550 at Garage

 HILTON

ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island – Guests can indulge the senses at Graphos Social Kitchen in Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for a spectacular dinner for the whole family, on the 24th and 25th of December 2022. Prices start from AED225 for adults and AED95 for kids up to 12 years old.

Christmas Day Brunch at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island – Brunch-goers can feast at Graphos Social Kitchen in Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island on Christmas Day, featuring prizes for those who have their best Christmas suit on.

Prices start from:

 AED345 for adults and AED95 for kids up to 12 years old.

 THE WB™ ABU DHABI, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day Lunch at Sidekicks – The WB™ Abu Dhabi’s vibrant diner, Sidekicks, is celebrating Christmas with a delectable buffet featuring live cooking stations offering festive favorites in addition to decadent desserts, as well as a dedicated children’s station.

Prices start at:

 AED199 for adults and AED99 for kids between 6 and 12 years of age.

Guests can head to Sidekicks for a laidback Christmas lunch the following day, complete

with meet-and-greets with renowned WB™ characters including Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Robin who will stop by to spread Christmas joy. Taking place between 12pm to 3pm.

Prices start at:

 AED140 for adults and AED70 for kids between 6 and 12 years of age.

Christmas Eve Movie Night at The Matinee – Friends and family can snuggle up on Christmas Eve at The WB™ Abu Dhabi’s dive-in theatre, The Matinee, and watch films such as The Polar Express under the stars while enjoying delicious snacks and beverages.

Winter Beverages at The Overlook – The WB™ Abu Dhabi’s rooftop lounge, The Overlook, is offering a special menu inspired by the musical comedy, ‘Naughty but Nice’, for guests to enjoy themed beverages until the 31st of December starting at AED65, including Snowflake Sprinkles, Mr. Claus, Santatini, Tipsy Snowman, and Sleigh Bell-ini.

CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

The Great Santa Christmas Weekend

– Kids big and small can see Santa at Stills in Crown Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island for a chance to win tickets to their dream destination this Christmas Eve! Featuring live entertainment, guests can feast on this festive brunch menu curated by Crowne Plaza’s resident chefs.

Packages starting from:

 AED229 including soft drinks and AED89 for kids available from 12:30pm – 4:00pm.

Weekend Christmas Asian Street

Food Dinner at Jing Asia – Asian street food lovers can rejoice this holiday season as Jing Asia adds festive treats to its international buffet line-up including yule logs, minced pie and Christmas pudding.

Packages start from:

 AED179 with live entertainment from 7pm onwards.

 RADISSON BLU YAS ISLAND

Special Christmas Eve Dinner at Choices – Guests can enjoy festive make merry with their families with a lavish selection of winter delicacies and delights.

Prices start from:

 AED199 on 24 December from 6pm – 10pm.

Family Christmas Style Dinner at Belgian Café Yas – Enjoy a traditional festive meal with the family at the Belgian Café Yas from 6pm onwards on 24th and 25th December.

Prices start from:

 AED259 per adult and AED129 for kids.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Assymetri with live turkey carving – Indulge in a scrumptious festive meal, with roast turkey, main courses, and desserts at Assymetri.

Prices start from:

 AED199 for adults and AED109 for kids on 24th December from 6:30pm to 10pm.



YAS ISLAND ROTANA

Taste of Christmas at Rangoli – Indulge in the flavors of the festive season with an all-you-can-eat menu at Rangoli, in winter delights prepared with an Indian twist.

Prices start from:

 AED189 on 24th December from 6pm – 10pm.

Special Christmas Eve Dinner at Blue Grill – Experience festive merriment with the whole family with a lavish selection of winter delicacies and delights.

Prices start from:

 AED260 on 24 December from 6pm – 10pm.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AND DAY

 W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Glitz into 2023 – Guests can head into 2023 with a bang at WET Deck, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, as celebrations start at 8pm on 31st December and will go on until 4am, on 1st January.

Prices start at:

 AED1,050 per person.

 THE WB™ ABU DHABI, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

Pyjama Party at Sidekicks – Guests can choose to ‘dress down’ and celebrate the new year with loved ones in comfy pyjamas and slippers over delicious food and beverages at Sidekicks with popular WB™ characters. Taking place from 8pm to midnight.

Prices start at:

 AED199 per person

 RADISSON BLU YAS ISLAND

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Assymetri –Party-goers can ring in the New Year with an extensive buffet at Assymetri from 8pm onwards.

Packages start from:

 AED299 for adults and AED129 for kids between 5 and 11 years of age.

 CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

Pirates of the Caribbean New Year’s Eve at Jing Asia – Asian street food lovers can enjoy a themed night with fresh seafood dishes to celebrate the New Year in Pirates of the Caribbean style.

Packages start from:

 AED250 and AED100 for kids up to 12 years old, with live entertainment from 7pm onwards.

 YAS ISLAND ROTANA

Freestyle New Year’s Eve Party at Y BAR – Head into next year with noise and style at Y BAR, with festivities kicking off at 8pm and lasting to the following day (and year!).

Dining packages start from:

ISLAND

Fire and Ice New Year’s Eve Gala – For an unforgettable New Year, filled with the glam and the glitz, with fireworks over Yas Bay. Embark on a unique start to 2023! Starting 7pm – 12am.

Prices start at:

 AED750 per adult including soft beverages and AED375 for kids between 6 and 12 years of age.

 AED349 and beverage packages start from AED1999 for four persons.



 HILTON ABU DHABI YAS

INDULGE IN THE FINAL FESTIVE SUNSETS OF 2022 AT HILTON JBR

Hilton JBR is here to make the final days of 2022 count with spectacular views of the fireworks and breathtaking sundowner offers. From a feastful Festive Sunset Brunch to an extravagant New Year’s Eve dinner, Hilton JBR has got the final days of the season covered!

 PURE SKY LOUNGE & DINING

What: Enjoy the widespread limited holiday edition of the Festive Sunset Brunch, including vibrant live entertainment with the incredible DJ Fobiya.

When: 24th & 25th December

Time: 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Pricing:

 AED350 for soft beverages

 AED450 for house beverages

 AED550 for premium beverages

 WAVEBREAKER BEACH & GRILL

What: Experience stunning fireworks with an exquisite New Year’s Eve dinner including live buffet stations, a variety of beverage packages and live entertainment with a DJ. For sharing tables of x10 people per table.

When: 31st December

Time: 8pm – 11:30pm, open until 3am

Pricing:

Terrace seating

 AED995 for soft beverages

 AED1,250 for house beverages

Beach seating

 AED1,250 for soft beverages

 AED1,500 for house beverages

 VERO SKY BAR

What: Welcome the New Year with a spectacular New Year’s Eve Seafood Dinner, including a fresh seafood buffet and live DJ entertainment along with spectacular views of The Palm and the Arabian Gulf.

When: 31st December

Time: 8pm – 11:30pm

Pricing: Outdoor seating

 AED1,350 for soft beverages

 AED1,500 for house beverages

Indoor seating

 AED1,050 for soft beverages

 AED1,200 for house beverages

T&Cs: Ages 21 and above only. No children allowed

LOADS OF REASONS TO CELEBRATE ‘YEAR OF THE RABBIT’ AT LEGOLAND ® DUBAI RESORT

From 20-29 January, LEGOLAND® Dubai celebrates the Chinese New Year event ‘Year of the Rabbit’, where families with children aged 2-12 years are invited to take part in a long list of exciting and fun-filled activities. Here, youngsters will explore our LEGO® Dragon Hunt, decorate Rabbit cookies and take part in the Chinese New Year Wishing Wall and Chinese New Year LEGO® Mosaic activities at MINILAND. Furthermore, they can join the daily Characters Parade and take awesome selfies at the instragrammable Chinese surroundings with hundreds of Chinese lanterns spread along FACTORY Street.

Foodies will enjoy limited-time Chinese New Year snacks and treats at Market Restaurant and The Café, whereas parents aiming to amaze their youngsters during ‘Year of the Rabbit’ celebrations should look no further than LEGOLAND® Hotel with its ultimate LEGO® sleepover and its exclusive Chinese New Year themed activities featuring a Scavenger Hunt, LEGO Rabbit Build creative workshop in addition to access to the theme park with all* Chinese New Year activities.

Whether living in the UAE or visiting this amazing city, all families are welcome to choose their preferred day from 20-29 January to spend a fun and exciting Chinese New Year celebration at LEGOLAND Dubai’s MINILAND & FACTORY Street every day of the week. At MINILAND, the mission of the young detectives as part of their LEGO Dragon Hunt is to solve the quiz by identifying the names of eight buildings among MINILAND’s 15,000 LEGO models, LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2022 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND is a Merlin Entertainments brand. where LEGO Chinese Dragon have landed, while flying in MINILAND. More amazing games and fun-filled activities can be explored at FACTORY Street Fun Zone, from help in building the huge Chinese New Year LEGO Mosaic to visiting the Chinese New Year Wishing Wall, where kids can complete their wish list and hang ithoping to come true. As the Chinese New Year will not be complete without a special parade, many LEGOLAND Dubai Characters, including ‘Ollie the Dragon’ and ‘Olivia the Dragon’, will celebrate this special occasion, dressed in their Chinese New Year

red outfits, with a daily FACTORY Street Parade, inviting everyone to join this joyful occasion.

To re-fuel the appetite of the young foodies between the Chinese New Year activities, families can explore a delicious range of Chinese New Year specials at the Market Restaurant with its set menu offering Asian dishes including Vegetable Katsu Curry, Kung Pao Chicken, Stirfry Noodles with Mongolian Beef or Chicken, Mutter Paneer with Rice as well as salads and kids’ options. Furthermore, a selection of delicious sandwiches, including hoisin chicken sandwich and mandarin orange chicken quesadillas together with a variety of iced tea options can be explored at The Café.

When celebrating ‘The year of The Rabbit’ at LEGOLAND Dubai theme park, families should not miss checking out The BIG shop, where they can receive an exclusive limited-edition LEGO® Iconic ‘Year of the Rabbit’ box set with purchases* starting 20 January until stocks last. The BIG Shop is the largest LEGO® store in the Middle East, featuring the biggest and most diverse selection of LEGO® boxes and novelty items, LEGOLAND souvenirs and personalised LEGO gifts.

Families can take the Chinese New Year to another level with the Chinese New Year Sleepover at LEGOLAND Hotel, where they can book one of the five family room themes, whether Adventure, Kingdom, Pirate, LEGO® Friends or LEGO® Ninjago – each with a different treasure hunt experience in addition to access to the Chinese New Year event at LEGOLAND Dubai theme park. Furthermore, young hotel guests will enjoy exclusive activities to celebrate ‘The Year of The Rabbit’ including

Chinese New Year celebrations from 20-29 January at LEGOLAND® Dubai

‘LEGO Rabbit Build’ creative workshop, Chinese New Year Scavenger Hunt and Chinese New Year arts and crafts. That is not all, as hotel guests and non-hotel guests can explore the limited-time Chinese New Year-inspired buffet* from 2029 January 2023 at Bricks Family Restaurant where kids eat for free* on Saturdays & Sundays throughout the celebration. Here, a feast of Asian flavours is waiting to be discovered, whether with delicious appetizers, mouth-watering main courses, or with some irresistible desserts.

LEGOLAND Hotel culinary team has prepared a unique flavour experience featuring assorted dim sums, smoked tuna, Asian crab crostini, prawn canapes and Yakko tofu bites. For salad lovers, a wide range of salads awaits them, including Laohu cai Tiger salad, crispy noodle salad, Napa Cabbie salad, Teriyaki glazed chicken salad, crispy tofu sesame salad, and dragon salad. All this is topped with a selection of Asian house-made vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies carefully prepared by LEGOLAND Hotel’s culinary team, including vegetarian Manchurian and stir-fry, chow mein, Kung pao chicken, Peking duck, soya glazed salmon and more. For those with a sweet tooth, an exceptional selection of desserts is the perfect finish to an unforgettable meal - featuring layered lemon grape, sago pudding, Ambrosia salad, tofu pudding, chocolate roll, and more.

130 baby steps is the distance between LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Dubai theme park making LEGOLAND Dubai Resort the perfect family destination with non-stop fun and activities throughout the Chinese New Year celebrations this year, whether for a one-day visit to LEGOLAND Dubai theme park or for an awesome PLAYCATION with a LEGO sleepover adventure at LEGOLAND Hotel including LEGOLAND park access*.

Book

www.LEGOLAND.ae

*Chinese New Year celebration at LEGOLAND Dubai theme park from 20-29 January 2023 and is complimentary for guests with a valid entry ticket, as well as Annual Pass Members holding a pass with validity to enter on these dates.

LEGOLAND Dubai full-day ticket price is AED 330 to be purchased at the gate or AED 295 when booking online in advance. One day ticket includes unlimited access to all rides, shows and attractions at LEGOLAND Dubai theme park only. Complimentary entry for children under three years – ID is required. LEGOLAND Dubai is open seven days a week. Opening hours: from 10am–6pm (Monday to Friday) and from 10am–7pm (Saturday to Sunday). ‘Market Restaurant’ offers a set menu priced at AED 69 per adult and at AED 49 per child (below 12 years old) with a choice of one starter, a choice of one main course and a choice of one selected beverage. A la Carte menu is available at Market Restaurant.

Rabbit Decorating Kit is priced at AED 10 per child at ‘Market Restaurant’. Complimentary limited-edition LEGO Iconic ‘Year of the Rabbit’ box set when spending AED399 starting 20. January until stocks last at The BIG Shop. For additional information, visit https://www.legoland.com/dubai/explore/legoland-dubai/events/chinese-new-year/

*Chinese New Year Sleepover is applicable for a minimum of one night stay at LEGOLAND Hotel in themed rooms, fully themed rooms and fully themed suites. Every hotel stay includes buffet breakfast, creative workshops, Chinese New Year themed activities, outdoor family pool and access to a minimum of one LEGOLAND parks (LEGOLAND Dubai theme park and/or LEGOLAND Water Park)– tickets are applicable for one park per day. Chinese New Year-inspired dinner buffet at LEGOLAND Hotel is available for hotel guests and non-hotel guests at Bricks Family Restaurant from 20-29 January 2023 from 6.30pm to 10.00pm. Monday to Friday: standard buffet at AED 125 per adult and AED 79 per child (below 12 years old); Saturday & Sunday: enhanced buffet at AED 165 per adult and AED 95 per child (below 12 years old). ‘Kids Eat Free’ offer is applicable on Saturday and Sunday only on one child with each paying adult from 6.30pm to 7.55pm - offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. No booking required, first come-first serve basis. For additional information, visit https://www.legoland.com/dubai/legoland-hotel/hotel-overview/

SLEEP WELL, GROW HEALTHY

Depending on your child’s age, sleep problems can range from nightmares and sleepwalking to bedwetting and sleep apnoea. Here, Dr Arif Khan, Paediatric Neurologist and Founder of Neuropedia, a company that specialises in a wide range of childhood neurological conditions, talks about the various sleep difficulties that children experience and how best to solve them.

Sleep problems in children are common and the most frequent one is insomnia. Insomnia can either present with the child refusing to go to bed or his/her inability to fall asleep. In most cases, these are behavioural insomnia driven by long-term poor sleep hygiene and sleep schedule.

Dr Arif Khan, Paediatric Neurologist, Founder of Nuropedia, a company that specializes in childhood neurological conditions such as epilepsy and seizure disorders, headaches and migraines, sleep disorders, neuromuscular conditions, movement disorders, neonatal neurology, cerebrovascular stroke, cerebral palsy, neurometabolic conditions, neurogenetic conditions, neurobehavioural conditions, autism and ADHD.

Most often these problems are under-recognised. To get a shortcut solution, parents seek help from physicians and invariably their kids get put on medications. However, while medications treat the symptoms, they do not treat the underlying cause. Medications can lead to developing a problematic cycle of dependence and complications.

Sleep is a learned behaviour and many factors contribute to poor sleep behaviour in a child. These factors have to be isolated and tackled. The first step in most of these cases is behavioral modifications, which will require patience and perseverance from both parents and physicians.

I use medications only when conservative measures have failed or just to get a quick start to a new sleep pattern. Usually working towards moving bedtime forward 15 minutes every week helps in most cases and at times adjuncts such as melatonin may be required. There are other sleep pathologies like parasomnias, sleepwalking, sleep talking, and night terrors. These usually do not require any interventions but some caution has to be taken in making sure that the child is safe.

Try and keep screens away from your child at least two hours before bedtime

There are sleep-related breathing problems such as sleep apnoea too, which need to be identified early and treated, otherwise it will affect the child’s daytime performance, behaviour, and general health as their sleep quality will be affected. The most important aspect of sleep hygiene is to make sure that your child’s sleep schedule is consistent and adequate.

Try and keep screens away from your child at least two hours before bedtime. Do not encourage ‘reward systems’ whereby the child is allowed to walk to their parents’ bed and co-sleep, or taken out in a car for a ride to fall asleep.

This will help develop an association to sleep which will be difficult to undo.

However, sometimes a pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist will have to be consulted, especially if your child keeps waking up at night, has abnormal physical movements in sleep, or wakes up in the morning looking tired and drowsy. You should also seek help if your child has excessive daytime sleepiness or snores at night. Sleep is the key to our wellbeing. Nonetheless, we tend to ignore its importance and consider it to be a waste of time. Don’t!

While medications treat the symptom, they do not treat the underlying cause

TAKING THE WORRY OUT OF WEARING BRACES

For a youngster, getting braces on their teeth can seem like the end of the world. Many children worry about how braces are going to affect their appearance and what their friends may say. They’re also often concerned about the pain associated with having their braces when they are tightened or fitted. To allay some of these fears, Education UAE spoke to Dr Rodrigue Abi Nakhle, a paediatric dentist at Vilafortuny in Dubai.

Dr Rodrigue Abi Nakhle, Paediatric Dentist at Vilafortuny, pursued his DDS And MSc in Paediatric Dentistry at Saint Joseph University in Lebanon. He is a member of the Lebanese Society of Paediatric Dentistry and IAPD, International Association of Paediatric Dentistry.

EdUAE: Can you provide some tips for parents that can help their children prepare for and become used to wearing braces on their teeth?

Dr Rodrigue: When it comes to wearing braces, lots of kids might get a little bit nervous because it’s a new thing. Communication is key when it comes to making sure that children feel calm and prepared.

Some of my top tips include:

 Listen to the child’s concerns and explain the importance of wearing braces. Try to simplify the problem, discuss the process, and highlight the benefits in terms of better function for the teeth.

 Make sure all the dental work (cavities, restorations, cleaning) is done before the braces go on as this will make the process much smoother.

 Get orthodontic wax ahead of time as it will help soothe the discomfort from possible irritation.

 Make sure a soft diet is followed after braces go on.

 Always remind the child of the end goal with positive reinforcement.

EdUAE: What are the benefits of braces?

Dr Rodrigue: There are many benefits to braces, but the most common benefits are the enhancement of the smile as well as the facial appearance. Braces can also help correct the bite by repositioning the teeth, which helps ensure the ability to chew foods is not affected, and it can also help with speech clarity and pronunciation.

EdUAE: What types of braces are there?

Dr Rodrigue: There are several types of braces that parents can choose from for their kids.

Metal Braces: Also known as traditional braces, these are usually made from metal and wires attached to the front side of the teeth. As these are the most common type of braces in use, they are the least expensive and very effective. However, metal braces are very noticeable and irritating to surrounding soft tissues.

Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are like metallic braces in size, shape, and effectiveness, but the material it’s made from is different. These are less noticeable and more comfortable to wear.

Self-ligating braces: Self-ligating braces are very similar to traditional metallic braces but are assembled with clips instead of elastic bands to hold the wire in place. These allow better control over the alignment movement.

Lingual Braces: These braces are also made from metal and wires, but they are attached from the inside of the teeth. The main advantage point is that they are not visible to people. However, they are less effective than the traditional ones and may require more time to achieve proper alignment.

Clear Aligners: These are a series of orthodontic clear plastic models/appliances that are worn over the teeth for a period of time. As they are invisible, they are more aesthetic and less irritating than conventional braces, but they are more expensive.

EdUAE: Are there lifestyle changes to be made for children before getting braces?

Dr Rodrigue: No major changes would be done to the diet, but they’d be required to follow a soft diet. Hard or crunchy food (popcorn, caramel candies,

etc…) can damage the braces, which may lead to a longer time to achieve the proper alignment.

EdUAE: How long will braces treatment take?

Dr Rodrigue: Treatment depends on each individual case. On average, classical cases take around two years to achieve proper alignment.

EdUAE: What will be the aftercare at home?

Dr Rodrigue: Aftercare at home is very important for maintaining braces and getting the desired results. We always recommend avoiding biting your front teeth and hard foods, chewing crunchy, and protecting the teeth while playing sports with a sports guard. A couple of other tips to remember are to brush your teeth regularly with orthodontic brushes and to never skip your appointments with your orthodontist.

EdUAE: How often will we need to come back to the dentist for check-check-ups?

Dr Rodrigue: After set-up is complete, the child should come back for a check-up once a month regularly, and more if there’s an emergency.

EdUAE: What will a child’s braces cost?

Dr Rodrigue: The cost can vary depending on the type of braces chosen and the duration of the treatment, which depends on the severity of the case. Usually, metallic braces are the least expensive and clear aligners are the most expensive.

EdUAE: Are braces covered on insurance plans and are there payment options?

Dr Rodrigue: Although most insurances do not cover braces, most clinics offer installment plans to help make payment easier. It’s crucial that you should agree on all aspects of the treatment with your dentist, such as cost, installment, follow-up visits, reparation fees, etc, before starting treatment.

Listen to the child’s concerns and explain the importance of wearing braces

Aftercare at home is very important for maintaining braces and getting the desired result

every saturday | 2:00pm - 5:00pm

SOFT DRINKS PACKAGE AED 225

HOUSE PACKAGE AED 315

PREMIUM PACKAGE AED 375