Education UAE - Issue 14

REVOLUTIONISING EDUCATION RENAISSANCE LEARNING

JULY 2023

DYSON’S SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

BETH MEAD MBE

The Arsenal and England national team professional footballer visits the UAE

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF EDUCATION

Welcome to the school’s out, summer edition of Education UAE where we explore what’s to come for the next academic year and things to do over summer if you’re staying here in the UAE.

Following the successful launch of Bloom World Academy (BWA) last year, for instance, we look at the addition of Bloom World Academy Early Excellence Centre for children from 18 months to three years of age. Meanwhile, over at Aspen Heights British School, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi School Counsellor’s Network (ADSCN), an event was organised to empower and connect school counsellors across the UAE to support the well-being of the student community.

From discussions on inclusive learning environments and the power of technology to enhance education, we believe that education is not limited to classrooms or formal institutions alone. It extends far beyond textbooks and test scores, encompassing the rich tapestry of experiences, ideas, and perspectives that shape our world. Therefore, as we navigate the uncharted waters of the future, it is imperative that we cultivate a holistic approach to education, nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and social well-being of learners to foster their full potential. With this in mind, we discover how technology is revolutionising education, empowering students, and transforming learning.

We also see how England football superstar, Beth Mead, visited Dubai to encourage 4,000+ pupils to explore their passion for sports, as well as how Nickelodeon Arabia and Pirate Surf Rescue collaborated to educate youngsters on the significance of marine life. And don’t forget to check out which two UAE schools have been nominated for the World’s Best School Prices 2023.

In the spirit of collaboration and shared learning, our magazine invites you to join the conversation. Whether you are an educator, a student, a parent, or an education enthusiast, your voice matters. Together, let us build a community dedicated to innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, where knowledge flows freely and ideas flourish. So, please get in touch! Together, let us unlock the power of education and create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

I hope you have a great summer break and come back rested and refreshed for the new academic year!

Rod Millington Editor-in-Chief

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.

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THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION PROVIDES AN ELECTIVE SUBJECT MODEL FOR ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH-GRADE STUDENTS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTING ITS CURRICULUM

The Ministry of Education is introducing a new model for the eleventh and twelfth-grade students in the general and advanced streams in public and private schools that implement the Ministry’s curriculum, to allow them to choose elective subjects. The model allows students to shape their own education pathway by picking subjects that suit their abilities and academic level. The ministry stated that the decision will only be applied to eleventh-grade students in the academic year 20232024 and further be applied to eleventh and twelfth-grade students starting from the 2024-2025 academic year.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, explained that the decision to implement the elective subjects’ model is part of the Ministry’s efforts to improve the education system by adopting the best international standards and practices. This new model is more flexible and considers each student’s unique capabilities, allowing them to develop their knowledge and skills. By doing so, students will be better equipped with the necessary knowledge to pursue their desired academic specialisations in higher education. His Excellency noted that the new model will offer an opportunity for schools to provide more effective academic guidance and launch academic or skill programmes tailored to students’ needs.

The new model will contribute to developing the educational system in the country to better meet student potentials, enabling them to excel in both their academic and professional careers

implementation of the Electives Model will maintain the targeted learning outcomes

His Excellency Dr. Al Falasi said: “The elective subjects’ model will contribute to developing the educational system in the country to better meet student potentials, enabling them to excel in both their academic and professional careers. Our goal is to use the Electives Model to encourage students and parents to participate more effectively in the education process. Periodic evaluations will be conducted to the implementation of the new model with all schools and relevant authorities in order to monitor the system implementation and improve its outcomes.”

According to the Elective Subjects’ Model, eleventh-grade students in the academic year 2023-2024 and eleventh and twelfth-grade students starting from the academic year 2024-2025 within the general and advanced streams are required to complete six Compulsory Academic Subjects: Arabic language, Islamic Studies,

Social Studies/Moral Education, English language, Mathematics, Physical and Health Education.

The remaining subjects will be divided into two groups of electives. The first includes three science subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The second group of electives includes three diverse subjects: Computing, Creative Design and Innovation, Health Sciences, and Arts.

The Ministry has affirmed that the Electives Model will maintain the targeted learning outcomes as per its curriculum expectations. Students can choose a study plan that matches their interests, educational level, and future higher education options. The total number of subjects and classes will vary for each student depending on their chosen plan.

The

NEW READING INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN TANDEM WITH KNOWLEDGE HUB AND RENAISSANCE

The UAE Ministry of Education, Knowledge Hub, a leading provider of learning solutions in the UAE and throughout the Middle East, and Renaissance, the creator of the myON digital reading platform, have signed an agreement to launch a project which aims to improve English reading standards for the 380,000 students in primary and secondary Emirati schools.

This project drives the continued improvement of English literacy standards in the country and is in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 and the Ministry’s strategic vision of innovative education. The agreement, which covers all UAE public schools, is the largest myON governmental implementation in history and comes after two successful pilot schemes run in the country.

GREEN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP UNVEILED

The Ministry of Education has unveiled the UAE’s Green Education Partnership Road Map, which is part of the preparations for COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference, which Dubai will host between 30 November and 12 December this year.

Agreements were signed with the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and its Children’s Fund, UNICEF, to advance climate education and action among the younger generation before, during and after the conference.

The Ministry also announced that it will create the first education pavilion ever to be included at a COP event.

This project drives the continued improvement of English literacy standards

Agreements were signed with the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and its Children’s Fund, UNICEF

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM WORK TO CLOSE FUTURE SKILLS GAP

MOE LAUNCHES E-SERVICE TO ATTEST HIGHER EDUCATION CERTIFICATES IN LESS THAN AN HOUR

The Ministry of Education has announced that it will work more closely with the World Economic Forum to expand the ‘Closing the Future Skills Gap’ initiative in the UAE and the wider region. The objective is to empower one billion people by providing better education and economic opportunities by 2030.

Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, explained: “Our focus in the Ministry of Education is on developing the education system and its outputs to improve skills and prepare people for leadership roles. Our goal is to keep up with the changing global economy and business sectors while also contributing to the development of national economies. The importance of the ‘Closing the Future Skills Gap’ initiative is reflected in its alignment of human skills with future needs and in supporting the achievement of a more just and inclusive world for future generations.”

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched the “automated attestation” service to make it easier for university graduates to get their certificates verified quickly. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al-Mualla, Undersecretary for Academic Affairs of Higher Education at Ministry of Education, and representatives from UAE-based media outlets. Certificates issued by UAE-based higher education institutions (HEIs) can now be attested in less than an hour. The service will facilitate graduates’ transition to the workforce or help them complete their education locally or abroad.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi noted the “automated attestation” service is a proactive digital service that aims to make the attestation process faster and simpler for students. It ensures that the final outcome meets the quality standards set by the UAE Digital Government Strategy. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s goal to improve the higher education system, which plays a crucial role in creating a knowledgeable society with global competence. His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul

Al Falasi said: “We, at the Ministry of Education, seek to harness cuttingedge technological solutions to boost the efficiency of our services, to help students contribute to the UAE’s comprehensive and sustainable development. We will keep using technology to enhance different parts of the education system, establishing the UAE as a top educational destination for students and the home to excellent educational institutions.”

During the first phase, six licensed universities, comprising almost 11,000 students, will benefit from the new service. These include the United Arab Emirates University; Mohammed Bin Rashid University Of Medicine and Health Sciences; Khalifa University of Science and Technology; the University of Sharjah; Zayed University; and the American University of Sharjah. In the second and third phases, the service will be made available to all licensed HEIs in the country by 2024.

All attested university certificates will be provided through the blockchainpowered UAE Pass app, in cooperation with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), enabling students to access their attested certificates in a faster and more reliable manner.

 DR ABDULLA AL KARAM, DR. AHMED BELHOUL AL FALASI, MINISTER OF EDUCATION, RIGHT, WITH PROFESSOR KLAUS SCHWAB, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF WEF

PARENT SUMMARY REPORTS RELEASED FOR ALL PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN DUBAI

Developed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the summary reports provide parents with quick and accessible information on different aspects of school quality, including quality of teaching, wellbeing provision, evaluation of key subjects, areas of strength and improvement, and more.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA said: “The new Parent Summary reports cater to the diverse needs and expectations of parents in Dubai. Including various aspects of school quality that parents told us matter most to them, the reports give parents access to reliable information about every private school in Dubai. We trust parents will find the reports a valuable resource when choosing or comparing the best schools for their children.”

For the first time, schools have also been rated on the wellbeing provision they offer. The first year of wellbeing evaluations show that 74 per cent of schools provide high or very high levels of wellbeing provision.

More than 80% of Dubai schools ensure their students feel consistently positive about their time in school. The development of a wellbeing curriculum is an additional focus area for many schools.

Fatma Belrehif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau commented: “Various studies indicate that there is a strong correlation between student wellbeing and academic achievement. We are pleased to see consistently high wellbeing levels across schools in Dubai. School leaders are committed to providing a positive and

supportive environment that supports student wellbeing, and we encourage them to continue using data to evaluate and improve the wellbeing provision in their schools.”

A total of 199 Dubai private schools were inspected during the 2022-23 academic year. According to data released in April, 77% of students attend schools rated Good or better. Six schools were inspected for the first time this year, and 25 schools improved their rating since the last full inspection cycle.

Inspection results reveal high wellbeing provision at Dubai schools

Click here to read the customised parent summary reports now available on the KHDA website under each school’s directory listing.

KHDA

THE ENGLISH COLLEGE CELEBRATES KHDA RATING

The English College, a world-class British curriculum school in Dubai is celebrating its latest inspection report from the KHDA.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is the government body charged with rating the city’s private schools and other educational establishments, with five levels of rating from weak to outstanding.

Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) is the inspection arm of KHDA. DSIB assessed The English College as outstanding in 24 areas. 80% of the assessed areas were given a rating of outstanding or very good, leading to an overall rating of Very Good. The school has previously been rated ‘Good’ by DSIB, since it began school inspections in 2007.

The higher KHDA rating comes just after a British Schools Overseas (BSO)

‘Outstanding’ rating, delivered in late 2022 after an inspection by Penta International, a company approved by the British Government to inspect schools overseas. This means The English College is now one of fewer than 200 elite British Curriculum schools around the world to be recognised by the BSO.

DUBAI SCHOOL INSPECTION RESULTS FOR 2022-2023 ANNOUNCED BY KHDA

More than three-quarters (77%) of students in Dubai attend private schools rated Good or better, compared to 70% during the last full inspection cycle during the 2018/19 academic year, according to inspection results released by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). A total of 199 schools were inspected during the latest round of inspections, including six schools that were inspected for the first time. Twenty schools were rated Outstanding; 39 Very Good; and 84 Good. Twenty-five

schools improved their ratings, with 39,795 students benefitting from the positive change.

The higher KHDA rating comes just after a British Schools Overseas (BSO) ‘Outstanding’ rating, delivered in late 2022 after an inspection by Penta International, a company approved by the British Government to inspect schools overseas. This means The English College is now one of fewer than 200 elite British Curriculum schools around the world to be recognised by the BSO.

77%+ of students in Dubai attend private schools rated Good or better A total of 199 schools were inspected

20 schools were rated Outstanding

39 schools were rated Very Good

25 schools improved their ratings

84 schools were rated Good

The higher KHDA rating comes just after a British Schools Overseas (BSO) ‘Outstanding’ rating

KHDA

REVEALED: THE MOST EXPENSIVE, OUTSTANDING DUBAI SCHOOLS IN 2023

Schools with a Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) rating of ‘Outstanding’ are amongst the most expensive schools in the emirate. The DSIB is a unit established by the KHDA, which is in charge of rating schools – from ‘Very Weak’ to ‘Outstanding.’ The six schools with the highest fees are:

DUBAI COLLEGE AED 101,012 per year

NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AED 100,264 per year

KINGS SCHOOL AL BARSHA AED 99,699 per year

GEMS WELLINGTON SCHOOL AED 98,465 per year

REPTON SCHOOL AED 97,850 per year

JUMEIRAH ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL AED 96,667 per year

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.

STUDENTS OF DETERMINATION BENEFIT FROM BETTER INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AT DUBAI PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Students of determination at Dubai private schools are now benefiting from improved inclusive education. This academic year, 146 schools – 74% overall - have been rated good or better for inclusion provision, compared to 121 schools during the last full inspection cycle in 2018-19, according to latest figures released by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The number of schools rated Outstanding for their inclusive education provision has nearly doubled from 7% to 12%.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA said: “A true mark of a high-quality education sector is in how well it inspires and enables student of all abilities to strive for their best. Private schools in Dubai have made

great progress in reducing barriers to learning and ensuring equitable access to education.

“This improvement is not only a result of the systemic steps that school leaders have taken to promote individual learning experiences, but of the commitment of the whole school community to build a school culture and environment that nurtures achievement, personal growth and overall wellbeing. We thank teachers and school leaders for their expertise and dedication to their students, their schools and to Dubai.”

Overall, 24 schools were rated Outstanding for their inclusive education programmes, 48 rated Very Good and 75 rated Good. Forty-five schools were rated Acceptable for the provision for students of determination.

Schools were evaluated in several areas, including curriculum modification to suit students’ needs. 66% of schools were rated Good or better in this area, compared to 55% in 2018-19. The proportion of schools rated Outstanding for curriculum modification doubled from 5% in 2018-19 to 10% this year.

Fatma Belrehif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau commented: “Schools in Dubai have worked hard to improve their provision for students of determination by modifying their curriculum based on students’ learning skills. As a result of this improved approach to curriculum design and support, students have experienced greater academic progress this year.”

A total of 199 Dubai private schools were inspected during the 2022-23 academic year. According to data released in April, 77% of students attend schools rated Good or better.

The full list of inclusive education ratings for Dubai schools is available on the KHDA website.

 DR ABDULLA AL KARAM, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF KHDA AND FATMA BELREHIF, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF DUBAI SCHOOLS INSPECTION BUREAU

Overall, 24 schools were rated Outstanding for their inclusive education programmes, 48 rated Very Good and 75 rated Good

It is a testament to the quality of Dubai schools that almost three-quarters of all private schools are now providing a ‘High’ or ‘Very High’ level of well-being provision to students and teachers.

The decision to include well-being as a central pillar in the inspection of schools follows the intervention of Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), who has been pioneering the focus on child welfare and well-being in schools for more than a decade.

THE KHDA HAS RELEASED THE COMPLETE SET OF SCHOOL REPORTS FOR ALL 199 PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN DUBAI INSPECTED DURING 20222023, WITH THE FOCUS BEING ON THE EMIRATE’S VERY BEST SCHOOLS FOR PROMOTING WELL-BEING.

Almost three-quarters of all private schools are now providing a ‘High’ or ‘Very High’ level of well-being provision

ABDULLA AL KARAM, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF KHDA

Dubai private schools have increased their score by 76 points since 2011 to place sixth in the world in the most recent cycle of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessment

PIRLS is an international assessment held every five years to measure the reading and literacy skills of students enrolled in Grade 4 globally.

Private schools in Dubai scored 566 points in the study, significantly higher than the global average of 500 points. This is the first time Dubai’s private schools have featured in the top 10 of the global league table.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA said: “Congratulations to the school leaders, teachers, parents, and students at all participating schools on this great accomplishment. These results are significant not just because they exemplify the world-class teaching and learning happening across our schools every day.

They are also an acknowledgement of how our school community worked together to overcome the restrictions in place at the time PIRLS was conducted.

Achievements such as this provide further affirmation that education in Dubai can take its place among the best in the world.”

Schools rated Outstanding scored 631 points – nearly 150 more than the global average, while Very Good and Good schools scored 588 points and 564 points respectively.

UK curriculum schools performed best in the PIRLS assessment, scoring 588 points, followed by IB curriculum schools with 583 points.

Fatma Belrehif, CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau commented: “The results from the latest PIRLS assessments reflect the performance of the school inspections, with Outstanding and Very Good schools outperforming global averages. We are proud of our school community’s dedicated approach to supporting students through the pandemic and continuing to offer high-quality education during challenging times.”

Twenty-seven per cent of students in Dubai private schools achieved the Advanced International Benchmark of 625 points, compared to 12 per cent in 2016.

This is the first time Dubai’s private schools have featured in the top 10 of the global league table

We are proud of our school community’s dedicated approach to supporting students through the pandemic

DUBAI PRIVATE SCHOOLS RANK 6TH IN READING SKILLS GLOBALLY

ADEK CROWNS WINNERS OF ABU DHABI SCHOOLS SPORTS CUP

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has crowned the champions of the Abu Dhabi Schools Sports Cup 2023. The tournament began in January and featured over 8,000 participants, including students from more than 200 public, private, and charter schools, as well as universities throughout the emirate. The tournament’s gripping Under-15 football finals for boys and girls were held at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi City. In the girls’ category final, Brighton College Abu Dhabi edged out British School Al Khubairat with a 2-1 scoreline, while International School of Choueifat (Mushrif) won the boys’ title with a 1-0 victory over their colleagues from International School of Choueifat (Al Ain).

ABU DHABI’S

11 TOP-RANKED PRIVATE SCHOOLS LED BY BRITISH CURRICULUM

Abu Dhabi’s 11 top-ranked private schools include some that have been named among the world’s top 100, with all but two of the nine ranked as ‘Outstanding’ by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge following the British curriculum.

 Al Muna Primary School

 Al Yasmina School

 Bloom Academy Al Ain

 Brighton College Abu Dhabi

 Cranleigh School Abu Dhabi

 Merryland International School

 Pearl Primary School

 Raha International School

 Repton Foundation School

 The British International School

 The British School Al Khubairat Schools were judged in several categories, including pupils’ achievement, personal and social development, innovation skills, teaching and assessment, and leadership and management of the school. While a ‘Very Good’ school is one which is exceeding expectations, an ‘Outstanding’ school substantially exceeds expectations.

The tournament began in January and featured over 8,000 participants

ADEK’S RIZE STUDENTS SET TO EMBARK ON UNIQUE ACADEMIC JOURNEYS

With an unwavering commitment to nurturing students’ educational experience, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has selected one hundred of the topperforming Emirati students as part of ADEK’s enrichment programmes, including Rize UPCG, Rize Honours, Sports programme, and more. Students in grades 10 - 12 across private, public, and Charter schools will experience and explore the international educational opportunities at some of the world’s top universities in the USA, Canada, India, South Korea, and Turkey.

This unique academic opportunity is designed to upskill aspiring and talented students, develop a global mindset, expand their knowledge, engage with different cultures, and empower their academic and personal growth internationally.

His Excellency Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, ADEK Undersecretary, said: “We firmly believe in the importance of upskilling Emirati students as these budding talents are the building blocks for the country’s ongoing socioeconomic progress. The Rize Summer Programme is a major step forward in our dedication to nurturing the students’ passions across multiple disciplines and equipping them with the required future skills.

“As this summer’s student intake commences new educational chapters in a diverse array of fields such as

nanotechnology, biomedical sciences, sustainable energy, law, and gaming, the global exposure they will gain will equip our talented students for the jobs of the future and assure their ongoing contribution to the emirate’s development across a range of critical growth sectors.” This summer will see Emirati students from ADEK’s Rize UPCG Programme take up places on summer programmes at Harvard University in Massachusetts, USA; University of Toronto in Canada; Rubika and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India; Ghent University Global Campus in South Korea; and Bahçeşhir University in Turkey. Additionally, students from ADEK’s Sports Enrichment Programme will attend the IMG Academy in the US state of Florida to hone their athletic performance in basketball, football, and track and field. To ensure the students’ readiness for

international studies, ADEK organises a comprehensive series of pre-departure orientation sessions for each student group travelling to their respective international universities. The sessions aim to provide students with extensive knowledge to navigate the unique international academic journey ahead of them and maximise their potential for success.

IIT-Delhi Summer Programme

As for the programme’s local offerings, students will get an exciting opportunity to participate in a series of captivating lectures, exhilarating hackathons, and an Immersion Maths programme throughout the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi Summer Programme in Abu Dhabi, which will provide students with invaluable hands-on experience that will advance the Emirate’s youth in the STEMrelated fields.

One hundred Emirati students prepare for travels to the USA, Canada, India, South Korea, and Turkey as part of Rize Summer Programme

Rize Summer Program aims to upskill, prepare, and empower aspiring Emirati students to pursue their post-secondary academic pathways, shaping their personal growth

ADEK INTRODUCES FIRST-EVER NATIONAL IDENTITY MARK FOR ABU DHABI PRIVATE SCHOOLS

In-line with its ongoing commitment to boost school transparency and empower parents to select the ideal school environments for their children, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced the UAE’s first National Identity Mark – an annual school ratings system designed to provide parents with full visibility on the quality of national identity programmes and related activities in private schools across the emirate.

The National Identity Mark aims to heighten Emirati students’ deep-rooted understanding of the UAE’s traditions, customs and values, empowering and enabling them to navigate the diverse global landscape with a strong foundation based in their own cultural background.

The evaluation framework covers three main domains, each with three relevant dimensions: ‘Culture’ includes history, heritage and Arabic language; which represents a key focus area within the framework; ‘Values’ includes respect, compassion, and global understanding; and ‘Citizenship’ includes belonging, volunteering, and conservation.

Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education, Chairman of the Federal Agency for Early Childhood, and ADEK Chairman, said: “We recognise the importance of cultivating a robust national identity that anchors our Emirati students in their culture. The launch of the National Identity Mark and inspection framework will provide parents with valuable insights into the quality of

national identity programmes within private schools. For many parents, the reinforcement of national identity via education is of critical importance as it helps instill in their children a sense of belonging and pride.

“By strengthening national identity through educational programmes, schools can support students to further appreciate their roots, traditions, and values. The National Identity Mark will increase transparency and accountability, while enabling parents to make informed decisions about their children’s education. This directly supports the development of well-rounded individuals who are proud of their Emirati identity that are equipped to positively represent Abu Dhabi and the UAE on a global scale.”

The National Identity Mark rankings will be evaluated separately from ADEK’s annual Irtiqa’a Inspection, which covers the performance standards of the Emirate’s private schools and provides recommendations for improved

performance. With ratings for Phase 1 set to be announced at the end of the current academic year, schools will be ranked as ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Acceptable’, or ‘Weak’ based on the quality of their national identity programmes.

Implementation of the new ratings system will assess curricula and school culture to help ensure educational equity, transparency, and accountability across all Abu Dhabi private schools that have nationals enrolled, in addition to giving schools the opportunity to further enhance and develop their national identity programmes.

ADEK will prioritise schools with the highest number of Emirati students in the first phase. Schools without national enrolment can request evaluation if they have relevant programmes and activities that immerse expatriate students in the rich heritage of the country.

Inspection framework will provide parents with full visibility on quality of education related to UAE’s traditions, customs, and values

Ratings system will be across fourlevel continuum –Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, and Weak – with Phase 1 ratings set to be announced at end of current academic year

Transparent assessment framework on schools’ abilities to instill deep-rooted understanding of national identity will cover Culture, Values, and Citizenship

MAWHIBATY PROGRAMME’S CONCLUDES ITS PERFORMING ARTS

SHOW AT ABU

DHABI’S CULTURAL FOUNDATION

One hundred and twenty-one performing arts students enrolled in this year’s Mawhibaty Programme – a joint initiative by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and impressed the public in a series of shows that took place in Abu Dhabi.

Held at Culture Foundation Theatre in Abu Dhabi, the three-day Mawhibaty Students Concert was part of the two entities’ collaborative Mawhibaty Programme that aims to foster emerging artistic talents studying in public, private and Charter schools across the emirate.

Open to the public for the second consecutive year, the concert series presented a quintessential platform for students to express their artistic talents, such as singing, theatre, ballet, music, and traditional arts.

Emirati heritage and culture took centre-stage on the first day of the Mawhibaty Students Concert (May 4), with a mesmerising performance of the traditional Emirati ‘Yola’ dance by students from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with the aim to immerse audiences in a deep-rooted celebration of the country’s values and customs.

The second and third days of the concert series (May 5 and 6) spotlighted the unique and diverse musical talents of 121 students amassed from the emirate’s public, private, and Charter schoolsincluding six exceptional students of

determination – in an enchanting and soulful schedule of live vocal, musical and a variety of dance performances.

First launched in 2017, the after-school Mawhibaty Programme focuses on discovering and nurturing emerging artistic student talents from across the emirate of Abu Dhabi and equipping them with the necessary tools to fuel their creativity, elevate their artistic innovation, and inspire them to pursue their creative passions. The programme also fosters better understanding of national and cultural identity through highlighting the UAE’s rich artistic traditions using the power of art. Through their artistic journey, Mawhibaty Programme seeks to ignite a sense of pride and deeper appreciation for Emirati culture and heritage.

During the year-round programme, students develop their art-related skills via extensive training sessions conducted by specialised art professionals working at DCT Abu Dhabi-managed art centres, including Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Bait Al Oud, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Children’s Art Centre, and Al Qattara Arts Centre.

Following the Mawhibaty Students Concert, this year’s wider programme continues with a visual exhibition which showcases students talents in graphic arts and illustration, painting, sculpture, photography, and calligraphy.

Mawhibaty, a joint initiative by ADEK and DCT – Abu Dhabi, aims to foster emerging artistic talents

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE DESIGN YOUR WORLD WALL ART COMPETITION!

Sponsored by Promote Your School

Transforming a wall into a work of art can be a captivating way to add personality and creativity to a space. And following the announcement of Promote Your School’s ‘Design Your World’ competition in the last issue of Education UAE, students from all over the Emirates let their creativity flow, creating something unique and personal that would transform a wall or corridor within their own schools.

Selecting a winner in any artistic competition or exhibition can be a challenging task. Art is highly subjective, and different people have varied tastes and preferences. What one person may consider as the winner, another may have a different opinion. In this instance, judges considered elements such as artistic technique, originality, concept, execution, emotional impact, and the ability of the artwork to engage and resonate with viewers.

On the following pages, you will see a selection of the best artwork from students at Al Saad Indian School, Al Ain; the Australian School of Abu

Dhabi; Delhi Private School, Sharjah; GEM United Indian School, Abu Dhabi; New Indian Model School, Dubai; Our Own English High School, Al Ain; and Summit International School, Abu Dhabi. It’s fair to say that the folks at Promote Your School were astonished at the creativity and choosing a winner was incredibly difficult, but that’s exactly what the judges had to do!

Before we announce the winner, we must first thank each and every student who took part – you are all a credit to your school. And as a way of recognition and congratulations, each young artist will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Now, though, it’s time for the drum roll. The winner of the Design Your World competition is 11-year-old Kiefer Jospeh Torculas from Summit International School, Abu Dhabi! Kiefer’s piece made a strong impression, with the judges unanimously agreeing that it was exceptional and deserving of recognition. In the School’s Back edition of Education UAE, you will be able to see this artwork in situ on a wall at Kiefer’s school. So congratulations from Promote Your School and Education UAE, not only to Kiefer but to everyone who took part. There’s a lot of talent out there!

 KIEFER JOSEPH TORCULAS, SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ABU DHABI

KIEFER JOSEPH TORCULAS Summit International School, Abu Dhabi

Other finalists…

 AMNA HANEENA, NEW INDIAN MODEL SCHOOL, DUBAI  DIA RAJMOHAN, NEW INDIAN MODEL SCHOOL, DUBAI  LAYAN CHARKAS, SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ABU DHABI

 KANSHIKA MANIKANDAN, DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOL, SHARJAH

 HIBA FATHIMA, NEW INDIAN MODEL SCHOOL, DUBAI

 LIA ANOOP, AL SAAD INDIAN SCHOOL, AL AIN

SAI SAHANA MANIKANDAN, GEMS UNITED INDIAN SCHOOL, ABU DHABI

SRINIKESH GOUD VALLABDAS, AL SAAD INDIAN SCHOOL, AL AIN

 ESHA FATHIMA SHIJULAL ANU, NEW INDIAN MODEL SCHOOL, DUBAI

 AYANA TARIK HUSAIN, NEW INDIAN MODEL SCHOOL, DUBAI

 SYED AHMAD SAIF, SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ABU DHABI

 DHAKSHINA PRETISH, AL SAAD INDIAN SCHOOL, AL AIN

 ANN DILEEP, AL SAAD INDIAN SCHOOL, AL AIN

 MANAL BHAMBHANI, DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOL

 JANANI ARIVUPPAVALAN, OUR OWN ENGLISH HS, AL AIN

 JAMEELA SAIR SALIBA, SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ABU DHABI

 SAI SAHANA MANIKANDAN, GEMS UNITED INDIAN SCHOOL, ABU DHABI

The 16th edition of GESS Dubai returns to Za’abeel Halls 4-6, Dubai World Trade Centre, from 30 October – 1 November 2023, 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 CPD accredited conference programme and awards ceremony, making GESS Dubai the complete event for the education community.

This year’s event will run under the theme “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 200, 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.

A conference to engage and inspire

Taking place over all 3 days of the event, our world-renowned, free to attend conference brings together engaging industry keynotes from around the world and influential local practitioners to present a combination of inspirational talks and dynamic, hands-on workshops. There’s also a stream dedicated to members of GESS Leaders in Education, the movers, shakers and visionaries of the education community.

Keep up to date with new products and innovation

We know that it’s important to you to source the latest educational products out there, only at GESS Dubai can you meet hundreds of companies showcasing the latest educational products and services from suppliers from all corners of the world. Our exhibition offers you exposure to the latest innovations in resources and services, as well as live demonstrations from global market leaders.

Registration is now open and free for all educators. We would love to see you there so please scan the QR code to register or visit www.gessdubai.com for more information. You can also contact dmesmar@tarsus.com if you have any questions.

Supported by:

SHARJAH CHAMBER CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF LITTLE CHAMBER NURSERY’S 10TH BATCH

LITTLE DREAMERS NURSERY FOR INTUITIVE SCIENTISTS

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has celebrated the graduation of the 10th batch of children from the Little Chamber Nursery for the academic years 2022-2023.

HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais stressed that the chamber is committed to providing ideal care for children and enhancing their skills through initiatives like the Little Chamber Nursery. “We look forward to nurturing future leaders through educational programmes that instill a sense of loyalty to the homeland, develop personal and physical abilities, and encourage environmental respect.”

The ceremony included various performances by the graduating children, including paintings, folk songs, and other artistic acts. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the graduates and their parents and a number of prizes for the winners of competitions organized by the nursery. Nursery teachers were also honoured for their contributions.

The Little Dreamers Nursery, the award-winning trilingual ‘home away from home’ British nursery, situated in the heart of Dubai, Jumeirah 3, believes it’s time to return to childhood, where activities such as gardening and nature walks provide children with the opportunity to explore and engage with the natural world.

Mahnaz Vatanparvar, Owner and Founder of The Little Dreamers Nursery, says that “Children are intuitive scientists who like exploring the natural world through their senses, developing curious minds by questioning, problem-solving, and making theories.” Consequently, if you’re looking for a genuine ‘home away from home’ learning environment, then look no further than The Little Dreamers Nursery!

LADYBIRD NURSERY INSPIRES SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability,’ Ladybird Nursery Ladybird Nursery is cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs by providing early learners with the tools, resources, and knowledge to become environmentally conscious entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Ladybird Nursery Al Barsha, for instance, recently launched an organic

garden at its latest purpose-built campus, where early learners have been busy growing fruits and vegetables. As part of the Mini Chef programme, the early learners enjoy cooking their organic produce, learning valuable life skills that will teach them about nutrition and food safety, as well as building maths, science, literacy, and fine motor skills.

“We look forward to nurturing future leaders”

 MAHNAZ VATANPARVAR, OWNER AND FOUNDER, THE LITTLE DREAMERS NURSERY

The Little Dreamers Nursery believes it’s time to return to childhood

ROAR’S NURSERY OF THE FUTURE IS A HIGH-TECH LEARNING SPACE FOR CHILDREN

UAE-based studio Roar has conceptualised a nursery in Dubai that incorporates integrated technologies to encourage active play and introduce children to computer coding.

The interior design firm, headed by Pallavi Dean, developed the Nursery of the Future as part of a project backed by the UAE government that aims to transform the country into the ‘world’s leading nation’ by the time of its centenary in 2071.

According to Dean, the proposal eliminates the barriers between children and teachers and seeks to replace them with a flexible and gregarious environment that is both playful and stimulating.

The Nursery of the Future as part of a project backed by the UAE government

BLOOM WORLD ACADEMY LAUNCHES ON-CAMPUS NURSERY

Following the successful launch of Bloom World Academy (BWA) last year, the school has announced the addition of Bloom World Academy Early Excellence Centre for children from 18 months to three years of age. This means that BWA will now offer a complete education from 18 months through to 18 years at its state-of-the-art campus in Al Barsha, with admissions now open for nursery spaces for September 2023.

outstanding schools in both the UK and Spain and, most recently, was a Director of Learning responsible for the quality of education across a group of schools in Dubai. He has a long track record of leading school inspections and training teachers and school leaders around the world, including the UAE, Jordan, and Singapore..

Since opening its doors in August 2022, BWA has lived up to its progressive mindset and promise to put its students and their families first and to dare to do things differently. The launch of the BWA Early Excellence Centre at the BWA campus extends the school’s commitment to being familyfriendly by providing parents with a convenient solution in offering a single location where nursery and schoolaged children can both attend and be part of the same learning community.

The BWA Early Excellence Centre will also adopt the same philosophy as BWA by putting its children at the heart of all decisions. This includes empowering children to make choices in their learning based on their personal interests and needs. It will also provide a holistic approach to developing young learners from the ages of 18 months to three years and will have a firm focus on three key areas: play, language, and physical development.

Developing these three key areas, whilst being located on the BWA campus and utilising its premium

facilities, will help ensure a smooth and successful transition to more formal schooling once the children move from nursery to Pre-KG. By delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through the curiosity approach, BWA Early Excellence Centre will foster an environment and learning experiences that empower children to excel, think for themselves, and direct their own learning.

Founding Principal of BWA, John Bell said: “The overwhelming support we’ve received from our parents and the community since we opened the school in August 2022 encouraged us to have our own nursery on campus and cater to younger children. This is allowing us to further expand and build a cohort of socially happy, emotionally attuned, and resilient students. At the BWA Early Excellence Centre, we firmly believe in empowering our children by giving them an element of choice in the curriculum and we are excited to offer a wide selection of activities that will be driven by each child’s unique needs and preferences. Our Early Bloomers will experience a variety of practical,

hands-on learning activities which will vary from day to day and will be playbased and inquiry driven in design.

“When we launched BWA last year it was as a family-first school, and so from the very beginning, we did a lot of things differently. For instance, we’re the only school in the UAE that starts at 9.00 in the morning. Everywhere else in Dubai starts at around 7.30, which does suit

Families will now be able to fulfil their whole family’s education needs at BWA’s state-of-the-art campus

Flexibility in terms of timings to suit family needs, with care provided for the full working day or less, from two to five days a week

some parents, so we have developed a ‘wraparound day’ so children can arrive earlier if that’s a better option and enjoy a range of activities, educational and sports, before school. And although we finish at 4.00, the children can stay until 5.00 and do the same again, but also including things such as technology.”

This supports BWA’s philosophy of being a no-homework school, so children can come in early and stay later with teachers’ support and complete work in school if necessary. “That’s available for 3-18 year-olds,” explains John, “so the missing piece of the jigsaw was trying to find services for families with younger children. It was quite evident that there was a demand and we thought it would be really good to continue that facility that wrapped around the whole family - sort of a onestop-shop. As a result, children from 18 months to 36 months will join the older children in having this flexibility,

so we now provide a full 17 years of continuous and seamless education.”

WHERE LEARNING TAKES FLIGHT

While not unique, Dubai is certainly a diverse place where people arrive for all sorts of reasons from all over the world, and because of this, there are a variety of challenges they face. Some parents, for example, are new to the emirate and have lost their extended family and friends, while others are really deep thinkers who have read about and are concerned about the development of their child, and want to engage in an intellectual, academic conversation. Then there are parents who are moving their children to a new school for other reasons, so it was important that BWA provided a genuine, highly personalised service for parents, with John saying: “It was quite clear that a nursery that really works with and for parents in a family-first approach, in a holistic way, would be popular. That was the stimulus. Also, there was

good old simple supply and demand. We knew that there were a number of youngsters that were being dropped off at other nurseries on the way to school.”

The school is very culturally aware too, with John saying: “ We get Spanish families, Norwegian families, we have a big group of Danish families, and in these countries, children do not go to school until they’re six. So we’ve now got our BWA Early Excellence Centre, part of Primo, which is effectively an umbrella term for what will be our 18-month to five-year-olds, and it’s all about learning through playing, what we call our curiosity approach.

“It’s a fusion of approaches from Montessori through to the English Early Years Framework and onto Reggio Emilia, which is really about children learning through output, they make things. So we’ve brought all this together and it goes right through our Primo

BWA’s school-based nursery will ensure a smooth and successful transition to more formal schooling once the children move from nursery to Pre-KG, avoiding a second settling-in period

section. In fact, it is a seamless journey right the way through the Academy, assuming parents want to take that route. And of course, we are an IB school and this is very much about things being children-centred, and we can start that young through the BWA Early Excellence Centre. The expectations are that children both stylistically and methodologically get into those rhythms and routines - it’s a natural continuity right the way through.”

UNLOCKING MINDS, SHAPING FUTURES

The parents have certainly not been forgotten either, with a number of services and facilities designed to make parents feel comfortable, as John explains: “We do have a rather trendy coffee shop where parents can spend time, and they do. That is especially good for those new to parenting as there are plenty of people they can link up with and chat with. In international schools, in particular, parents make friends through their children, and we want to encourage that aspect of it as well.

“With regards to the children, what we do differently, from a parent’s point of view, is join up the dots. We provide a full holistic approach to their child’s development – physical, educational, and psychological. We create a team around the child. I say to the parents, “You love your child, we like them,” and together we can make a pretty good team

“In the early years of school, some children might need more people around them and we create that team around the child very early on. From a parent’s perspective, they have a team around their son or daughter who they can rely on, and who they can get information from. From a child’s perspective, with our curiosity-based approach, we don’t leave any of the learning to chance, with everything designed and underpinned by the notion of student choice, which continues through the school up to the age of 18.

“We also give two and three-yearolds the opportunity to sit down with their moms and dads and talk about what they’re doing. That’s part of our Learning Achievement Passport. Parent and toddler swimming is built into the curriculum too, because we

have a learning pool, so what parents pay for outside of school will be part of what we offer. We will be offering things that parents usually have to go elsewhere for, such as dance and ballet classes, which will be provided through Dubai Performing Arts, a premier arts group here in Dubai, all built into the curriculum.”

IGNITING CURIOSITY, FOSTERING SUCCESS

At BWA, the overriding principle is stage not age, which means when you’re ready, you’re ready, it doesn’t matter what age you are. “We’re looking for the stage of development not the age of development,” John says. “ It’s an important concept, which means we look at aptitude, attitude, and then ability. Most schools focus on ability first, we don’t, we look at aptitude and attitude. Is the child keen? Are they enthusiastic? Do they enjoy it? They might be challenged by it, but that doesn’t matter. If you take that approach, children are ready to learn.

“And we are very mindful that we have children whose first language is not English, so we are basically teaching them English right from the beginning in a long-term approach to English acquisition.”

This enlightened philosophy is all backed up by some very impressive facilities, including a state-of-the-art physical development area, incorporating a lot of wooden structures and climbing walls – effectively, an indoor physical play space. “What we’ve done,” John explains, “is ensure that the nursery is not standalone in the Primo section of the school. It is a lovely building, with plenty of light and big open spaces, but it also flows into the rest of the school, dictating that when a child is ready for something that might be located elsewhere in the facility, they can just go there. I often see four and five-year-olds strolling past the 14-year-old children with not a care in the world; it really is a very warm and welcoming community.”

Children will have access to a variety of learning environments in the school’s Primo area, such as the Junior Lumos Lab, paint splash room, outdoor play areas that include water features and rain showers, plant boxes, and integrated

enrichment activities, including sensory discovery areas, mindfulness, dancing, yoga, sports skills, water exploration, and rich English language development.

“Other facilities within the BWA Early Excellence Centre include a dedicated sleeping space, and it’s predicated not on, as some nurseries do, everyone sleeping at the same time. Children can go to that space independently if they need sleep. And I think the best of all is that our children eat in bistros, including now a Primo bistro, a little cafe where they go to eat with their own little chairs etc.

“A lot of what we do is quite oldfashioned – manners, courtesy, good eating habits, all those kinds of things are built into what we do. So this is not children eating randomly off desks or converted areas, it’s a dedicated eating space where, when they’re ready, they’ll go up to their little counter and choose what they want, that kind of thing. So it’s a mini version of the school’s other bistros,” John concludes

EDUCATING FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

BWA is a creative, family-first IB curriculum school conceptualised and created by the expert minds at Bloom Education; a school that dares to do things differently, while still providing the high quality of education expected from a premium school. An education at Bloom World Academy is flexible and customised for each child, making it the ideal choice for parents who care as much about how their child experiences learning as the academic results.

BWA Early Excellence Centre will open its doors at the school’s state-of-the-art campus in Al Barsha in September 2023. Enrolment is now open, for more information, please visit:

TWO INSPIRATIONAL UAE SCHOOLS NAMED IN TOP 10 SHORTLISTS FOR $250,000 WORLD’S BEST SCHOOL PRIZES 2023

Two inspirational UAE schools have been named in the Top 10 shortlists for the $250,000 World’s Best School Prizes. The five World’s Best School Prizes, founded last year by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, Yayasan Hasanah, and the Lemann Foundation, are the world’s most prestigious education prizes.

Mamoura British Academy, an independent international school in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which is empowering its students and transforming communities through its relentless pursuit of sustainability, has been named in the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action.

Meanwhile, GEMS Modern Academy, an independent international school in Dubai, UAE, which is shaping the future of education and empowering students to thrive in an everevolving world, has been named in the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation.

Mamoura British Academy named in Top 10 shortlist for World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action

The five World’s Best School Prizes - for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives - celebrate schools everywhere for their pivotal role in developing the next generation of learners and their enormous contribution to society’s progress, especially in the wake of COVID. The Prizes were established to share the best practices of schools that are transforming the lives of

students and making a real difference to their communities.

Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said: “The schools shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prizes, no matter where they can be found or what they teach, all have one thing in common.

They all have a strong school culture. Their leaders know how to attract and motivate exceptional educators, inspire change, and build excellent teaching and learning environments.

“I must congratulate Mamoura British Academy and GEMS Modern Academy on being named in the Top 10 shortlists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2023. Schools across the globe will learn from the story of these trailblazing UAE institutions and the culture they have cultivated.”

Jill Huntley, Managing Director – Global Corporate Citizenship, at Accenture, said: “Congratulations to Mamoura British Academy on being named in the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2023.

Teachers everywhere will be inspired by the example of this outstanding UAE school, whose inspirational work shows the path to a better tomorrow.”

“Accenture is proud to collaborate with T4 Education on the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action, which celebrates schools’ incredible efforts to empower the next generation to harness new technologies and innovative practices that tackle the global sustainability issues that impact us all.”

About the schools:

Mamoura British Academy, an independent international school in Abu Dhabi, UAE, part of Aldar Education, is leading the world on sustainable action for a better future just as the global spotlight falls on the UAE as the host of COP28 this year. Uniquely, its work is led almost entirely by a dedicated team of student ambassadors from ages 3 – 18, tirelessly pursuing the Global Goals and the outcomes of the One Young World Summit and helping the school achieve Eco Green flag status.

Mamoura British Academy’s environmental efforts began with

simple recycling projects before growing organically over the years. From its ‘Pile It Up Challenge’ and ‘Simply Bottles’ to encourage responsible plastic use, it went on to weave sustainable practices through the curriculum and engage students through regular House competitions aimed at reducing individual and collective carbon footprints, further allowing students to showcase their creativity. Next, the school began to incorporate sustainable food practices through aeroponic gardens – a method of growing plants without soil – where students take charge of crop cycles, with all the food grown either used in the school kitchen or shared with staff, students, and visitors to reduce food waste.

Strategic partnerships with Madar Farms and Grazia Farms have supported curriculum enhancement and given the school access to invaluable resources, such as expert knowledge, cutting-edge techniques, and hands-on experiences in sustainable food production and consumption.

It launched a school retrofit in which students prioritised energy reduction through the installation of light motion detectors in each classroom, while it has installed Eshara water fountains which take moisture from the air to convert into drinking water in order to limit water waste. Meanwhile, the school engages in community cleanups in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency and other collaborations with The Alliance for Sustainable Schools. During virtual learning, students created, developed and promoted various crafts using recycled materials, and the school’s decorations for Eid are created from recycled products.

If Mamoura British Academy wins the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action, its students are keen to create a desert/forest school. With the naturally stunning desert landscape of the UAE, and with the forest school principles in mind, a desert school can be set up to be calm and purposeful, using natural materials, and providing a hands-on learning experience encouraging children to explore, ask questions and investigate the harmony between people and nature.

GEMS Modern Academy named in Top 10 shortlist for World’s Best School Prize for Innovation

GEMS Modern Academy, an independent international school in Dubai, UAE, is shaping the future of education and empowering students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Having integrated technology and entrepreneurship into its curriculum, the school has seen a 37 per cent year-on-year rise in student participation as well as national and international collaborations with the likes of DFC, SAP, and Microsoft.

Recognising the need to prepare students for an uncertain future, GEMS Modern Academy introduced a number of technological innovations into its curriculum and practices as early as 2001, to include the region’s first online report card system, developed entirely by students and teachers. The school even has a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme, through which students from Grade 2 onwards bring their own learning devices.

In 2015-16, after sending teachers to Carnegie Mellon University for training in STEAM and technology integration, the school incorporated the disciplines into classrooms. Also, after partnering with Harvard Project Zero, the school developed thinking routines and a multidisciplinary approach towards innovation, known as the futures curriculum method, which has been adopted by several other schools.

Altogether, this has led to an entrepreneurial mindset that the school deliberately fosters. Starting in primary school with ‘Unit of Inquiry’ projects

and moving on to ‘Challenge-Based Learning’ in middle school as well as ‘Prism Project’ and ‘Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme’ in senior school, GEMS Modern Academy provides what it calls a scaffolded strategy for developing critical thinking, problemsolving, design thinking and a growth mindset.

Along those lines, the school has collaborated with Dubai SME since 2008 on entrepreneurship competitions and has even become a certified Hamdan Incubation Center, raising AED 85,000 to bring student projects to market.

Entrepreneurial success does not rely on technological innovation alone. The traditional student leadership model is now a holacracy-inspired leadership model, distributing authority and decision-making, empowering the Student and Innovation Councils. These student-led initiatives have gone on to create a community that constantly explores emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and robotics, and their impact on learning, pedagogy, and systems development.

Next steps:

Top 3 finalists for each of the five World’s Best School Prizes will be announced in September 2023, followed by the winners in October. The winner of each Prize will be chosen based on rigorous criteria by a Judging Academy comprising distinguished leaders across the globe including academics, educators, NGOs, social entrepreneurs, government, civil society, and the private sector.

A prize of USD 250,000 will be equally shared among the winners of the five Prizes, with each receiving an award of USD 50,000.

All 50 shortlisted schools will be invited to share their best practices through events on the T4 Communities app or School Transformation Toolkits that showcase their “secret sauce” to innovative approaches and stepby-step instructions on how others can replicate their methods to help improve education everywhere.

The School Transformation Toolkits from last year’s winning and shortlisted schools are now available online.

MAMOURA BRITISH ACADEMY

ALDAR EDUCATION UNVEILS ALDAR ACADEMIES’ FRESH IDENTITY MARKING 15 YEARS OF PROVIDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Aldar Education, a leading education provider in the UAE, today unveiled a new brand identity for Aldar Academies. This reflects the education group’s commitment to innovation, signifies its remarkable progress, and commemorates 15 years of providing high-quality education.

The refreshed brand identity captures the growth and evolution of Aldar Academies’ educational offerings while highlighting the individuality of each academy. Under the new brand strategy, each academy now carries the name of the curriculum it offers, including American, British, and International Baccalaureate, with dedicated colours representing each Academy’s unique visual identity.

The new names of schools within Aldar Academies are as follows:

 Pearl British Academy, formerly known as The Pearl Academy, offers an English National curriculum serving early years, and primary students.

 Muna British Academy, formerly known as Al Muna Academy, offers an English National curriculum serving early years, and primary students.

 Al Ain British Academy, formerly known as Al Ain Academy, offers an English National curriculum serving early years, primary, and secondary students.

 Yasmina British Academy, formerly known as Al Yasmina Academy, offers an English National curriculum serving early years, primary, and secondary students.

 Mamoura British Academy, formerly known as Al Mamoura Academy, is a co-educational primary school until Year 7 and girlsonly secondary school, offering an English National curriculum.

 Bateen World Academy, formerly known as Al Bateen Academy, welcomes primary and secondary school students and offers the UK curriculum, PYP programme and IB Diploma Programme for Years 12 and 13.

 Yas American Academy, formerly known as West Yas Academy, is the first of the network’s academies to teach the complete American Massachusetts State Curriculum – the most highly regarded curriculum in the United States.

The revitalised names and the associated visual identities reflect Aldar Academies’ commitment to offering diverse educational pathways while preserving the distinctiveness and heritage of each curriculum.

Sahar Cooper, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Education, said: “Our journey started in 2007 with a single school in Abu Dhabi and 250 students. We have grown over the past 15 years into a renowned educational network, shaping the future of over 8,700 students across seven academies. Now, as we embark on a momentous rebranding initiative, we are excited to unveil a fresh chapter in our evolution. Through this move, we aim to create an even more engaging, inclusive, and inspiring educational environment that will further empower the leaders of tomorrow. This is a promising time for our students as we unlock new opportunities and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy in the UAE.”

Since establishing its first school, the Pearl Academy in 2007, Aldar Academies has rapidly evolved into a leading provider of private education across a network of seven academies. This extensive network enables each school to access expertise and support, further elevating the quality of education provided.

Aldar Academies continues to work towards its promise of delivering the highest standards of education and inspiring a love of learning, with plans to grow its current schools and expand its student capacity in the coming years.

 SAHAR COOPER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT ALDAR EDUCATION

For more information about Aldar Academies and the new brand identity of its schools, click here

CITIZENS SCHOOL SPARKS THE RISE OF FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY TRAILBLAZERS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDS

Collaboration between Citizens School and 8billionideas aims to inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders

The competition fostered creative thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills while also providing a space for learners to apply their knowledge and creativity to real-world problems and have a positive impact on society. We were impressed by all the innovations, and we look forward to seeing their ideas come to life one day.”

In total, 100 learners aged between 7 and 12 participated and showcased their creations at the Invention Convention, where the teams presented their ideas and innovations to a panel of judges and the public.

competition

Citizens School announced the completion of its “Save The World” competition, a sustainability focused entrepreneurial, collaborative and explorative learning pathway that empowers learners with the skillset and knowledge that enables them to thrive in the 21st century.

As an educational institution dedicated to fostering the growth of individuals with the necessary acumen and expertise to succeed in the modern era, Citizens School in partnership with 8billionideas organised this competition. The primary objective was to promote

innovation and inspire young minds to conceive groundbreaking concepts and inventions that can effectively address the sustainability crisis. Participants were grouped in teams of 4 to 5 and challenged to develop innovations and business ideas capable of revolutionising the world.

Dr. Adil Alzarooni, Founder of Citizens School commented saying: “We believe that sustainability and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand, and the ‘Save The World’ competition was a crucial challenge for our learners undertake.

100 learners participated in the “Save The World”

REPTON ABU DHABI ACHIEVES ‘OUTSTANDING’ RATING IN ALL AREAS ON DEBUT INSPECTION BY BRITISH SCHOOLS OVERSEAS

Repton Abu Dhabi is proud to announce its attainment of the ‘Outstanding’ rating in all areas from the British Schools Overseas (BSO) report for the 2022-2023 academic year. Highly extraordinary for a school to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in all areas in its inaugural inspection; the report described Repton Abu Dhabi as ‘a beacon of excellence’ and praised Repton Abu Dhabi’s dedication to offering personalised student learning outcomes within its enriched curriculum.

Repton Abu Dhabi is proud to announce its attainment of the ‘Outstanding’ rating in all areas from the British Schools Overseas (BSO) report for the 2022-2023 academic year. Highly extraordinary for a school to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in all areas in its inaugural inspection; the report described Repton Abu Dhabi as ‘a beacon of excellence’ and praised Repton Abu Dhabi’s dedication to offering personalised student learning outcomes within its enriched curriculum.

The report emphasised the Rose and Fry campuses’ excellent approach to teaching methodologies resulting in high academic attainment from FS 1 to Year 13. The inspection report made comment about the quality of learning, behaviour and politeness of students, maintenance of facilities, level of care and support offered by the school to

its pupils, and the quality of leadership across the Reem Island campuses.

BSO inspectors highlighted the school’s positive, productive and joyful atmosphere. The report also showcased students’ excellent achievements and praised Repton Abu Dhabi’s average standardised student scores, which exceeded those attained by many schools globally. With diversity and culture at the forefront, the inspection report also highlighted that Repton Abu Dhabi nurtures a growth mindset in its students, empowering Reptonians to celebrate the local and international cultures and heritage of its diverse group of student nationalities. Underpinning the quality of relationships, students and staff display a genuine understanding of the needs of their peers and strengthen school values of resilience, self-awareness, respect, empathy and confidence.

TOURNAMENT OF MINDS CELEBRATES BRIGHTEST YOUNG MINDS IN THE UAE

The Tournament of Minds (TOM), an Australian educational programme, held its highly anticipated event at Brighton College Dubai this weekend, showcasing the creative and problem-solving talents of pupils from seven participating schools from across the UAE.

After six-weeks of rigorous preparation, and presentations in front of a judging panel, the winners were crowned as follows.

Brighton College Dubai - UAE National Tournament of Minds Primary Division Stem Winner 2023

Brighton College Dubai - UAE National Tournament of Minds Primary Division Social Sciences Winner 2023

Private International English School, Abu Dhabi - UAE National Tournament of Minds Secondary Division Social Sciences Winner 2023

Sarah Brannon, UAE Director of Tournament of Minds and Head of Prep at Brighton College Dubai expressed

her excitement about the event’s success and said: “The Tournament of Minds is an exceptional platform that encourages pupils to think outside the box, pushing the boundaries of their creativity and problem-solving abilities.”

During the competition, teams worked tirelessly for six weeks without assistance from teachers, parents, or peers, developing a creative solution to a problem within pre-determined parameters and complex criteria. Teams were assessed based on their creativity, scientific understanding, use of technology, application of STEM principles, design and construction of the platform, presentation skills, and overall dramatic performance.

“I am incredibly proud to have been a part of the Tournament of

Minds. It was an amazing experience that challenged us to think creatively and work as a team.

“I learned so much about problemsolving and innovation, and I will carry these skills with me throughout my academic journey.” said Ashwin Joshi, a pupil at Private International English School Abu Dhabi.

The success of this year’s Tournament of Minds serves as a testament to the commitment of schools, teachers, and pupils in fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. As these bright young minds continue to develop their capabilities, the Tournament of Minds remains dedicated to providing a platform for their growth and celebrating their achievements.

Winners of the Regional competitions have an invitation from TOM to go to the international final which will be held in Melbourne in mid-October.

Teams worked tirelessly for six weeks without assistance from teachers, parents, or peers, developing a creative solution to a problem within pre-determined parameters and complex criteria

”The Tournament of Minds is an exceptional platform that encourages pupils to think outside the box”

The Tournament of Minds aligns strongly with international curricula, fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP COLLABORATES WITH POSTPAY TO DELIVER SECURE, EASY, AND FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR PARENTS

The International Schools Partnership (ISP) has announced a new partnership with Postpay to support parents with Tuition fee payments. Aimed at improving flexibility and budget management, ISP’s partnership with Postpay creates true value for parents at ISP Schools by providing a tuition fee payment option that is secure, easyto-use and offers them the flexibility to pay in interest-free instalments.

Postpay is a Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) fintech service provider that makes payments hassle-free and interestfree and provides a secure online payment option for its users. Under the partnership with ISP, Postpay will pay the total invoice amount to the school and families will repay the amount to PostPay in easy, interest-free instalments.

Announcing the partnership, Bharat Mansukhani, Divisional CEO for ISP Middle East and Europe, said: “As a responsive education provider, the collaboration with Postpay is in line with our goal of supporting parents that choose our schools to provide their children with a highquality, learning focused education.

“Across the ISP community in the UAE, parents can now avail flexible and convenient payment plans to suit their

Parents can now avail flexible and convenient payment plans to suit their budgets, enabling them to pay tuition fees in instalments throughout the academic year

budgets, enabling them to pay tuition fees in instalments throughout the academic year. As our partner in their child’s education, we hope this option is a tool that supports our parent community with their budget management.”

Tariq Sheikh, CEO and founder of Postpay, said: “Postpay’s collaboration with the International Schools Partnership brings immense value to parents by empowering them with flexibility to pay later for tuition fees. We understand the importance of financial freedom, and our collaboration provides parents with a convenient and interest-free payment solution. By allowing parents to spread out their payments, we aim to alleviate financial burdens and ensure that families can provide their children with a high-quality education without

compromising their financial wellbeing.”

ISP Schools in the UAE include: The Aquila School, Nibras International School, Star International School, Al Twar, and Star International School, Mirdif in Dubai; Aspen Heights British School and Reach British School in Abu Dhabi.

The Buy-Now-Pay-

Later option creates true value for families with easy, interestfree payment plans

ASPEN HEIGHTS BRITISH SCHOOL EMPOWERS AND CONNECTS SCHOOL COUNSELLORS AT ABU DHABI SCHOOL COUNSELLOR NETWORK MEETING

Aspen Heights British School, part of International School Partnership (ISP), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi School Counsellor’s Network (ADSCN), recently organised and hosted an event that sought to empower and connect school counsellors across the UAE to support wellbeing of the student community.

The ADSCN network provides a supportive platform to share experiences, knowledge, and best practices to address the holistic needs of students and contribute to their overall wellbeing, personal development, and academic success.

Guest speakers at the meeting included Dr Ruba Tabari, Educational Psychologist and ADEK consultant; Dr Sameer Awadalla, a renowned child psychiatrist; and Aysha Sulaiman Alkindi, a Clinical Psychologist from SEHA. Redah Khan, a counsellor at Aspen Heights School and one of the committee’s five co-chairs, presided over the meetings. The other co-chairs were Alison Haswell, Jennifer Guss, Tara Thompson, and Victoria Blackadder.

Experts discussed the crucial importance of mental health in children’s wellbeing and highlighted the role of schools in raising awareness and maintaining a safe environment for students of all ages. Dr Ruba Tabari kicked off the meeting with an inspiring talk on the importance of prioritising wellbeing in schools. She emphasised the power of building strong connections with children and highlighted the profound impact of genuinely listening to their concerns and offering human connection.

Aysha Alkindi and Dr Sameer Awadallah provided valuable insights into the most common mental health issues and trends observed among young people today. They emphasised the need for psychoeducation, particularly

for parents, to better understand and support their children’s wellbeing.

Emma Shanahan, Principal of Aspen Heights British School, said: “We value the opportunity to collaborate with other experienced and professional colleagues to focus on improving, supporting and developing the wellbeing and mental health of our children.

At Aspen Heights British School, the wellbeing of our students and staff is high up on the list of our priorities and values. The ADSCN Committee meeting addressed the evolving needs of students and has given us a better understanding of strategies that we can put into place to support our young people. The emphasis on wellbeing and mental health will not only make the educational experience for our children

more beneficial, but it will also teach them strategies to help them cope with challenges and succeed throughout their lives.”

“We are pleased with the outcome of this meeting as it has marked a pivotal step towards a brighter future. By reaffirming our shared dedication to the students’ general wellbeing and cooperating to build a support system, we can significantly impact the student community. Together, we can improve young people’s emotional and mental health and help them reach their full potential,” said Alison Haswell, Co-chair of the Abu Dhabi School Counsellor.

In 2022, Aspen Heights British School received the School Mental Health Award, established by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, part of Leeds Beckett University, and by social enterprise Minds Ahead. The silver standard certification was awarded to the school based on its outstanding approach to addressing its community’s mental health and wellbeing.

Aspen Heights British School, located in Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, is a high-quality British International School with a focus on the community and environment. The school offers the National Curriculum for England until Year 11, and because it is an IB candidate school, the IBDP for Year 12 and above.

The school provides a high level of pastoral care and a strong sense of community. Amazing learning is central to everything the school does. The individualised approach ensures that children make remarkable progress and achieve standards that will amaze them. Some of the learning environments within the school include: a hydroponics greenhouse, animals, bespoke playgrounds, ICT suite, astro pitch, 25m pool, multi-sports court and a dance studio.

The school hosted 22 counsellors who came together to discuss the importance of the wellbeing of students, and share best practise

SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS HEAD TO JUNK KOUTURE WORLD FINALS

Three eco-conscious Grade 8 students at Swiss International School Dubai have secured a place at the ‘Junk Kouture’ World Finals in London, after designing and making a sustainable dress from used sweet wrappers and plastic food packaging waste.

Violette, Sacha and Mia, (aged 13 and 14 years old) will be heading to London, UK in October to present their unique dress design, ‘Candylicious’.

The trio are especially excited, as this is the first time they, and the awardwinning IB curriculum boarding school, have entered the contest.

Junk Kouture is an annual, global recycled fashion competition which challenges students aged 13 to 18 to design, create and model high-end couture made from recycled materials.

The creative competition takes in elements of fashion, design, engineering and environmental sustainability, encouraging young people to create striking works of recycled couture that wouldn’t look out of place on the world’s most famous runways.

Violette said: “We chose a colourful, bright design, to convey the impact of pollution nowadays, especially plastic and trash going into landfill. Food industries produce so many packaged foods every day, and all those wrappers can harm the environment. Which is why we ended up using food packaging as our main material.

“We started with simple bases, such as an old bed sheet, a stained skirt and a torn top. After choosing our bases we had

to start collecting materials. Halloween was the event that helped us get the most of materials for our project. On Halloween night we went around ‘trick or treating’ and collecting candy wrappers. From there we expanded the materials we used by using pasta packaging, chip bags, food labels and popsicle sticks’”.

The team faced many challenges, from organising their time, working as a team and making important decisions. As Sacha puts it: “Our hat design changed three times, before we chose our final idea. We spent the most time on the skirt, as it is a big part of our dress.”

Work was divided between the group. Violette worked on the skirt, doing the sewing and making the train. Mia created the top, using materials such as popsicle sticks and wrappers. She created a unique design to go with the skirt. Sacha created the hat, producing a sturdy base to then build an ice cream cone on.

The outfit, once complete, was then presented at the regional competition, held in Abu Dhabi. Mia modelled the outfit, to the tune Crazy in Love by Beyonce.

Sacha experimented with makeup to create a fun and unique look to complement the outfit.

The team worked on their shortlisted design every Tuesday, with help and guidance from art teacher Teresa Pollard, who said: “I am delighted our design has gone through to the Junk Kouture World Final in London. Only ten designs were selected from the UAE, and with more than 40 design entries in the Abu Dhabi City Final, it is a great achievement for the team and for the school.

“The team - Violette, Mia and Sacha - worked really hard, with creativity and perseverance while promoting sustainability with their design idea made with sweet wrappers – a beautiful design and a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent on a world stage - I could not be prouder!”

Three eco-conscious Grade 8 students secured a place at the ‘Junk Kouture’ World Finals in London

“We chose a colourful, bright design, to convey the impact of pollution nowadays, especially plastic and trash going into landfill’’

The girls say they were lucky to be allowed to work on the project during school hours, and to be able to take advantage of the Al Jadaf-based school’s art tools, such as hot glue guns, sewing machines and mannequins.

“Now we have found out we got accepted to the world finals in London, we are so excited and grateful we made it this far. Candylicious can’t wait to present our colourful dress, and hopefully inspire people, while raising awareness of the amount of waste we produce,” concluded Mia.

The creative competition takes in elements of fashion, design, engineering and environmental sustainability

 Teresa Pollard, Art Teacher with Violette, Sacha and Mia

In education for 22 years, Naira has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education in subjects that include Maths, Science, ICT, and Theory of Knowledge. She has been an IB team leader and online facilitator in the IB community for over two decades, as well as a school inspector for the ECIS, ADEK, and KHDA. Also an international speaker, her areas of expertise include designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, cultural leadership, and community building.

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL, SHAPING FUTURES AT DAR AL MAREFA

As the only bilingual, English and Arabic, IB curriculum school in Dubai, Dar Al Marefa is committed to educating and empowering young minds, striving to create a community of curious and confident lifelong learners. With a state-of-the-art campus, designed and built from the ground up to maximise students’ potential for learning, this is a school with a very strong vision, so when Education UAE got the opportunity to speak to Principal Naira Hamdy, we jumped at it, first asking about her own background and experience in the education sector.

Naira is also an international speaker who specialises in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching

“I’ve been in the educational field for more than 35 years. Don’t ask me about my age because when you’re working in education you always feel young!” Naira begins.

“I worked in seven other international schools before coming to UAE. At the same time, I’ve been an IB workshop leader, online facilitator and evaluator for other schools for the International Baccalaureate (IB). So I was very fortunate to visit almost all of the countries in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

“It was an experience that gave me a different approach to education. Ever since I began working with the IB in 1999, I have felt that this is the right programme for me as an educator. Before that, I was just teaching mathematics but instinctively felt that inquiry in mathematics was the key.

Naira, who has been in Dubai since 2011, has taught elementary, secondary and higher education in a variety of subjects, including maths, science, ICT and the theory of knowledge. She has been an IB team leader, school visitor, consultant, reader, workshop leader and

online facilitator in the IB community for over two decades; as well as a school inspector for the ECIS, ADEK and KHDA. Naira is also an international speaker who specialises in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and to model a professional learning community approach. Her areas of expertise include designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, cultural leadership and community building.

“I joined Dar Al Marefa in 2012 because of its social culture, vision and mission, and I quickly found out how unique the school is, particularly in regard to being an IB bilingual school,” Naira says.

THINKING IN TWO LANGUAGES

The IB offers covers four programmes –PYP, MYP, DP, and CP. At Dar Al Marefa, they offer three of those - PYP, MYP and DP. “Why only IB?,” Naira asks. “It’s because we believe that IB as a philosophy is more than enough for the child to learn and be ready for life and the real world of work at the end of their education.

“So although many other schools combine different systems, we took the decision not to blend the IB with any other programmes. What we were keen on, though, was offering the uniqueness of a truly bilingual approach. But this is not just learning two languages simultaneously; it’s much more. First of all, we’re talking about the cognitive ability of the student, especially in lower grades, the early years. Students come to us who are already speaking two languages, but often, two broken languages. So, how do we make them understand the requirements of fluency in a language, both English and Arabic, at the age of just three?

“What we do is unpack the whole idea with them while immersing them totally in these two languages for half of the day each. So it’s not a full day of English or Arabic, it’s a mixed bag, which helps to conserve the identity of both languages.”

Therefore, the students have experience of a language sometimes at the beginning of the day and sometimes at the end of the day, which leads to the important

There is plenty of research to show that when learning a new language at a young age, it is also possible to think in that language

question, how can you extend cultural awareness in both languages? “We are learning a language, yes, but what is the culture behind that language? It is vital that students learn about this, so cultural awareness and understanding are expanded in both languages, which ultimately improves students’ grasp of the world around them as well as their career prospects,” Naira explains.

There is plenty of research to show that when learning a new language at a young age, it is also possible to think in that language, and this makes a huge difference in speaking, reading and writing. At Dar Al Marefa, students can learn a third language too in Grade 6 – Spanish or French – plus a fourth language in the diploma. Of course, other schools offer this, but the difference at Dar Al Marefa is that youngsters learn to think in those languages, a skill that should not be underestimated.

So the uniqueness of Dar Al Marefa is the vision and the mission. And by now it should come as no surprise to discover that the word ‘Dar’ means ‘home’ or ‘house’ in English, so the school name translates as ‘The House of Knowledge’.

SOME OF THE REGION’S FINEST TEACHERS

Good teachers have a profound impact on students’ academic growth. They possess the knowledge, skills, and expertise to effectively convey information and facilitate learning. They inspire students to develop a thirst for knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. Good teachers create an environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and reach their full academic potential. That’s why, at Dar Al Marefa, they are committed to attracting and retaining some of the finest educators in the region.

“We have the willingness to invest in professional development, so we are recruiting teachers who are qualified to teach IB programmes. We also recruit other teachers who are highly skilled in different systems and then provide them with the professional development required to be able to teach the curriculum,” Naira says. “The school has a whole year’s calendar that meets the needs of every teacher for professional

development. And we are constantly updating and upskilling our teachers with the evolving requirements of the IB.”

EVERY CHILD IS UNIQUE

Dar Al Marefa is not only unique but also often ahead of the game, as Naira points out: “We were one of the pioneer schools in promoting the inclusion philosophy of the UAE. It is our belief that every child has the right to learn and the right to be part of a community that makes them feel supported, respected and cared about.

“One of my favourite examples of inclusion is one of our students who has been with us since Grade 8. We modified

the curriculum for her until she reached the diploma programme, which is one of the most challenging programmes in the world. We fitted her needs to be able to excel in art and design, and collaborated with her chosen university so that she could move on to higher education seamlessly. If you see her art and level of production you would be amazed. I had tears in my eyes when her final art exhibition was presented in Grade 11, prior to her graduation. We have lots of stories like this, but this, for me, was one of the most fantastic,” Naira says.

Every child is a ‘genius’ at something and Dar Al Marefa provides an inimitable

“Dar Al Marefa is one of the pioneer schools in promoting the inclusion philosophy in the UAE”

opportunity to find out what that ‘something’ is. It goes beyond that, though, with the school supporting students with their gifts in a way that is both inclusive and compassionate.

“In the school assembly, for example, it was all about all gifted students presenting their own skills, talking about their individual needs, and how they are able to integrate into the community,” Naira continues. “If they have behavioural problems, for instance, it was about how they explained the tension inside of them so that others could respect that and work with them.”

Every gifted child is unique, and individualised attention is crucial for their optimal development. The school understands that it is important to foster their strengths, provide appropriate challenges, and nurture their social-emotional well-being to help them reach their full potential.

BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Dar Al Marefa’s extracurricular activity programme is built on four pillars that support the academic curriculum, with Naira explaining: “We endeavour to encourage and enrich the health and well-being of students in different

activities, including sports and all physical activities. Then there is innovation, creation, robotics, and everything in relation to new technology, including artificial intelligence. And finally, there are the visual arts, creativity, and anything in relation to performance. In total we have more than 150 activities across different age groups, starting from grade pre-K, which is three years of age, up until Grade 12.”

It is a very complete programme that caters to the needs of every child and modified to meet the needs of different families. “We have activities during the weekend when, for example, we invite

families for a cycling event; all of them together, the father, the son - even sometimes the mother and daughter. So we are bringing the whole community together. Yes, it is about physical education and movement, but it’s also about also bringing the family together. ”

AN OPEN-DOOR POLICY

The school is currently home to 1,050 students – that’s a lot of energy and inquisitiveness! But, as Naira points out, the campus is huge … and very unique. “We are one of the only horizontal campuses in the UAE, so you’ll see no towers – it’s like a small island where all of the classrooms come together to become one community.

“And everyone is welcome! You know, some schools think that IB is only for elite students, those who can achieve sixth and seventh in the diploma and are able to acquire all of the knowledge in a meaningful way and tackle the extended essay requirements, which are colossal. But if we’re looking at a child at the age of three who is learning two languages, we are already building a different mindset in that student. We start to model the learner profile at that age. Even so, if the student is not exceeding expectations in the first year, they have time to acquire the skills necessary to succeed, and this is how we provide an education to all of our students.

“Of course, we have to access our students’ performance and we have to have a very

thorough assessment from the beginning. However, we are not only building our knowledge on summative assessment, which is well structured in our assessment calendar, we have lots of other strategies and tools inside the classroom to enable us to have enough data for formative assessment - giving tasks, testing the student’s awareness, and then providing them with another target, another goal to achieve according to their needs. So, observation, anecdotal records, and any kinds of different tasks and quizzes are taken into consideration while assessing the whole holistic approach of students.”

Finally, we asked Naira if she had any advice for people, particularly young people, arriving in Dubai for the first time. “If you’re coming to Dubai, open your ears and discover everything around you. Use your eyes, you have everything available. But maintain your own identity and show and be proud of your culture because it’s unique wherever you are from. Dubai is a very homogeneous community of different cultures, but at the same time, every student should keep their own identity and this is what we are trying to do.”

For any parents out there who would like to get in touch with Dar Al Marefa, the process just couldn’t be simpler. There is an open-door policy throughout the school, meaning that if a parent arrives on campus they are seen immediately. Naturally, parents can also contact the school through its website to make an appointment, but

whatever the approach they can be assured of a full tour of the school.

It doesn’t stop there. “We’re offering any potential students the opportunity to come and be in our classrooms for a day with our students so that they can get a good feel for the place. And we have found this amazing because youngsters come into the school and start to make connections even before they have enrolled!” Naira concludes.

That just about sums up Dar Al Marefa – inclusive, committed to the highest standards of education, and very, very welcoming.

ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN DAR AL MAREFA, AN IB BILINGUAL SCHOOL, AND WATCH THEM THRIVE ACADEMICALLY, LINGUISTICALLY, AND CULTURALLY. JOIN US IN SHAPING TOMORROW’S GLOBAL LEADERS.

VISIT WEBSITE EMAIL US

 800 MAREFA (627332)

DAR AL MAREFA

“We are one of the only horizontal campuses in the UAE, so you’ll see no towers – it’s like a small island where all of the classrooms come together to become one community”

CANADIAN UNIVERSITY

DUBAI PROMOTES STUDENT HAPPINESS WITH WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS

An initiative led by students at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is promoting a culture of happiness and positivity on campus, through a range of weekly activities that aim to inspire selfawareness, personal reflection, and mental and physical well-being. Led by the university’s student Wellness Society, the Wellness Wednesdays programme encourages participants to focus on selfcare amid the growing pressures young people are facing in daily life.

The weekly gathering presents a diverse range of experiences for students to get involved in, from painting and candlemaking to meditation and physical activities

BRIGHTON COLLEGE DUBAI CELEBRATES ITS FIRST COHORT OF A-LEVEL GRADUATES

Leading British curriculum school, Brighton College Dubai, has celebrated its first cohort of A-Level graduates with an intimate graduation ceremony.

Headmaster Simon Crane commented: “Celebrating our first cohort of A-Level graduates is a historic event for the school and one that holds special importance for everyone at Brighton College Dubai. We couldn’t be happier for our graduates who have shown unwavering hard work and determination through testing times. Congratulations to the future leaders and changemakers who are about to embark on a new and exciting journey. We might be bidding them farewell from studying at the College, but they will always be a part of the Brighton College family around the world.”

The Wellness Wednesdays programme encourages participants to focus on self-care

“We couldn’t be happier for our graduates who have shown unwavering hard work and determination through testing times”

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY DUBAI ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF FULL SCHOLARSHIP TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS

Heriot-Watt University Dubai has offered four school students from Dubai a full scholarship alongside an annual stipend of AED15,000 for three years to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at the campus. Students from The Central School Dubai and English Language Private School Dubai were chosen based on their academic and extracurricular excellence through a stringent selection process.

Four students from Dubai offered scholarship

UAE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES TO GAIN 100+ GRADUATES FROM LEADING DESIGN SCHOOL

The College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its annual senior showcase, Six Degrees, featuring creative work by more than 100 graduating students across the disciplines of architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication, and urban planning.

Among the AUS Class of 2023 was awardwinning Emirati architecture senior Alzaina Lootah, recipient of the 2022 Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship, who commented: “It is an honour to be a graduate of the American University of Sharjah, holding one of the most recognised and prestigious degrees in the region.”

A recent survey of CAAD alumni indicated that more than 90% are employed across the creative industries, government, business, and academia.

Among the AUS Class of 2023 was award-winning Emirati architecture senior Alzaina Lootah

ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY HOSTS ITS FIRST 5IRE WEB3 AND BLOCKCHAIN HACKATHON

The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) College of Engineering, has hosted the first 5ire Web3 and Blockchain Hackathon in collaboration with 5ire, a fifth-generation blockchain ecosystem.

ADU’s faculty members and 5ire trainers introduced students and academics to Web3 and blockchain technology, fostering innovation in the next generation of developers through the utilisation of several technologies such as Metamask, NFT, 5irechain, Ethereum, and IPFS. In addition, participants from all coding and programming levels received expert guidance, valuable resources, and networking opportunities to ignite their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

opportunities

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY DUBAI INTRODUCES NEW LLM LEGAL PRACTICE DEGREE

Middlesex University

Dubai is launching a brand new British Postgraduate Law degree programme for its September 2023 intake. Introduced in response to legal industry and employer demands, the landmark LLM Legal Practice (SQE Pathway) degree is specifically designed for UAE and international students who wish to qualify as solicitors in the England and Wales jurisdiction. Along with gaining an advanced Master’s degree in Law, the one-year course enables students

to simultaneously prepare for the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examinations (SQE1 and SQE2), the compulsory qualifications for those wishing to qualify as England and Wales solicitors. The programme has been specifically structured to align with the SQE examination dates, allowing those who wish to sit these during their LLM programme to do so. This provides students with the opportunity to both obtain a Master’s degree and qualify as solicitors of England and Wales in just one year.

Participants received expert guidance, valuable resources, and networking

The one-year course enables students to simultaneously prepare for the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examinations

ADU CONCLUDES ITS SECOND BRIDGE COMPETITION WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF 120 STUDENTS FROM 27 SCHOOLS

In line with Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) community engagement strategy and the Year of Sustainability initiatives, ADU’s College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department hosted its second Bridge Competition under the theme ‘Earthquake Bridge Building for a Sustainable Future’ with the participation of over 120 students from both private and public high schools across the UAE. Held at ADU’s Al Ain campus, the Competition was hosted with the sponsorship of El Race Construction.

exceptional talents and abilities to contribute to the prosperity and development of our beloved nation. He extended his thanks to Abu Dhabi University and all the participating students and schools.

Following the presentations, the jury members announced the winning teams, where the first place was awarded to Al Ataa School and the second place went to Al Ain Juniors School. Lastly, third place was awarded to Al Israa Private School. In addition, the winning teams were also rewarded with monetary prizes where the first place received a generous reward of AED4,000, while the team that placed second received AED3,000 and the third place was honoured with a prize of AED2,000.

During the Competition, students had the opportunity to present their advanced skillset and knowledge in building sustainable earthquake-resistant bridges which can distribute forces that travel through them during a seismic event. With a two-hour timeframe to present their bridge models to the jury committee, students worked together and showcased their exceptional talent, creativity and teamwork.

A total of 27 schools participated in the Competition, with four teams partaking from each school from both years 11 and 12. Each team shared their bridge models and explained the underlying concept to the jury members and shed light on the

importance of constructing such bridges for a safer and more secure future.

Dr. Abdelkareem Alzo’ubi, Abu Dhabi College of Engineering Coordinator, said: “By hosting the second Bridge Competition, ADU’s College of Engineering provided students with a remarkable opportunity to gain a great sense of university life and experience. The event was a true testament to the talent and potential of the next generation of engineers.”

Mr. Mohamed Abu Obeid, General Manager of El Race Construction, expressed his pride in supporting this initiative that encourages students’

The Competition was held under the theme ‘Earthquake Bridge Building for a Sustainable Future’

STUDYING AT THE PREMIER AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY IN DUBAI

Saska Louise Povall Macnab, who graduated with an MSc with Distinction in Media and Communications at the University of Wollongong in Dubai in 2022, talks to Education UAE about her time in post-graduate studies and how it prepared her for a career in brand marketing.

Education UAE: What were your expectations going into university, and how did they compare to your experience once you got here?

Saska Louise Povall Macnab: My expectations were different to when I gained my undergraduate degree for two reasons: mainly, I began my Master’s at the end of 2020, so Covid restrictions prevented us from attending campus. Secondly, I was more focused on the academic potential I could have from the course rather than the overall ‘aesthetics’ of attending university again. The university handled my journey incredibly and I was extremely impressed with how attentive they were through online means.

EdUAE: Do you feel that there is anything unique about the University of Wollongong that sets it apart from other universities?

Saska: They have such an appreciation of their Australian roots and they welcome opportunities to allow crossover between the two universities, both with staff and students.

EdUAE: What type of career are you following, where are you now living and working, and how did the university help you to prepare for this new life?

Saska: I am living in Dubai, and am following a career in Marketing, Branding and Communications. I am currently in between jobs and seeking a new and exciting opportunity in this field. The university gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the media in a more philosophical way.

EdUAE: What were the biggest challenges you faced in university?

Saska: I lacked confidence in myself, as I tended to interpret the tasks in a different way from my peers. However, my professors greatly appreciated and commended that, as they praised me for having a creative and enlightening perspective they hadn’t seen before.

EdUAE: What is your favourite memory of your time at university?

They have such an appreciation of their Australian roots and they welcome opportunities to allow cross-over between the two universities

I am currently in between jobs and seeking a new and exciting opportunity in this field



Saska Louise Povall Macnab

Saska: My favourite memory was when producing a group project, in the module Social Marketing. The project focused on supermarket chains, plastic bags and the recent turtle rehabilitation project in the UAE. The girls I worked with on this were amazing, and have become friends. Putting together this project was so interesting and we all shared a great passion for it. It made the work so enjoyable.

EdUAE: Knowing what you know now, would you still choose the University of Wollongong if you had the chance to do it all over again?

Saska: Yes, 100%! Although I didn’t experience everything the university had to offer due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The university, the course and the professors were truly enriching, inspiring and encouraging. More so than I have experienced previously.

EdUAE: Are you still in touch with any of the other students you spent time with there?

Saska: A few, such as the girls I undertook my Social Marketing project with, and a few others with whom I was fortunate to go through the whole experience alongside. They are an incredible group of intelligent and aspirational individuals, whom I am glad to have met.

EdUAE: Finally, do you have any advice for students getting ready to start university?

Saska: University at any age, I believe, is a time to truly be yourself and become immersed in everything you find interesting. The support group from professors to peers that you can build is amazing. No one else should dictate what you should do. It is a time for you to grow!

THOUSANDS OF BRIGHT

FUTURES AT DUBAI’S LARGEST UK UNIVERSITY

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is the largest British higher education institution in Dubai licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for total student enrolment for a third consecutive year. The data from KHDA shows that over 4,800 students from over 120 nationalities are studying at the university, reflecting an 8% increase on the previous academic year. We discussed this incredible achievement with Professor Cody Morris Paris PhD, the Deputy Director of Research & Business and Head of the Business School at MDX.

Head

EdUAE: Middlesex University Dubai has been recorded as having the highest number of total student enrolments for the third consecutive year for institutions licensed by KHDA. Can you tell us more about this?

Professor Cody Morris Paris: Middlesex University Dubai is the largest British university in Dubai licensed by KHDA for a third year (according to KHDA Open Data 2023), and we couldn’t be more proud of this achievement. In addition to having the most enrolled students for popular degree subjects such as Business and Law, we see subjects in our portfolio such as Information Technology and Media and Design continuing to attract more students year-on-year.

We work continuously to ensure that our student experience and teaching and learning remains world-class, preparing our students to launch their careers in the UAE and around the world, by introducing diverse programmes and inspirational curriculums that prepare students for a successful career. The UAE and Dubai are providing a fantastic environment for institutions like ours to grow and ambitious students to achieve their goals. This is why we continue to attract students from around the world to study with us, and why we are continuing to grow in a thriving market such as the UAE, which recognises the importance of every student having access to a top-quality education.

EdUAE: To what do you credit the substantial increase in student enrolment from diverse nationalities?

Professor CP: Over 4,800 students from over 120 nationalities are studying at Middlesex University Dubai, reflecting an 8% increase on the 20212022 academic year. The number of international students who choose us as their university has also increased every year, with students joining us from countries and regions as diverse as China, Russia and the CIS countries, Europe and Latin America. Many students come here attracted by the fact Dubai is a thriving global business and trade hub. As a result, the city

offers fantastic job opportunities for those who want to make an impact on an organisation or even start their own enterprise. Students are also attracted by the quality of life available here, the safety, unique cultural experiences, and the fact Dubai offers incredible travel connections to major hubs around the world. There are so many resources, communities and support here to help students to succeed, both at university and around the city.

EdUAE: How does MDX commit to providing quality education and fostering a multicultural learning environment?

Professor CP: With the world changing rapidly, it’s incredibly important for universities to prepare their students to graduate with strong academic knowledge as well as practical, realworld experience in their field. This combination underpins our approach to academia. As well as earning a globallyrecognised UK degree from a leading international university in the UAE, our students graduate with a wealth of industry experience and soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, problemsolving and lifelong learning that employers actively search for.

We’re tapping into the industry innovation in the UAE to benefit our students. Our faculty utilise their expertise and networks to ensure their students gain the latest real-world

insights in class, through initiatives such as guest speakers, field trips and industry competitions. Our Careers and Employability Services team also offers career counselling, career days to connect students with employers, and job and internship search advice, among other services for students and alumni. For example, our latest career fair saw more than 1,000 students and alumni engage with over 120 top UAE and global employers. Our students are highly employable and can apply their learning to the workplace after graduating, because they’ve already been doing that throughout their studies.

EdUAE: What benefits are there for students learning in such a multicultural environment?

Professor CP: By learning in an international, multicultural environment, students are exposed to new perspectives on their field and are also able to meet people from all over the world. This exposes them to other cultures and ways of working, which benefits them at university, at work and in daily life. Students learn cross-cultural communication and crosscultural understanding and how to work in an international environment, which is very likely the type of professional environment that they will join when they start their careers. Postgraduate students, who are deepening their knowledge of their field with a Master’s, study with likeminded individuals from a range of industries and countries, offering them new perspectives they can apply to their own professional practice.

EdUAE: What impact has the growth of the university had on the educational landscape in Dubai?

Professor CP: Dubai is a dynamic global hub for higher education, which is spurring ahead the growth of Dubai and the UAE’s competitive knowledge economy. Middlesex University Dubai is immensely proud of our contributions to the higher education landscape in the UAE over the past 19 years. We are proud to provide a world-class UK learning experience in the heart of Dubai and be empowering thousands of qualified, innovative, and talented graduates who are making impactful contributions to the UAE’s economy and society, in a diverse range of

industries. As the largest UK university in Dubai licensed by KHDA, we look forward to continuing our contributions to the educational landscape in the UAE through talent development and collaborative research that brings government, industry and academic expertise together to benefit all.

EdUAE: What future plans and initiatives are in place to enhance the educational experience for students?

Professor CP: We’re consistently innovating and updating our academic curriculums and facilities to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve and continue to provide our students with the best possible learning environment. With newly launched programmes in areas such as Clinical Health Psychology, IT, and a new specialised LLM pathway for this September, as well as more activities and events organised in our state-of-the-art facilities, students can look forward to further opportunities to connect with industry, discover new interests, and explore potential career paths.

EdUAE: What do your students say they love the most about studying at MDX?

Professor CP: We hear regularly from students that they really enjoy the well-rounded experience at Middlesex University Dubai and how they are encouraged to get involved in the lively community on campus. From sports to social clubs to industry competitions, there is an initiative to suit every student’s interests – and if there isn’t one yet, we empower our students to start their own! The opportunities we provide for our students to engage with industry are also second-to-none.

For example, our Mooting Society has achieved the #1 ranking in the UAE for Mooting and #20 in Mediation and Negotiation in the World, according to the NICA Team Ranking, one of the most prominent law school moot court rankings in the world. What an amazing achievement!

Professor Cody Morris Paris PhD is the Deputy Director of Research & Business and Head of the Business School at Middlesex University Dubai. He holds a PhD in Community Resource Development, a MSc in Recreation & Tourism Studies and a BIS in International Geography and Political Science-International Studies with minors in Cultural Anthropology and Tourism from Arizona State University, USA. Cody has authored/co-authored nearly 100 academic articles, book chapters, and papers in conference proceedings and his research has been recognised with several prestigious awards. He serves on the Editorial Boards of several leading journals and is the Editor in Chief of the e-Review of Tourism Research. He currently serves as the President of the Asia Pacific Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association. Cody also serves on the Board of Directors of Amizade, a global-service learning and community development NGO with UN Consultative Status and has travelled to more than 115 countries.

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS REVOLUTIONISING EDUCATION: EMPOWERING STUDENTS AND TRANSFORMING LEARNING

Blended learning, a hybrid model that integrates the best aspects of both traditional classroom teaching and online learning platforms, offers several benefits. Perhaps most importantly, promoting student engagement and active learning by incorporating technology and interactive elements into the educational experience. Of course, in a rapidly evolving world, not everyone is yet fully on board, so we took the opportunity to speak with Nick Harris, International Partnerships Director, at Renaissance, which today helps teachers, schools, and ministries of education accelerate learning in more than 100 countries across six continents, first asking her about the ‘fear factor’ in EdTech.

Nick Harris, International Partnerships Director.

Nick, who joined Renaissance at the beginning of 2022 from Discovery Education and has 25 years’ experience in Education Technology, is big on tech enablement to improve educational outcomes for all. One of the many reasons he joined Renaissance was the fact that the company has been operating in the cloud for more than 25 years, creating numerous innovative online and adaptive solutions for the education industry.

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“There is perhaps a fear or reluctance by schools and some ministries of education to utilise blended learning fully,” Nick begins, “but I do think this trepidation is beginning to evaporate. In many ways, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology and software, not least because it challenged the way teaching and learning should be delivered and catapulted the world into a new way of thinking, whilst not compromising the quality of lessons.”

Nick Harris, International Partnerships Director, has 25 years’ experience in Education Technology. During the course of his career, he has focused on delivering innovative and transformative cloud and digital solutions for governments and educational institutions globally.

“As a result, at Renaissance, we’ve been working really hard to ensure that those who have been slightly more hesitant to climb aboard, can see the benefits of this approach to drive increased support for children with their learning, while also helping to keep parents engaged.” While change naturally introduces the unknown, we believe that the revolution of education through increased Technology, can enhance the experience for students and teachers. This is why

Renaissance looks to teachers as our ‘north star’ and places them at the centre of everything we do. “We are really empathetic to the profession, constantly looking to see how we can help enhance the skills that the professionals already have in order for them to help

their students even more,” Nick says. “We have a number of ex-teachers and academics working at Renaissance which helps give us a genuine understanding of the many challenges educators face, but more importantly, the solutions they would like to see.”

OPENING DOORS TO IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Technology offers interactive learning experiences through multimedia elements such as videos, animations, simulations, and quizzes. These interactive tools can engage students’ interest, make complex concepts more understandable, and promote active participation in the learning process, thus enhancing student engagement in the classroom.

“I’m very passionate about efficacy of implementation,” Nick says, “and how using technology helps students, teachers, or indeed governments, increase literacy and numeracy. That’s something we’ve been very big on at Renaissance. In fact, using our vast data set, we have conducted our own studies with countries and government departments, to evidence how student attainment has been improved. Additionally, we have produced a report that focused on learning loss during the pandemic, which is now being used by the Bahamas Ministry of Education to drive rescue initiatives. Learning Loss has been a big topic over the past 2 years in order to understand the attainment gap and how long it will take to fill.

There is no doubt that technology empowers students to take ownership

of their learning. With access to digital tools and resources, students can actively explore and pursue their interests, engage in self-directed learning, and showcase their creativity and skills. This sense of ownership can contribute to students’ enjoyment and satisfaction with their educational experience, as Nick explains: “Students love it because they are now, very used to the omnipresence of technology. One of the main phrases we use is ‘student engagement’ – technology really helps because youngsters already use Kindles or iPads or tablets; they move

“Teachers have so many challenges, with one of the biggest, because of the pandemic, being a huge loss of learning”

through apps much more quickly than most, so if you can serve up education in a fun way that is easily digested while getting the to a successful end result, why wouldn’t you do that?”

“For instance, we have a literacy tool called myON that enables the teacher to get a number of students to take a very short test to see what their reading capability is, but, more importantly, we can ask students which topics they are actually interested in – and they’ll say sci-fi or nature for example - and what myON does is suggest books at the

individual student’s ability level on that subject, which automatically makes the learning experience fun and engaging.”

USING ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS TO DRIVE STUDENT SUCCESS

One of the major concerns teachers have today is their enormous workload. “It’s a big, big issue,” Nick says, “so if there is a way to help them to accelerate marking and, for instance, identify students who may require a little more help, it is critical that we do this. Overall, technology supports assessment in the classroom by clarifying a student’s capability, streamlining the learning process, providing real-time feedback, enhancing engagement and driving personalised learning. It empowers educators to make data-informed decisions, tailor instruction, and better support student growth and achievement.”

There have been numerous studies conducted to explore the benefits of technology in the classroom for both students and teachers, with a number based on the data provided by Renaissance. “That’s one of the reasons why I think we are really well placed when it comes to helping teachers in schools and ministries identify learning gaps: we have a huge data lake, which we have been enriching over decades and it really helps us to pinpoint where the challenges are, and that allows educators to make key decisions quickly,” Nick says.

As mentioned above, learning loss is an area of great focus. In the past two years, teachers have almost doubled their workload to help in closing the gap,” Nick explains. “And of course, there is also teacher well-being, with some teachers quite frankly needing a little support, emotionally and mentally as there is so much pressure placed on them, including the added burden of assessment.

LOOK WHAT I DID!

By leveraging technology, parents can have more timely and convenient access to information about their child’s education, fostering better communication, involvement, and collaboration between home and school. It helps parents stay informed about their child’s progress, address any concerns promptly, and actively participate in their child’s educational journey. “When using a computer adaptive

way of learning, parents can easily engage in what their kids are doing. As information is served up on a tablet, for example, the youngster is really excited to show their parents what they have achieved and say, “Hey, I just took this quiz on this book I just read and look what I did!”. The parents can see it instantly - they don’t have to make an appointment or go down to the school, it’s instant. This helps with the school to home engagement,” Nick says.

PASSION AS A CATALYST

Whether it’s utilised by schools, teachers, or students, technology is a constantly evolving and dynamic field. New advancements, innovations, and trends emerge regularly, making it a moving target. So how does Renaissance stay up-to-date with everything that is going on? You may be expecting a bit of a ‘whizz kid’ answer here, but you’re not going to get one because this rather distinctive company primarily uses one of humankind’s most basic emotions to stay informed – passion.

“We are really passionate about two things, education and technology for ALL, and it’s in our DNA. For Renaissance therefore, it’s about making sure that we’re abreast of all of the new and wonderful technologies that are coming out and seeing how can we use some of them to enhance what we already have.”

“Although technology alone cannot replace effective teaching, it serves as a powerful tool that enhances and transforms the learning experience. Embracing it in schools helps prepare students for the future, fosters 21stcentury skills, and creates dynamic and engaging learning environments that better meet the needs of learners in the digital age. It ultimately helps teachers to level the playing field and ‘See Every Student’” Nick concludes.

UAE-BASED AI START-UP SCHOOL HACK HITS ONE MILLION USERS IN JUST FOUR MONTHS

Hack, the UAE-based Chat-GPT powered edtech platform that equips students to work with AI and helps develop the skills for the jobs of tomorrow, has hit one million users. Founded in January 2023 and launched in February 2023 by Muhammed Khalid, School Hack’s user growth already rivals some of the fastest growing apps of all time such as Instagram and Tik Tok. No app from the Gulf region has ever grown as fast before, and School Hack is currently outstripping any other app in the world in terms of the volume of words it is putting through OpenAI’s Chat GPT, with 150 million words a day and rising.

The School Hack business consists of two products, the student-focused School Hack app – available on Apple and Android – and the SHP 2.0 platform focused on educators as well as students. SHP 2.0’s interactive AI portal is a breakthrough in helping schools to regulate and oversee AI usage, ensuring students harness its potential fully and responsibly. It helps prepare students for the future of work in an age of AI, and allows full visibility for teachers on how students are using AI – preventing cheating and plagiarism. The advanced AI detector ensures that students stay within the system and cannot exploit external AI platforms to bypass safeguards. These innovations have led Bloom World Academy to introduce School Hack’s SHP 2.0 platform across seven schools.

The School Hack products have been in development for two years, anticipating ChatGPT and other AI products by 18 months and giving the app and the portal a massive advantage over a suite of AI products that are hitting the market. Advanced SHP 2.0 features include “Smart Media” which revolutionises the way students interact with videos, lectures, and podcasts – it can convert any video or audio instantly to text. This is complemented by the “Ask me Anything” feature, which fosters curiosity and empowers students to take

 Muhammed Khalid, Founder of Hack

Teachers able to monitor and evaluate students’ responsible use of AI

charge of their learning journey, and the “SmartDocs” feature which transforms the way students engage with documents and creates a personalised learning experience. The Social Study Group allows students to work together within the app and encourages collaborative learning and global connections.

Muhammed Khalid, CEO and Founder said that as AI disrupts education students need the right tools to understand how to make the most of this gamechanging technology. “I have always been passionate about education and I have been developing a number of edtech products over the last few years. As

different AI tools emerged I could see the integration potential. Because we had existing products in development, School Hack has a different level of sophistication over other AI-powered apps and a natural head-start – which has been reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have seen and the record user growth we have witnessed.

“The launch of SHP 2.0 and its successful integration at academic institutions such as The University of Ontario Institute of Technology highlights the UAE’s commitment to driving progress and innovation beyond its borders.

“This revolutionary AI tool, developed in the UAE, showcases our country’s transformation from a technology consumer to a key player in the global tech industry - an exportation of cuttingedge technology that will leave a lasting impact on education and innovation.”

The School Hack founders were recently invited to speak at an exclusive event in San Diego by GSV Ventures, the world’s largest edtech investment firm whose founder was an early investor in Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Currently putting 150 million words a day through Chat GPT, the most of any app globally

Bloom World Academy introducing School Hack’s SHP 2.0 platform across seven schools

SCHOOL HACK

HEAD ARENA PARTNERS WITH GLOBALLY RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL PADEL ACADEMY M3

HEAD ARENA, Abu Dhabi’s new padel destination officially partners with M3 (Padel) Academy, the world’s first padel academy designed for professional players. The strategic partnership elevates HEAD ARENA as the only club in the UAE offering professional padel certification courses.

Creating new opportunities for the local community to receive internationally recognised padel training, they will train with the M3 method, using a distinct pioneering system combining physical, mental, and technical training.

Training programs last from four weeks to a full year broken into quarters, with rates starting from AED360 per person (up to AED1,750 depending on the number of sessions per week) which includes sessions once a week over the course of a four-week program.

On May 27 and June 24, HEAD ARENA will host an Open Camp Day to all kids and adults to introduce the M3 Padel Programs and Summer Kinds Camps.

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England football superstar, Beth Mead, visits Cognita family of schools in Dubai to encourage 4,000+ pupils to explore their passion for sports

Last week, pupils at the Cognita family of schools based in the United Arab Emirates, The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Ranches Primary School, Horizon English School and Horizon International School, were treated to an inspiring visit from Arsenal and England national team professional footballer, Beth Mead MBE.

During her visit to Dubai, Beth spent time in each of the four schools to host talks and meet and greet sessions with the pupils as part of Cognita’s worldclass enrichment programme, Enrich ME, for which she is the Founding Ambassador.

Throughout the engaging and motivational sessions, pupils were invited to ask Beth questions about her career and had the chance to discover her advice and tips on pursuing a career in sports, as well as her secrets to success in football and leadership. On Saturday morning at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, the girls who are part of the Enrich ME football programme had the chance to showcase their skills under the watchful eye of Beth as part of the regular select squad training sessions.

Beth Mead commented: “I’m delighted to finally be able to visit Dubai and meet the young people who are part of the Cognita Enrich ME programme in person. I hope that this week’s sessions have inspired them to have the courage to try new things and to explore their passions and that I have been able to convey that a career fuelled by passion is the key to happiness.”

The Cognita Enrich ME students had the opportunity to learn career and coaching advice during motivational sessions led by sporting hero

Beth added:“Having started my own football journey at just six years old and now fortunate enough to play for the Women’s Super League Club, Arsenal and the England National Team, I fully embrace opportunities that inspire young people worldwide to get involved in sports and other enrichment programmes that will help them discover the possibilities that a career in these fields hold.”

A truly inspirational sporting figure, known around the world as an integral member of the England women’s football team who won the UEFA Women’s Euro Cup for the first time in history

 Arsenal and England national team professional footballer, Beth Mead MBE.

last year, Beth Mead’s involvement with Enrich ME provides Cognita students with a true role model, giving them direct access to the sporting hero’s expert coaching and advice. Pupils are also able to learn from her invaluable experience and leadership qualities that have seen her recognised with endless accolades, including Player of the Tournament and winner of the Golden Boot in the UEFA Women’s Euro Cup 2022.

On meeting Beth at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, 10-year-old Mollie said, “I never thought I could be as skilful or as passionate about football as Beth Mead, but her visit showed me that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my sporting dreams too.”

Director of Football for Cognita Enrich ME and former Assistant Manager of the top division Swedish Club, AIK Stockholm, Sean O’Shea, commented: “Beth Mead’s visit was a great inspiration to our students and her role as Cognita Enrich ME’s Founding Ambassador highlights the importance of sports and enrichment programmes in providing a holistic education. We are grateful to Beth for taking the time to help encourage and develop the next generation of Cognita students in

pursuing their passions and encouraging them to strive for excellence, whether on or off the field.’’

The Cognita Enrich ME programme launched in October 2022 and combines everything that enriches students’ lives, such as sports, music and the arts with expert coaching provision to provide them with unparalleled opportunities in football, swimming and academic excellence. The inclusive programme allows the four schools to expand their curriculum and provide an even higher quality learning experience to the 4,000+ students they have enrolled, as well as helping high-performing students to achieve professional results.

SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DUBAI STUDENTS SWIM TO SUCCESS

Swiss International School Dubai is renowned for its academic prowess, but now it is celebrating sporting excellence too, after every pupil training at the school’s Speedo Swim Academy secured a place in their respective national or international competitions for this summer.

SISD, which ranks among the top 100 private schools in the world, launched its unique Speedo Swim Academy in September 2022, with pupils dedicating training time before and after normal school hours. Expert coaches from Speedo deliver bespoke training to the pupils – which has clearly already paid off.

In just the first year of the award-winning IB curriculum school’s swimming academy, the coaches and school staff have delivered outstanding success for the swimmers.

Combining school and swimming timetables makes it easier for students and parents to support the level of training required to be able to achieve success at a competitive level.

Rob Duncan, Head of Sport, at the Al-Jadafbased school, says: “We are very proud of what our swimming academy members have achieved in only one year.

SISD launched its unique Speedo Swim Academy in September 2022

“For all the academy swimmers to achieve national or international swimming opportunities for their country is a fantastic achievement. Our partner, Speedo, has embraced our approach to this new kind of Academy, and the results are certainly paying off.”

The pupils who have worked so hard to achieve competitive rankings and places in national and international competitions are Charlie –French Open Nationals; Kenza – French Youth Nationals; Kyan – who reached the French Junior Nationals; Levin – reached the Swiss nationals; Noah – Luxembourg nationals, and Henry – Swedish Junior Nationals.

The dedicated swimming programme is unique in the UAE, with pupils swimming before and after school, and taking breakfast with boarding students before school.

The academy is part of a holistic training programme and approach to competitive sport.

Caroline Potel, UAE Head Coach and Swim Director for Speedo, adds: “I am thrilled with what we have managed to achieve as a team –SISD and Speedo – and am excited about what we can work towards in the year ahead. We have new swimmers joining the SISD Academy too, so it will be an exciting year ahead!”

As well as the Speedo Swim Academy, the school will soon offer an Athletics Academy in collaboration with AIS Athletics, alongside a host of sports clubs where pupils from as young as eight are encouraged to participate.

SISD is a member of the Dubai Affiliated School Sport Association (DASSA). DASSA oversees school sporting competitions for more than 70 Dubai schools in a variety of sports. The school’s academic year includes three sports seasons, aligned with its after-school activities calendar.

SISD currently has competitive teams for both boys and girls in basketball, football, golf, tennis, swimming, and track and field. To find out more about the many sporting opportunities at the school, visit SISD.

SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DUBAI

As well as the Speedo Swim Academy, the school will soon offer an Athletics Academy in collaboration with AIS Athletics

The dedicated swimming programme is unique in the UAE

NICKELODEON ARABIA AND PIRATES SURF RESCUE COLLABORATE TO EDUCATE KIDS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MARINE LIFE ON WORLD OCEANS DAY

Nickelodeon, the leading entertainment brand for kids, and Pirates Surf Rescue have recently joined forces once again to celebrate World Oceans Day by immersing the “Pirates” in an exciting deep dive adventure to explore the thriving marine life beneath the pier at Kite Beach, Dubai. Building upon their previous successful partnerships on World Water Day and Earth Day, Nickelodeon and Pirates Surf Rescue continue to educate and engage children in sustainable practices for environmental protection.

World Oceans Day is an annual event on June 8th, aiming to increase awareness about the importance of our global oceans and the need for conservation efforts. This year’s theme, “Planet Ocean: tides are changing,” serves as an inspiration for various communities, including enthusiastic youth activists, to prioritise the well-being of our oceans. Embracing this theme, Nickelodeon Arabia and Pirates Surf Rescue collaborated to organise an engaging and educational event, offering a unique opportunity for participants to dive deep into the beach environment, discover diverse marine life, and learn valuable lessons about preserving our precious oceans.

Approximately 200 kids from the Pirates Surf Rescue community gathered at Kite Beach, Dubai, for a workshop led by Marine Biologist Ayesha Bobat, aimed at raising environmental awareness and shedding light on the vital role of the ocean in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. This hands-on experience allowed the young participants to witness the beauty and importance of marine life firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding of the need to protect and preserve our oceans.

Tracey Grant, Country Manager & Vice President – MENA at Paramount, said, “Through our partnership with Pirates

Surf Rescue, we have the pleasure of respecting the planet whilst celebrating the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and sub-theme ‘Today for Tomorrow.’ Pirates empower young individuals to contribute to environmental sustainability, aligning perfectly with our ESG strategy, and this collaboration is a powerful demonstration of our commitment. Furthermore, it reflects Paramount’s mission to raise awareness about our world, inspire others, and empower our fans to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

The event also hosted Nathaniel Alapide, a Filipino artist who creates sand art murals on the shorelines of Dubai, to creatively draw down the partnership logo between Nickelodeon and Pirate Surf Rescue.

Paramount is dedicated to minimising its environmental impact and using its platform to inspire others to take similar action. Its partnership with Pirates Surf Rescue is a testament to the company’s commitment to educating future generations and promoting environmental awareness.

Demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, Nickelodeon and Pirates Surf Rescue join forces for the third time to educate children and explore the marine life residing and thriving on the pier at Kite Beach, Dubai

GLOBAL MOVEMENT FOR GREEN EDUCATION - THE STORY OF THE CLIMATE EDUCATION COALITION

President Nelson Mandela famously said that “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” However, the latest UNESCO report found 70% of young people have a very limited understanding of climate change or cannot explain it to someone else, signalling a concerning deficiency when it comes to global climate education. If education is the most powerful weapon, why aren’t we using it?

Since its formation, the Coalition has been pressuring political leaders around the world to assess and fully integrate climate education into the K-12 curriculum worldwide. On the International Day of Education, the Coalition released an Open Letter to the COP28 Presidency and Heads of State demanding quality climate education be prioritised as a topic of discussion at the 2023 UN Climate Summit in Dubai. The letter further calls on global leaders to take action through policy implementation and pledges to allocate funds to education systems.

The next generation has been thrown headfirst into a world plagued by the worsening effects of climate change, and they should understand what they’re inheriting and what’s at stake. Because of the impending nature of the climate crisis, this generation will inevitably be required to rethink the way we operate when it comes to transforming energy sources, preserving biodiversity, and spearheading the climate justice movement. We have an obligation to ensure they feel prepared, confident, and aware as they move forward in a rapidly changing world.

Climate change is a human-caused issue, and we can’t change our future without first reassessing our own systems. The education system is a critical place to start. Students around the world want to – and need to –

receive a complex climate education that reflects the urgency of the climate crisis, presents a comprehensive environmental science curriculum, and centres on justice-oriented solutions. It’s up to governments to take this next step towards a climate-forward future.

This is why EARTHDAY.ORG created the Climate Education Coalition. In November of 2022, it joined forces with over 100 organisations as well as numerous individuals to form the firstever Climate Education Hub at COP27.

Everyone has a stake in the global decisions around climate education, especially because it’s still one of the most underfunded and underestimated tactics in the fight against climate change. We invite you to be a part of this movement. Join the Climate Education Coalition by adding your name to the list of over 100 organisations and thousands of individuals who have already signed our Open Letter, or send a request to dabrowski@earthday.org for more information.

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

Everyone has a stake in the global decisions around climate education

EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITYIN SCHOOLS: DYSON’S SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

In today’s rapidly evolving world, schools play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation. As educational institutions strive for excellence, they also bear a responsibility toward environmental sustainability. Dyson, a brand renowned for its innovative solutions, is committed to supporting schools in their quest for quality education while making significant strides toward a greener future. The company’s products can benefit schools, students, and the environment by eliminating waste and embracing sustainability.

The past few years have put an unprecedented spotlight on hygiene across the globe, especially in shared spaces, such as schools. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is crucial for the well-being and productivity of students and staff. Damp hands alone can transfer up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands, so it’s important to provide students with effective handdrying facilities to help minimise the spread.

Warm-air dryers are commonly used in shared washrooms as a hand-drying solution, but not all hand dryers are equal. Some warm-air dryers can come with 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 schools’ carbon footprint and expenses.

Dyson offers a range of cutting-edge products that promote cleanliness, efficiency, and sustainability. The company’s hand dryers help to keep washrooms cleaner and more hygienic for children. All Dyson hand dryers are touch-free 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 clean air, not dirty air. Additionally, they can help schools save costs, washroom space, and CO2 emissions with no single-use paper waste.

For instance, the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer replaces traditional paper towels by providing a hygienic and fast handdrying solution. It produces up to 85% less CO2 than other hand dryers and can dry 18 pairs of hands for the price of a single paper towel. With such hand dryers in school washrooms, educational institutions can reduce paper towel consumption and the associated waste, creating a better environment in their washrooms and the world outside.

Aside from providing innovative technology, Dyson actively collaborates with schools and educational organisations to promote sustainability initiatives. By partnering with schools and having spokespeople give talks to

students, the company provides them with access to the expertise, resources, and support to implement sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint. These partnerships can include workshops, educational campaigns, and the sharing of best practices, empowering schools to become champions of sustainability and inspire future generations to have a positive impact on the planet.

During a press conference held by the Ministry of Education at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi on 25 April 2023, His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, stated: “Individual behaviours toward climate change are still the key to making a real impact, and with that comes the significant role of education in shifting minds, actions, and attitudes about the environment today, and in the future.”

In an era where quality education and environmental sustainability are paramount, Dyson stands as a committed ally of schools seeking innovative solutions. By incorporating the company’s products into their daily operations, schools can create cleaner, more hygienic, and more sustainable environments for students, staff, and the wider community. The brand is passionate about teaching kids to be sustainable by discouraging the use of single-use items like paper towels and plastic straws.

With Dyson’s support, they can embrace a greener future while empowering students to become responsible global citizens.

His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, stated: “Individual behaviours toward climate change are still the key to making a real impact, and with that comes the significant role of education in shifting minds, actions, and attitudes about the environment today, and in the future.”

AKKASAH, THE PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHIVE AT NYU ABU DHABI, LAUNCHES 12 HISTORICAL PHOTO ALBUMS

Akkasah, the photography archive at NYU Abu Dhabi’s al Mawrid Arab Centre for the Study of Art, has published 12 digitised photo albums and prints from its archival collections. The albums, which contain over 1,500 photographs, geographically span the region reflecting Akkasah’s commitment to documenting histories across borders and throughout the existence of photography as a format. Countries featured are Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Iraq.

Particularly rare is an album of photographs taken at the famous oil drilling site of Baba Gurgur (father of fires) in Kirkuk, Iraq, shortly after its discovery, showing the first gusher which occurred in October 1927. An album documents peace protests surrounding the Iran Oil Crisis of 1951 and a naturalist’s travelogue of a trip to Algeria in 1902.

The images were researched and cataloged by Collections Management Archivist, Jasmine Soliman and NYUAD alumna, Emily Broad. Soliman said: “The photographs date from the 1890s to the 1960s and feature incredible diversity of regional dress, customs, architecture, landscapes, and daily life.

“We’ve been able to develop such a diverse archive due to our flexible model of building collections. In addition to acquiring photographs, we work with individuals and families who want their collections to be digitally archived and shared on akkasah.org, whilst they retain the physical photographs. Over 2,800 of the images currently online are a result of ‘digitize and return’ collaborations.”

Akkasah is home to a thriving archive of the photographic heritage of the Arab world and the neighboring regions. Part of al Mawrid, the Arab Center for the Study of Art, Akkasah is dedicated to documenting and preserving the diverse histories and practices of photography from the region, and the growing archive contains at present over 35,000 images, with over 12,900 currently online. The archive is open to scholars, students, and the general public by appointment. Akkasah welcomes proposals for new collections and collaborations.

Akkasah to a archive photographic heritage Arab the regions

Over 1,500 photographs dating from the 1890s to the 1960s are now live

Akkasah is home a thriving archive of the photographic heritage of the Arab world and neighboring regions

EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPY THAT IS TAILORED TO A CHILD’S NEEDS

Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that is tailored to a child’s specific needs. It improves socially significant behaviours such as language and communication, attention, memory and academics by breaking down each task and teaching it in smaller steps. Deniz Mehmet-Adnan MSc, BCBA is a board-certified behaviour analyst with over 13 years experience in the field. Education UAE spoke to her about her experience, process and success with the therapy.

Deniz Mehmet-Adnan, BCBA is a board-certified behaviour analyst, autism specialist and consultant to schools in the UK, USA and Middle East. She has over 13 years of experience working with young people from 18 months up to 20 years old, who display traits such as challenging behaviour, development and speech delay and a lack of social skills. She specialises in training parents and school staff to better understand their child/student and to equip them with comprehensive knowledge to fully support them in the home, school, and community.

EdUAE: What is your approach to Applied Behavioural Analysis therapy and how do you tailor it to meet the needs of each individual client?

Deniz Mehmet-Adnan: A comprehensive assessment is conducted to gather information about the client’s strengths, challenges, and specific goals. Based on the assessment results, an individualised treatment plan is created. This plan outlines specific goals and objectives for the client’s behaviour change. ABA therapy employs a functional behaviour analysis approach to identify the antecedents (triggers) and consequences that influence the target behaviours. By analysing the function of behaviours, we can determine why certain behaviours occur and develop interventions accordingly.

The therapy relies on data collection to track progress and make informed decisions. Data is collected systematically to measure the frequency, duration, and intensity of targeted behaviours. We utilise a range of evidence-based intervention strategies tailored to the individual client’s needs. These strategies may include positive reinforcement, prompting, shaping, modelling, and other behaviour change techniques. If necessary, we make adjustments to the treatment plan, strategies, or goals based on the client’s progress, changing needs, and new information.

A critical aspect of ABA therapy is promoting generalisation of skills. we work to help clients transfer and apply their newly acquired skills in various settings, with different people, and across different contexts. Maintenance strategies are also implemented to ensure that progress is sustained over time.

EdUAE: Can you provide an example of a success story from your therapy practice, showcasing a child’s positive outcome and growth?

DM: I have worked with several children diagnosed with language delay, developmental delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have made transformative progress. I started working with one little girl at the age of 2. When she first started therapy,

she faced significant challenges in social interaction, communication, and managing her emotions. Her parents were concerned about her limited verbal skills and difficulty engaging with others.

With a tailored Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy approach, an individualised treatment plan was devised to address her specific needs and goals. The therapy focused on building her communication skills, social interactions, and emotional regulation.

Through consistent intervention, positive reinforcement, and structured learning opportunities, this little girl made remarkable progress. She began to develop functional communication skills using both verbal and non-verbal methods. She learned to use picture exchange systems, sign language, and eventually started using short sentences to express her needs and preferences.

Additionally, we implemented strategies to enhance her social skills. we worked on joint attention, perspective-taking, and turn-taking activities to promote her engagement with peers and foster meaningful social connections. With practice and support, she became more comfortable in social settings and started initiating interactions with others.

Furthermore, the therapy focused on helping this little girl to manage her emotions and develop appropriate coping strategies. Techniques such as visual schedules and social stories were utilised to support her emotional regulation. She learned to identify and express her feelings in a more adaptive manner, leading to a decrease in challenging behaviours and an increase in her overall emotional well-being.

As she progressed in therapy, her parents noticed significant improvements in her quality of life. They saw her initiate conversations with family members, make friends at school, and participate in activities that she previously found challenging. Her increased communication skills and social abilities not only enriched her relationships but also contributed to her academic progress and overall confidence.

This success story exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved through tailored ABA therapy. It highlights the transformative impact of early intervention, personalised treatment plans, and the dedication of therapists, parents, and caregivers in supporting a child’s growth and development.

EdUAE: If a parent carries out the therapy, do they have access to help and advice as and when needed?

DM: Yes, parents who carry out therapy for their child have regular access to help and advice as and when it is needed. Parental involvement is highly valued and encouraged in ABA therapy. We understand the importance of supporting parents in their role as primary caregivers and therapists for their child. We recognise that parents may have questions, concerns, or require guidance throughout the therapy process, therefore, therapy programmes offer various forms of support to parents, including regular communication, parent training, resources and materials and general ongoing support.

It’s important for parents to proactively communicate with their child’s therapy providers and express any concerns or questions they may have. This ensures that we can provide the necessary help and guidance to support the parents in implementing therapy effectively and achieving positive outcomes for their child.”

EdUAE: How do you create a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship with children?

DM: Establishing a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship with children is a fundamental aspect of my practice. Building this relationship helps create an environment where children feel comfortable, understood, and supported, enabling them to actively engage in therapy.

The key approaches I use to foster a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship are building rapport, clear communication, establishing predictability and structure, collaborative goal setting and consistency and reliability.

EdUAE: Do you feel it is important that ‘inclusion teams’ in schools should train in the therapeutic arts or, ideally, have a qualified and experienced therapist on the team?

DM: Yes, for a number of reasons I believe it is important for inclusion teams in schools to receive training in the therapeutic arts or ideally have a qualified and experienced therapist on the team. In doing so they can achieve comprehensive support, skill development, collaboration with therapeutic professionals, individualised support for students and early intervention and prevention.

Ultimately, the goal is to create inclusive and supportive environments where students with diverse needs can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By investing in training and expertise in therapeutic arts, inclusion teams can contribute significantly to achieving this goal.

EdUAE: How do you incorporate cultural or diversity considerations into your therapy practice?

DM: Recognising and honouring cultural diversity is an integral part of my therapy practice.

During the initial assessment process, I take the time to understand the cultural background, values, beliefs, and unique experiences of each client and their family. This cultural understanding helps inform the assessment process and ensures that the goals and interventions are sensitive to their cultural context.

I create a safe space where clients feel comfortable expressing their cultural identity and discussing how it impacts their well-being and therapy goals. By recognising and integrating cultural values, I can provide more personalised and meaningful support.

I adapt therapeutic interventions to be culturally appropriate and relevant to the client’s background. This may involve modifying therapeutic techniques, materials, or activities to align with cultural values, language preferences, or communication styles.

Cultural competence is an ongoing process, and it is important to remain open to feedback, actively seek knowledge, and adapt one’s approach as needed to provide the best possible care to clients from diverse backgrounds.

EdUAE: Are there any specific resources or additional support services that you

typically recommend to clients outside of therapy sessions?

I often recommend relevant books, articles, or workbooks that align with the client’s therapy goals. These resources can offer valuable insights, practical strategies, and further education on the topics we address in therapy.

If a client’s needs extend beyond the scope of my practice or require specialised expertise, I may provide referrals to other professionals in the community. This could include speech & language therapists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, or other relevant healthcare providers who can offer targeted support.

EdUAE: How do you assess progress and determine when therapy goals have been achieved?

DM: From the outset, I collaborate with clients to establish clear and measurable therapy goals. By involving clients in the goal-setting process, we create a shared understanding of what success looks like and the specific areas we aim to address in therapy. These goals serve as a foundation for assessing progress throughout the therapeutic journey.

I regularly engage in dialogue with clients to gather their feedback on the therapy process. This feedback provides valuable insights into the

client’s perspective and helps inform the ongoing therapy approach. In addition to client feedback, I use objective measures and assessments to evaluate progress.

At the outset of therapy, we establish specific criteria that indicate when therapy goals have been achieved. I regularly refer back to these criteria to assess progress and determine goal achievement, as well as evolving needs. This helps maintain focus and adapt the treatment plan as necessary.

As clients make significant progress and approach their therapy goals, we discuss and plan for a gradual transition or termination of therapy. This transition phase focuses on consolidation of skills, relapse prevention, and ensuring the client feels confident and empowered to apply what they have learned independently.

DENIZ MEHMET-ADNAN  +971 54 797 1298

TIKTOK MENA HIGHLIGHTS SAFETY AND DIGITAL WELL-BEING FOR TEENS AND FAMILIES AT ROUNDTABLE

TikTok MENA hosted an insightful panel discussion, delving into the important topics of online safety and digital well-being for teens. The event provided valuable insights on navigating the digital world safely, while fostering a thriving community where creativity knows no limits.

The dynamic discussion, featuring panelists Kevin Morgan, Head of Trust and Safety at TikTok Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Hanan Ezzeldin of The Family Hub, an expert in parenting, education, and positive discipline, revolved around the precautions that users and digital platforms can take to protect young users and how TikTok is leading the way in creating a secure and uplifting online environment.

During the safety roundtable, held at East West Atelier in Al Quoz, Dubai, TikTok showcased its dedication to user safety, particularly for teenagers, discussing the common signs that a teen may be experiencing online harassment or cyberbullying and how TikTok’s Family Pairing feature promotes open communication between parents and teens and strengthens the parentchild relationship.

The panel also delved into details of how the platform’s default weekly digital well-being prompts for younger

members encouraged them to think more mindfully about developing positive digital habits, and how it maintains transparency with users and relevant stakeholders. The discussion highlighted TikTok’s continuous efforts to nurture its growing community and promote a safe and positive environment for teens and their parents.

The panelists explored various topics, including the important role parents play in supervising their teens’ online activities, promoting open dialogue between parents and teens about safe digital practices, and effective strategies for educating teenagers on responsible online behavior. Engaging questions addressed issues such as identifying signs of online harassment or cyberbullying among teenagers.

On fostering a safe online environment for teens without compromising their digital life and experiences, Hanan Ezzeldin said, “You cannot keep teenagers from being on digital platforms nowadays. Kids learn from

parent modeling, not parent instruction. So besides having a conversation with your teens about privacy and boundaries online, it’s important to walk the walk with them and foster the kind of trusting relationship that makes them not want to block their parents on digital platforms.”

The event also shed light on TikTok’s safety initiatives in the MENA region, including collaborations with the Emirates Safer Internet Society, aimed at creating a secure digital environment for users, particularly the younger generation.

The discussion revolved around the precautions that users and digital platforms can take to protect young users

A vital initiative between TikTok and the UAE Media Regulatory Office in 2022 raised awareness of dangerous challenges and hoaxes in multiple languages, with popular creators highlighting the risks in a relatable manner. Kevin Morgan said, “We’re increasingly thinking about content classification in global and local ways on the app for different age groups as we understand that there can be some content that isn’t comfortable for everyone – our Content Levels and new algorithm features will reduce the likelihood that teens are exposed to content that isn’t appropriate for them to see. We’re also working closely with the Safety Advisory Council members in this regard, to help us identify challenges and ensure content is appropriate for users in the MENA region.”

Morgan also stressed the importance of safeguarding younger generations in the ever-changing digital landscape, stating, “At TikTok, safety is a never-ending job. We are fully committed to creating a safer environment for our community”, he said. “The highest priority in the digital world should be safeguarding its younger users and empowering creators to authentically express themselves.”

“We are trying to educate the first generations of kids who don’t know what life is like without digital platforms,” said Ezzeldin. “We need not only parents but also schools to step up in improving awareness around digital safety.”

TikTok reinforced its commitment to making the platform a safe place for teens to express their creativity, with a focus on its Transparency Reports

that provide insights into community guidelines enforcement, information and content removal requests, privacy and more.

TikTok believes that everyone deserves to feel safe online, and that feeling safe is key to unlocking imagination and creative expression. That’s why they continue their work to build a safe, inclusive and authentic home for their global community, to help people stay in control as they express their creativity, make meaningful connections, and enjoy culture-defining entertainment.

The event provided valuable insights on navigating the digital world safely, while fostering a thriving community where creativity knows no limits

TikTok reinforced its commitment to making the platform a safe place for teens to express their creativity

 Hanan Ezzeldin of The Family Huband Kevin Morgan, Head of Trust and Safety at TikTok Europe, Middle East & Africa

A CHANCE AT A 10-YEAR UAE GOLDEN VISA FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

Outstanding UAE students are among the acceptable applicants for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa. For those who want to apply, an update to the fees has recently been announced for issuing the six-month entry permit. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes from the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), and how to apply for the visa.

For graduates of accredited universities outside UAE:

 The university ranking should not be less than the top 100 universities in the world according to the international classification approved by the Ministry of Education.

 GPA is not less than (3.5) for bachelor students.

 Duration should not exceed two years since graduation.

 Approved certificate from the Ministry of Education.

Eligible professions include - Doctors and Scientists, Athletes, Inventors, Creative People of Culture and Art, Specialists in Scientific Fields, Executive Directors, Doctoral Degree Holders and Pioneers of Humanitarian Work

The UAE Golden Visa is only granted to applicants who meet certain requirements, including UAE high school top-ranked students, graduates of accredited universities in the UAE, graduates of universities outside of the UAE and a long list of specialists and outstanding talents in specific fields.

Click here to read the full details of eligible applicants.

All applicants must submit the following documents:

 Coloured photograph

 Passport copy of applicant and dependents

 Proof of eligibility for Golden Visa

There are additional requirements depending on the category the applicant falls into.

For high school top-ranked Students in UAE:

 Obtaining an excellent grade or an average of 95% from public or private schools.

 A recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education.

For graduates of accredited universities in UAE:

 A recommendation letter from the university stating that his GPA is not less than (3.8).

 Duration should not exceed two years since graduation.

The new six-month entry permit costs AED1,250. This cost includes the following charges:

 Issuance – AED1,000

 Application – AED100

 Smart Services – AED100

 E-services – AED28

 Federal Authority Fees – AED22

You can apply for a UAE Golden Visa through the following channels:

 The ICP website

 The UAE ICP mobile application available for download on App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

 Customer Happiness Centres

 Tasheel typing centre

You can apply for the visa online or through registered centres

As well as students, outstanding professionals and specialist are also eligible

XPARK JR INTRODUCES EXCITING LINE-UP OF OUTDOOR PLAY AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

XPark Jr, a natural forest-style playscape for children, has introduced a diverse and engaging range of activities designed to stimulate creativity, curiosity and compassion.

Featuring everything from mud play to animal care, the park offers the opportunity for children to explore and engage with nature while embracing an ‘X state of mind’ through enjoyable and playful experiences.

Mud Play is a favourite among children, allowing them to get tactile and messy while building their sensory skills and imagination. At XPark Jr, children can engage in clay playing, clay painting, mud kitchen and mud toss activities, which offer opportunities for sensory exploration, imaginative play and learning about the natural world. Mud Play days take place every Friday from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.

XPark Jr also offers arts and crafts activities which provide children with opportunities to express their creativity through painting, drawing, collage, paper crafts, and DIY projects. These activities not only promote the development of motor skills but also offer a fun and engaging way for children to learn new techniques. Children can enjoy the arts and crafts activities every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.

Animal Care Day at XPark Jr is a mustvisit event for children who love animals. Children can interact with animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens, and learn how to take care of them while having a memorable time with family and friends. Animal-themed arts and crafts, animal feeding and animal grooming are also available to promote empathy, responsibility, and respect towards living creatures. Children can take part in Animal Care Day every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

XPark Jr provides a safe and engaging environment for children to explore their creativity and unleash their imagination. Parents can rest assured that their children are learning valuable skills while having fun and making new friends. Book your tickets now and give your children an unforgettable experience at XPark Jr.

MUD PLAY

When: 4.00pm – 5.00pm, every Friday

Where: XPark Jr, 35A Mizmelah Street next to Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, Jumeriah 3

Price: AED30 for supplies with entry fee of AED80

ARTS AND CRAFTS

When: 4.00pm – 5.00pm, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Where: XPark Jr, 35A Mizmelah Street next to Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, Jumeriah 3

Price: AED35 for supplies with entry fee of AED80

ANIMAL CARE DAY

When: 3.30pm – 4.30pm, every Tuesday

Where: XPark Jr, 35A Mizmelah Street next to Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, Jumeriah 3

Price: AED30 for supplies with entry fee of AED80

Don’t shy away from mixing and clashing prints to create a vibrant and eyecatching ensemble

From glamorous resort wear to cutting-edge designs, get ready to make a statement this summer

Eco-friendly fabrics, such as organic cotton and recycled materials, are making their way onto runways and into stores

A FUN FILLED SUMMER IN DUBAI

Dubai is known for its great shopping, bottomless brunches and sunny beaches, but there’s a whole world of adventure and exploration for kids to dive into, too! With its plethora of family-friendly attractions, Dubai offers a wealth of activities to keep kids entertained and enthralled throughout the summer season. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, here are our top ten things to do with kids in Dubai this summer.

MODESH WORLD

Dubai comes alive with summer fun at Modesh World. This indoor ‘edutainment’ destination offers a range of themed games, learning zones, and exciting activities for children of all ages. Taking place from June 26 to August 27 in halls 3-8 in the Dubai World Trade Centre, Modesh World is the perfect place for immersive family entertainment.

THE ICONIC WILD WADI WATERPARK™

Aquatic lovers, entertainment explorers, and water babies (big and small), get ready to dive in at Dubai’s original family-friendly waterpark, Wild Wadi Waterpark. Back in action with new packages, new dining and food options, and the return of everyone’s favourite rides and attractions set against an iconic backdrop, Wild Wadi Waterpark is conveniently located between Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

DUBAI FESTIVAL MALL

Experience Dubai Summer Surprises at Dubai Festival City Mall. This iconic destination offers the best in shopping, entertainment, and dining, all in one stunning location. Make the most of your summer days with a visit to this vibrant mall.

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EXPLORE A LAND BEFORE TIME AT OLIOLI®

Unleash your inner explorer in a land from a million years ago and discover dinos like never before. Kids will go on an exciting expedition as they discover the history of dinosaurs, create and take home their own unique fossils and even dig up dinosaur bones Uncover interactive dino activities all across the museum, from flying dinos in Air Gallery to speedy dino drivers in Cars and Ramps, the dinos are everywhere!

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KIDS GO FREE OFFERS

Look out for ‘kids go free’ offers at Dubai’s top attractions. From Dubai Parks and Resorts to the mesmerizing Burj Khalifa’s At The Top experience, the thrilling Sky Views Observatory, and the renowned Madame Tussauds waxwork museum, children can enjoy free entry when accompanied by paying adults. Additionally, many hotels, including Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Atlantis, The Palm, Legoland Hotel, and JA Hatta Fort, offer fantastic ‘kids go free’ deals, allowing children to stay and dine for free.

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SUMMER CAMP AT HABTOOR GRAND RESORT AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

From yoga to swimming lessons, art and craft to team building activities, the Junior Jungle Kids Club promises an enriching and memorable summer journey for children. The resort’s expert instructors and facilitators will ensure that every child receives personalised attention and guidance throughout their camp experience. Furthermore, a delectable range of meals will be provided to keep young campers energized and satisfied.

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LEARN TO SKI OR JUST ENJOY THE SNOW

Ski Dubai offers fantastic opportunities this summer, including five-day training camps for young skiers and snowboarders, as well as a fun-filled Summer Camp programme until the end of August. Kids aged 3-6 can participate in skiing camps, while those aged 7-13 can join the snowboarding camps. Each camp offers daily sessions with Ski Dubai’s top instructors for five consecutive days. The Summer Camp guarantees an enjoyable and cool experience, featuring snow park rides, snowman building, treasure hunts, magic shows, and even encounters with Ski Dubai’s adorable penguins.

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EXCITING INDOOR ADVENTURES AT INFLIGHT DUBAI AND DEEP DIVE DUBAI

Looking for a way to escape the heat this summer? Inflight Dubai and Deep Dive Dubai, two unforgettable indoor adventure destinations, promise residents and visitors to the UAE a truly extraordinary experience in a temperature-controlled environment. Inflight Dubai is an exhilarating experience that simulates the feeling of freefall in a controlled indoor environment, while experienced divers and intrepid beginners alike can explore an underwater wonderland at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest swimming pool. Two adults who book an experience at Deep Dive Dubai can bring two kids for a snorkelling experience for free!

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THE MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST NATURE TRAIL-INSPIRED ADVENTURE PARK

Something incredible is crawling its way to The Green Planet! Dubai’s only indoor tropical rainforest – home to over 3,000 plants and animals across four levels – is now home to the Middle East’s first outdoor nature trail-inspired play park for families. An outdoor extension to The Green Planet, it features a tree house exploration trail, encounters with giant bugs, a botanical garden with nine exciting flora zones, a kids’ play area, and new dining experiences that will celebrate the flavours of nature.

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CAMP IN THE RAINFOREST AT GREEN PLANET DUBAI

Experience the thrill of camping in a rainforest without leaving Dubai at The Green Planet. Until 29 September, this indoor rainforest offers overnight stays on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy a forest feast, games, documentaries, and nocturnal animal tours before settling into comfortable tents for the night. Wake up to breakfast, interactive animal feeding sessions, and a behind-the-scenes tour of The Green Planet.

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VISIT DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO

Dive into the wonders of the ocean by taking your kids to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located within the Dubai Mall. Walk through the mesmerising underwater tunnel and witness an array of marine creatures up close. Don’t miss the chance to participate in interactive experiences like cage snorkelling or diving with sharks.

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AVENTURA PARKS SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN KICK OFF

What better way to keep your children entertained and occupied during the summer than with a healthy and active camp experience? Aventura indoor summer camps has got families covered with a plethora of activities over eight weeks of exciting themes, such as Under the Sea, Lost in Space, Jurassic Week, Forest Life, Forensics Week, Camp Olympics and more.

All camps nurture life skills and include elements of Science Made Fun®, the Arts, Nature & Sustainability, and team building activities to keep campers moving, while they learn more about each other and themselves. These hands-on weekly camps are designed for children from ages 5 to 12 from Monday, July 10 through Friday, August 18, 2023. Campers will make friends and learn something new with Aventura Camps at Bright Learners Private School.

Located only 10 minutes from Aventura, Bright Learners Private School is located in Mirdiff: Here are some of the activities that children can experience during their camp:

Arts: Get those creative juices flowing with building sets for

a performance or designing presentations for exhibits as well as singing, presentation skills, and even karaoke!

Science: hands-on science experiments.

Physical Activities: Kids can get to know one another with fun icebreakers and actionpacked team building activities.

Nature & Sustainability programs: Aventura brings nature into the classroom and nurtures awareness around sustainability concepts.

Weekly summer camps are from 9am – 2:00pm for only AED725 per week. Extended day price per hour per camper is AED35 per hour. Each child goes home with a certificate of participation and lots of amazing memories.

THE TEACHER CLARITY PLAYBOOK

The Teacher Clarity Playbook by Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey is a gamechanger for educators seeking to enhance their instructional practices and promote student learning. This practical guide offers a comprehensive framework and a wealth of strategies to help teachers achieve clarity in their teaching, leading to improved student engagement, understanding and achievement.

In this book, Fisher and Frey draw upon their extensive experience and research in the field of education to present a step-bystep playbook that guides teachers through the process of achieving clarity in their instructional design, delivery, and assessment. The authors emphasise the importance of clearly articulating learning intentions, success criteria, and the pathway to achieving them, enabling students to understand what they are expected to learn and how they can demonstrate their understanding.

What sets The Teacher Clarity Playbook apart is its practicality and actionable strategies. The authors provide numerous examples, real-life scenarios, and ready-to-use templates that empower teachers to implement the principles of clarity immediately. From crafting clear learning targets to designing effective formative assessments, each chapter offers valuable insights and practical tools that can be easily integrated into daily instructional practices.

The emphasis on the relationship between teacher clarity and student achievement is the book’s strength. Fisher and Frey

expertly navigate the empirical evidence, demonstrating how teacher clarity has a direct impact on student learning results. Teachers may encourage their students to take ownership of their learning by implementing the tactics described in the playbook, producing a classroom atmosphere that promotes academic progress and achievement.

The addition of questions and selfassessment tools at the end of each chapter is one of the book’s noteworthy characteristics. These tools inspire teachers to participate in in-depth reflection and self-evaluation, assisting them in identifying areas of strength and improvement in their instructional practices. The authors also discuss potential issues and offer advice on how to overcome them, ensuring that teachers have the skills they need to effectively adopt clarity.

In conclusion, The Teacher Clarity Playbook is an invaluable resource and is a must-read for teachers who are committed to creating a classroom environment where clarity, engagement and achievement thrive.

CLICK TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON AED 152

The authors emphasise the importance of clearly articulating learning intentions, success criteria, and the pathway to achieving them

NEW READING INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN TANDEM WITH KNOWLEDGE HUB AND RENAISSANCE

Established as a Dubai-based maintenance company in 2012, Horton Interiors has evolved to offer a complete design and build solution across the Emirates, growing its client base to include some of the biggest names in the region, many of whom return time after time due to the company’s high levels of expertise, efficiency and quality workmanship.

 Neelanchana Kumar, Design Director at Horton Interiors

Providing comprehensive interior design, construction and fit-out capabilities all under one roof to streamline the delivery process and make clients’ lives easier, the firm has, over the last year, increased its workforce by 50%, allowing it to deliver ever larger projects across the length and breadth of the UAE.

It’s a diverse team that consistently comes up with new and fresh ideas too, as Neelanchana Kumar, Design Director at Horton Interiors, explains: “We are a team of young, multicultural, creative and energetic professionals, and to us, multiculturalism means richness. Diversity and interaction boost creativity, and combining different perspectives increases problem-solving skills. It also helps us to connect with the many clients we work with. Everyone is encouraged to communicate openly, which helps to increase confidence and motivates people to share new ideas.

“Even though we have grown significantly over the last year, we are always looking for talented individuals. Inclusivity is crucial

and I am keen to find more female creatives to join our environment.”

DISTINCTIVE DESIGNS FOR DISTINCTIVE INTERIORS

Horton Interiors has successfully completed a broad array of projects, including Orange Group in The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay. “It started as a design consultancy project,” Neelanchana says. “During the course of the design process, the client was so happy with the aesthetically pleasing and technically sound creative solutions that they awarded us the build as well. There were several challenges, including the client not being fluent in English, which meant communicating via a translator, using photographs and sketches, alongside making sure everything was explained in comprehensive emails. Detailed communication and coordination were absolutely crucial.”

This commitment to excellence and attention to detail has seen Horton continue to win prestigious projects throughout the country. At the present time, for instance, it is working on

Watania Takaful in The Galleries, JAFZA, a design and build project where the firm is performing to a very tight deadline. Another one is Efficio Consulting, the world’s largest procurement consultancy in Mashreq HQ’s stunning new building in Downtown Dubai.

SHAPING DREAMS, SUSTAINABLY

Within the design and construction arena, it is becoming increasingly important to build a world that will improve the lives of future generations and support the environment in the long term.

Sustainability is, therefore, a critical consideration for any design and build firm as it directly impacts environmental, social and economic factors. “Sustainable practices should

“We incentivise all of our design team members to become LEED, WELL or Estidama certified”

 Rakez Compass Co-working space, Ras Al Khaimah

The Bureau in Dubai’s Gold and Diamond, Dubai

Middlesex University, Dubai

be incorporated into every aspect, from materials and construction methods to energy efficiency and waste management,” Neelanchana says.

“It needs a holistic approach to ensure effective measures are in place throughout the project lifecycle.

“We incentivise all of our design team members to become LEED, WELL or Estidama certified. And our sustainability policy covers sustainable procurement methods, ways to tackle waste management, how to reduce carbon footprint, how to reduce water and energy consumption, how to monitor and control indoor air quality, and continued training on sustainability procedures. We have also reduced our paper and printing consumption by 70% and eliminated single-use plastics in the office by installing a water filter for the mains water supply and providing reusable bottles.”

In April of 2022, Horton became ISO 14000 Environmental Management certified, verifying its environmental procedures and policies.

helps to establish a deeper connection and create brand ambassadors.”

And this deeper connection is driven by the Horton team’s collective enthusiasm and expertise. “This has to be our greatest strength. We couldn’t accomplish what we do without their hard work. We’re also very focused on introducing the latest technologies, which ensures that we can integrate the design and construction processes in the most seamless way for our clients.”

The company continues to expand and evolve too, with Neelanchana concluding: “2022 was our most successful year yet, and we are in a strong position to capitalise on opportunities further, with more milestones expected in 2023. We recently opened our first office in Abu Dhabi, which is already performing well and on track to grow. With more of our clients expanding to KSA, we are also planning to open an office there in the next year or two.”

THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES

Winning business through word-ofmouth creates a loyal customer base. People don’t just purchase and forget. Instead, they engage with the company and share their experience with others – as a form of marketing, it’s the gold standard, and it’s one that Horton has honed to perfection. “The majority of our clients come from word-of-mouth and it has proved our most powerful means of marketing,” Neelanchana explains. “Our aim is always to nurture long-term relationships built on trust. We work very closely with our clients to understand their needs and really deliver based on their unique goals. This all

“Detailed communication and coordination were absolutely crucial”

The firm has, over the last year, increased its workforce by 50%

“We’re also very focused on introducing the latest technologies, which ensures that we can integrate the design and construction processes in the most seamless way for our clients”

THE INVISIBLE STRING

This accessible, best-selling picture book about the unbreakable bonds between loved ones has healed a generation of readers and has now been updated with fresh illustrations and an afterword from the author, Patrice Karst.

With over 400,000 copies sold, The Invisible String is the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss and grief. In this contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. They are sceptical and wonder what sort of string she is talking about. The answer is a universal reality - love. This heart-warming picture book for all ages examines topics concerning the ethereal yet unbreakable bonds that bind us together and opens the door to deeper discussions about love and affection.

The power of The Invisible String is its ability to address profound emotions and difficult themes in a way that young readers can understand and relate to, reassuring them that they are never completely alone, even when they are physically separated.

The illustrations by Geoff Stevenson are equally as enchanting, with soft and vibrant colours evoking a sense of warmth and comfort, perfectly complementing the emotional journey of the characters.

This beautiful book not only teaches youngsters about separation anxiety and how to cope with it, but it also fosters empathy and compassion. It promotes a sense of belonging and reinforces the idea that we are all related, laying the groundwork for healthy relationships and emotional well-being.

Ultimately, The Invisible String is a touching and warmly evocative book that portrays the essence of love, connection and the unbreakable links we share with our loved ones. The gentle storytelling and the stunning pictures make it a timeless treasure. It is an absolute must-read for children (and adults!), reminding us all that love is a powerful force that ensures that no-one is ever entirely alone.

The power of The Invisible String is its ability to address profound emotions and difficult themes in a way that young readers can understand and relate to

LAUNCHING THE FIRST EVER ‘BRICKS BRUNCH’ AT LEGOLAND® HOTEL

Legoland launched the first ever ‘BRICKS BRUNCH’ at LEGOLAND® Hotel, which will run every Saturday throughout the summer. The brunch is set in a LEGO themed world and is dedicated to families with children aged 2-12 to offer all youngsters an unmatched brunch adventure.

Every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, families can explore a list of fun-filled activities, including LEGO® Building Bonanza, Kids Kitchen featuring Pizza Making Class and Ice Cream Sundae Building together with Crazy Craft Corner, Character Dance Party and Movie Madness. Moreover, foodies will enjoy a mouth-watering buffet presenting Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Italian and Asian cuisines together with vegan and vegetarian delicacies to meet every taste. All of this is topped with exclusive access to the LEGOLAND Hotel outdoor family pool and kids

splashpad area from 4pm until 7pm. To extend the awesomeness even further, families are welcome to join BRICKS BRUNCH Sleepover adventure with exclusive experiences featuring creative workshops, in-room treasure hunt with LEGO gifts, LEGOLAND® park(s) access where kids eat FREE* and more.

Once families reach LEGOLAND Hotel at 1pm, they are welcome to head to Bricks Family Restaurant and start their awesome BRICKS BRUNCH adventure. Here, all children will be escorted to ‘BRICKS BRUNCH Activity Zone’, where the fun happens – starting with

LEGO Building Bonanza, where young LEGO® builders are encouraged to get creative in building their own LEGO® design or model as well as the chance to work in groups for various team building challenges. For all young pizza lovers, Pizza Making class is their next challenge, where they become chefs for 20 minutes and are invited to decorate their own pizza with various toppings, hand it to LEGOLAND Hotel team members to place in the kitchen oven and as soon as it’s cooked, all young chefs receive their ‘masterpieces’ together with their personalised ‘Bricktacular Excellence’ certificate for

Access to LEGOLAND® Hotel family pool after 4pm for brunch guests plus kids LEGO movie-time post brunch

completing this delicious challenge. Further fun activities for the young guests include ‘Crazy Craft Corner’ an extensive selection of arts & crafts featuring card making, origamis, activity sheets, button making, friendship bracelets and more. As the one and only ‘BRICKS BRUNCH’ cannot be complete without LEGOLAND® Characters, a special LEGOLAND Character Dance Party is announced every Saturday at 2.45pm where all kids and parents are invited to join and share their favourite dance moves with everyone. As for the ice cream lovers, they have an exclusive opportunity to showcase

their ’creativity’ by decorating their Ice Cream Sundae. They will have a huge selection of irresistible toppings and sauces to choose from, while wearing LEGOLAND® Dubai aprons in case they ‘mistakenly’ decorate their own clothes with toppings or sauces instead of their cool masterpiece. To keep the young ‘BRICKS BRUNCH’ guests relaxed after their ‘sugar rush’, they will be invited to join ‘Movie Madness’ in LEGOLAND® Hotel function room, which will be transformed into a special movie theatre with LOADS of beanbags to watch a LEGO® movie, while enjoying their complimentary popcorn.

While the youngsters are having fun with the extensive activities, games and non-stop adventures, supervised by the very-well trained LEGOLAND Hotel team, parents are rewarded with relaxation time among friends and families. Here, an extensive culinary journey from around the globe awaits all foodies, featuring Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, Italian and Asian cuisines together with a wide variety of vegetarian, vegan as well as healthy culinary specialties to accommodate every guest’s preference. California Maki Sushi, Lamb Steaks, Chicken Scallop, Butter Chicken,

Running every Saturday during summer, 1-4pm

Paneer Masala, Lamb Ouzi, Samak Mashwi, Thai Seafood Curry, Beef Teriyaki, Vegan Shepherd’s Pie, Mini Pizza, Chicken Popcorn, Umm Ali and Mango Cheesecake - are only some of the delicacies created by the talented LEGOLAND Hotel culinary team specially for the BRICKS BRUNCH guests. Along with the mouthwatering bites, families will enjoy a wide range of soft drinks, juices and mocktails with an opportunity for parents to upgrade their BRICKS BRUNCH adventure to include sparkling beverages and flavourful drinks.

For all youngsters, a delicious range of their favourite cold and hot bites awaits them at their dedicated kids’ height buffet to refuel their appetite

Extended family adventure with an option to make it a BRICKS BRUNCH Sleepover with breakfast, access to LEGOLAND park(s) and more

LEGO® Friends, LEGO® Ninjago or Kingdom and book the ultimate LEGOLAND sleepover that includes breakfast buffet, LEGOLAND park(s) access, in-room treasure hunt, creative workshop, family activities, games and more.

and remain energised for the nonstop fun-filled activities and games of BRICKS BRUNCH. As part of our unique kid friendly-offerings, BRICKS BRUNCH will exclusively offer the awesome ‘Kojito’ - a signature BRICKS BRUNCH kids’ Mojito with four of their favourite flavours awaiting them to choose from at the kids mocktail drink station, while watching LEGOLAND Hotel Barista personally prepare their ‘Kojito’ in minutes.

To extend the fun even more, after the conclusion of BRICKS BRUNCH at 4pm, guests are invited to enjoy the LEGOLAND Hotel outdoor family pool* and chill out until 7pm while their kids swim and have fun at the splash pad area – both supervised by professional Lifeguards throughout the day.

Why not continue this impeccable fun journey and explore LEGOLAND Hotel more by staying as guests? Here, parents can further entertain their youngsters for more than just one day, when choosing one of five room themes, whether Pirate, Adventure,

With exclusive family-friendly brunch and unique kids’ offerings, BRICKS BRUNCH at LEGOLAND Hotel is the perfect family brunch destination in the region, where both children and their parents will explore AWESOMENESS throughout every minute of this unforgettable LEGOLAND® Dubai adventure.

LEGOLAND HOTEL

 +971 4 825 1650

VISIT WEBSITE

BOOK YOUR STAY

Soft Drink Package (inclusive of food buffet, water, soft beverages and juices – self serviced from buffet) and at AED 295 per person for House Package (inclusive food buffet, water, soft beverages and juices – self serviced from buffet and selection of sparkling house beverages) applicable for adults aged 21 years and above. Children under 3 years old are complimentary. Children aged 3 to 12 years enjoy BRICKS BRUNCH at AED 99. BRICKS BRUNCH price is inclusive of service charge, food buffet, kids’ activities and games, complimentary popcorn at Movie Madness, access to LEGOLAND Hotel outdoor family pool and splash pad area after 4pm to 7pm. BRICKS BRUNCH excludes access to LEGOLAND park(s). Any promotional offers or discounts are not applicable on BRICKS BRUNCH including Annual Pass Members. Booking is essential via https://www.legoland.com/dubai/bricks-brunch **BRICKS BRUNCH Sleepover is applicable for a minimum of one -night stay at LEGOLAND Hotel in themed rooms, fully themed rooms and fully themed suites. 10% discount on room rate is applicable when booking at LEGOLAND.ae using mobile phone. Maximum 4 adults per room when booking 1,2,3 Bedroom Family Suites or Super Suite. Rate includes buffet breakfast, creative workshops, outdoor family pool and access to at least one LEGOLAND park, whether LEGOLAND Dubai theme park and/or LEGOLAND Water Park– tickets are applicable for one park per day. LEGOLAND Dubai theme park opens 7 days a week. Opening hours are from 10am – 6pm (Monday to Friday) and from 10am – 7pm (Saturday and Sunday). ‘Kids Eat Free’ offer is applicable on one child with each paying adult at ‘Caesar’s Pizza & Pasta Buffet Restaurant– offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. LEGOLAND Water Park is open from 10am – 7pm (Thursday to Tuesday) and is closed on Wednesday. ‘Kids Eat Free’ offer is applicable on one child with each paying adult at ‘Waves Bistro’ after 4:30pm – offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. LEGOLAND Dubai full day ticket price is AED 330 to be purchased at the gate or AED 295 when booking online in advance. LEGOLAND Water Park full day ticket price is AED 330 to be purchased at the gate or AED 295 when booking online in advance. LEGOLAND Dubai theme park + LEGOLAND Water Park combo full day ticket price is AED 395 to be purchased at the gate or AED 355 when booking online in advance. Complimentary entry for children under 3 years – ID is required. For additional information and booking, visit LEGOLAND.ae

Different brunch packages and kids under 3 years enjoy complimentary BRICKS BRUNCH

*BRICKS BRUNCH at LEGOLAND Hotel is available every Saturday, starting 17. June 2023 onwards from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Bricks Family Restaurant priced at AED 195 per person (13 years and above) for

THIS HIDDEN JEWEL OF ASIA IS JUST A DRIVE AWAY

Oman is only a hop, skip and a jump from the UAE and offers a familyfriendly holiday destination just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re enjoying some delicious dates while exploring a busy souq, watching dolphins swim in glittering waters or spending a night in the desert under the stars, Oman is bursting with adventure and new experiences.

MUSCAT

Nestled between the sandy shores of the Gulf of Oman and the soaring heights of the Hajar Mountains, the Omani capital is waiting to welcome you with a good taster of the culture and excitement of the country. The buildings are beautifully architectural, with lovely traditional elements like the iconic arabesque windows.

If you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, you can take advantage of the many sandy beaches and escape into the waters to sail, dive and snorkel.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is built from cool white marble and catches the sun magnificently off its towering minarets. The mosque was completed in 2001 and is richly decorated with finely detailed mosaics and a vibrant handwoven prayer carpet.

The nearby fish souq is where you’ll find fisherman selling the catch of the day, and you can watch as residents haggle over baskets of octopus or piles of tiny silver sardines. You’ll also find other souqs offering a spellbinding display of traditional goods, spices, pottery and embroidered clothing.

If you’d like to get a little insight into Oman’s history, you can visit the small but informative Bait Adam Museum, where children can try on traditional clothing and headdresses, and you can view recreations of the mud houses that were once seen across the region.

Oman is a treasure filled destination, just waiting to be discovered

Oman offers culture, exploration and adventure all in one beautiful place

GETTING UP CLOSE WITH TURTLES

The turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz, just three hours southeast of Muscat is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the four species of sea turtles that nest on Oman’s beaches.

July and August is the best time to see the turtles, and a stay here helps to raise funds to support the reserve and allows you a chance to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get a chance to see the turtles laying their eggs, or a flock of hatchlings making their way into the ocean for their first swim.

TAKE AN OVERNIGHT DHOW TRIP IN MUSANDAM

From Musandam you can take an overnight boat trip to explore the majesty of the fjords. From the beautiful, traditional wooden dhow, you’ll venture into sparklingly clear waters where you’ll have the chance to snorkel, swim or watch passing dolphins from the boat. Delicious, traditional food will be served on the dhow and later you’ll settle down on a bed of carpets to watch the stars and be rocked to sleep by the gentle waves.

SPEND A NIGHT IN THE DESERT

The desert is such an integral part of Omani culture and history, so spending a night there is a great way to gain an understanding of the country and its people.

Venture into the never-ending hazy horizon and take a ride on a camel. Camels have long been an essential part of life in the desert, and a ride on these swaying creatures can give you an insight into life on the sand.

At night you can watch the sun set over the dunes, watching the sand and sky change colour before eventually falling dark. Sit around the fire and watch the sparks dance into the sky, where the stars create a glittering blanket above you.

OMAN’S GRAND CANYON

The Omani Grandy Canyon is a vast, dry riverbed carved from the raw stone of the towering Jebel Shams, the highest peak in the country. Here, the cliffs tower around you in rippled layers of colours. You can watch as goats pick their way along the cliffs in relative peace, as this beautiful natural wonder isn’t flooded with tourists and remains quiet and relaxed.

RUN AROUND THE RAMPARTS OF A FORTRESS

Oman is home to many fortresses and most of them have been, or are in the process of being, restored. The UNESCO listed Bahla fort is great for kids, who will love to burn off energy running around the ramparts and learning about the history of the fortress. They can also explore the little crevices that were originally used for pouring boiling date oil onto the enemies below!

Explore bustling souqs, crystal clear waters and endless starry skies

COOL OFF IN A WADI

All across Oman you’ll find stunning wadis – deep valleys carved from mountain rock, some of which are filled with water, tempting you to take a dip. There are so many to choose from, whether you’d prefer a group tour or you’d rather head to a secluded wilderness pool, there are options for every family, and this makes for a truly unique experience that your children will remember for years to come.

READ MORE ABOUT OMAN AND WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER BY VISITING:

 THE OMANI GRANDY CANYON

 OMAN, THE OASIS OF WADI BANI KHALID

AN ISLAND TO SUIT EVERY FAMILY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands that sit like floating jewels in the warm, glittering waters of the pacific. Known globally for its stunning beaches, epic waterfalls and lush forests, the Philippines is often considered a destination primarily for backpackers and honeymooners, but there’s so much to offer families, too!

HERE WE’VE LISTED OUR TOP SPOTS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY.

SIARGAO – FOR THE FAMILY WHO LOVES TO BE OUTDOORS

Considered the surf capital of the Philippines, Siargao is a beautiful, coconut tree covered island, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the more developed islands. Ideal for families who like a little adventure and enjoy an outdoors lifestyle, Siargao offers the perfect balance between laid-back and action packed.

PALAWAN – FOR THE FAMILY WHO LOVES WATER ACTIVITIES

Palawan is arguably the most Instagrammable spot in the Philippines. With the beautiful, iconic islands of Coron and El Nido to the north, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning beaches, bays and coves, but Puerto Princesa isn’t to be overlooked! The lively city that sits on the West coast of the island boasts incredible food, shopping and activities, including the amazing underground river tour!

 GUYAM ISLAND OF SIARGAO PHILLIPINES

EL NIDO, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

Kayak in Bohol, surf in Siargao or paddleboard in Palawan, you’re never far from the water in the Philippines

BOROCAY – FOR THE FAMILY WHO WANTS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

As the most popular holiday destination in the Philippines, Borocay is well developed and caters easily to all the wants and needs of a modern-day holiday maker. With White Beach, the famed 4.2km stetch of pure white sand, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot to lay out your towel for a beach day. And when you get tired from the sun, a good selection of malls, restaurants and family friendly activities are waiting for you to enjoy.

MACTAN ISLAND – FOR THE FAMILY WHO LIKES TO KEEP IT SIMPLE

Mactan Island, just off Cebu, is the ideal place for families who like to take the stress out of planning. The best location for all-inclusive resorts, Mactan Island offers all the usual activities you’d expect from a beautiful seaside resort, as well as a nanny service, loads of a family friendly activities and kid friendly menus, so your little ones will be kept happy!

BOHOL – FOR THE FAMILY WHO LOVE TO DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW

Bohol is a hidden gem in the heart of the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. This beautiful, tropical island province is a haven of natural wonders. Marvel at the iconic Chocolate Hills, meet the Philippine Tarsier at the Bohol Tarsiers Sanctuary, kayak along the tranquil Loboc River, sample authentic Filipino cuisine and immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of the island.

BAGUIO – FOR THE FAMILY WHO LOVE CULTURE

Baguio is one of the most popular and family friendly destinations in the Philippines. This beautiful mountainous region is a little cooler than its coastal counterparts, but that doesn’t mean that it’s one to miss! Dubbed ‘The City of Pines’ for its many green spaces and hillsides teeming with gigantic pine trees, the colourful city of Baguio is also home to such a wide selection of cultural and historical attractions that you’ll never run out of things to do!

From colourful cities in the mountains, to allinclusive beach side resorts, the Philippines has a holiday destination to suit every family

TARSIER PRIMATE, BOHOL, PHILIPPIES

 SERENE SUNRISE IN THE SUMMER CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES, BAGUIO CITY.

VISIT WEBSITE

INVOLVING CHILDREN IN MEAL PLANNING TO PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING

Involving children in meal planning can be a fun and educational experience that encourages their interest in healthy eating. Here are some tips to get children involved in the meal-planning process:

1

DISCUSS FOOD CHOICES: Sit down with your child and have a conversation about the importance of healthy eating. Talk about different food groups, their benefits, and how they contribute to overall well-being. Help them understand the importance of balanced meals.

2

PLAN MEALS TOGETHER: Set aside dedicated time each week to plan meals together as a family. Let your child have a say in selecting meals and snacks for the week. Encourage them to choose a variety of foods from different food groups and consider their preferences and dietary needs.

3

CREATE A MEAL CALENDAR: Use a visual food planner or a whiteboard to organise and display your weekly meals. Include your child in the process of writing down meal ideas and their preferred alternatives. This gives kids a sense of ownership and excitement for forthcoming meals.

4

EXPLORE RECIPES AND COOKBOOKS: Browse through cookbooks, recipe websites, or cooking apps with your child. Let them pick out recipes that catch their interest and are aligned with your family’s dietary preferences. Encourage them to read the ingredients and instructions, and discuss the nutritional value of the recipes.

5

GROCERY SHOPPING TOGETHER: Bring your child along when you go grocery shopping. Give them a shopping list and allow them to help find the items. Encourage them to choose fruits, vegetables, or other ingredients they want to try. Teach them how to read food labels to make informed choices.

6

PREP AND PREPARE: Involve your child in meal preparation tasks suitable for their age and skill level. They can help wash vegetables, measure ingredients, mix, or assemble dishes. Engage them in age-appropriate cooking activities, such as chopping soft ingredients with a child-safe knife or stirring ingredients in a bowl. Also, teach your child about the importance of food presentation. Involve them in garnishing dishes with fresh herbs, arranging fruits and vegetables in appealing ways, or creating fun shapes with cookie cutters. This can make meals visually appealing and exciting for them.

7

REFLECT AND EVALUATE: After each meal, have a conversation with your child about what they liked and didn’t like. Ask them for suggestions on how to improve or modify recipes. This encourages critical thinking and helps them develop their taste preferences.

8

CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS:

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s involvement in meal planning and preparation. Show appreciation for their ideas and efforts. This positive reinforcement motivates them to continue participating in the process.

Remember, be patient and allow your child to express their preferences and explore new foods at their own pace. Meal planning together can be an enjoyable bonding experience that nurtures their interest in a lifetime of good food and healthy eating.

After each meal, have a conversation with your child about what they liked and didn’t like

Include your child in the process of writing down meal ideas and their preferred alternatives

SUMMER 2023 IN FASHION

The UAE’s fashion scene for summer 2023 is a playground for creativity and style. From desertinspired chic to Arabian Nights Glam, the trends offer a mix of elegance, glamour, and cultural influences. Whether you’re strolling along the pristine beaches or attending glamorous events, embrace these fashion trends to make a statement and showcase your impeccable style.

Here are the musthave pieces that will dominate the fashion scene this summer.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION:

As the world becomes more conscious of environmental impact, the UAE’s fashion scene is embracing sustainable fashion for summer 2023. Eco-friendly fabrics, such as organic cotton and recycled materials, are making their way onto runways and into stores. Look for brands that prioritise ethical production practices and offer stylish options like breezy linen dresses, recycled swimwear, and eco-conscious accessories.

DESERT-INSPIRED CHIC:

Drawing inspiration from its desert surroundings, Dubai embraces desertinspired chic this summer. Flowing kaftans and maxi dresses in earthy tones like sandy beige, burnt orange, and khaki are set to be wardrobe staples. Look for intricate embroidery, tassels, and lightweight fabrics that offer both comfort and sophistication.

SCULPTURAL SILHOUETTES:

The UAE’s fashion-forward crowd is always on the lookout for unique and avant-garde designs. This summer, sculptural silhouettes steal the spotlight. Architectural dresses with asymmetric cuts, exaggerated ruffles, and voluminous sleeves make a bold statement. Play with unconventional shapes and structures to showcase your fashion-forward sensibilities.

Don’t shy away from mixing and clashing prints to create a vibrant and eye-catching ensemble

ELEVATED ATHLEISURE:

Dubai’s fashion scene is no stranger to luxury sportswear, and this summer is all about elevated athleisure. Think stylish tracksuits in bold colours and sleek designs, paired with high-end accessories like statement sneakers, oversized sunglasses, and designer caps. This trend effortlessly combines comfort and fashion, allowing you to transition from a morning workout to a brunch outing without compromising on style.

ARABIAN NIGHTS GLAM:

Dubai’s love for glamour and extravagance takes centre stage with the Arabian Nights Glam trend. Embrace flowing gowns adorned with shimmering embellishments, intricate beading, and metallic accents. Opt for rich jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, and deep purple to exude regal elegance. Complete the look with statement jewellery, including ornate chandelier earrings and sparkling bangles.

PASTEL POWER:

Soft pastel hues are making a resurgence in the fashion scene for summer 2023. Embrace the gentle charm of mint green, lavender, baby pink, and pale yellow. Whether it’s a flowing summer dress, tailored blazers, or wideleg trousers, pastel shades add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any ensemble. Pair pastels with neutral tones for a refined look or mix and match different pastel shades for a playful twist.

EXOTIC PRINTS:

Bold and exotic prints are a staple this summer. Animal prints, tropical motifs, and intricate patterns take centre stage. Embrace statement pieces like leopard print dresses, palm leaf jumpsuits, or colourful tribal-inspired accessories. Don’t shy away from mixing and clashing prints to create a vibrant and eye-catching ensemble.

From glamorous resort wear to cutting-edge designs, get ready to make a statement this summer

Eco-friendly fabrics, such as organic cotton and recycled materials, are making their way onto runways and into stores

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