School Talk: UAE

Send us a textWhat drives a young boxer to shift gears and transform into a beacon of fitness inspiration? Join us as Shane Nicholas, the dynamic force behind Train with Shane, opens up about his remarkable journey from the boxing ring to the classroom, and finally to social media fame as a personal trainer. Shane's story is not just about a career change during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic but also a deeply personal health transformation inspired by his family's fitness journey. With his...

Send us a textWhat if you could transform your fitness journey with insights from a true pioneer in the industry? Join us as we chat with Michael Sole, the driving force behind The Den, Dubai's top functional fitness gym. Michael opens up about his unique background, from growing up in Dubai to his transition from nutritionist to fitness entrepreneur. We explore how The Den ingeniously bridges the gap between traditional group fitness and CrossFit, creating a welcoming sanctuary specifically ...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to nurturing stronger parent-child relationships with our special guest, Dana, a certified parent coach who has transitioned from early childhood education to offering invaluable insights for parents. Dana delves into her personal journey, sharing how she began crafting culturally relevant parenting content in Arabic to empower the Arabic-speaking community. We explore common parenting challenges like tantrums and defiance, and emphasize a collaborative coachi...

Send us a textDiscover how Bloom World Academy is reshaping education in Dubai with Senior Deputy Vice Principal Graham Walmsley. Listen as Graham shares his two-decade-long journey from a music teacher in the UK to a key leader at this innovative institution, offering insightful perspectives on Bloom World Academy's unique educational model. Gain an understanding of their commitment to blending rigorous academics with community involvement and flexible scheduling, designed to meet the needs ...

Send us a textUnlock the secret to navigating the complex world of university applications with Magda Kozlowska, an esteemed independent university and college advisor. Magda's wealth of experience, from her roots as a psychology and Theory of Knowledge teacher in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, to the establishment of her advisory business in Dubai, provides invaluable insights into the nuances of educational choices available to expatriate families. Learn about the unique characte...

Send us a textDo smartphones belong in the classroom? Join us as we explore the transformative impact of Yondr pouches at JESS, an international school in Arabian Ranches, with our special guests Assistant Head Andy Sargeant and Head of Digital Innovation Steve Banbury. Discover how these pouches, which securely lock students' and staff's phones during the school day, have effectively reinforced the school's no-phone policy. Andy and Steve share their firsthand experiences and the overwhelmin...

Send us a textEver wondered how a podcast grows and evolves over time? Get ready to witness the transformation of School Talk from its inception to its 20th episode milestone. In this special episode, we reflect on our journey, sharing the highs and lows, including technical hiccups and memorable moments like our eye-opening discussion on vaping with Scott Brown from Jebel Ali School. We open up about the personal challenges, triumphs, and the learning experiences that come with creating mean...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to family harmony and educational well-being with our special guest, Jasmine Navarro. Jasmine, a renowned expert in family and educational well-being, shares her holistic approach to nurturing a balanced life, addressing the mind, body, and spirit. We tackle the prevalent issues families face today, from stress and communication breakdowns to the need for heightened self-awareness. Jasmine offers her professional insights and practical strategies, including pe...

Send us a textWhat if you could ease the financial burden of school fees simply by buying your dream home? Join us on School Talk as we sit down with Scott Macfarlane, managing partner of Family Homes DXB, to uncover their groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping families transition from renting to homeownership. Scott shares his unique perspective on the Dubai real estate market, emphasising the cash-back program that directly benefits parents and teachers by covering school fees and extra...

Send us a textIn this episode of School Talk, we sit down with Simon Wing, Co-Founder of Edfundo, a cutting-edge app designed to teach children and teens about financial literacy. Simon shares his inspiring journey from educator to entrepreneur, following his passion for financial education. We explore the highs and lows of launching Edfundo, how the app helps young people manage their money responsibly, and its partnership with Visa to facilitate payments. Whether you're a parent, teacher, o...

Send us a textCan you imagine navigating the financial complexities of expat life in the Middle East while securing a prosperous future for your family? Join us as we uncover expert financial planning tips with Joe Woodhouse, founder of Family Wealth. From his beginnings at Lloyds TSB in the UK to his role as an independent financial advisor in Abu Dhabi, Joe shares invaluable advice on budgeting, debt clearance, and smart investing strategies. We uncover the unique financial challenges faced...

Send us a textWhat if your child could achieve better posture, strength, and accountability all while having fun? Join us as we unravel the story of Primal Fitness with Amanda, the visionary founder behind this trailblazing program in Dubai. Amanda’s journey from pitching her idea to school principals to running a program that now sees 250 kids moving and thriving every week is nothing short of inspiring. Learn how she identified a gap in the market for kids’ gyms and tailored a functional fi...

Send us a textEver wondered how to set the stage for a triumphant first day back at school? Our final Summer Snippets episode promises to equip you with essential strategies from multiple perspectives. Whether you're a teacher prepping your classroom, a student eager to reunite with friends and meet new educators, or a parent coordinating a seamless morning routine, we’ve got you covered with invaluable tips and relatable stories that will ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.&nbs...

Send us a textWhat if you had the secret recipe to making homework less of a battlefield and more of a constructive experience? Tune into our summer snippets series on School Talk to uncover practical strategies that will transform your child's approach to homework. This episode is your ultimate guide to creating a distraction-free study environment, equipping it with all the necessary supplies, and establishing a consistent routine that fits seamlessly into your child's busy schedule.Join us...

Send us a textEver wondered how to keep your child academically engaged during the summer holidays? We've got you covered with practical tips and tricks that turn everyday activities into fun learning opportunities. From the joy of reading novels and comics to the immersive experience of audiobooks, we explore various ways to make summer reading exciting. Discover how simple tasks like cooking and travel planning can secretly boost your child's math skills, transforming mundane chores into en...

Send us a textEver wondered how to unlock the full reading potential of your students or children? Join us for a special Summer Snippets episode as we explore the transformative power of the New Group Reading Test (NGRT). From decoding NGRT scores to utilising AI tools like ChatGPT for tailored reading materials, we cover practical methods that teachers and parents alike can use to elevate reading skills. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a proactive parent, this episode promises to provi...

Send us a textEver wondered what it's like to grow up embracing multiple cultures simultaneously? Welcome to School Talk's Summer Snippets, where this week we dive into the fascinating lives of third culture kids. Join me as I share personal anecdotes, including my wife's journey as a third culture kid compared to my stable upbringing in England. Learn about the identity confusion, frequent transitions, and emotional challenges that these children face. But it’s not just about the hurdle...

Send us a textEver wondered what lies beyond your child's report card grades? In our first episode of the Summer Snippets series, we promise to unlock the mysteries of CAT4 tests and reveal how they shed light on your child's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement. This isn't your run-of-the-mill exam discussion; CAT4 tests are a game-changer in understanding student potential beyond traditional academics. Join us to discover why these tests are an invaluable tool for educators and par...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of balanced child development in the digital age with our insightful conversation featuring Dr. Alison Burrows, a Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University. Dr. Burrows, an expert in child development, education, and parenting, shares her wealth of knowledge on the challenges and potential pitfalls of integrating technology into classrooms. You'll learn about her groundbreaking research and her initiatives like ScreenWise Child UAE, which advocates for a smartph...

Send us a textEver wondered how the nuances of etiquette can shape a child's future? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Orchids Roy, a certified etiquette coach from the British School of Excellence. Discover how Orchids transitioned from corporate training to empowering children with essential social skills. Motivated by her experiences as a mother and the accolades received by her well-mannered daughter, she shares her journey into child etiquette coaching. Orchids breaks down th...

Send us a textWhat if AI could revolutionise education as we know it? Join us as we sit down with Tom Gayler, the visionary Head of Innovation and Digital Learning at Arcadia School, to uncover the transformative power of AI in classrooms. Since 2016, Tom has led the charge in making learning more engaging and globally connected through the integration of cutting-edge technology like tablets and mobile devices. Discover how AI is not just a buzzword but a game-changer, poised to personalize l...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to making learning both fun and effective as we welcome Dani Howard and Susan Bazaza on School Talk. With Danni's 13 years of teaching wisdom and Susan's impressive 15-year career, we dive into play-based learning and its transformative impact on education. From their experiences at DBS in Jumeirah Park , Dani and Susan share compelling stories of how blending adult-led activities with continuous provision fosters independence, critical thinking, and creativit...

Send us a textHow do you navigate the maze of school choices in a bustling city like Dubai? Join us as Chris Shrubsole answers questions posed by members of British Mums Dubai. In this episode, Chris shares invaluable insights into selecting the perfect school for your child, drawing from his extensive experience and the community's pressing queries.From understanding the historical landscape of Dubai’s education to navigating the current plethora of options, Chris provides a comprehensive lo...

Send us a textGet ready to explore the transformative power of inclusion in education with our special guest, John Paton, the Director of Inclusion at Arcadia School. How can schools create meaningful opportunities for every student, regardless of their needs? John shares his expert insights into the importance of quality first teaching, understanding individual student requirements, and fostering collaboration between homeroom and specialist teachers. We'll also delve into how well-being and...

Send us a textDiscover the often-overlooked hazards of vaping as we sit down with Scott Brown, Deputy Head Teacher at Jebel Ali School, who discusses this growing epidemic in schools. Our in-depth conversation uncovers the stealthy nature of vaping, the allure of its marketing to teens, and the urgent necessity for comprehensive education on its risks. Scott brings to light the deceptive appeal of vaping as a "healthier" alternative to traditional smoking, and stresses the importance of empow...

Send us a textEmbark on an enlightening journey through the nurturing pathways of pastoral care in education with our guests Ashley Mccarthy and Lee Bossler from Fairgreen International School. They open up about the intricacies of shepherding young minds towards not only scholastic achievements but also emotional, social, and mental fortitude. Uncover the profound connection between a student's well-being and their academic performance, attendance, and the development of indispensable soft s...

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of a successful school sports program by tuning in to my latest conversation with Daniel Lewis-Williams, the passionate PE teacher and Head of Games at Arcadia School. Daniel brings to the table a wealth of experience from his international coaching career, which has deeply influenced the dynamic and effective sports curriculum at Arcadia. Together, we dissect the 'know show grow' method, an approach that champions physical literacy and essential life skills, ...

Send us a textReady to peel back the layers of the International Baccalaureate and the Primary Years Programme? Join me as Peter Bonner, the esteemed Principal of GEMS World Academy in Dubai, pulls back the curtain on the world of education through the lens of these dynamic curricula. From his unexpected shift from city planning to the helm of a leading educational institution, Peter maps out the landscape of curriculum development, the balancing act between global standards and local ta...

Send us a textWelcome to the debut episode of "School Talk: UAE," where we delve into the vibrant world of education in the United Arab Emirates! I'm Chris Shrubsole, your host, and in this inaugural episode, we'll embark on a journey to uncover the intricacies of education in the UAE.Join me as I share insights into my background and passion for education, which led to the creation of "School Talk: UAE." From my experiences as an educator to my fascination with the UAE's unique educational l...