From teamwork to discipline to self-confidence, sports and art classes offer more than just a physical or creative workout. So, what activities should our kids be doing to shape character, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships? Tom Asbury, Director of Sport at Repton Al Barsha, and Stephen Quinn, Principal at Horizon International School, join Helen in studio.

Plus, in a world where resilience is more critical than ever before, entrepreneur and coach Sebastien Bates is on hand to talk us through how to impart courage and confidence in our kids…

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So, your kids are back in the classroom – but what do you do now to ensure the year ahead is a personal, emotional and academic success? Helen gets expert advice from Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai, and Charlotte Grieves, Head of Preparatory at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai.

Plus, we’re joined by the business coach teaching kids across the UAE about entrepreneurship, finance and thinking like a boss….

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Thousands of kids across the UAE opened their GCSE results this morning. But what comes next, and what are the options if those results aren’t what you expected, for better or worse?

Plus, Adam the OT has all the advice you need for navigating back to school anxieties.

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This week on Eye on Education, we explore two powerful stories shaping students’ lives in the UAE. First, we celebrate academic achievement as A-Level results are announced, with Zareef Petkar, Assistant Principal at Horizon International School, Annette Drake, Head of Senior at Repton Dubai, and exemplary A-Level graduate Zain Junaid sharing their insights.

Then, Mark Samways, Director of Wellbeing & Counselling Psychologist at The Free Spirit Collective, explains how teaching empathy in schools—from Denmark to France—is helping children connect, learn, and thrive.

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From sports to education actiivities, keeping kids active an engaged over summer can be a challenge. Helen gets some expert advice on how to get them learning and moving, from Cognita EnrichME’s David Tangney and Mena Press of Dovecote Nursery.

Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, Meta, TikTok & Snap have ALL unveiled new policies aimed at making social media safer for teens here in the UAE. But what does it mean in reality – and what do parents need to know? Philippa Wraithmell from EdRuption has all the answers…

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Celebrity chef Jamie has opened up about his decades-long struggle with dyslexia – revealing he only read his first book at age 33. With 1 in 10 children believed to be dyslexic, and many more undiagnosed, Oliver is calling for mandatory screening and proper teacher training. So why are kids still being left behind – and what can we do to change that? Psychologist Grainne Parish, Director at Insights Psychology explains the complexities of this condition and Ellis Horne shares her experiences that led to her diagnosis.

We also turn our attention on school transitions. It's a major moment in a child's development. So how can we make that as smooth, supported and successful as possible for both kids and parents? Charlotte Grieves, Head of Preparatory at The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai and Jacqueline Lee, Assistant Head Teacher at Repton Dubai give their expertise to help families thrive during the leap from Early Years into Prep and from Prep to Senior School, respectively.

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Boarding school in Dubai? It might sound unexpected, but for a growing number of families, it’s becoming a modern solution to an age-old question: How do we raise independent, well-rounded kids?

This episode, we explore what boarding looks like in 2025 with Rich Myers, Head of Boys’ Boarding at Repton Dubai, and Year 10 student Teymur Aghazada, who gives us a glimpse into daily life on campus. 

Plus, Dr. Shefali Verma returns to help us ask: Are we putting too much pressure on young athletes, and how can we balance achievement with mental wellbeing?

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From pocket money advice for parents of primary school children to financial independence, saving and investing for older kids, how do we embed lessons about financial literacy? Helen is joined by Nadiea Mohammed from Repton Al Barsha's Inclusion Academic Support team, and Nicholas Radbourne, Deputy Head at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai.

Meanwhile, Dubai has made history, becoming the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. But what does true inclusion look like? OT Adam Griffin explains, with the help of some parents...

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It’s World Mental Health Week – and it’s also exam season. So how can we protect our kids’ wellbeing while exposing them to academic pressure? Coral Leach, School Councillor at Horizon International School and Asma Ahmad, Head of Pastoral Care at Horizon English School give us the lowdown.

And after an unsupervised toddler caused untold damage to a Rothko in a Dutch gallery, some are calling for kids to be banned from galleries. But should be really deny youngsters the benefits of exposure to culture? Curator Anna Seaman, consultant Myrna Ayad and Gareth Pyper from Repton Dubai discuss…

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As the latest Reading for Pleasure conference kicks off in Dubai, a host of literarature and teaching experts join Helen to discuss the best ways to foster a love of the page at any age...

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