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Roger Nicholson takes us behind the scenes of school sports in Dubai, revealing how a volunteer-led organisation has created one of the most unique sporting ecosystems in international education. As both PE teacher at JESS and chair of the Dubai Affiliated School Sports Association (DASSA), Nicholson offers a fascinating dual perspective on how competitive sports shape student development.

From its humble beginnings with just six schools to its current network of nearly 100 institutions, DASSA coordinates thousands of fixtures each term across traditional and emerging sports. Nicholson explains the carefully calibrated league structure that ensures appropriate levels of competition – preventing the demoralising effect of consistent heavy defeats while creating meaningful teaching moments through balanced challenge. "It isn't always about winning," he reflects. "Sometimes you actually learn more from losing."

Looking to the future, Dubai's rapid growth presents significant logistical challenges. With travel times often exceeding match durations themselves, DASSA may need to evolve toward a regionalised model with schools taking greater responsibility for sports within their geographical zones. The limited facilities and challenging climate further complicate scheduling efforts to maximise participation.

At JESS specifically, Nicholson describes a sporting philosophy built on broad participation coupled with high expectations – creating a pyramid where the wider the base of participants, the higher the top can reach. Beyond technical skills, coaches focus on developing student leadership, resilience and character through sporting contexts. Success comes in many forms – from championship victories to the personal growth of individuals who discover confidence and motivation through sport.

What emerges most clearly is how sport creates teaching moments that extend far beyond physical skills. Whether you're a parent, educator or sports enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into how competitive sport, when thoughtfully structured, becomes a powerful vehicle for character development and life lessons.

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Ever wondered what happens when a teacher trades the classroom for a microphone? My journey from educator to podcaster wasn't planned—I simply wanted more family time while keeping one foot in education. What began as casual conversations with teacher friends evolved into School Talk, a podcast dedicated to international education in the UAE.

The transformation wasn't seamless. Despite a decade of teaching experience, I discovered unfamiliar challenges. My confident classroom presence mysteriously vanished during those first recorded conversations, resulting in stiff, overly-scripted episodes. Technical hurdles like audio editing and quality control had me scrambling for solutions, especially after one memorable interview where a malfunctioning microphone nearly derailed an entire episode.

Social media proved to be my Mount Everest. The revelation that growth required consistent daily posting across platforms was overwhelming. Learning to navigate Instagram (where I found my listeners) and LinkedIn (where I connected with guests) demanded an entirely new skill set. The emotional resilience needed was equally surprising—continuing to publish when seemingly nobody was listening, handling negative comments, and weathering the unpredictable rhythm of guest availability tested my resolve in ways classroom management never did.

Finding my niche in UAE international education provided focus, and monetization came sooner than expected. I developed tiered sponsorship packages to accommodate businesses of all sizes, though this brought its own learning curve of invoicing, payment terms, and occasionally dealing with no-show sponsors. Today, with thousands of followers and regular sponsorships, I'm proof that transferable skills can open unexpected doors. The communication, planning, and storytelling abilities I honed as a teacher simply found a new expression.

Thinking of starting your own creative project? Ask yourself what's really holding you back. Even without financial motivation, the growth and connections you'll make are invaluable. What skills from your current role might translate to something entirely new?

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What happens when you take everything that works about traditional schools – the community, the academic structure, the pastoral care – but completely reimagine how it's delivered? That's the question Hugh Viney answered when he founded Minerva Virtual Academy, now the UK's fastest-growing school.

Starting with just four pioneering students four and a half years ago, MVA has grown to 1,200 students by creating an online educational environment specifically designed for those who don't thrive in mainstream settings. As Hugh explains, this isn't about replacing traditional education, which works well for most students, but providing a genuine alternative for the significant minority – perhaps 20-30% of children – who need something different.

The school's approach combines flexibility with structure. Students complete 60% of their learning through self-directed study on a virtual platform, choosing when and where they work. The remaining 40% consists of live lessons, assemblies, and weekly one-to-one mentoring sessions. This hybrid model allows young elite athletes to train without sacrificing academics, gives neurodivergent students a less distracting learning environment, helps anxious children feel secure, and provides lifestyle flexibility for families who travel.

What truly sets MVA apart is its commitment to well-being and community. The school runs 34 different after-school clubs, organizes regular in-person trips, and facilitates student meetups. Parents receive fortnightly progress reports – "a parents' evening in your pocket" – allowing for early intervention if needed. And the results speak for themselves, with MVA students achieving top academic marks despite the nontraditional approach.

Now expanding to the Middle East with dedicated time zones and regional community activities, MVA is building a global network of students connected across continents. For families considering alternatives to conventional education, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how technology can transform learning while maintaining the essential human connections that make school meaningful.

Ready to explore whether this innovative approach might work for your child? Visit minervavirtual.com to learn more about their British curriculum program for students aged 11-18.

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What does it truly mean to create spaces where children from diverse backgrounds feel they belong? Sara from Wonderoom takes us on a profound journey beyond the typical "international day" celebrations into meaningful cultural integration that transforms how children see themselves and others.

Drawing from her experience as a third-culture kid and her background in Reggio Emilia-inspired education, Sara reveals how authentic cultural connection begins with careful observation and documentation of each child's unique ways of being. Rather than treating culture as a weekly lesson, she demonstrates how it becomes the foundation for creating environments where children feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued every day.

The conversation explores the power of intentional spaces that evolve with children rather than being perfectly curated by adults. "What would the child feel in this space?" becomes the guiding question as Sara shares practical wisdom about creating environments that foster independence, cultural connection, and meaningful play. From the strategic placement of familiar objects to the thoughtful selection of open-ended materials, every element serves to communicate to children that they belong exactly as they are.

Sara challenges common assumptions about early childhood spaces, advocating for the "less is more" approach that reduces overstimulation and chaos. She demonstrates how sustainability and high-quality materials not only benefit the environment but deepen children's play experiences. Most touchingly, she reveals how showing vulnerability as educators and parents—admitting when we don't know something or when we struggle—creates authentic connections that empower children to embrace their own imperfections.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or someone passionate about creating more inclusive environments, this conversation offers both practical strategies and heartfelt inspiration. Listen now to discover how the spaces we create can help children develop confidence in their cultural identities and become the capable, curious citizens our world needs.

Learn more at @wonderoom.ae on Instagram.

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Searching for the right school in Dubai feels like navigating a labyrinth with high stakes and no map. As Marion and Ismail from Edways explain in this revealing conversation, families face an overwhelming array of options across different curricula, quality standards, and admissions timelines—all while making a decision that ranks among life's most important.

"We are very lucky to have lots and lots of options, but it's hard to navigate," they explain, highlighting how parents typically cobble together information from school websites, listing platforms, regulators, and parent groups without ever gaining a comprehensive understanding of their choices. The emotional weight of this decision further complicates the process, transforming it from a purely rational exercise into one fraught with anxiety and uncertainty.

From the schools' perspective, post-COVID application surges have stretched admissions teams to their limits, resulting in longer response times and challenges in providing consistent service. With most Dubai schools charging a 500 AED application fee, families risk wasting both money and opportunities when applying without proper guidance or real-time availability information.

Edways emerged from this challenge, offering a free concierge service that creates personalized school shortlists based on detailed family profiles—covering everything from curriculum preferences and location requirements to budget constraints and sporting interests. The platform streamlines the entire process from tour booking and application submission to assessment scheduling and enrollment follow-up, allowing parents to focus on decision-making rather than paperwork.

Perhaps most surprisingly, two-thirds of Edways users are families already living in Dubai, challenging the assumption that such services primarily benefit newcomers. This statistic reveals the ongoing need for transparency in a market where new schools continually emerge and families sometimes move between multiple institutions seeking the perfect fit.

Ready to transform your school search from overwhelming to empowering? Visit edways.com to discover how data-driven decisions and personalised guidance can help you find the ideal educational home for your child.

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Ever 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 parents alike, offering a fresh perspective on student performance and potential.

We break down the essence of CAT4 tests, exploring their four main components: verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning. Learn how these different areas contribute to a well-rounded view of your child's abilities, and why schools rely on these tests to tailor their teaching strategies. Whether your child is new to English or excelling in unexpected ways, CAT4 test results can provide crucial insights. Perfect for a quick listen during your summer break, this episode is packed with practical information that can help you support your child's academic journey in meaningful ways. Tune in and transform how you understand educational assessments!

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Do 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 overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and teachers, highlighting the marked decrease in phone confiscations and unauthorised use, and a significant boost in academic engagement.

In our conversation, we dive into the broader implications of smartphone presence in schools, referencing insights from the book "The Anxious Generation" to discuss the correlation between smartphone use and rising mental health issues among teens. Andy and Steve elaborate on how Yondr pouches have not only reduced distractions but also alleviated peer pressure to check phones, leading to healthier student-teacher dynamics and fostering a more engaging educational environment. We share compelling personal anecdotes and observations from both educational settings and public events, showcasing the remarkable behavioral changes brought about by this phone-free approach.

Finally, we address the cultural shift within the school environment spurred by the adoption of Yondrr pouches. Andy and Steve discuss the initial concerns and eventual positive outcomes, including improved screen time management and enhanced student focus. We also consider alternative solutions like dumb phones and phone lockers, ultimately concluding that Yondr pouches offer a uniquely effective approach. This system benefits everyone involved, from students who feel more included to staff who can focus on fostering positive behavior, creating a more supportive and engaging school atmosphere. Thank you for tuning in to School Talk, and special thanks to Andy and Steve for their valuable insights. Share this episode to help us spread the word!

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Unlock 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 smartphone-free childhood, providing parents with the tools they need to manage their children's technology use effectively.

Ever wondered how smartphones and social media impact your child's brain? Discover why the prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and decision-making, can be overwhelmed by the addictive nature of modern apps. Dr. Burrows provides a compelling analysis of the shift from traditional play-based learning to screen-dominated childhoods, especially post-2010. Learn how mindful tech integration is crucial for ensuring balanced development and meaningful real-life experiences for your children.

Get practical! This episode is packed with actionable advice for managing your child’s screen time. We explore the differences between monitored use in educational settings versus unmonitored use at home, and the alarming rise in mood disorders and social difficulties linked to early device access. Dr. Burrows offers concrete strategies like turning off notifications, keeping devices out of bedrooms, and creating tech-free zones. Plus, we dive into the role of parents in modelling good tech habits and discuss the challenges posed by AI in education, underlining the importance of critical thinking skills. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that offers a comprehensive perspective on navigating technology in your child's life.

To find out more about Dr. Alison Burrows, visit her website here. 

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What happens when a child struggles with skills that seem to come naturally to their peers? The impact goes beyond just academic performance—it strikes at the heart of their confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning.

In this revealing conversation with Adam Griffin, CEO and Medical Director of Hakkini, we explore the often misunderstood world of paediatric occupational therapy. Adam clarifies that childhood "occupations" include everything from holding a pencil to kicking a ball to fastening buttons—the building blocks of development that allow children to engage fully with their world.

Adam shares powerful analogies that help parents and teachers understand how developmental challenges feel from a child's perspective: "Imagine going to yoga class where everyone else is doing flying crows while you're shaking, sweating, and getting nowhere—then having to return day after day." This persistent experience of struggle can transform a naturally curious child into one who dreads school and learning.

The discussion tackles why families often delay seeking help, the importance of early intervention, and how neurodiversity resembles different "operating systems" rather than deficits. Adam advocates for a holistic approach that extends support beyond clinic walls into classrooms and communities, creating "stepping stones toward independence." Sometimes, simple adjustments like a morning bike ride can dramatically improve a child's school experience.

Most importantly, Adam emphasizes the collaborative nature of effective development support: "Therapy cannot be done to the child; it has to be done with the child." When parents, teachers, and therapists align their efforts, children can overcome challenges and rediscover their natural drive to learn and grow.

If you're concerned about your child's development or notice a student struggling in class, this episode offers valuable insights on taking that crucial first step toward support. Subscribe to School Talk for more conversations that help children thrive in learning environments.

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This episode features a lively conversation with Elfyn Jones, who shares insights into the transformative role of innovative educational environments on student learning. We explore the concepts of “Education by Design” and discuss the importance of flexible, sustainable spaces that cater to both students and teachers, enhancing overall learning experiences.

• Elfyn discusses his journey in both Dubai and Birmingham's educational environments
• Importance of empathy in designing student-centric learning spaces
• The need to rethink traditional classroom layouts for modern students
• Benefits of integrating sustainability into school design
• The success of the DBS Jumeirah project as a flexible learning space
• Exploring interactive displays in schools to enhance engagement
• The role of teacher training in adapting to new educational spaces

To find out more information about Kidzink, visit their website here