School Talk: UAE
Welcome to "School Talk: UAE," your go-to podcast for all things education in the United Arab Emirates.
Join us as we sit down with teachers, experts, and parents to explore schools across the UAE.
Each episode provides valuable insights and perspectives from those directly involved in shaping the educational experience.
Whether you're a parent, an educator, or simply curious about the state of education in the UAE, "School Talk: UAE" is your window into the dynamic world of learning in this region.
School Talk: UAE
GEMS Metropole: Redefining Athletic Excellence in Dubai Schools
What does high performance really look like in a school setting? Michael Lowery, Director of Sport at GEMS Metropole in Dubai, reveals how his team has revolutionised the approach to physical education by embedding high-performance principles throughout the curriculum.
Far from the traditional British school sports model that dominates Dubai's educational landscape, Metropole has carved out a unique niche by focusing on what's missing in other schools. Their "Active School" approach gives students in Years 7-9 an extra hour of PE weekly, meaning every child receives three hours of high-quality physical education regardless of athletic ability. For competitive "Mustang" athletes, this can mean up to five hours of structured physical activity each week.
The most groundbreaking aspects of their program extend beyond the playing field. Students learn sports nutrition by making their own protein balls and electrolyte lollies in food tech classes equipped with air fryers and Nutribullets rather than traditional cooking equipment. Combat sports have proven so popular they're becoming mandatory curriculum next year. And performance psychology frameworks help students manage emotions not just in sports but in exams and challenging social situations.
Their female-first approach is equally refreshing. Fifty percent of competitive spaces are reserved for girls-only activities, with dedicated facilities where young women can exercise without fear of judgment. At least 75% of guest speakers are female athletes, deliberately showcased to both boys and girls to break down gender barriers. The result? Girls now make up 53% of all competitive Mustangs.
The data confirms what they've built works. When comparing Mustangs to non-athletes, the sports participants outperform in seven of eight measurable areas including attendance and wellbeing. While winning percentages for younger teams hover around 33%, the philosophy of prioritizing enjoyment and participation for younger children translates to much higher success rates of around 65% for older teams.
Ready to rethink what physical education can be? This conversation will transform how you view the role of sport in developing complete, confident, and healthy young people.