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
DASSA and JESS: Driving School Sport in Dubai
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.