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.
Episodes
69 episodes
The Rise of Early Childhood Education in Dubai
Before a child ever walks into primary school, most of their brain development has already happened. That single fact powers a rapid rise in Dubai’s early childhood centres, and we dive into what that means for families trying to choose the rig...
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Episode 70
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10:37
The Price of Education: School Fees in Dubai Explained
Dubai School Fees. We unpack how Dubai’s KHDA sets the 2.35% education cost index for 2025–2026, what’s inside the official framework, and why the pause on most inspections changes the usual link between performance and price. Along the way, we...
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Episode 67
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8:56
Why Dubai Is Opening More Schools Than Ever
A city adds more than 11,000 school seats in one year and sets a goal for 100 new schools by 2033—so what happens next? We dive into Dubai’s education surge with clear numbers, lived experience, and the strategic lens of Education 33 to underst...
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Episode 66
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10:22
International Community Schools: Communities Where Students Thrive
"Belonging is the heart of education." These powerful words from Mariam Shamma capture the essence of what makes International Community Schools - Abu Dhabi so special. In this revealing conversation, Mariam takes us from ICS's humble beginning...
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39:45
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 Duba...
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Episode 65
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36:54
Building a Podcast Brand from Scratch
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 ...
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Episode 64
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15:24
MVA - Redefining Online Education
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...
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Episode 63
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47:00
Wonderoom: Creating Spaces Where Children Belong
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 ...
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Episode 62
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43:07
Edways: The Future of School Admissions
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 curr...
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Episode 61
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42:19
Understanding CAT4 Tests: Unlocking Your Child's Potential
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 fo...
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Episode 11
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9:54
Yondr Pouches at JESS: Improving School Dynamics
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 St...
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Episode 21
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31:16
Why Smart Phones Are Hurting Our Kids: Expert Insights from Dr. Alison Burrows
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,...
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Episode 10
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42:58
The Truth About Occupational Therapy
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 c...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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36:35
Education by Design @ Kidzink with Elfyn Jones
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 importan...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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41:17
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Sophie Hankin: Elevating Netball Excellence in Dubai
Uncover the inspiring journey of Sophie Hankin, a vibrant netball performance coach who transitioned from playing in the UK Super League to pioneering a thriving netball community in Dubai. Sophie shares her bold move of leaving a secure sports...
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Episode 27
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33:58
How Financial Education Prepares Students for Life: Squirrel Education
Financial literacy is an essential skill that is often left out of educational curricula, leaving many young people unprepared for managing their finances in adulthood. In our latest podcast episode, we engage in a thought-provoking conversatio...
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Episode 44
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29:20
It's Not Just Trampolines, It's a Movement for Change: Doran Davies - Bounce
Prepare to be inspired by Doran Davis, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Bounce, as he takes us on an exhilarating journey from the mobile phone industry to pioneering a trampoline park in Dubai. Doran's passion for encouraging children's phy...
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Episode 34
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34:03
Are Schools Failing at First Impressions? The Power of Mystery Shopping
Exploring the transformative influence of mystery shopping in education, this episode delves into how schools can enhance their admissions processes. By focusing on personalised experiences during school tours, we uncover the importance of cust...
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Episode 40
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42:37
Is Your Child Struggling to Communicate? A Speech & Language Therapist Reveals All!
Supporting children's language development is a multifaceted journey that involves understanding speech therapy, effective communication strategies, and the role of parents in fostering skills. This episode features insightful discussions on id...
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Episode 41
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31:17
How Territory Mapping Transforms Education
What defines your territory? This profound question lies at the heart of Anthony Willoughby's transformative approach to personal development and education. Drawing from 41 years of experience working with indigenous communities, Willoughby sha...
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Episode 47
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38:49
How To Help Kids With ADHD Thrive
Unlock the mysteries of ADHD and discover effective support strategies with our special guest, Aalia from the Brain Accelerator. As an accomplished speech and language pathologist and learning specialist, Aalia joins us to shed light on the gen...
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Episode 43
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46:12
Transforming Child Fitness: The Primal Fitness Journey
What 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...
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Episode 15
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36:52
Unmasking the Vaping Epidemic in Schools with Scott Brown
Discover 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 allu...
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Episode 4
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32:31
The Arcadia Approach to Sports Success
Unlock 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 hi...
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Episode 2
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36:05
