Return to the classrooms: What families are really facing?

KHDA brings back school inspections with 24-hour notice

How do schools prepare for KHDA inspections?  We're also learning about experiential learning and how it can prepare our children for the "real world", and how to raise confident children.  Plus, Cogniasal's Gaurav Saxena tells us why adults need to spot signs of mental health issues in our children. And finally, CNN's Becky Anderson gives us an idea of how future media professionals can navigate an era of generated AI content and deepfakes.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Preparing Kids for Big School

How do we prepare children for the leap into “big school” — emotionally, socially and academically? Rebecca Cregan from Horizon International School shares practical ways parents can ease anxiety and build confidence before the school year begins. We also hear from Chantelle Phillips of Arabian Ranches Primary School on why shrinking attention spans and too much screen time may be affecting children more than we realise — and why adults might be part of the problem too. Plus, Tyler Edmonds explains why he brought the School of Popular Music from Guernsey to Dubai, using singing, instruments and pop music to help kids build confidence and express themselves. And finally, we dive into a unique scuba camp for all ages that’s helping children grow braver, more independent and adventurous. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Opening a brand new school in 2026

We’re looking at the nuts and bolts of what it actually takes to open a brand-new school in 2026, with the team behind  Horizon English School’s new Town Square campus. We also touched on how play-based learning works in practice and how schools help little learners settle and thrive - with Susie Leonard, Head of FS1 at Horizon English School. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Support for Students

The sudden return to remote-learning doesn't mean support for students stop. The team from Repton Dubai explain how they're keeping everyone engaged - including on mini maestro putting the school on the musical map.  Plus, we settle some nerves, asking the experts about university admissions and exam season stress. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Helping Children Settle Again

After weeks of disrupted routines and online learning, Anneke Furstenburg, Occupational Therapist at HES, shares how schools and parents can support children returning to campus. Plus, Martin Cole, Principal at Horizon English School, tells us how to turn a school into a real community. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.