Eye on Education

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.

Return to the classrooms: What families are really facing?

With kids back in the classrooms from this week, we speak to educators on how they prepared for 'the day' and what's really happening inside schools right now. We also turn our attention to ECAs and how centres are adapting to support families during this time. And on World Book Day, we speak to an author who reads 52 books a year! We focus on the power of reading and why storytelling might be one of the most valuable skills we can teach the next generation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.