Eye on Education

In a live broadcast from Rrepton School Al Barsha, school leaders, careers experts and students discuss the skills, confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

From primary age to kids dealing with cancelled exams, these are the skills parents need, according to the experts.Plus, we talk AI-proof careers and how our children should be preparing for the future...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the realities of schooling right now - and what's happening to help keep our kids active once they're out of those online lessons - with Ranches Primary and Cognita Enrich Me.Plus, we mark World Autism Day with a teacher turned psychologist who understands the true impact both in and out of the classroom...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From early years to exams, we meet the educators keeping our kids engaged right now. Plus, as headlines in the UK suggest many parents are shying away from taking their kids to art galleries, we talk culture and accessibility. Plus, Seb Bates joins us to talk raising kids with a warrior mindset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few days, many families in the UAE have found themselves navigating a lot of change very quickly. Children have gone from classrooms to online learning, routines have shifted, and there’s been a lot of uncertainty in the air. For young people especially, those changes can feel big and confusing and that was before last night's announcement of those new spring break dates which mean our kids will now be on leave a week earlier than expected. Psychologist Dr Dina Bedair has been supporting families across the UAE this week. We also ask what it means for our kids' learning - we are joined by Charlotte Grieves, Head of Prep, Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai and Nick Hart, Principal, Horizon English School.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The importance of climate education has never been clearer – but could environmental learnings be better delivered by our kids themselves? Helen meets two senior school students connecting with their peers via podcast. Plus, we meet the experts tackling our kids’ boredom via a love of board games and books…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From cultural traditions to Arabic language, Helen gets expert advice on how to get our children involved and engaged this Holy Month. And it’s easy to think that your kid would need to be a sporting star to focus on a career in the field – but could you be underestimating opportunities off-track?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parents in the UAE are now legally responsible for their kids online lives. But how do know what they’re doing on screen in school? How much edutech is in our classrooms, what are the benefits and what do parents need to know? Helens gets the lowdown from staff and stuedents at Ranches Primary School. Plus, we’ve got all the advice you need if you’re keen for your kids to study in the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re focusing today on leadership that happens among students. From shaping school culture to influencing real decisions, student councils can give young people a meaningful voice and a sense of responsibility. We discuss how this is in practice with Sanaa Harb, Head of Post-16 at Horizon International School and head boy and head girl Sadeq Muhtadi & Sofia Riggio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research shows variety in activity supports healthier habits over time, yet many children feel pressure to specialise early or overcommit when it comes to sports and ECAs. Helen gets the lowdown on how to encourage healthy participation and enjoyment with Gareth Moreday from Cognita Enrich Middle East and James Bennett from Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Plus, we're live from Xposure in Sharjah, where we meet the filmmakers and world creators in town to teach the Middle East's next generation of creators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Emirates Lit Fest kicks off for 2026, our experts explain how the habits and confidence we build now can turn our kids into lifelong readers. Plus we meet the teen skier headed from Ski Dubai to the Winter Olympics, and talk childhood anxiety with the author aiming to tackle it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KHDA decision to shorten school hours on Fridays has reshaped the rhythm of the school week. But what does that actually look like inside a school day? Helen asks Michael Morley and Kyle Lewis of RGS Dubai. We also get advice on how to keep stress levels to a minimum during mock exams – for teens and parents alike – from Claire Togher of Repton Al Barsha, and we meet the man making life easier for left-handed learnerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our kids are about to spend more time out of school on Fridays – so how do we encourage them off their screens and into their imaginations? Helen asks Leanne Galloway, Head of Early Years, Repton Dubai, and Amy Hughes, Assistant Principal, RPS. Plus, with some parents across the UAE discovering their child may be eligible to start school earlier than OT Adam Griffin and educational designer Hollie Mayes talk school readiness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the UAE’s most influential business leaders, Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder and chairman of Al Habtoor Group, says students need hands-on work experience long before graduation, arguing that academic study alone isn’t enough for the modern workplace. But where are those opportunities and how can we ensure our kids are getting access to them before they make critical decisions about their careers? We're joined by Audrey Hametner, the founder of The Bedrock Program. And as we're nearing the longest winter break we've ever had here in the UAE, we ask, how should we making the most of the school break? Cognita ENRICH ME's David Tagney and Amanda Buckley of Horizon International School are here to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE’s schools have been marking National Day this week, ahead of the national holiday. But what does it mean for kids here to grow up with a sense of identity, regardless of nationality? Helen is joined by Maddison Lewis from Horizon English School and Haniya Mirza, a sixth form student at Repton Al Barsha. Meanwhile, this winter sees a longer school holiday coming after a packed – and for many people, stressful – term of tests, exams and sports. So, how can you use the next four weeks to help your child, tween or teen decompress and relax? Psychologist Maha Cooper has all the advice you need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s mathematically impossible, but 17% of parents believe they’re raising a child with international athletic potential. So, as a Repton Dubai unveils its new Sports Village alongside global football icons like Drogba, Marcelo, Pirlo and Kaká, we ask, what does healthy competition and encouragement look like for kids?  Plus, as new research finds screens are replacing storytime, MC Grammar joins us to explain how rapping is making reading fun again…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world driven by screens and structure, the art room is often the one place children can truly experiment, make mistakes and push their imagination. So how do schools nurture that freedom to build real-world skills? Helen asks two Dubai-based specialists.Plus, children now spend nearly five hours a day on screens outside school, yet almost half of teens say their parents don’t understand their online world. So what would they tell you if they didn’t fear the consequences? Helen speaks to cyberpsychology expert Catherine Knibbs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From native languages to Arabic and others, how do we help our kids engage with new dialects? Helen hears from the experts at Repton Al Barsha and Horizon International School. Plus, it’s shifted from the playground to phones and online platforms, but the impact of bullying remains huge. So, how do you help your child, tween or teen recover after bullying?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know our children need to learn about modern technology - but what does that look like in practice and how do we balance progress with safety? Helen is joined by Andy Perryer, Head of Digital Learning at Cognita Enrich Me and Ian Wallace, Cognita's Director of Education. Meanwhile, with 60% of the UAE's population, we learn how the British Council in Dubai is helping the nation harness the huge potential of its youth...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s early years admission season — from stay-and-plays to school assessments, parents are wondering how to tell if their little ones are truly school-ready. Helen Farmer is joined live in the studio by Ashleigh Thompson, Head of Junior School at Repton Al Barsha, and Stephanie Nazarian, Assistant Head Teacher and Head of EYFS at Horizon English School, to talk about what schools are really looking for, how to prepare your child with confidence, and why “ready” looks different for every child. Plus, as Dubai Police warn parents about a risky new TikTok trend, psychologist Mark Samways joins Helen to unpack the science behind peer pressure, how social media fuels it, and how to raise confident kids who can say no.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teaching is about much more than ABCs. But what sets the best apart? Helen honours our educators with two school leaders. Plus, we dive into the realities of bullying in our schools - and how to tackle it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the UN to our local schools, the education world is being charged with raising a new generation who understand our climate challenge. But how do we promote a sustainable future at all ages? Helen finds out from Audrey Grossemy, Sustainability Lead at Ranches Primary School, and Repton Dubai sixth formers Arhaan Chokshy and Azlan Rehman Shah, Co-Lead Mechanical Engineers for the school’s H2 Grand Prix Pro entry. Plus, as research shows we’re all reading less, we find out how to foster a love of books with a host of local booksellers and authors…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the transition from education into employment, especially for neurodiverse youth. Are we doing enough to support inclusive pathways into the workforce? We also take a closer look at key academic transitions — from the leap into secondary school in Grade 7 to the pressures of starting GCSEs in Grade 10. How can we help students navigate these pivotal moments both academically and emotionally? And finally, we tackle the age-old question: homework. How much is too much, especially for primary school students — and how can schools strike the right balance for families?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you encourage my child to play an instrument? Helen finds out how harnessing the transformative power of music for your kids and teens can benefit them through school and beyond, with Mark Tribble of Repton Dubai and Chloe Amsellem from RGSGD. Plus, from anxiety to classroom confidence, toilet and feeding issues to teacher woes, we get some expert advice on how to tackle school issues early in the term from OT Adam Griffin and child psychologist Dr Haneen Jarrar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From teamwork to discipline to self-confidence, sports and art classes offer more than just a physical or creative workout. So, what activities should our kids be doing to shape character, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships? Tom Asbury, Director of Sport at Repton Al Barsha, and Stephen Quinn, Principal at Horizon International School, join Helen in studio. Plus, in a world where resilience is more critical than ever before, entrepreneur and coach Sebastien Bates is on hand to talk us through how to impart courage and confidence in our kids…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, your kids are back in the classroom – but what do you do now to ensure the year ahead is a personal, emotional and academic success? Helen gets expert advice from Michael Bloy, Principal of Repton Dubai, and Charlotte Grieves, Head of Preparatory at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Plus, we’re joined by the business coach teaching kids across the UAE about entrepreneurship, finance and thinking like a boss….See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of kids across the UAE opened their GCSE results this morning. But what comes next, and what are the options if those results aren’t what you expected, for better or worse? Plus, Adam the OT has all the advice you need for navigating back to school anxieties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Eye on Education, we explore two powerful stories shaping students’ lives in the UAE. First, we celebrate academic achievement as A-Level results are announced, with Zareef Petkar, Assistant Principal at Horizon International School, Annette Drake, Head of Senior at Repton Dubai, and exemplary A-Level graduate Zain Junaid sharing their insights. Then, Mark Samways, Director of Wellbeing & Counselling Psychologist at The Free Spirit Collective, explains how teaching empathy in schools—from Denmark to France—is helping children connect, learn, and thrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From sports to education actiivities, keeping kids active an engaged over summer can be a challenge. Helen gets some expert advice on how to get them learning and moving, from Cognita EnrichME’s David Tangney and Mena Press of Dovecote Nursery. Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, Meta, TikTok & Snap have ALL unveiled new policies aimed at making social media safer for teens here in the UAE. But what does it mean in reality – and what do parents need to know? Philippa Wraithmell from EdRuption has all the answers…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef Jamie has opened up about his decades-long struggle with dyslexia – revealing he only read his first book at age 33. With 1 in 10 children believed to be dyslexic, and many more undiagnosed, Oliver is calling for mandatory screening and proper teacher training. So why are kids still being left behind – and what can we do to change that? Psychologist Grainne Parish, Director at Insights Psychology explains the complexities of this condition and Ellis Horne shares her experiences that led to her diagnosis. We also turn our attention on school transitions. It's a major moment in a child's development. So how can we make that as smooth, supported and successful as possible for both kids and parents? Charlotte Grieves, Head of Preparatory at The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai and Jacqueline Lee, Assistant Head Teacher at Repton Dubai give their expertise to help families thrive during the leap from Early Years into Prep and from Prep to Senior School, respectively.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boarding school in Dubai? It might sound unexpected, but for a growing number of families, it’s becoming a modern solution to an age-old question: How do we raise independent, well-rounded kids? This episode, we explore what boarding looks like in 2025 with Rich Myers, Head of Boys’ Boarding at Repton Dubai, and Year 10 student Teymur Aghazada, who gives us a glimpse into daily life on campus.  Plus, Dr. Shefali Verma returns to help us ask: Are we putting too much pressure on young athletes, and how can we balance achievement with mental wellbeing?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From pocket money advice for parents of primary school children to financial independence, saving and investing for older kids, how do we embed lessons about financial literacy? Helen is joined by Nadiea Mohammed from Repton Al Barsha's Inclusion Academic Support team, and Nicholas Radbourne, Deputy Head at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Meanwhile, Dubai has made history, becoming the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. But what does true inclusion look like? OT Adam Griffin explains, with the help of some parents...  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s World Mental Health Week – and it’s also exam season. So how can we protect our kids’ wellbeing while exposing them to academic pressure? Coral Leach, School Councillor at Horizon International School and Asma Ahmad, Head of Pastoral Care at Horizon English School give us the lowdown. And after an unsupervised toddler caused untold damage to a Rothko in a Dutch gallery, some are calling for kids to be banned from galleries. But should be really deny youngsters the benefits of exposure to culture? Curator Anna Seaman, consultant Myrna Ayad and Gareth Pyper from Repton Dubai discuss…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the latest Reading for Pleasure conference kicks off in Dubai, a host of literarature and teaching experts join Helen to discuss the best ways to foster a love of the page at any age...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to motivate your kids - while also protecting their wellbeingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From gaming to the arts, could nurturing your child’s passions both inside and outside the classroom lead them to a career they love?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eye on Education is on the road today, getting a glimpse into life at Repton Dubai, where more than 2,600 pupils from age three to 18 pass through the doors of the UAE's largest campus every day. From getting the balance right between academics and extracurriculars, to picking the right curriculum for your child, Helen is joined by a host of experts - and even some senior pupils.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do current global issues feed into the humanities curriculum, and what role do schools play in raising internationally-astute adults? Helen asks Michael Morley, Senior Assistant Head Teacher of Pastoral at RGSGD and Gavin Harrow, Head of Junior School Humanities at Repton Al Barsha. And US unis have long been on the wishlist for families here in the UAE – but are we now seeing a sea change amid safety concerns for students in the states?    Varun Jain, CEO of UniHawk & Heather Harries, Heather Harries Education Hub, are on hand to bring us up to speed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Eye on Education, we talked exams, and how to prepare without anxiety, with Matthew Whittaker of Repton Dubai, and Tom Adams of Horizon International School. And if you're wondering how to talk to you kids about money, investments - and how to spot a scammer on FinTok, we had Carol Glynn of Conscious Finance Coaching and Makram Kubeisy, author of _The Missing Life Skill: A Dad’s Guide to Personal Finance and Investment in studioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who you look up to at a young age can shape your world view - so how can schools help kids find good role models? We asked Matthew Pearce, principal of RGSGD, plus sixth form scholar at Repton Al Barsha, Leila El Rafey. And with smartphone and screen time dangers once again in the headlines, we talked boundary-setting for safety with digital educator Philippa Wraithmail of Edruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating childhood in our multicultural citiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to teach your kids about the Holy Month  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping kids calm in the classroom and beyondSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can your kids tell truth from fiction onlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to help your child decide what comes after school...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.