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School Talk: UAE
Chris Shrubsole
69 episodes
6 days ago
Send us a text 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 right path. Drawing on classroom experience and on-the-ground insight, we explore why play-based learning, thoughtful ratios, and skilled teachers shape language, social growth, and emotional well-being far more than flashy facilities. We b...
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Education
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All content for School Talk: UAE is the property of Chris Shrubsole and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Send us a text 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 right path. Drawing on classroom experience and on-the-ground insight, we explore why play-based learning, thoughtful ratios, and skilled teachers shape language, social growth, and emotional well-being far more than flashy facilities. We b...
Show more...
Education
Episodes (20/69)
School Talk: UAE
The Rise of Early Childhood Education in Dubai
Send us a text 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 right path. Drawing on classroom experience and on-the-ground insight, we explore why play-based learning, thoughtful ratios, and skilled teachers shape language, social growth, and emotional well-being far more than flashy facilities. We b...
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6 days ago
10 minutes

School Talk: UAE
The Price of Education: School Fees in Dubai Explained
Send us a text 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 translate policy into plain language so families can build a realistic budget—and schools can communicate value without jargon. We start by separating tuition from non-tuition costs, because the headline number rarely tells the whole st...
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1 week ago
8 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Why Dubai Is Opening More Schools Than Ever
Send us a text 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 understand how access, affordability, and quality intersect when systems scale fast. We start with the map as it stands: 233 private schools, 331 early childhood centres, 44 higher education institutions, and strong demand across British, Ameri...
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2 weeks ago
10 minutes

School Talk: UAE
International Community Schools: Communities Where Students Thrive
Send us a text "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 beginnings in a villa with barely 100 students to its current status as a six-branch educational institution shaping young lives across Abu Dhabi. Mariam's unique perspective bridges multiple worlds – once a student at ICS, now its Project Manage...
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3 weeks ago
39 minutes

School Talk: UAE
DASSA and JESS: Driving School Sport in Dubai
Send us a text 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 in...
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1 month ago
36 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Building a Podcast Brand from Scratch
Send us a text 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 teacher friends evolved into School Talk, a podcast dedicated to international education in the UAE. The transformation wasn't seamless. Despite a decade of teaching experience, I discovered unfamiliar challenges. My confident classroom ...
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1 month ago
15 minutes

School Talk: UAE
MVA - Redefining Online Education
Send us a text 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 Virtual Academy, now the UK's fastest-growing school. Starting with just four pioneering students four and a half years ago, MVA has grown to 1,200 students by creating an online educational environment specifically designed for those w...
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1 month ago
47 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Wonderoom: Creating Spaces Where Children Belong
Send us a text 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 transforms how children see themselves and others. Drawing from her experience as a third-culture kid and her background in Reggio Emilia-inspired education, Sara reveals how authentic cultural connection begins with careful observation ...
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2 months ago
43 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Edways: The Future of School Admissions
Send us a text 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 curricula, quality standards, and admissions timelines—all while making a decision that ranks among life's most important. "We are very lucky to have lots and lots of options, but it's hard to navigate," they explain, highlighting how parent...
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2 months ago
42 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Understanding CAT4 Tests: Unlocking Your Child's Potential
Send us a text 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 for improvement. This isn't your run-of-the-mill exam discussion; CAT4 tests are a game-changer in understanding student potential beyond traditional academics. Join us to discover why these tests are an invaluable tool for educators and pa...
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2 months ago
9 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Yondr Pouches at JESS: Improving School Dynamics
Send us a text 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 Steve Banbury. Discover how these pouches, which securely lock students' and staff's phones during the school day, have effectively reinforced the school's no-phone policy. Andy and Steve share their firsthand experiences and the overwhelmi...
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2 months ago
31 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Why Smart Phones Are Hurting Our Kids: Expert Insights from Dr. Alison Burrows
Send us a text 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, shares her wealth of knowledge on the challenges and potential pitfalls of integrating technology into classrooms. You'll learn about her groundbreaking research and her initiatives like ScreenWise Child UAE, which advocates for a smartp...
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2 months ago
42 minutes

School Talk: UAE
The Truth About Occupational Therapy
Send us a text 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 conversation with Adam Griffin, CEO and Medical Director of Hakkini, we explore the often misunderstood world of paediatric occupational therapy. Adam clarifies that childhood "occupations" include everything from holding a pencil to kicking a b...
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3 months ago
36 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Education by Design @ Kidzink with Elfyn Jones
Send us a text 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 importance of flexible, sustainable spaces that cater to both students and teachers, enhancing overall learning experiences. • Elfyn discusses his journey in both Dubai and Birmingham's educational environments • Importance of empathy in desig...
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3 months ago
41 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Sophie Hankin: Elevating Netball Excellence in Dubai
Send us a text 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 coaching job to follow her passion for netball in the UAE. Explore her story from representing England at the under-19 and under-21 levels to becoming an influential figure in Dubai's burgeoning netball scene. Discover how her dedicated ...
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3 months ago
33 minutes

School Talk: UAE
How Financial Education Prepares Students for Life: Squirrel Education
Send us a text 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 conversation with Ben Bolger, co-founder of Squirrel Education, as we explore the urgent need for financial literacy education in schools. We discuss the staggering statistics that demonstrate the prevalence of financial illiteracy, highlighting how...
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3 months ago
29 minutes

School Talk: UAE
It's Not Just Trampolines, It's a Movement for Change: Doran Davies - Bounce
Send us a text 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 physical activity through freestyle sports like parkour and skateboarding is infectious, driving the mission of Bounce to promote active lifestyles in our tech-dominated world. Discover how Doran's shift towards creating meaningful experienc...
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3 months ago
34 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Are Schools Failing at First Impressions? The Power of Mystery Shopping
Send us a text 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 customer service in creating lasting impressions on prospective families. • Importance of understanding customer service in education • Overview of 59 Club's philosophy: measure, train, support, and reward • Benefits of obj...
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3 months ago
42 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Is Your Child Struggling to Communicate? A Speech & Language Therapist Reveals All!
Send us a text 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 identifying language difficulties, embracing bilingualism, and navigating technology's impact. • Importance of parent interaction therapy • Recognizing and responding to signs of language difficulties • Encouraging child-led co...
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3 months ago
31 minutes

School Talk: UAE
How Territory Mapping Transforms Education
Send us a text 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 shares how the concept of territory mapping emerged from a camel safari in Kenya where he observed the Maasai people's remarkable presence and confidence. Territory mapping invites participants to visualise their personal landscape – the ri...
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3 months ago
38 minutes

School Talk: UAE
Send us a text 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 right path. Drawing on classroom experience and on-the-ground insight, we explore why play-based learning, thoughtful ratios, and skilled teachers shape language, social growth, and emotional well-being far more than flashy facilities. We b...