Half-Termly Journal Issue 10

Dear Parents,

It is a real pleasure to bring you this issue of the HalfTermly Journal, which truly celebrates the culture of our exceptional community.

See our Opportunities article to find out about how far our teachers will go (literally...!) to provide our students with new and exciting experiences, focusing on the recent overseas trip to Japan. Discover how we empower our students to provide new and challenging experiences for their peers in our Agency article. And read up on what we’ve changed for the better in our community events thanks to your feedback, in the Community section. Although it has been a short half term, we have shown no signs of easing up!

I hope you enjoy the upcoming Spring Break, and enjoy the rest of Ramadan with your loved ones.

With kind regards and best wishes,

Sarah Reynolds

SarahReynolds

‘WORKING WITH BOYS’ & ‘GIRLS ON BOARD’

Three years ago, Dubai British School Emirates Hills first implemented the ‘Girls on Board’ program by Andrew Hampton, in the Secondary school. The programme promotes solution-seeking inclusivity and enhances student wellbeing by empowering girls to resolve issues among themselves and look out for each other against a backdrop of sometimes dynamic friendship groups. Now we are continuing our commitment to nurturing supportive, inclusive and caring environments among our young people, and are thrilled to begin implementing the parallel program, ‘Working with Boys’.

The ‘Girls on Board‘ program has repeatedly shown its effectiveness in empowering our female teenage students, fostering selfconfidence, and strengthening relationships within each peer group.

By providing a platform for girls to navigate the complexities of friendships, emotions, and social dynamics, it has created a more cohesive and supportive atmosphere for all students.

As we embark on our journey with ‘Working with Boys’, we are aiming for similar benefits in enhancing the wellbeing of our teenage and pre-teen boys.

Wellbeing

This program aims to address the unique challenges and pressures which boys may face in their personal and academic lives, especially regarding their interactions with each other, by providing them with the tools and support they need to navigate challenges effectively.

One of the key benefits of the program lies in its focus on promoting resilience, empathy and emotional literacy among male students. By encouraging open discussions about emotions, selfexpression, the impact of ‘banter’ and mental health, the program equips boys with valuable skills for managing stress, building healthy relationships, and coping with adversity. In doing so, it fosters a culture of emotional intelligence and empathy, which are essential components of overall wellbeing.

The program emphasizes the importance of positive male role models and mentorship opportunities. Through structured activities and mentorship programs, boys are provided with guidance and support from older students and teachers. This not only helps them develop essential life skills but also strengthens their sense of belonging and connectedness within the school community.

Additionally, ‘Working with Boys’ seeks to challenge biases and promote gender equality. By encouraging boys to explore the impact which their words and actions may have on friends and the wider school community, they expand their horizons of social responsibility. Student feedback from the first trial sessions was overwhelmingly positive and if the lessons learnt are ever forgotten, the framework has established common values and vocabulary which can act a swift reminders.

Wellbeing

The implementation of both ‘Girls on Board’ and ‘Working with Boys’ programs reflects Dubai British School Emirates Hills' ongoing commitment to enhancing the holistic wellbeing of all students. By creating inclusive spaces where students feel supported, valued, and empowered, we strive to foster a school community where every individual can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. As we continue to embrace these initiatives, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will have on the lives of our students for years to come.

JAPAN 2024

‘A frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.’ This proverb, originally from Chinese literature and later adapted by the Japanese considers the hazards of holding a narrow perspective and the importance of broadening your own horizons; an apt starting point for reflecting on the school’s first overseas trip to Japan that took place earlier this month.

Mr White and Mrs McGurk took 13 students from Year 10 and 11 on this incredible 7day extravaganza. Although the students were offered the trip in relation to their Business, IT and Geography studies, the trip also provided opportunities to learn in so many more areas including Art, Science and History.

“We wanted the students to take away key learning points to support their academic studies of course, but really we wanted them to have the opportunity to experience another culture that contrasts so much to our own, familiar setting” explained Mr White.

Opportunity

The students were afforded a wealth of excursions, including a trip to the Anime Museum where students were invited to interact with the software and create their own animations, a ride on ‘Shinkansen’ (more commonly known amongst English speakers as the bullet train), and a sobering visit to the site of the 2011 Fukushima tsunami.

A highlight for both staff and students was a trip to the Cup Noodle factory where students were taught about how the company applied entrepreneurial skills and business development strategy to successfully take the Cup Noodle to a global stage. But the real fun was where they could design and make their own Cup Noodle product, and bring it back to the UAE to enjoy as a tasty souvenir!

“We couldn’t have hand-picked a better group of students, they were brilliant” shared Mrs McGurk who reflected on what mature and considerate learners the students were. Having dedicated their focus and energy all week on the serious stuff, the group were treated to a trip to Tokyo’s Disneyland on the final day and from there headed directly to the airport, not wasting a minute.

Our Year 10 and 11 students have done us proud in broadening their horizons, and were such excellent ambassadors for the school Mr White and Mrs McGurk are looking forward to offering the trip to even more students next year.

Inspiring Actors

Providing students with agency not only benefits the student as an individual, developing leadership and real-life problem solving skills, but it also sends positive ripples through the school community that seek to inspire and empower others.

Year 12 student Roya has achieved just that in the performing arts through leading a team of Year 9s to devise their own work as a submission for an inter-school showcase, with great success. Roya, an IrananianJordanian, fourth-generation Dubai resident is a talented actress herself. As a regular improviser at the Courtyard Theatre Playhouse, as well as undertaking scripted roles for film and TV, it is no wonder that she has been offered a scholarship for AMDA (Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts) in New York when she graduates next year.

Roya saw an opportunity to support younger students by providing structure and thought to how the Year 9 group could devise a dramatic work to enter the JESS ‘Devising Box’ Showcase.

The piece focused on the issue of mental health awareness and, through Roya’s leadership, students researched a mental health disorder, then identified music that they felt best represented the illness they had been studying. From here Roya facilitated students to devise monologues where students assumed fictional roles and, inspired by music and informed by their research, they wrote about their character’s experience.

Agency March 2024

The music chosen was used as the backdrop for the final piece where Roya supported by directing a piece of physical theatre interjected with the 6 different monologues. ‘Physical theatre is different to dance, because it has a clearer narrative and intention, and a lack of rhythmic movement’ she explains.

The team of actors, plus Roya and Miss Williams, took the piece to the event which took place earlier this month, with resounding success. The judges awarded the DBS Emirates Hills squad with the award for Best Upcoming Talent, with no suggested areas for improvement. Our performers came away feeling challenged and inspired, and as a result have committed to taking part in next year’s school production, the creation of which is also a heavily studentled affair.

The power that students hold to inspire one another is significant, and we look forward to continue celebrating those that share their talents to benefit the greater community.

CONTINUOUS COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS

The cooler weather means this time of year tends to be jam-packed with events that bring together our staff, students and parents, and this half term was no exception with a Spring Fair, International Day and Community Iftar squeezed into the last 5 weeks. Each event carefully drew on the success of previous years and made adaptations to raise the bar even further.

Our Spring Fair, organised by our ever-dedicated PTA, was extended from 3 to 4 hours this year to ensure that families could enjoy the offering for as long as possible. Although we don’t have an official figure for numbers of attendees the ticket sales of the ever-popular tombola suggest that even greater footfall was enjoyed this year compared to previous years. Highlights of the day include performances from the Cheerleading eam, Desert Dancers and Absolute Gymnasts, as ell as the distribution of incredible tombola izes including an Apple Watch and a 5-night oliday in Greece.

Spring Fair International Day

International Day 2024 saw increased numbers of parents getting involved to represent their home cultures. Our day started with a parade by the Primary School, much like the Olympic opening ceremony(!), with children grouped together by home countries. This year, as an additional enhancement, we were delighted to welcome the Police Marching Band to join the festivities and lead us in celebrating our host nation, the United Arab Emirates. Palestinian dancers were a highlight of the day-long cultural exhibition with murmurs from the Indian stall of bhangra dancers being introduced next year….watch this space!

Community

And finally, as we drew the term to a close we welcomed over 300 community members to the DBS Emirates Hills Iftar. Improvements this year included a ticketing system to ensure that we could better manage numbers at the planning stage, divided buffet stations to provide more streamlined access to food with shorter queuing times, and clearer expectations on the contribution expectation from those joining us, with many happy faces (and full tummies!) as a result.

Opportunities to help us shape these events come as feedback forms shared via our weekly notices on the Friday after an event, so please make sure you continue to give us your take on what worked well that we should keep, as well as how we can make things even better, so that we can ensure everyone can enjoy the sense of belonging that every member of our community deserves to feel.

END THE STEREOTYPE

This half term we have marked World Down Syndrome Day, a time for us to reflect on the beautiful diversity of our world and to challenge the stereotypes that often overshadow the unique individuals among us. This year's theme, ‘End the Stereotype’ calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of those with Down syndrome, fostering inclusivity and acceptance within our community.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. It impacts individuals differently, both physically and intellectually, but it is important to note that it does not define a person. People with Down syndrome are unique individuals with their own personalities, talents, and aspirations, just as are those without it. By focusing on a person’s abilities rather than their disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Imagine a world where differences are not seen as limitations but celebrated as strengths. This is the world we aspire to create for our children, where diversity is embraced, and every individual is valued for who they are. World Down Syndrome Day serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers that hinder the full participation of individuals with Down syndrome in society.

Education plays a vital role in challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding. As a community, we have the responsibility to teach our children about diversity and inclusion from a young age. By encouraging empathy, respect, and kindness, we can instil values that promote acceptance and celebrate differences.

As we reflect on the theme of ‘End the Stereotype’ let us commit to challenging our own preconceptions and biases. Let us strive to create a more inclusive world where individuals with Down syndrome and all disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all.

If you wish to learn more about Down syndrome, then please do refer to some of the following websites:

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/about-wdsd https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/ https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Father James Keller

The value of community is well-known and well-loved at DBS Emirates Hills, and more often than not the community that springs to mind is in our immediate locality; our students, staff and parents. However, as part of our values of both community and excellence, staff at Emirates Hills are regularly challenged to take their exceptional knowledge and understanding of our profession in their specialist areas and share them with the members of the wider educational community.

Earlier this half term Nichola Fisher hosted a training session for science coordinators from across the Taaleem group, both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to share an approach to teaching Science to primary students that helps to promote and develop their understanding of investigation skills. As our specialist STEAM teacher, Primary Science Leader, and business-owner of a STEAM home-kit company, Nichola is well-placed to lead the field in this regard. Over 30 teachers and leaders attended the training hosted at the school, and left inspired and ready to apply the approach back in their own settings.

Additionally, the school works closely with the University of Birmingham to help train the next generation of teachers by providing closely supported teacher placements in school, as well as provide subject expertise to undergraduates to enrich their course. Katrina Blackstock, from our Year 2 Team, provided lectures earlier this month on best practice pedagogy in phonics to the PGCE students to help them understand how best to develop early literacy skills in younger learners. Next term Mike Edwards, Year 6 Teacher and Leader of Ed Tech will be taking the lectern with the university to provide guidance on the effective use of educational technologies.

Excellence March 2024

Our highly engaging and successful approach to teaching Arabic, innovated by Rania Reda our Head of Arabic Subjects, has made waves across the emirate and we are working with schools both inside and outside of the group to support other schools in raising their standards through visits, observations, collaborative moderation and training sessions.

Additionally, the facilitation of the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) continues, with Senior Leaders from Emirates Hills supporting aspiring leaders from across the Middle East in gaining formal accreditations from University College London in Leading Teaching, Senior Leadership and Headship.

Although the notion of giving time and energy to support other schools in raising their standards can cause anxiety about lowering our own, there need not be this concern. In sharing best practice our teachers and leaders refine and improve the systems and practices that take place with our own students, as well as make our name known to professionals across the region as a centre of excellence, attracting high quality teachers and leaders who are keen to join us. As the opening quote suggests, therefore, a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle, and in fact, it is our students who end up benefitting from the additional light and warmth the flames bring.