Teach UAE Magazine issue 2 volume 1

JUNE, 2014, VOL.1 ISSUE 2

TEACHER ATTRITION WHY DO TEACHERS LEAVE?

AROMATHERAPY FOR EVERY TEACHER

A STRONG HERITAGE OF EXCELLENCE

REFRESH AND REVITALISE WITH INFUSED WATER

A MOMENT WITH RUSSELL HEMMINGS

CON CLASS TIME

12

13

HOW TO IGNITE STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN SCIENCE

14

LET YOUR STUDENTS SURPRISE YOU

15

FEATURED SCHOOL – TCHS … A STRONG HERITAGE OF EXCELLENCE

18

ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE BELL RINGS

14

2

June 2014

Class Time

6

CONTRIBUTORS

8

EDUCATION REFORM: ARE YOU READY?

10

PERSPECTIVES

12

NETWORKING TIPS FOR THE BUSY PROFESSIONAL

22 19

INSIDE THE STAFFROOM – DON’T SEND ANOTHER EMAIL BEFORE YOU READ THIS

20

WHY DO TEACHERS LEAVE?

21

10 THINGS EVERY TEACHER SHOULD DO OVER THE SUMMER BREAK

22

DR FRITHI HERBERT MOTIVATES STUDENTS TO EXCEL IN ICT

TENT AFTER THE BELL 26

A MOMENT WITH RUSSELL HEMMINGS

28

SALALAH, OMAN … A RELAXING GETAWAY

30

MULTICURRENCY: DOING IT RIGHT [2]

31

REFRESH AND REVITALIZE WITH INFUSED WATER

32

37

DENTAL IMPLANTS – A FINE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE

38

IN THE UAE – FACT FILE

39

THE SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE, ABU DHABI

40

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

31

32

TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS OF CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

34

HEALTHY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVELS

35

AROMATHERAPY FOR EVERY TEACHER

36

FATHERS’ DAY GIFT IDEAS

36 Class Time

June 2014

3

EDITOR’S MESSAGE...

Teach UAE Magazine® EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Carolyn Lee editor@teachuae.com ART DIRECTOR m&m media mm.media875@gmail.com 00971 50 693 5986 SALES MANAGER Grace Wilson sales@teachuae.com

CONNECT. DEVELOP. EMPOWER. Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President, USA

CONTRIBUTORS Barika Bettis, Richie Chin, Aaron Crotty, Aisha Shakti Hakim, Jan L. Jones, Carolyn Lee, Maryann Reid, Leisa Simapili, Betina Fuentes, Dr Kaizad Kermani PUBLISHED BY Moftah Publishing FZ LLC (Registered at Fujairah Creative City) ADVERTISING sales@teachuae.com

Where has the school year gone? The 2013/2014 school year is about to end and I am sure all our educators are looking forward to their well-deserved summer break. This school year has been a very eventful one here at Teach UAE Magazine. We successfully launched the website teachuae.com which saw over 5000 unique visitors in the first three months following its launch. The first edition of the Teach UAE Magazine was published in May and was very well received.

This edition of the magazine promises to be just as informative. We invite our educators to journey with us to Cape Town and Salalah, cool down from the summer heat, boost their energy levels and sniff on something aromatic while delving into the issues which affect them professionally; like the rate of teacher attrition and the qualities needed to work in an education reform.

All while celebrating the wonderful work being done by the educators at the Cambridge High School in Abu Dhabi.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful contributors who have so selflessly given of their time and talents. We also thank our team of in-house writers, editors, graphic designers and administrative team,

4

June 2014

Class Time

who work tirelessly to ensure that all our educators continue to connect, develop and be empowered. Like our educators we, at Teach UAE Magazine, will take a well-needed break over the months of July and August. However, the team at teahuae.com will be constantly updating the website with articles to keep you both informed and entertained.

We are excited about the upcoming school year, as we believe that it will be a fantastic year for educators and Teach UAE Magazine. We are gearing up for a bumper issue in September as we welcome new and returning educators to the UAE. The September issue of the magazine will be available during the last week of August.

The education sector is fast expanding in this part of the world and Teach UAE Magazine is working hard to ensure that our educators are kept up to speed on all that they need to function inside and out of the classroom.

We wish you all a great summer!

____________________

CAROLYN LEE Editorial Director

WEBSITE

www.teachuae.com www.facebook.com/TeachUAEMagazine

Copyright 2013 Moftah Publishing FZ LLC. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of Moftah Publishing FZ LLC. Where opinion is expressed, it is that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial views of the publisher or Teach UAE Magazine.

All information in Teach UAE Magazine is checked and verified to the best of the publisher’s ability, however, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistake or omission enclosed in the publication.

SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES EDUCATORS !

It is time for us to blog about all that we share in common. Teach UAE invites you to share your articles with us as we strive to connect, develop and empower our colleagues within this noble profession.

We welcome educators from KG to tertiary. All contributions will be credited to the authors.

SUBJECT AREAS: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Student Engagement Behaviour Management School Inspection 21st Century Skills Knowing Your Learner Education Trends Classroom Environment Reading/Literacy Teaching Mathematics Teaching Science CPD Opportunities Lesson Planning Assessment

For additional information on how you can share with us, please send an email to editor@teachuae.com along with your area of interest and a sample of your writing.

We value your input and look forward to meeting with you. teachuae.com

Teach UAE Magazine

@TEACHUAE_MAG

OUR CONTRIBUTORS...

Barika Bettis

Barika has enjoyed an extensive career conducting Biomedical research in the United States in the areas of Medicine, Pathology and Neuroscience. During this time, she published several abstracts in various journals which contributed to the research community. She currently teaches MS/HS Science and Biology. She enjoys a student-centered approach to education. Ms Bettis is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Maryann Reid

Richie Chin is an avid traveller who enjoys cooking and sharing his exploits with close friends. He has been an educator for over sixteen years. Mr Chin currently teaches in the UAE.

Maryann, an educator from New York, has a passion for writing stories that address the lifestyle concerns of busy, successful women.

Leisa is an educator with over seventeen (17) years experience both as a teacher and administrator. She is a trained Linguist who speaks fluent Spanish.

Leisa is currently an Academic Vice Principal at a Cycle One School in Al Ain. She is passionate about teaching and learning.

June 2014

Shakti is an educator who has also worked as a Licensed Healthcare Practitioner of various healing modalities. Originally a native of Brooklyn, New York, Shakti now lives & works in Al Ain, UAE. She is the author of “The Busy Babe’s Guide to Wellness: 8 Steps to a Healthier You Now!” which is available online on amazon.com.

Richie Chin

Leisa Simapili

6

Shakti Hakim

Class Time

Betina Fuentes Betina Fuentes is a middle school English teacher from Florida. She is an avid reader, writer, wife and mother to four children. Follow her on her teaching journey in the UAE by checking out her blog: Fishy Trees. fishytrees.blogspot.com

Aaron Crotty

Dr Jan L. Jones

Aaron is a certified Senior Financial Planner with over seven (7) years experience in the financial industry. Originally based in the UK, Aaron has enjoyed an illustrious career in which he has functioned in a number of senior advisory and managerial roles…including that of Financial Advisor with leading UK bank NatWest. Mr Crotty is based in Dubai where he utilises his expertise representing Guardian Life Management. In his current role, Aaron advises fellow professional expats on every aspect of their financial planning needs. He is perfectly placed to ensure his clients’ financial plans become a reality.

Jan L. Jones (Associate Professor) is currently the Travel and Tourism Management Advisor and Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. Born in Halifax, Canada, she earned both a Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Sociology from Acadia University. She also holds a PhD in Sport, Leisure and Exercise Science from the University of Connecticut with a particular focus on the impacts of tourism development. Her research has taken her abroad to Cuba, Ireland, Jordan, Jamaica, Cyprus, and Crete conducting studies about community-based tourism development, responsible tourism and VolunTourism.

Dr Kaizad Kermani Dr Kermani is a Dental Surgeon who has been practicing Dentistry in the Middle East since 1999. He has over twenty years of general dental experience and approximately fourteen years of specialty experience. He also has approximately four years of teaching experience. He currently practices in Al Ain.

GUEST WRITERS

Terrence Lorick

Pansy Walker

Terrence Lorick is a licensed educator from America. He teaches English, Mathematics and Science in the Abu Dhabi government school system. He describes himself as a “teacher who builds relationships first, in order to foster a safe and productive learning environment.”

Terrence enjoys spending time with his family and making new connections through his music.

Pansy Walker resides in Al Ain. She has been in the UAE since 2009. Her experience in education ranges from Instructional Leadership in secondary education to Educational Consultant in the private sector.

Her areas of interest include adult education, math education, instructional design and curriculum mapping.

Class Time

June 2014

7

Administrators′ Corner

EDUCATION REFORM: ARE YOU READY?

By Leisa Simapili

F

rom ancient times until now education reform has been taking place and will continue for the foreseeable future

Education reform is the term given to the deliberate actions taken with the explicit goal of improving education on a countrywide scale. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) like many other countries is undergoing a massive education reform. It is the hope of the leaders of this country that the improvements in education will bring large-scale returns in; health, wealth and well-being, placing the country firmly on the path to being a global leader.

Historically, reforms have taken different forms because the motivations of reformers have differed. The reformers are eager to implement changes which they believe will benefit students, parents and all the relevant stakeholders.

They are also keen on ensuring that each child who enters the education system achieves to their fullest potential. As one can imagine, this is no easy feat.

The goals of education reform around the world vary considerably. A stated goal for education reform in the UAE is to transform the country from that of oil based to a more knowledge based economy. This process includes the use of the English language in the delivery of the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science in schools from

8

June 2014

Class Time

Kindergarten to University. It also involves the employment of native English speaking teachers from around the world and the introduction of more student centred approaches to teaching and learning.

This reform has taken many forms and directions. The very nature of a reform makes it both exciting and challenging all at the same time, because things are constantly changing. Teachers are integral to its success or its failure. It takes a certain caliber of teacher to thrive in a reform. Is that teacher you?

Reflecting on the questions below will give you a fair idea of whether or not you are suited to working in an education reform setting: Are you patient?

Working in an education reform may mean that you might have to wait many years before you can see any visible changes in the system or your students.

Can you focus more on the process of teaching and learning and less on the product?

Improving the education system ultimately comes down to improving the learning experience of students in their classrooms. The students’ results may not reflect the work immediately but as long as the process of teaching and learning is excellent the results will eventually follow suit.

How well do you deal with challenges?

Each stage of the education reform journey is associated with a unique set of challenges, how you deal with each challenge will determine how successful you are. Being flexible is of paramount importance as things can change at the drop of a hat.

How innovative are you?

An education system undergoing reform may stipulate what needs to be done but it might not state how to do it and so it requires teachers to be very inventive.

Are you a leader?

Leadership is essential not only in sparking reform but in sustaining it.

Two things stand out about the leaders of improving systems. Firstly, their longevity and secondly, their ability to actively prepare the next generation of leaders, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and the long-term continuity in reform goals.

In the midst of all the heat of education reform, it is good to step back and remind ourselves of what we are ultimately trying to achieve. What is the end goal of education reform? Most would probably agree that the goal is to create dynamic classrooms and schools, which are better than the ones we have now.

While some of us would prefer to see immediate changes, we will have to wait for the process to unfold.

An important thing to keep in mind is that education reform takes determination and cannot be rushed.

Class Time

June 2014

9

Vox Pop

P E R S P E EDUCATORS

How can Teacher Evaluations be improved?

Prabha Sinha,

Kenneth Snoalgrass,

Majida Abdul-Karim,

Teachers should be evaluated on the basis of skills that they are imparting to students. Evaluations can be improved by adapting to new skills and new technology.

Once teachers understand and use technology effectively in their lessons, it should improve the outcome of their appraisals. It also adequately prepares the students for today’s world.”

The thing I find most useful is peer evaluation. This is something that we do in my department. We are able to observe each other’s lessons and offer up constructive criticism on how the lesson can be improved. We can also get ideas to use in our own lessons after observing what works for our peers.

Teacher evaluations help to enhance the teaching and learning process in the school by providing timely and concrete feedback, equipping and supporting teachers. Evaluations allow teachers to benefit from a consistent cyclical method for monitoring and assessing the progress that each teacher makes.

Cliff Paulton,

Frincy Francis,

Christina Gonzalez,

One way to improve teacher evaluations is to utilize technology during the observation process.

Technology will allow for constructive criticism as both the administrators and the teacher can observe real time evidence of the lesson. This also makes the process more transparent for all those who are involved.

Teacher evaluations can be improved by observing the classroom activities frequently and using the frequent staff appraisal policy.

It can also be improved by setting a target for evaluating the teachers.

History Teacher

English and Media Studies

English Teacher

10

June 2014

Head of ICT Department

Class Time

Deputy Principal

ADEC Teacher

Teacher evaluations could be improved by allowing teachers to have input on what is actually evaluated and by having someone evaluate them who has been in the classroom and truly understands the struggles of teaching.

Vox Pop

C T I V E S Why are teacher evaluations vital to you?

PARENTS

Dr Sujith Mathew,

Paul Chappel,

Dr Kripa Bhandarkar,

As a parent, teacher evaluations are important to me because they indicate the school’s interest in fostering good teachers. They provide teachers with opportunities to fine tune their knowledge and skills to suit their students. Finally, in effect they ensure that my child’s pedagogical requirements are in good hands.

Any profession gains credibility and earns respect when a thorough, objective evaluation is regularly performed on members of the group. It assures parents and administrators of the identification of both strong and weak performers thus allowing recognition of good performance and additional training for poor performers.

Learning is a lifelong process and evaluation will help teachers to keep abreast of changes which in turn will benefit our children. As the saying goes, ‘the illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.’

Dennis K Mutasa,

Amy Kellogg,

Hussain Al Jaberi,

Teacher evaluations are important because they help to ensure high quality performance by teachers resulting in high quality teaching and learning for my child. Evaluations keep the school in check. Teachers get opportunities to notice areas for professional development, which would in turn benefit the education of my child.

The most important thing to me is to know that my child is being engaged in creative and meaningful ways, and that the teacher is able to properly assess the level of my child, and encourage my child to a new level.

Teacher evaluations give me assurance that my child’s unique learning needs are being met.

Teacher evaluations can be compared to someone observing a teacher at work through a glass window. Although it may only be a snapshot of a teacher’s capabilities and performance, it still helps to reassure, me as a parent, that the education system exercises some form of accountability in the educational development of my child.

IT Specialist

Accountant

Instructor Pilot

Youth Director

Dentist

Government Officer

Class Time

June 2014

11

Sharing Good Practice

NETWORKING TIPS FOR THE BUSY PROFESSIONAL

By Jan L Jones

and abilities. Equally important is that you find out where your colleagues are networking online and be available in those spaces.

Be seen

M

y students hear the term ‘network’ so often that, at this point; they are likely to be tuning me out every time I mention the term. Networking is essential to success but not everyone does it well.

It is no wonder then that, while preparing to write about this topic, I discovered that many articles and publications had already been written about the value of networking and how to become a good networker. Not wanting to sound redundant I found myself searching for a unique perspective from which to write.

I told my 12-year-old daughter that I was writing this article and her response was “that’s easy…I could write that!”

She immediately started talking about the social networking tools that she and her friends use to stay in touch. I decided to focus on what I think makes me a fairly good networker. I arrived at the following: genuine networking, staying up-to-date online, attending social and cultural events, and being prepared to talk about myself.

Networking can be loosely defined as building a list of people, from your field of expertise/interest, with whom you can connect for different projects.

Others may suggest that it is a list of “important” people whom you have at your immediate disposal. While having a long list of professionals is impressive to some, I am not sure it is really essential or even effective for good networking.

12

June 2014

Class Time

Be genuine

Experience has taught me that networks are stronger when they are genuine, and where the members of the network are not merely connected in a superficial symbiotic manner.

Good networks reflect sincere investments in the commitment of the individuals to stay connected. People are more willing to help those that they care about and with whom they have formed strong relationships. Genuine networking goes both ways. You must be willing to help people in your network when needed and be as accessible to them as you expect them to be to you.

Being honest and forthcoming with the people in your network about what you can and cannot do is also important.

Know your audience

target

Market yourself online but more importantly update your information!

Sometimes we focus so much on being available in a million places online, that we forget about basic marketing principles like “know your target audience”. Instead of having your information out there in forty places, consider creating online networks in just a few places that you consistently check and update on a regular basis. If you want people to find you and be able to network with you, they need to have accurate information about your skills

Social and cultural events at conferences or meetings provide useful platforms for meaningful networking.

One of the biggest mistakes that most persons make when trying to network is attributed to their lack of participation or absence from social or cultural programs. We naturally form relationships in these types of settings that are fundamental to successful networking. Your presence and participation makes it easier for you to be seen and remembered. When you meet with your peers in a relaxed setting you can share personal interests and experiences that can result in discussing opportunities inclusive of new projects, collaboration on other research projects, events or forums.

Be heard

People tend to trust you more when you are approachable and relatable.

Be prepared to talk about yourself and your interests. Figure out what you have in common with people present and build conversations around your similarities. Tell interesting stories about what it was like to do research; talk about everyday issues that you are passionate about. After a long day of academic sessions, some people are tired of talking about research and appreciate more the opportunity to socialize. You might be surprised to find that some of the best contacts that you make are from simply being open to talk about yourself. One of the most significant contacts I made was on a bus ride back to the hotel after a full day of sessions!

In conclusion, be genuine in all encounters, update your information online, don’t skip out on social functions and be comfortable and ready to talk about yourself… always!

Sharing Good Practice

IGNITING STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN SCIENCE

By Barika Bettis

A

s science educators, we often aim to prepare “perfect science lessons”. However this noble aim often eludes us. A lot of the times our lessons are filled with science jargons and textbook worksheets. We sometimes become so engrossed in the details, when developing our lessons, that we fail to remember the students and how well the strategies employed will help them to interact with the content in a meaningful and beneficial way.

Daily classroom routines of staring in feigned wonderment at powerpoint slides with repeated murmurs of, “do we have to copy” are sure signs of boredom and disengagement. Students in classes such as these usually fall asleep when the teacher turns around to write on the board and, if left unchecked, will remain sleeping until just before the class ends.

Therefore, our challenge as educators is to turn boredom into engagement during science lessons through strategies that encourage students to focus and learn.

questions related to the topic of study is one of the first steps to igniting your students’ interest in the lesson. Teachers may begin lessons with a question pertaining to the topic of study. This brief introduction of the topic through questioning can activate students’ prior knowledge about the content and motivate them to want to learn more about the topic. For example, in a science class where the week’s lesson is about the Water Cycle, an introductory question per day in the format of either, When, What, Where, Why or How, can be asked. Questions can range from easy to challenging as the days and lessons progress. Project based activities in which students have a hands on approach in understanding the processes through which water undergoes can help create a genuine interest in the topic. Students usually understand better when they are actively engaged in the process. This also helps to build their confidence especially when they get it right.

Asking questions?

Science clubs

Children, especially in elementary school, are generally curious about the world around them. Posing conceptual

Forming a science club is a great way to ignite students’ interest as they can share ideas and explore the subject further.

Implementing a school club would require support from key stakeholders, such as parents and the school administration, in order to align it with the school’s curriculum and goals. The club can include specially designed t-shirts for its members, tutoring resources, fieldtrips and hand-on learning activities through collaborative learning among others.

Reading activities

Reading science material can be fun.

This can be facilitated by introducing science magazines such as Science world, New Scientist, Kids Discovery, Science Scope, and Discovery. The teacher can include fun activities such as having students dramatise, debate, create cartoons or write a short piece of prose or poetry on what they have read in these magazines. Another activity can be a “Battle of the Magazines” where students sit on a panel and challenge each other with the material they have read in the magazine. Teachers can enlist the help of the school’s librarian for resource material for each activity.

Project based learning

Project based learning is more motivational and promotes the active engagement of students. Students get the opportunity to practice and work on real scientific problems in the classroom as real scientists would do. Students can work in collaborative groups to explore the challenges that they are presented with. Project based learning is a good way to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in our students.

Science lessons can be exciting for students. More so, when science teachers think outside the box to come up with creative ways which positively stimulate the interests of the students in the lessons. This can be achieved by guiding them towards making their own discoveries in the science classroom.

Class Time

June 2014

13

Sharing Good Practice

LET YOUR STUDENTS SURPRISE YOU

T

eachers are generally known for two things: organisation and control. The fact is that, the more organised we are in the classroom the less things tend to go wrong. Likewise the more we control the classroom environment the more calm and less chaotic it will be.

Knowing how much we thrive on these two things makes me almost afraid to say what I am about to suggest, let your students surprise you. Give the majority of the control to the students and just be present as a guide.

I have recently been doing a fair bit of reading on differentiation and one of the things that comes across very strongly, especially in the work of Caroline Tomlinson (author of Integrating Differentiated Instruction & Understanding by Design) is that allowing students to express their creativity is one sure way of differentiating instruction. Students thrive on being able to show what they are capable of doing, but they must be given opportunities to do so in the classroom in order for that creativity to come to the fore.

As the school year draws to a close, I have been searching for ways to

14

June 2014

Class Time

keep my students engaged. The heat, assessments and the impending summer break are enough to unnerve any teacher and distract even the most ardent student. I decided to give my grade 5 students projects. I gave them the criteria but I did not tell them exactly what they needed to produce.

They were asked to design ‘something’ that showed the most effective use of used water bottles. My instruction was that the product has to save money and help the environment. The guidelines included that the product should be usable by a large section of society, it should not be very expensive to produce and when it is used it should also be recyclable.

At first many students had questions about what they should make. Many were not sure if what they decided to make would be suitable to me. I kept on telling them that as long as it fits the criteria set out it would be fine. I discovered that not having had many opportunities to express their creativity in previous lessons throughout the year had left them feeling a bit unsure of themselves. I assured them that they have freedom of choice in what they produced and this made them feel in command and confident.

Product unveiling has not yet taken place but the enthusiasm with which the students are working is encouraging.

Students have taken the project so seriously that they are not willing to reveal too many details and want to keep the majority of their work a secret until the day of unveiling. So far, I have seen designs of lampshades, children’s toys, purses and flower vases. I am eagerly looking forward to Project Reveal Day and so are the students.

I am aware that as teachers we face the somewhat difficult task of balancing students’ interest, the pressures of the curriculum requirements and the expectations of the various stakeholders. Seeing the students work so enthusiastically has convinced me that I need to find more ways of incorporating their interest in my lessons not only for major projects but also on a more regular basis.

The classroom is a place of great creativity. Sometimes when we allow our students to take control of their learning, it results in positive ways. Let your students surprise you. You will be glad you did.

- Contributed.

Featured School

The Cambridge High School…

A Strong heritage of Excellence

I

n 2015, The Cambridge High School will celebrate its silver anniversary. This impressive feat is deserving of a rich fanfare, worthy of the recognition it deserves for a school that has established itself as a reputable and outstanding institution, as well as an obvious trendsetter in the UAE’s educational system.

The Cambridge High School (TCHS) was opened in 1988 and is a part of the prestigious GEMS Education group. According to their recent Irtiqaa inspection report, it has a solid record of outstanding achievements that has aided in positioning it as a Band A school.

The very capable and efficient team gave Teach UAE Magazine a somewhat intimate look at the school in action. Despite his absence, it was immediately clear that his colleagues and the student body hold Mr Lugg in very high esteem. Mr. Lugg has been promoted within the GEMS Education group from principal to overseer of a number of schools in their portfolio.

The Vice-Principal and Principal designate, Mr Jason King was an amazing host as he articulated the school’s vision and programmes that were effectively demonstrated throughout the day.

“The most important thing in any school is the people… the human resource,” states Mr King, “the first priority of our school is the recruitment and appointment of the best qualified teaching staff, who have the experience and expertise, especially, to start helping the students to develop their English skills from the foundation stage up to year 13.”

This is not surprising since the school prides itself on having a very rigorous and detailed English Language programme. This is an advanced and enriched programme that is designed for students at the primary level who experience difficulty with English as an additional language (EAL). Specialist English support teachers give these students the guidance that they need to improve. This is facilitated through the school’s Achievement Centre, which also caters to gifted and talented students. As a result, students who enter the school with little or no English skills transition to being extremely articulate and confident English speakers by the time they leave.

TCHS works closely with ADEC and also partners with government and private schools in Abu Dhabi that require additional support. A programme that has proved beneficial to the younger students, in particular, is the A-Z Reading programme that is done in conjunction with ADEC. Interactive software is utilised by the students and teachers, which lends to a more student-centered approach towards learning. This promotes active learning among the students who are excited about using the software.

The school has a diverse selection of nationalities on staff and among the student body. The staff has thirtysix different nationalities while the student body consists of seventyseven different nationalities. Whereas this could create additional challenges, especially among the student body, this is not the case. Students at TCHS enjoy a harmonious social and academic experience.

They are nurtured by the staff who ensures that they are; well cared for, guided and encouraged to develop extremely strong personal qualities.

Some of the activities that foster cohesion among the student body

Class Time

June 2014

15

Featured School Paris and Qatar where they took part in debates and discussions, further providing them with important life skills.

while encouraging active learning include; debates, mentoring of younger students by those in the upper grades, an admirable and diverse range of extracurricular activities, an open door policy that allow students to interact more closely with their teachers and competitions that boost students’ confidence and abilities.

“We recently held our Elocution Competition for our Key Stage 1 students. These are children who are ages 5-7 from years 1, 2 and 3. This competition included children from different nationalities that we have within the school. We have approximately 13% Emirati students enrolled and some of them participated. They recited English Poetry and verses from some very famous authors,” said Mr King.

He added that as the students progress to the higher grades they are offered more complex opportunities for academic and personal growth.

The school runs a successful Model United Nations Conference. This provides the fundamentals needed for students to participate in different seminars outside of the school. This year selected students visited China,

16

June 2014

Class Time

“Today, some of our students in year 10 who are doing work on travel and tourism have gone on a field trip to the St. Regis Hotel. There they will meet with managers from the different departments who will speak to them about tourism and hospitality. Once they get back here, they will then use the newly acquired information to guide their understanding of the subject in the projects that they are doing. Another example is of a field trip by our year 5 and 6 students to Ferrari World. Although it was fun and the students enjoyed the experience, once back, they had, to use the information acquired on the trip in their Mathematics lesson on measuring angles and velocity. They are taking real life examples and bringing them back to the classroom to what they are actually learning.”

Technology plays a key role in the development of many programmes that are implemented. Students at the foundation stage are introduced to the use of technology in the classroom.

This is done with technological devices such as desktop computers, laptops and Ipads. This has proven quite effective as students of Grade 5 – 13 are fairly advanced in creating digital educational games, coding, web design and the use of Final Cut Pro, a video editing software.

The Parent Home School Agreement also utilises technology. This is an

agreement that resulted from meeting with parents at the start of the school year so as to share their expectations with the school and vice versa.

This is facilitated through constant communication with the parents via SMS and the school’s portal that parents are encouraged to access to stay abreast of their children’s progress.

TCHS has been commended for its evaluation programme. This is best described as a 360-degree evaluation programme that involves all the stakeholders (GEMS Education, school leadership, middle leaders, teachers, students and parents).

This is achieved by keeping in mind the school development plan and raising the standards. It is reviewed and shared regularly. Its success is reliant on an approach that reflects transparency and consistency.

Last year one main observation from the students’ evaluation was that more technology was required in the classroom. This led to teachers being up skilled in the use of technology, additional laptops (trolley-laptops) being sent to classes and an upgrading of the Wi-Fi system. There is now the infrastructure for BYOD (bring your own device) for the next school year.

The students also recommended that they provide the teachers with lessons on the use of technology with specific focus on blogging and the most effective ways to use the Promethean boards. This boosted the student’s confidence despite the initial ‘jitters’ and amazed the teachers who were quite receptive.

Featured School Going forward, the leadership and staff at TCHS will be placing even more emphasis on improving the programmes in place, specifically for their gifted students in order to enrich their curriculum. Special workshops are planned for the upcoming school year that will target gifted and talented students and students with special educational needs. Attention will be given to the materials used to engage particularly the Emirati parents such as workshops in English Language and health.

Display of students’ work in the teachers’ lounge.

In conclusion, TCHS can be described as a community of caring, talented individuals working creatively and smartly towards achieving the goals that they have set. The leadership has done an incredible job of selecting brilliant and experienced educators who encourage a familiar environment within the school. This has resulted in happy and confident learners. Many of its programmes are deserving of the accolades that have been placed on them because of how efficiently they are handled and the effectiveness of the results garnered. Whilst there is still some amount of work to do on their journey towards maintaining the highest standards of learning, the time, thought and detail that has gone into making it a productive learning environment for both staff and students cannot be denied.

Class Time

June 2014

17

Sharing Good Practice

ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE BELL RINGS

By Terrence Lorick - Guest Writer

M

aintaining a well-managed classroom is about more than just discipline. A teacher with experience in effective classroom management knows that the level of efficiency a classroom has is determined before you even meet your students. This carries through to every aspect of teaching. Good classroom management is as much about preventing problems as it is about cleaning them up after they occur.

More importantly, instead of looking at student behavior in isolation, teachers should consider it in the context of classroom design, lesson planning, and instructional strategies, as these are all important tools to help us achieve our main goal, student engagement.

Classroom design is a key way to initiate effective classroom management before the first bell even rings. A classroom can be a warm, exciting place. However, if not properly designed or maintained, the classroom can quickly lose its potential to assist a teacher in maintaining a well controlled learning environment. For instance, a classroom that is set up for cooperative learning promotes the idea of teamwork and responsibility. Conversely, a classroom that uses a more traditional design such as straight rows does not support the team approach and limits student interaction.

Classroom maintenance is every bit as important as classroom design. Simply put, students enjoy an environment that changes periodically. Study centers with rotating themes invites enthusiasm for your subject, which in turn promotes engagement. However, just as you may want to enrich your classroom, there may be times when you want to impoverish it as well. You may need a quiet corner with few distractions, as some students will get caught up in visual exploration. For them, the vibrant colors are sirens that pull them off task.

The quiet corner is a place where you can steer these students, allow them

18

June 2014

Class Time

to maintain focus on the task at hand and not become a disruption to the learning environment. Another idea for classroom maintenance is to display student work around the room. This helps to give the students a sense of belonging and ownership of the space.

One other important classroom management strategy, perhaps the most important, is lesson planning. Lesson plans may be viewed as a tool that allows both teachers and students to maintain the necessary levels of engagement, through a

sense of purpose and procedure.

They should be written in a manner that allows you to begin each lesson with clarity about what students already know and what they should be able to do by the end of the class period. If every second of your day is purposefully moving you toward that end, it will encourage engagement while discouraging behaviors that are disruptive and disorderly. In addition to clarity about student knowledge and the learning objectives, you should also have a clear sense of the behaviour you expect at each point in the class period. These expectations need to be communicated to the students.

By so doing, you give students the responsibility of managing their conduct, by becoming aware of how

closely the choices they make reflect on the overall outcome. This in turn allows the teacher the capacity to address behaviour management more clearly and directly.

Finally, the strategies and techniques that you choose to use to facilitate learning are as important to the management of your classroom as any of the aforementioned aspects.

Teachers should possess a repertoire of effective instructional strategies to use in the classroom. Peer tutoring, discussion, debates, questioning, and group work are examples of very different teaching methods that can achieve similar goals. The ability to initiate a lesson with a given strategy, coupled with an understanding of how to assess the strategy’s effectiveness, can be very useful in maintaining student engagement; as such, be flexible. If a technique proves to be too demanding or the interest isn’t there, adapt it or change it completely.

Be open to even starting over the lesson. The benefit of a class that is engaged, is worth any modifications you may have to make to your lesson.

These ideas are a good place for any teacher to begin building a strong foundation for a wellmaintained classroom. Remember, classroom management and behavior management are not synonymous.

Design well, plan strong, perfect your approach, and reap the benefits.

Inside The Staffroom

DON’T SEND ANOTHER EMAIL BEFORE YOU READ THIS

H

ave you ever sent an email without proofreading it and then cringed upon reviewing the sent message because it had unnecessary typographical and grammatical errors? Unfortunately, we often hurriedly compose emails or forget to respond to the ones we have received. These scenarios may lead to unfavourable outcomes.

Our email communication with colleagues, administrators and business associates may be viewed as a reflection of the level of our professionalism. Therefore, this type of communication necessitates that we check our tone, pay attention to grammar, address relevant issue(s) and reply promptly. Let us bring it back to basics with a helpful reminder on email etiquette in the education setting.

Always proofread:

This is a principle that we should apply to all of our online communications, especially in a professional setting.

Proofreading is crucial because it creates the difference between a dismissed message and receiving a favourable response.

persons on emails for which they do not need to be included. You have a better advantage when you are respectful and maintain discretion.

Keep it focused:

The UAE has many educators in numerous offices who are not native English speakers. Keep this in mind when you write your emails. Let your subject line match the message. Be clear with what you are expressing.

Your intended message could get lost if there are redundant details. Also, be mindful that most persons tend to ignore long emails due to hectic schedules.

Respond:

When someone sends you an email, they have committed time and thought to the process. You should return the courtesy by responding, even if it is only to let the sender know that his/ her email has been received. Respond in a timely manner (within 24 hours of receiving the original message is best, but up to 48 hours is acceptable).

This list is not exhaustive. We hope that you will think about all the other great tips that you should keep in mind when writing and responding to emails.

Diplomacy is your friend: It is easy for someone to misinterpret the tone of an email. Be diplomatic.

Never write or respond to an email when you are feeling emotional. An emotional response can suggest that you are either on the offensive, insincere or being too defensive.

The general rule dictates that in a professional setting you never make it personal even if it is.

Proofreading enables us to minimise errors, eliminate traces of personal bias, adjust tone and give better focus to what we really want our email to say.

Follow the chain of command: In every institution, there are protocols in place to manage the daily challenges.

One of these protocols is following the chain of command.

Do not skip anyone in an attempt to accelerate attaining your desired outcome. If we do, it indicates that we are undermining authority. It may also serve to exacerbate the situation. Keep this in mind when you are tempted to “copy” or “blind copy” important

Class Time

June 2014

19

WHY DO TEACHERS LEAVE?

By Pansy Walker - Guest Writer

T

he United Arab Emirates’ educational system is becoming increasingly attractive to many educators who are interested in working abroad. The UAE offers many benefits to both local and expatriate teachers alike. Despite all the wonderful benefits this country offers its educators, there are still some issues which affect the education system.

Among these issues is the fact that the country is going through an education reform and as a result there is a lack of well-developed structures and policies. This will improve over time but for those involved at this stage of the reform it can cause some frustration.

Another major observation by teachers currently working in some UAE schools is the poor behaviour of some students, which makes teaching sometimes virtually impossible.

The reasons stated above among others have had a significant effect on teacher retention in the country.

Teachers come in very enthusiastically, filled with hope for the reform. However, many expatriate teachers leave the UAE soon after arriving, while some local teachers look for opportunities in other industries shortly after entering the classroom.

In this issue of the magazine, I will explore causes of teacher attrition in the UAE, and in another issue I will take a look at possible solutions to this problem.

The UAE government is working hard to eliminate major challenges in its education system through its education reform programmes. Some of these challenges are; unsuitable curricula, low levels of professionalism, collapsing school buildings, ineffective teaching methods and low salaries.

20

June 2014

Class Time

In order to tackle these issues, a raft of measures were introduced, chief of which was the recruitment of qualified western expatriate teachers. For many of these teachers, accepting a teaching post in the UAE may be their first exposure to a diverse student population whose native tongue is not English. Teachers from homogenous teaching backgrounds suddenly find themselves dealing with second language learners and an unfamiliar and arguably incongruous curriculum.

Delivering instructions for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students requires a skill set unknown to many teachers from western countries.

At times due to teacher shortage, teachers are not matched with their area of expertise. This can place an enormous strain on the teacher, who not only has to learn the culture, settle into a new school but also has to learn a new curriculum and teaching methods appropriate to the new group of students they are now working with.

With all of these factors at play some teachers choose to make an early exit.

Expatriate teachers are contracted to deliver 30 periods each week leaving them limited time during the school day for planning,

feedback, follow up, or collaboration.

Under these conditions, teachers tend to burn out quicker causing them to quit before the end of their contract period. If they finish the contract many opt not to renew and instead return to their home countries.

The reform requires that educators have teacher certification and a 6.5 on IELTS, an assessment that measures the level of English. Many local teachers received content area knowledge, however the pedagogy is lacking. It is becoming increasingly difficulty for teachers to continue to deliver instruction in the traditional ways. Instead of adjusting to change, some are leaving the profession. Local teachers are discouraged with the poor behaviour, low teacher evaluations, and see the reform as intrusive and conflicting with the current culture.

They find it difficult to “buy into� the vision and mission of the reform although the reform agenda was adopted in 2006 and is transforming the knowledge, skill base, and culture of the school age population.

All these challenges have in some way, significantly contributed to a high rate of teacher attrition in the UAE. The challenge at hand is to find ways and means, which will effectively bring about the intended outcome and ensure that the educational reform continues on a successful path for the mutual benefit of teachers and students. In the follow-up article on this topic, I will explore possible solutions to the afore mentioned issues.

Sharing Good Practice

10 THINGS EVERY TEACHER SHOULD DO OVER SUMMER BREAK

By Betina Fuentes

S

ummer break is here and you’re thinking, “It’s time to relax.” But if you’re anything like most of the teachers I know, once you’ve slept in for a few days and binge-watched that one show (or three) on Netflix, you tend to look around and say, “Now what?” When that time comes, here’s a list of ten things that every teacher should do during summer break to refresh and rejuvenate mentally and physically.

1. Sleep. Refilling your “sleep account”

is extremely important. When we are sleep deprived, even fun activities can wear us down. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If your schedule doesn’t permit that, try for a short nap in the afternoon.

2. Read. During the school year, we

read a great deal but not necessarily what we would choose. Now is the time to indulge in whatever genre you love – even guilty pleasures are allowed. Make a list and download or order those books, so they are instantly available whenever you have some downtime.

3. Pamper yourself (men included!).

If you only have time during the year for a quick manicure, treat yourself to a more luxurious spa treatment. Get a massage, a facial, and a new hairstyle.

Use the summer break to experiment with new looks and products to help you feel amazing and get in a routine for the new school year.

4. Join a professional organisation.

Scan the Internet to find a professional teaching organization tailored toward grade level, subjects taught, and even areas of the world. There is usually a nominal fee for membership and the benefits are well worth the money, including member discounts, advance notice of events and discounted or free professional development opportunities.

5. Professional Development. I

know - CPD is the last thing you want to do on vacation. Yet it’s the perfect way to get back into the groove of teaching after a long, lazy summer. Research options available online or locally wherever you happen to be during summer break. Most universities with a College of Education offer seminars and conferences during the summer with a variety of topics from classroom management to bulletin board design.

6. Socialise.

Don’t forget about your peers during the summer. Stay in touch in person if possible, and via social media if you are apart.

Brainstorming ideas as they come up or sharing information from your professional development activities works best if it’s fresh in your mind.

7. Explore. Check your mental list for places you’ve always wanted to go but never had the time. These don’t have to break the bank – they can be restaurants, shops, local attractions or natural wonders. After you’ve made the effort to go someplace you’ve never been, that part of the world never seems the same.

8. Plan. It’s never too early to plan for the new school year, but it can quickly get too late. Check great sites like Teach UAE Magazine, Pinterest and Edutopia for new and engaging ideas for your classroom.

Think of themes, units and alternate assessments for your lesson plans.

9. Learn something new. Take

a cooking class, an art seminar, language lessons or a tutorial on flower arrangements. Perfect one new skill this summer and bring it back to your class in the fall.

10. Reflect. Use the quiet times in your

break to review and reflect on your past school year. List 10 strengths and 5 challenges you had this past year, and brainstorm how to avoid or fix these challenges for the new school year. Starting a journal or blog is also an effective way to keep track of your lessons and reflections for the future.

The summer holidays may seem long but the days go really quickly. Even in our ‘down time’ creating a good balance is important. Here’s to hoping you enjoy your summer break to the fullest!

Class Time

June 2014

21

Featured Teacher

Dr. Frithi Herbert, Digital Coordinator at The Cambridge High School.

DR FRITHI HERBERT MOTIVATES STUDENTS TO EXCEL IN ICT

T

here is something intriguing about a person who defies stereotype. Perhaps a decade or more ago, the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was considered to be a male dominated industry. Today, many women have jumped, feet first into this industry and have been making their own mark as innovators. Dr Frithi Herbert is one such woman. Dr Herbert has even taken her skills a step further in marrying her initial career choice as a Business graduate with that of her true love teaching. Her main area of concentration is ICT. Originally from India, Dr Herbert began her career as an educator at the prestigious Cambridge High School in Abu Dhabi approximately ten years ago. She started as a computer technician but quickly progressed to the role of an IT teacher. She is currently the Digital Coordinator for the school and teaches mainly boys from grades 7 to 13.

22

June 2014

Class Time

Featured Teacher Her keen intellect, business savvy and audacious personality have ultimately led to her being recognised for her innovation in the classroom. As a result of her diligent work with her team of teachers and students, The Cambridge High School was recently nominated for the GESS award for Best Use of ICT/E-Learning in the Classroom.

Dr Herbert stands at a petite height and offers a quick smile to all whom she interacts with. She is bold, inspiring and is first in line to undertake a challenge.

She epitomises the Shakespearean quote from the play, A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, “though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Why did you become a teacher?

I love teaching because each day you get the opportunity to learn new things.

I also love children. I don’t find teaching to be very challenging. Adequate lesson planning and preparation coupled with the implementation of tasks designed to challenge students, will get them to focus more on the work and eliminate distractions.

Who inspires you most?

My dad inspires me the most. He is a Financial Chartered Accountant.

He is a very hard worker and was the inspiration that I used while I was studying for my doctorate. He has always encouraged me to do the work that I do from my heart. This has guided a lot of my decisions and has led to me

finding happiness and satisfaction in my job. I am very happy here and have achieved excellent results from my students and for the school.

What are some of the steps that you are taking to advance your career?

I love studying new and innovative things. Now I am planning on introducing my students to Python programming. This is a bit challenging for their standard but I am going to train them. This means that I also have to know and understand the programme very well. I am constantly training and learning more about my field. I am also certified in Certified Training Professional (CTP) and I am International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) qualified.

We recently read about your ICT project which was nominated for the GESS Education Awards, tell us a bit about that project.

I started that project with my year 8 boys. I had asked them to design a website. I placed the boys in groups.

One group had a boy from Kenya, one from Romania and the other from India…they called the project KEROIN which is an amalgamation of the three countries’ names. They morphed images of themselves as the president and other important figures of this virtual country that they created.

Their website highlighted different aspects of KEROIN culture, traditions and values. Another group of boys did a well designed website on Brazil for the world cup that allowed for the purchasing of tickets. The research,

Class Time

June 2014

23

Featured Teacher

(L-R) Mohammed Mehraj and Rajind Karunaratne, Year 13 students involved in special ICT projects at The Cambridge High School.

coding and interlinks that they did, took a while but the overall result was good.

What really stood out for me was their creativity. In that same class, there was another boy called Mihai Leolea who created a game called Eat The Smiles. The software that he used was Scratch Game Maker. The game is designed with three progressive levels of play; easy, medium and complex.

He configured it so that as the player advances to the next level it becomes more challenging and the scores change.

Another student, Mohammed Mehraj created a website for our Model United Nations. He did it in Adobe Dream Weaver. There is Rajind Karunaratne who did all our video editing in FCP (Final Cut Pro for Mac Systems) and links. He also does Graphic Design work for our school magazine.

Our Grade 5 students have also created PowerPoint online quizzes with sound and videos. They did this under the guidance of Miss Frincy Francis, the Head of our ICT department. We mainly offered guidance in the initial stages and during the project so they stayed on track but they did the work themselves.

What were some of the surprises that the project revealed?

All of these students surpassed my expectations. They were very creative and committed to the work.

24

June 2014

Class Time

How can other teachers implement such a project?

An important point is that each teacher should be able to use IT devices successfully in their lessons across the subject areas. Once they are familiar with the programmes and software available to them, they can then find creative ways to employ the use of videos, photography and text in various projects. At Cambridge High, we give all our teachers training as soon as they come to us.

Share with us three tips or strategies for helping teachers to integrate ICT in their daily lessons.

Training is paramount. The first thing is to get initial training to familiarise themselves with the technology and its proper use. After this, workshops are required to ensure that they are using the devices properly and effectively.

The main thing is to initiate them in using the technology for videoconferences so that they can interact with teachers in other schools. Once new technology is available, teachers should be trained on how to use it.

What is the best advice that you have received?

The best advice I got is from my dad.

“Don’t expect the reward; be a hard worker.” He always inspires me.

Do you have any new projects?

Yes. Our Principal, Mr Peter Lugg will be leaving us at the end of this school year. I am working on a short

documentary of his time here over the years as a memento for him using FCP. After a short, but insightful interview with Dr Herbert, there is much anticipation that her next project in the school will be another successful project for The Cambridge High School.

Travel

Bella

Educators love to travel. Check out our Travel Snapshots and Travel Featured stories for an intimate look at some of the places other educators have travelled and find useful tips on how to make travelling a lot easier and fun.

From easy make-up tips to quick ways to relax after a hectic day, Bella has the answers to your beauty tricks and fixes.

After The Bell Health

Here’s to your health! Teaching is a demanding job. These helpful tips should assist you in achieving a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Finance

Wealth management, savings and loans, retirement planning and so many more useful tips are provided for you.

A MOMENT WITH RUSSELL HEMMINGS

Clinical and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist

By Carolyn Lee

26

June 2014

After The Bell

A Moment With

T

here are many among us who suffer in silence from a variety of issues such as anxiety and panic attacks. There are others who are unable to live life to the fullest because they are being inhibited by fears and phobias.

Educators are not exempt as there are those of us who struggle with these psychosomatic and psychological conditions. If we are to be honest with ourselves, seeking professional help might be just what’s needed to help us get better.

Russell Hemmings is a world-renowned Clinical and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist. He has garnered global success and recognition for his work, in particular with his unique weight loss therapy, the Advanced Hypnotic Gastric Band. He has been featured on the BBC, MBC Dubai, Studio One, RTL Germany and in Japan as well as in the national and local press.

The fifty-three year old native of the UK has been offering help to clients in the UK, Dubai and Singapore for more than ten years. His clinics are known to provide a safe, professional and confidential environment for clients.

His agenda is simple. He is here to help you. No hidden tricks. No mysteries.

Just the assurance that you will get an explanation of what the process entails, how it works and how it will benefit you.

Let’s take a moment to get to know Mr Hemmings a little better.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

My favourite teacher was my English teacher, Miss Moore. As a child, I was always looking for ways to explore the world creatively. She taught me how to harness that effectively. I love reading and that’s down to her. It allows you to open doors into other worlds; past, present and future. There’s nothing like the feeling of getting lost in a good book to fire up the imagination. To me, the ability to read is one of the most important gifts you can give a child.

Give three tips for educators who are experiencing difficulty in balancing work and home life?

I totally understand how difficult it is being a teacher, because many of my clients work in that profession. The workload can be intense and also that sense of responsibility for young people’s futures can weigh heavy on

the mind. So my three tips for putting balance back in your life are:

• It’s important to plan your free

time into your schedule. Be really strict about this, because work can consume your time. Tell yourself ‘I’m going to work for three hours here and then take two hours to spend on myself and my family.’ It’s important to see ‘me time’ as productive time.

Anything that helps to recharge your batteries will mean you are more effective in the classroom.

• Value the restorative properties

of good quality sleep. Stress is the enemy to sleep. If you find yourself unable to drift off because a thousand things are playing on your mind, then it’s a good indicator you are suffering from stress. Deal with it head on. Take a step back and look at how you can make positive changes to alleviate stress. Often people say to me ‘I can’t do anything.

I’m trapped in this lifestyle.’ This simply isn’t true. Everyone can make small changes and they all add up.

• Value your health and fitness levels.

It’s so easy to let this slide when you’re busy. If you’re not fit and healthy, energy levels plummet.

When you’re in a demanding profession like teaching, this can make the job much harder. Good physical health has a very positive impact on your mental well-being. It is vital that both of these are strong.

Do you have a philosophy that you use to guide some of the key decisions that you make? If yes, what is it?

My philosophy is you can never stop learning. You can take something new from any situation. I learn a lot about what makes people tick from my clients. I love the idea that you can learn until your very last breath and that every new piece of understanding builds layers and adds depth. I would hate to think that I could never feel a sense of awe and wonder again, so when I’m making key decisions that principle always guides me. I ask myself…what’s this going to add?

What gadget can’t you live without?

Not sure if this is actually a gadget… my treadmill! I find it a very easy way to keep fit and also I love it because I do some of my best thinking when I’m pounding out the Km’s on it!

What do you do for fun? Why? Well, I don’t get too much free time. I am also writing a book right now, that accounts for a fair amount of my ‘free’ time. However, I like to practice what I preach, so for me relaxation time is always fun. I enjoy spending time at a great health spa, eating good food and sharing excellent company!

What is one of your proudest achievements to date?

I’m lucky enough in my profession to watch personal transformation on a daily basis. Helping people overcome their issues and move forward is immensely rewarding. However, I am particularly proud of the work I do with children. One young man, Joe Thompson, definitely sticks in my mind.

He was trapped in UAE, because of his fear of flying and his parents were desperate to get him back to the UK, so that he could return to school.

They had exhausted every avenue of help and given up hope. Their plight actually became a world news story.

When I read their story, I knew I had to offer help. After a number of successful sessions with me, I personally escorted Joe and his dad back to the UK and he is now happy to be back at school. I love a challenge and when people say something can’t be done… I like to prove them wrong!

For more on Russell Hemmings and his ground breaking work visit his website: www.russellhemmings.co.uk

What was your last luxury purchase?

I have to admit to a penchant for nice watches… so my last luxury purchase was another very fine timepiece to add to my collection!

After The Bell

June 2014

27

Travel Featured

SALALAH, OMAN‌ A RELAXING GETAWAY

By Richie Chin

S

pring break feels almost like a distant memory now that the summer holidays are just around the corner. This holiday, like most of my time off from work, was filled with travel. I only had a weekend trip to Bahrain over the winter break; so I think I went a bit overboard for spring break. The original plan had been to have a four-night city break in Bucharest, Romania. Somehow that changed after watching a travel series that was featuring Salalah, because some friends and I ended up booking a two nights stay there a few days later.

Salalah was the first leg of the holiday.

Arab colleagues had told me that there was no point going to that part of Oman over the spring break. They suggested that the main highlight of Salalah is the transformation of the normally desolate landscape into a lush terrain, and that this is best enjoyed in July and August.

However, the main aim of the visit was to relax. Our accommodation was to be at a seaside resort.

28

June 2014

The flight to Salalah was only an hour and twenty minutes long and originated from the Al Bateen Executive Airport.

This was a very hassle-free experience as the airport, being located in Abu Dhabi City, is extremely easy to access. Additionally, being a smaller airport that handles mainly domestic and short-haul flights, check-in and security clearance was a breeze. The airport in Oman is similarly small and easy to navigate.

A rental car had been pre-booked, which was especially handy for us as our hotel was located an hour outside of Salalah. After a few directions from the guy at the rental office we made our way to the hotel.

We spent most of our first morning relaxing by the pool, and the occasional walk along the beach. It was so soothing to listen to the waves crashing on the shore, something I miss living along the gentle Abu Dhabi coast. In the afternoon, we ventured into the nearby

After The Bell

Travel Featured production and trade to the country.

We ended our day with lunch at a local restaurant.

I really enjoyed this trip. I think the fact that it was unhurried with no real touristy agenda set made it that more relaxing. I would definitely return to Salalah as I would like to see the change that occurs in the summer.

I recommend Salalah, Oman for those busy educators who are simply looking to relax with a quick getaway.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind: • If you fly Rotana Jet from the Al Bateen Executive Airport, parking for up to seven days will cost only AED100.

• Before arriving in Oman be sure to have your accommodation details at hand to fill in on the immigration form.

• I would advise that you rent a vehicle if you are looking to explore the area on your own. I would also recommend renting a car if, like us your flight arrives late at night. Don’t worry, if you drive in the UAE, you will be more than able to cope with the driving in Oman. It’s slightly less hectic than what we’re used to.

Photos courtesy of Richie Chin.

town of Mirbat for lunch. Being a Friday, what we found was a very sleepy town with only the sole supermarket open.

It felt like a ghost town driving through those empty streets. The highlights of the brief ‘lunch’ trip were taking pictures of the old castle and stumbling upon a cemetery. The mostly roughly hewn headstones in the cemetery were tightly packed across the burial site. Some had beautifully intricate Arabic calligraphy, while others were left plain. Together those markers with their jagged grey edges pointing to the sky created a feeling of somber stoicism, which set the tone for the handful of mourners who were present.

The following day, just after breakfast, we set off in the direction of Salalah.

leisurely towards Salalah stopping along the way to see a few of the sights that were highlighted on the map we had picked up at the hotel’s reception desk. We stopped by some caves, a sinkhole and tried unsuccessfully to find the exact location of the antigravity road (where cars supposedly roll uphill when placed in neutral). The last one was perhaps what I was most interested in seeing as everywhere else involved heights, something I’m not that keen on experiencing. I didn’t really mind if we’d found any of the usual tourist spots, as driving through the Omani countryside is always such a treat for me. I love being surrounded by the hills and mountains because they remind me of home.

We were not long into our drive before we stumbled upon a caravan of camels. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the way they ambled slowly across the road making their way to the shore to get water. It reminded me of some pedestrians in AD City. We continued

We arrived in Salalah in the late afternoon and drove around the town.

By this time, the traffic was starting to build. The main stop in the town was at the local museum. Here we learned about Oman’s maritime heritage and the importance of frankincense After The Bell

June 2014

29

Finance

MULTICURRENCY INTERNATIONAL SAVINGS PLANS (Part 2)

By Aaron Crotty

I

n last month’s article, I focused on the need for individuals to save regularly in order to achieve their personal goals. If you are fortunate enough to have already accumulated savings over a period of time, the next step is to ask, ‘what can be done to ensure those life savings are working equally as hard as you are?’ An offshore savings bond seems to be the most popular option.

A bond can offer immense flexibility and freedom of choice through access to a wide range of investment asset types.

This wide investment choice is known as ‘open architecture’. It enables you to diversify your bond into different sectors such as mutual funds, cash holdings, stocks and shares, fixed interest securities, structured notes plus many more great options. Similar to first-time investors, returns and benefits would depend on an individual’s ‘attitude to risk’ and time invested.

Such a vehicle can have great benefits, especially when it comes to taxation planning. The Channel Islands (the jurisdiction of most chosen bonds) is not

30

June 2014

currently liable to income tax on growth, capital gains tax or corporation tax on assets linked to the policy, so your investment can grow virtually tax free.

In addition to being able to invest in cash, if you hold any stocks and shares you are quite within your right to transfer these shares into your portfolio. This means any dividends received on said shares would not be subject to capital gains tax. This tax-neutral environment means switching between funds and assets will also be tax-free.

Withdrawals can be made from a bond at any given time either on a regular basis or as a one-off option, subject to the terms of the provider. You can use your bond to provide a regular income to fund your retirement or children’s education.

Another reason there is a high demand for an offshore bond is for estate planning purposes. Upon death, depending on your country of residence, there is a possibility of an inheritance tax bill awaiting the beneficiary of your estate. By using a trust (offered by most providers) you potentially reduce the inheritance tax owed upon death.

After The Bell

What is a trust?

A trust is an arrangement that allows a third party (trustee) to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary or beneficiaries.

Trusts can be arranged in many ways and can specify exactly how and when the assets pass to the beneficiaries.

Since trusts usually avoid probate, your beneficiaries may gain access to these assets more quickly than they might to assets that are transferred using a will. Additionally, if it is an irrevocable trust, it may not be considered part of the taxable estate, so fewer taxes may be due upon your death. Assets in a trust may also be able to pass outside of probate, saving time, court fees and potentially reducing estate taxes as well.

It is important when speaking with an advisor that your aim and objectives for a savings vehicle are incorporated into the plan. The planning should also take into consideration where the individual plans to reside upon leaving the UAE.

For additional information, contact Aaron Crotty at: a.crotty@gwm-intl.com

Taste It - Share It

REFRESH AND REVITALIZE WITH INFUSED WATER

By Richie Chin

I

t’s the final trimester of the year and with this comes the unrelenting summer heat. A great solution for coping with this is to ensure that we remain amply hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration, besides making us thirsty, can result in feelings of tiredness, headaches, dizziness, constipation and dry skin. Normally, it is suggested that we have eight glasses of water every day.

The desert heat, however, necessitates going beyond what is suggested.

When living in places with extremely high temperatures or even colder climates, adding a few extra glasses to the recommended number would not go amiss.

This may be a challenge for some persons, especially those who find the taste of water too bland or boring, and can lead to them consuming artificiallyflavoured, sugary drinks to quench their thirst. These types of drinks do hit the spot but the additives they contain do not necessarily support a healthy diet. Furthermore, if the drinks have

high levels of caffeine this will further dehydrate the body, thus defeating the purpose.

One way to make water more appealing is to naturally flavour it with fruits and herbs. Infused water, as this method of flavouring water is called, has become somewhat of a trend these days, one which is actually good to adopt. Infusion makes the water taste more flavourful while increasing our intake of the vitamins that have transferred into it from the fruits or herbs used.

Here is a basic recipe for creating infused water: 1.5 litres water ½ lemon (sliced) 4-5 mint leaves Place the lemon and mint leaves in a jug. Add the water to the jug and place the mixture into a refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Other common ingredients to use are: fresh basil, berries, cucumbers, limes, oranges and ginger. Have a go at creating your own blend of infused water by adding or swapping out any of these ingredients with those in the above recipe.

Including infused water in our daily routine gives us a healthy alternative to plain water. Go ahead and try it, so you can feel and be at your best despite the summer heat. Drink up!

After The Bell

June 2014

31

Travel Snapshots

SNAPSHOTS OF CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

C

ape Town in South Africa should definitely be on your Top Five Places To Visit list. It boasts rich history, exotic landscape, a booming metropolis, pristine beaches, stunning winelands and exciting nightlife. Cape Town has several mountains including Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak. Table Mountain is arguably the most recognizable landmark in Cape Town. It can be seen from virtually everywhere in the city. It is easily accessible by cable car and is home to some of South Africa’s exotic flora and fauna as well as wildlife.

ape

in C arket

Lion’s Head

n Tow

yM

a Sund

n u ca e yo chor. r e H n an to a

A view of Ta

m g fro thin y r e ev find

n a pi

This is a mountai n in Cape Town be tween Table Mountain an d Signal Hill.

Robben Island Plaque

CASTLE OF GOOD HO

PE

ble Mounta

in A plaque bearing information on Robben Island in Cape Town where Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters were imprisoned.

MENT

LIA F PAR O S E HOUS

Built between 16 of Good Hope is66 and 1679, the Castle building in Southregarded as the oldest public for viewing Africa. Open to the military and art , is a rich collection of history as the bu collections steeped in ilding itself.

It is the m os Cape Tow t recognizable land n. It can b e seen fro mark in everywhe m vir re accessible in the city. It is tually by cable easily some of S car and ou b fauna as w th Africa’s exotic fl oasts ora and ell as wild life.

32

June 2014

After The Bell

al of ve capit legislati the grand e th is 885, own Cape T ica. Built in 1 ated in fr are situ most A t n th e u m So r ia e rl p a p P u e of Houses ape Town in th y Gardens. n C central the lush Compa f corner o

Travel Snapshots

Sunset at S ea Point in

Table Mounta

s cars that take of the cable ntain. ou M e This is one bl Ta the top of tourists up to

Hout

Bay

This is the actual prison cell in which Nelson Mandela was impriso ned on Robben Island.

Cape Town. st hotels in the foot of de ol e th One of tion at superb loca stroll It enjoys a just a short is d an n ai nt ou M Table wn. own Cape To from Downt

V&

wn

pe To e of Ca

in

Coastl

otel

Mount Nelson H

Madiba's Prison CElL

- Se al Fe eding

A m a Cape n feedi n with Town. H g a se al a out B a lov t pictu resq ely swim ay is a c Hout B ue h arbo ming b oastal to ay, ur. each wn and a

A stunning view of the sunset from Point in Cap Sea e Town.

e oastlin the c Table f o f o iew e top lar v ectacu wn from th p s A pe To of Ca in. ta Moun

A W ate

rfro

nt

Trad it danc ional So ers w uth ferry A e at th lcoming frican s e V& i p A Wa asseng ngers a er nd terfro nt do s from th e ck.

After The Bell

June 2014

33

Health

HEALTHY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVEL

By Aisha Shakti Hakim

“M

iss! Look this!” shouted at you by dozens of eager students several times a day, multiplied by reteaching the same concept at least twice during the same period, plus managing nearly nonstop chattiness equals an exhausted teacher. The love of teaching usually outweighs these occupational “hazards”, but by the time they get home most educators fall out into a coma like nap.

It doesn’t help that many educators develop the bad habit of snacking or lunching on unhealthy foods such as chips, soda or sweets when hungry. Reaching for fast food instead of nutritious options adds to your low energy levels and waistline!

Here are 5 effective, fast and safe ways to boost your energy levels: Make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Depending on what time you have to get up, this might mean going to bed no later than 10pm.

Develop “pre-sleep” rituals that ensure an uninterrupted and refreshing sleep: have your last meal at least an hour before sleep. No fewer than 30 minutes

34

June 2014

before bed, disconnect from distractors like the TV or social media and make sure your bedroom is comfortably cool, dark and silent.

Don’t skip breakfast! A fast and healthy breakfast option that will give you that much needed morning boost is a fruit smoothie prepared with a combination of frozen berries, bananas, greens (spinach has a mild taste that you won’t notice) and a handful of ground flaxseeds for fiber and blood sugar regulation. Blend with your choice of filtered water or non-dairy milk (almond, rice, etc.) and a bit of natural sweetener, honey or pure maple syrup, if you’d like.

Prepare healthy homemade lunches and snacks to take to school with you. The best lunch combination to boost your energy contains: green veggies, lean protein and whole grain.

So for instance, a turkey sandwich on 100% whole grain bread topped with spinach and a smear of whole grain mustard is a good choice. Or, have a bowl of whole grain brown rice or quinoa with stir-fried broccoli and a sliced

After The Bell

boiled egg. Season with curry, cayenne or other spices. Some excellent energy boosting snack choices are: bananas, nuts (especially almonds which are high in calcium), Greek yogurt or raw carrots with a natural dip like hummus.

Hang out with positive and entertaining people. People who will make you laugh and are optimistic. Their vibe will help elevate your mood and energy.

Move your body! It might seem contradictory to do if you’re tired, but even as little as 10 minutes of exercise a day can boost your energy level. Walk briskly around the mall, get on your elliptical machine or make good on your gym membership.

Choose any combination or all 5 of these options to improve your energy levels and increase your quality of life.

Being an educator is a demanding job so you deserve to treat yourself well by maintaining your health and vibrancy.

Bella

AROMATHERAPY FOR EVERY TEACHER

By Maryann Reid

K

eeping up with the pace of a hectic school day can be draining. Self-care is of the upmost importance, especially when trying to avoid fatigue and forgetfulness which can be brought on by a heavy schedule or constant demands on your time. Part of selfcare should include bringing your vitamins, aspirin, and a thermos filled with delicious, healthy soup to school.

Still, this may not always be possible.

What then? Would you believe that a few small bottles of oils can assist you in dealing with some of those daily stresses?

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing practice that delivers fantastic mood enhancing results. It works to safely and effectively alter a person’s mood by using specific smells to stimulate different parts of the brain. For many, it has become a suitable alternative option for dealing with stress. With a few whiffs, your mood transforms from one of dread to delight, or resignation to relaxation. You may also rub a small amount of essential oil on your wrists or neck, as well as, blend it with other lighter oils like olive and jojoba to prolong use.

Below are some common moods you may feel during the day and the aromatherapy cure to use: YOU FEEL: If another person asks me a question, I will lose it.

YOU NEED: Calm USE: Ylang Ylang, Palmarosa It’s easy to give up when you are overwhelmed. Use these essential oils to calm your mind, quell feelings of anxiety and feel grounded again.

Those you work with will thank you later.

YOU FEEL: I’m just going through the motions. What day is it again?

YOU NEED: Rejuvenation USE: Peppermint A quick way to feel refreshed is to have a cold shower. Since having a shower at work is probably not an option, use

essence of peppermint for a quick pickme-up that doesn’t require a loofah and towel.

areas of your life. Lemon essence also helps with performance and concentration.

YOU FEEL: What am I teaching today?

YOU NEED: Focus USE: Cinnamon, Thyme We have all had moments where we lose focus and find our brains trying to catch up with the set goals. Either of these aromas can be the antidote for that “brain freeze”.

YOU FEEL: Someone is out to get me.

YOU NEED: Peace.

USE: Juniper, Yarrow Miss that blissful, all-is-well feeling?

This does the job! It relaxes you enough to reduce the anxiety by a few notches.

YOU FEEL: I just need a 30-minute nap and I’ll feel like new again!

YOU NEED: Alertness USE: Basil, Rosemary These are common herbs for cooking that can do wonders for the mind when you need it most. Mix a few drops with jojoba oil and dab on your skin a few times a day to be ready for anything.

YOU FEEL: I am very bored with this class.

YOU NEED: Creativity USE: Frankincense, Lemon You may want to keep a pen and notepad handy before you apply these essential oils. Used independently or combined, you will feel the new ideas brewing soon after. By the way, don’t just expect ideas for work. You may come across some that address other

Experiment with one or two of your favourite scents and see how your body responds. Some people are inclined to scents that are clean, and light like jasmine, or lavender. Others thrive off the sharp scents of basil, and lemon. Your body will usually lean towards one type of scent over another and your desired mood should follow.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful addition to any self-care practice, but don’t rely on it alone to cure any prolonged sadness or stress. If you experience long bouts of either, you may need to look more carefully at how you are managing your life.

After The Bell

June 2014

35

Fathers´ Day

SPECIAL FATHERS DESERVE SPECIAL GIFTS 5 GIFT IDEAS FOR FATHERS’ DAY

W

hat do you give the man who has taught you so many things? How do you make him feel extra special on Fathers’ Day? June 15, 2014 or June 21, 2014 (depending on where you are in the world), marks a very important occasion to celebrate fathers all over the world. These questions are not easily answered, as there is no one gift idea, which works for all fathers.

We would like to suggest a few heartfelt easy to do gift ideas which we hope will work for the man who has given you so much.

Breakfast in bed

If your father is someone who normally jumps out of bed bright and early every morning, then a nice breakfast in bed with all his favourite breakfast foods could be just what he needs. It might sound like a simple and obvious idea but never underestimate what a nice break from the norm can do.

36

June 2014

Men’s time

No matter how committed your dad is to his family, time away to relax with his peers will never go amiss. Treat your father to vouchers to his favourite restaurant, sporting event or simply arrange a meet up with his friends on his behalf and ensure he gets there.

He’ll appreciate it. He will also come home feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Handmade cards

They may not always show it but deep down fathers are real softies and nothing makes him well up inside more than his children expressing how they feel about him. Make your father a card; decorate it with drawings of some of his favourite things. Fill it with loving words and compliments. You will have him tearing up inside. Who knows, he might shed a real tear or two.

Home video

Have you been wondering what to do with all those short clips and photos of

After The Bell

the family that you have captured over the years? This Fathers’ Day make a home movie and set up a special viewing for your father. You can have great fun doing this. Set up a red carpet, get dad to dress up, make a nice dinner and go all out for the screening. He will feel like a super star, as he will not only enjoy the movie but the entire evening.

Upgrade his favourite gadget If your father loves gadgets chances are he already has a garage full of them.

Help him enjoy his gadgets more by buying him accessories for his favourite gadgets. For example, if he loves music and has an ipad or Ipod he might enjoy a nice pair of wireless speakers.

These are just a few ideas to help you find that special gift this Fathers’ Day. The key thing is to remember that you know your father and what will bring him joy. The best gifts come from the heart so make sure that your father feels loved and special on this important day.

Dentistry

DENTAL IMPLANTS: A FINE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE

By Dr Kaizad Kermani well as others trained in implantology.

X-rays such as Orthopantomographs and a thorough clinical examination are required to assess the implant diameter and length. Proper function and esthetics dictate that implants need to be inserted with the end in view. This means working backwards with the teeth first in place.

D

ental Implants have changed the face of dentistry over the last 25 years. Once, millions of people who lost teeth due to various reasons were forced to wear dentures, while others who had perfectly healthy and natural teeth prepared for crowns and bridges. Today, these individuals have an extremely advantageous choice‌ this is the option to choose dental implants!

To implant, as defined in a dictionary, is to insert something or to fit or set something small into something larger, which then encases it. A present day dental implant is just that: a component made in titanium of different grades (only the best) that is inserted into teeth supporting part of the jaw bone and sometimes other areas of the jaws.

Implants are the best choice when a single tooth or multiple teeth are missing.

Preparing natural teeth for crown and bridgework risks jeopardizing a tooth in the long term and if an option is to wear a removable denture, there can be some amount of inconvenience for various reasons. The inconveniences with wearing dentures include discomfort and/or irritation of the gums and mouth, mouth infections and problems with

speaking and eating among other issues. Of note, is that even with these issues, there are possible solutions.

An implant is meant to support teeth.

This is done through a biologic process called osseointegration (normally needs between 10 to 14 weeks), which forms an intimate bond to bone strong enough to support a removable or fixed prosthesis in the form of artificial teeth when loaded as in eating.

Implants are convenient, durable; improve eating, speech and oral hygiene when compared to other choices. They enjoy very high success rates. They feel like you have your own teeth back. Implants are not biologically completely similar to natural teeth. They do not have a periodontal ligament that surrounds them. The surface that contacts an implant is bone unlike in a tooth where a periodontal ligament intervenes. Despite this, they function and adapt just like natural teeth do.

Precision and proper care are mandatory for long term successes and state of the art jaw scans using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography are used to evaluate proximity of anatomic structures such as the maxillary sinus and nerves, as well as, the density, height and thickness of bone.

Complications are extremely rare when such important parameters are selected in evaluation.

If you have lost a tooth or a few teeth and would prefer to get implants, here are a few points to consider: Research: Prior to making your visit to see your dentist, do some research so as to inform yourself as to the type of questions you should ask about implants and possible alternative procedures.

Professional Opinion: Always seek a professional consultation in order to get an evaluation, accurate information on whether implants are required, what the process entails (physically and financially) and answers to any questions that you may have in general about your dental health.

For an implant adequate bone is required. Often, this is present and the insertion of the implant is a straightforward procedure for dental practitioners such as periodontists, implantologists and oral surgeons as

After The Bell

June 2014

37

In The UAE

IN THE UAE… FACT FILE

M

any of the newly appointed educators who will be coming to the UAE will have been scouring the social network sites in search of useful information about their soon-to-be home. Crucial topics would include what to expect in a UAE school, what laws govern the land and the true nature of the culture.

In a recent visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM), some useful information related to the norms of UAE living were discovered. In this special feature of In the UAE, we highlight some facts about the UAE’s leadership, national dress, national tree and the importance of the date palm tree.

First President of the UAE The late HH, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is credited as being the founder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The country is a federation of seven emirates and was formed in 1971. The emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain. The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi.

National Dress: The National Dress is a symbol of national identity and tradition. Most Emirati men wear a floor length white garment called a Kandura. The white headscarf known as guthrah (or keffiyeh) is held in place by a double black chord called the igal (or agal).

The guthrah provides protection from

sunburn, sand and dust.

In public, women wear an abaya, which is a floor length thin black robe; a thin black scarf called a hijab is used to cover their hair and neckline. Some women also wear a niqab, which is designed to cover the mouth and nose, leaving only the eyes exposed.

The National Tree: The Ghaf tree (Prosopis Cineraria) is the National tree of the UAE. This is a drought tolerant evergreen tree and is considered to be perhaps the sturdiest tree of the harsh desert environment.

• It provides shade from the sun.

• The date fruit, which is eaten fresh or dry, is also used in gourmet dishes.

• The seeds are used to feed animals.

• Pots, fans and mats can be made from its leaves.

• Traditionally the trunk has been used in building construction as ceilings and columns.

• It is used as a source of fuel.

• Dates are used for medicinal purposes such as for the treatment of cold, fever; aiding digestion and improving hair growth.

Current President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Current Vice President and Prime Minister HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai.

Language: Arabic is the national language of the UAE. Religion: Islam is the largest and the official state religion of the UAE. Place of worship: Masjid (mosque).

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the official mosque of the country. It is named after the founder and first president of the UAE. National Day: December 2 Currency: Emirati dirham (dhs or AED)

38

June 2014

After The Bell

The most highly valued tree in the Arab world: The Date Palm tree (phoenix dactylifera) is the most highly valued tree in the Arab world where the fruit has been a staple for many years.

Here are a few of the ways in which the date palm is used:

know Your UAE

THE SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE IN ABU DHABI

E

ach year, thousands of visitors, including locals, expatriates and international tourists, make their way to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM). Most are usually drawn to the majestic beauty of the building. The SZGM, however, offers more than just a backdrop for the perfect UAE holiday photographs. A trip there provides the visitor interesting and historical information on Islamic culture, art and architecture.

The mosque is built at the entrance of Abu Dhabi City and considered to be one of the finest examples of contemporary Islamic architecture in the world. It is raised nine metres above the land around it, allowing its magnificent beauty to be seen from the three main bridges connecting the island (the Maqta, Mussafah and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge).

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the official mosque of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is named after the founder and first president of the country, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It was Sheikh Zayed who conceptualized the idea of the Grand Mosque in the late 1980s and was intimately involved in its building and design. After his passing, his son HH Sheikh Kalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan continued his father’s dream.

The Mosque opened in December of

2007 to coincide with the Eid Al Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). The mosque can accommodate up to 40000 worshippers, 10000 inside and 30000 in the external areas.

Interesting Points: • Throughout the Grand Mosque, beautiful designs are displayed on the ceilings, floors, carpets and walls. Islamic art does not feature human or animal forms. It uses the elements, geometry, floral motifs and calligraphy.

• The main hall features 96 columns in groups of four. Arches rise to support the towering domes from which three exquisitely coloured designed chandeliers hang.

• Approximately seven thousand worshippers can fit shoulder to shoulder in a straight line inside the main hall.

• The Menbar or pulpit inside the Grand Mosque is made of cedar and is beautifully decorated with floral and shells designs. It is the earliest feature to be identified with Islamic architecture. It is said that the Prophet Mohammed spoke to the community from a Menbar.

• Each week the Kuthbah (message) is delivered from inside the Grand Mosque and can be heard throughout all the mosques in the UAE. It can also be downloaded in English from the website of Islamic Affairs.

• The timings for the daily prayers

are based on the cycle of the sun, as such, the prayer times change each day. Prayers can last between 5 – 10 minutes. Men pray in the main prayer hall while women have their own prayer areas.

• The carpet inside the main hall is the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet made with about 70% wool from New Zealand and 30% cotton from Iran. It was created over 12 months by approximately 1200 artisans. It is approximately 5,400sq metres and weighs 35 tonnes.

• The Grand Mosque has a worldclass library, which houses various books on many different subjects in more than twelve languages. The SZGM Centre was established in 2008 to oversee the operations of the mosque and to manage its wide range of community services. It has a book publishing programme, provides calligraphy classes and Ramadan Night programmes among other services.

NB. The information contained in this article is taken mainly from the (guided) audio tour at The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

After The Bell

June 2014

39

President Calvin Coolidge King Henry VIII

Valentina Tereshkova

Marquis de Sade

T

Ernesto Arturo Miranda

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY JUNE

hroughout history each month has been etched with special dates that remind us of unforgettable events, memorable personalities and happenings that have changed the way in which we live. The month of June has its own special dates, some of which we share with you as we welcome the first month of summer and add the finishing touches in preparation for the end another school year. We love the month of June!

• One theory is that the month of June

was named for the Roman Goddess, Juno, the goddess of marriage and the wife of the supreme deity Jupiter. There are several different speculations of how the month got its name. Whether this is true or not, in most Western countries, the month of June is great for weddings. Perhaps this is due to the wonderful weather.

parental bonds and the influence of fathers in society is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in the Spokane YMCA in Washington on June 19, 1910.

• Marquis de Sade was born in Paris

on June 2, 1740 (died in 1814). He was a military leader, governorgeneral and author, whose acts of extreme cruelty and violence resulted in the term sadism being created from his name to describe gratification in inflicting pain.

• On June 13, 1966 - The U.S. Supreme

Court ruled (5-4) in the case of Miranda v.

Arizona that an accused person must be apprised of certain rights before police questioning including the right to remain silent, the right to know that anything said can be used against the individual in court, and the right to have a defense attorney present during interrogation.

American police officers now routinely read prisoners their ‘Miranda’ (constitutional) rights before questioning.

• On June 2, 1924, United States

President Calvin Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act into law.

It gave full citizenship to America’s indigenous peoples who are referred to as called “Indians” in this Act.

• Father’s Day – a special day for honouring and celebrating fatherhood,

40

June 2014

• June 16, 1963 - Valentina Tereshkova,

After The Bell

26, became the first woman in space as her Soviet spacecraft, Vostok 6, took off from the Tyuratam launch

site. She manually controlled the spacecraft completing 48 orbits in 71 hours before landing safely.

• Britain’s Prince William (William Arthur Philip Louis) was born in London, June 21, 1982.

• American musician Mildred J. Hill was born on June 27, 1859 in Louisville, Kentucky. She composed the melody for what is now the world’s most often sung song, Happy Birthday to You.

• June 30, 1997 - In Hong Kong, the flag of the British Crown Colony was officially lowered at midnight and replaced by a new flag representing China’s sovereignty and the official transfer of power.

• King Henry VIII was born on June 28, 1491 and was the king of England from April 21, 1509 until his death on January 28, 1547. He is one of the more memorable kings as a result of his charm, eccentricities and intellect during his reign.