Send us a textUncover the inspiring journey of Sophie Hankin, a vibrant netball performance coach who transitioned from playing in the UK Super League to pioneering a thriving netball community in Dubai. Sophie shares her bold move of leaving a secure sports coaching job to follow her passion for netball in the UAE. Explore her story from representing England at the under-19 and under-21 levels to becoming an influential figure in Dubai's burgeoning netball scene. Discover how her dedicated c...
Send us a textWhat drives a young boxer to shift gears and transform into a beacon of fitness inspiration? Join us as Shane Nicholas, the dynamic force behind Train with Shane, opens up about his remarkable journey from the boxing ring to the classroom, and finally to social media fame as a personal trainer. Shane's story is not just about a career change during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic but also a deeply personal health transformation inspired by his family's fitness journey. With his...
Send us a textWhat if you could transform your fitness journey with insights from a true pioneer in the industry? Join us as we chat with Michael Sole, the driving force behind The Den, Dubai's top functional fitness gym. Michael opens up about his unique background, from growing up in Dubai to his transition from nutritionist to fitness entrepreneur. We explore how The Den ingeniously bridges the gap between traditional group fitness and CrossFit, creating a welcoming sanctuary specifically ...
Send us a textUnlock the secrets to nurturing stronger parent-child relationships with our special guest, Dana, a certified parent coach who has transitioned from early childhood education to offering invaluable insights for parents. Dana delves into her personal journey, sharing how she began crafting culturally relevant parenting content in Arabic to empower the Arabic-speaking community. We explore common parenting challenges like tantrums and defiance, and emphasize a collaborative coachi...
Send us a textDiscover how Bloom World Academy is reshaping education in Dubai with Senior Deputy Vice Principal Graham Walmsley. Listen as Graham shares his two-decade-long journey from a music teacher in the UK to a key leader at this innovative institution, offering insightful perspectives on Bloom World Academy's unique educational model. Gain an understanding of their commitment to blending rigorous academics with community involvement and flexible scheduling, designed to meet the needs ...
Send us a textUnlock the secret to navigating the complex world of university applications with Magda Kozlowska, an esteemed independent university and college advisor. Magda's wealth of experience, from her roots as a psychology and Theory of Knowledge teacher in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, to the establishment of her advisory business in Dubai, provides invaluable insights into the nuances of educational choices available to expatriate families. Learn about the unique characte...
Send us a textDo smartphones belong in the classroom? Join us as we explore the transformative impact of Yondr pouches at JESS, an international school in Arabian Ranches, with our special guests Assistant Head Andy Sargeant and Head of Digital Innovation Steve Banbury. Discover how these pouches, which securely lock students' and staff's phones during the school day, have effectively reinforced the school's no-phone policy. Andy and Steve share their firsthand experiences and the overwhelmin...
Send us a textEver wondered how a podcast grows and evolves over time? Get ready to witness the transformation of School Talk from its inception to its 20th episode milestone. In this special episode, we reflect on our journey, sharing the highs and lows, including technical hiccups and memorable moments like our eye-opening discussion on vaping with Scott Brown from Jebel Ali School. We open up about the personal challenges, triumphs, and the learning experiences that come with creating mean...
Send us a textUnlock the secrets to family harmony and educational well-being with our special guest, Jasmine Navarro. Jasmine, a renowned expert in family and educational well-being, shares her holistic approach to nurturing a balanced life, addressing the mind, body, and spirit. We tackle the prevalent issues families face today, from stress and communication breakdowns to the need for heightened self-awareness. Jasmine offers her professional insights and practical strategies, including pe...
Send us a textWhat if you could ease the financial burden of school fees simply by buying your dream home? Join us on School Talk as we sit down with Scott Macfarlane, managing partner of Family Homes DXB, to uncover their groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping families transition from renting to homeownership. Scott shares his unique perspective on the Dubai real estate market, emphasising the cash-back program that directly benefits parents and teachers by covering school fees and extra...
Send us a textIn this episode of School Talk, we sit down with Simon Wing, Co-Founder of Edfundo, a cutting-edge app designed to teach children and teens about financial literacy. Simon shares his inspiring journey from educator to entrepreneur, following his passion for financial education. We explore the highs and lows of launching Edfundo, how the app helps young people manage their money responsibly, and its partnership with Visa to facilitate payments. Whether you're a parent, teacher, o...
Send us a textCan you imagine navigating the financial complexities of expat life in the Middle East while securing a prosperous future for your family? Join us as we uncover expert financial planning tips with Joe Woodhouse, founder of Family Wealth. From his beginnings at Lloyds TSB in the UK to his role as an independent financial advisor in Abu Dhabi, Joe shares invaluable advice on budgeting, debt clearance, and smart investing strategies. We uncover the unique financial challenges faced...
Send us a textWhat if your child could achieve better posture, strength, and accountability all while having fun? Join us as we unravel the story of Primal Fitness with Amanda, the visionary founder behind this trailblazing program in Dubai. Amanda’s journey from pitching her idea to school principals to running a program that now sees 250 kids moving and thriving every week is nothing short of inspiring. Learn how she identified a gap in the market for kids’ gyms and tailored a functional fi...
Send us a textEver wondered how to set the stage for a triumphant first day back at school? Our final Summer Snippets episode promises to equip you with essential strategies from multiple perspectives. Whether you're a teacher prepping your classroom, a student eager to reunite with friends and meet new educators, or a parent coordinating a seamless morning routine, we’ve got you covered with invaluable tips and relatable stories that will ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.&nbs...
Send us a textWhat if you had the secret recipe to making homework less of a battlefield and more of a constructive experience? Tune into our summer snippets series on School Talk to uncover practical strategies that will transform your child's approach to homework. This episode is your ultimate guide to creating a distraction-free study environment, equipping it with all the necessary supplies, and establishing a consistent routine that fits seamlessly into your child's busy schedule.Join us...
Send us a textEver wondered how to keep your child academically engaged during the summer holidays? We've got you covered with practical tips and tricks that turn everyday activities into fun learning opportunities. From the joy of reading novels and comics to the immersive experience of audiobooks, we explore various ways to make summer reading exciting. Discover how simple tasks like cooking and travel planning can secretly boost your child's math skills, transforming mundane chores into en...
Send us a textEver wondered how to unlock the full reading potential of your students or children? Join us for a special Summer Snippets episode as we explore the transformative power of the New Group Reading Test (NGRT). From decoding NGRT scores to utilising AI tools like ChatGPT for tailored reading materials, we cover practical methods that teachers and parents alike can use to elevate reading skills. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a proactive parent, this episode promises to provi...
Send us a textEver wondered what it's like to grow up embracing multiple cultures simultaneously? Welcome to School Talk's Summer Snippets, where this week we dive into the fascinating lives of third culture kids. Join me as I share personal anecdotes, including my wife's journey as a third culture kid compared to my stable upbringing in England. Learn about the identity confusion, frequent transitions, and emotional challenges that these children face. But it’s not just about the hurdle...
Send us a textEver wondered what lies beyond your child's report card grades? In our first episode of the Summer Snippets series, we promise to unlock the mysteries of CAT4 tests and reveal how they shed light on your child's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement. This isn't your run-of-the-mill exam discussion; CAT4 tests are a game-changer in understanding student potential beyond traditional academics. Join us to discover why these tests are an invaluable tool for educators and par...
Send us a textUnlock the secrets of balanced child development in the digital age with our insightful conversation featuring Dr. Alison Burrows, a Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University. Dr. Burrows, an expert in child development, education, and parenting, shares her wealth of knowledge on the challenges and potential pitfalls of integrating technology into classrooms. You'll learn about her groundbreaking research and her initiatives like ScreenWise Child UAE, which advocates for a smartph...