10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Rob Faulkner
Head of Middle School - Al Dhafra Private School and Owner of Space To Bee
Rob has worked in a large number of roles in the UK, starting off as a trainee teacher through to a member on SLT. His subject is Physical Education and roles have included academic and pastoral ones. He found himself at a crossroads a few years ago battling the idea that schools weren't providing enough support to people with often complex emotional needs and this was a systemic issue rather than an individual school, town or borough one. Therefore he made the leap to set up an alternative provision called Space To Bee. They work using 3 main strands: Sports and exercise to help young people become more active. Mentoring to develop relationships and tackle barriers that may prevent a young person from accessing their education. and, they teach emotional management strategies to help young people self-regulate in moments when they feel anxious, frustrated or angry. As part of the Space To Bee offer I was asked to deliver a week of CPD to a school in Abu-Dhabi, Al Dhafra and from there offered the amazing opportunity to work full time. Rob's journey in the UAE is a fantastic challenge to use the skills and expertise from over 25 years of working in schools, but also the huge learning from his time developing programmes for young people whilst they have been engaging with Space To Bee. In addition to working in education Rob has worked as an academy football coach for over 10 years for a professional club and worked for the FA in England as a coach education tutor.
Speaker Sessions
Sustainability & Wellbeing
1610
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Developing a Wellbeing Culture for Success
Session Summary:
A discussion as to how to develop a whole school community wellbeing policy.
School policy and practices, Student voice, behaviour policy and training. How developing these areas can contribute to a successful school community.
A discussion followed by a workshop around practical solutions for your school context.
Speakers:
Rob Faulkner
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Head of Middle School - Al Dhafra Private School and Owner of Space To Bee
Categories:
Wellbeing and Mental Health
GESS Talks Live
1628
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Panel Session: Mental and physical wellbeing integration and preventing teacher burnout
Session Summary:
Join this panel as we delve into the crucial aspects of wellbeing policies, identifying burnout signals, and crafting effective personal strategies. Discover actionable insights to foster resilience and maintain equilibrium, empowering educators to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Speakers:
Rob Faulkner
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Head of Middle School - Al Dhafra Private School and Owner of Space To Bee