Wellbeing Space

A successful Character Education curriculum supports students' wellbeing by allowing them to self-explore and develop in a supportive and informative environment. Leading to a greater sense of self-awareness. When you are confident in who you are you are better equipped to take on challenges. When you can take on challenges with greater ease you are more likely to feel content, stable, safe, and fulfilled. Every school, every family and every student is different; different in their views on values, different in character traits they can demonstrate strongly, and the character traits they want to further develop. In this session, I will discuss how to gather information on the needs of a whole school community, and how to use that information to inform a bespoke character education curriculum, created solely for the needs of that educational setting.

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

In 2020, half the global population lived in cities, this is projected to reach 80% by 2050! It is therefore essential we connect urban based children with the natural world, but how? The workshop will elaborate on my article Nature-based learning in urban international settings (clair-watson.com) and will discuss the skills and benefits of nature-based learning on young children’s, wellbeing, behaviour and learning. It will also touch on the importance of developing an awareness of eco literacy and understanding why and how to respect our fragile planet making links to COP28, Dubai. We will discuss three urban international settings, one in Kenya, one in Dubai and one in Hong Kong and how they have created their own nature-based learning programs. Nature-based learning can take place anywhere even if it’s just a clump of trees! Depending on the time allocated, practical solutions can also be incorporated.

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

This workshop looks at how we can all take Climate Action through the role we play as consumers, whether it is the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the resources we use, or simply what we do with our ‘stuff’ in general. Practical ideas and solutions are discussed and shared and action statements are created as a result of this very interactive and thought-provoking workshop

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

Inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might be excluded or marginalised. They may include people with determination, physical or intellectually differently abled, or members of other minority groups. WHAT IS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: Children with abilities and children who are differently abled are educated together in mainstream schools. Students are offered flexible, personalized and individualized education plans to accommodate their learning needs. Importance of inclusive education basic elements of inclusive education factors to determine the success of Inclusive Schools. 

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

In this session, I discuss 3 specific aspects of well-being that can actually improve expat teacher retention at international schools in the region

Language : English

Topic : Wellbeing

Mental health and well-being provision are increasingly high on school’s agendas, but there are many simple and effective solutions that are not yet being implemented on a large scale such as peer mentoring, advanced SEL provision and most importantly, a whole-school approach to wellbeing. These simple solutions can be implemented in as little as 10 minutes of intervention a day thanks to innovative programmes, and they have proven to have a positive impact not only on pupils’ mental health and well-being, but also on their academic achievement. And teachers and staff also benefit greatly as a consequence of these improvements. This session will offer a quick overview of the current mental health and well-being challenges that schools are encountering and the key reasons for these challenges. It will also cover a blueprint for the development of an impactful whole-school well-being programme that can help all children thrive.

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

Embracing Risk in Early Years Education: Fostering Environmental and Sustainability Awareness is a topic that highlights the importance of encouraging risk-taking and environmental awareness in the development of young children. In early years education, it is crucial to provide a supportive and safe environment where children can take calculated risks and make mistakes, as this supports their growth in confidence, creativity, problem-solving and self-awareness. By incorporating Environmental and Sustainability Education into the curriculum, teachers can create hands-on, interactive learning experiences that encourage exploration, discovery and sustainability practices. Strategies for encouraging risk-taking in the classroom include providing a supportive environment, encouraging children to take calculated risks and allowing for experimentation and making mistakes. By fostering a love for learning and a commitment to sustainability, we can lay the foundation for a brighter future.

Language : English

Topic : Early Years

Wellbeing has become the latest commonplace buzzword in many industries, more notably, in education. The latest mass exodus of teachers comes down to poor staff wellbeing, burnout & low self-efficacy among other causes. This begs the question - how many more teachers will the profession lose before we learn to foster the wellbeing of educators? In 2023, the role of the teacher has never been more complex, with expectations being added to a teachers role each year. The teacher is no longer merely responsible for the delivery of curriculum, but for also ensuring the wellbeing and success of each individual. Stephanie discusses the largest contributors to the teacher attrition crisis, assesses research suggestions about these primary causes and provides leaders and practicing educators with strategies and methods to promote wellbeing for staff. Stephanie provides research & practical based solutions which adopt the following: In matters of staff wellbeing - be proactive, not reactive.

Language : English

Topic : Leadership and Management

This session will explore why and how wellbeing has to come from within, and what schools can do to develop a culture in school that genuinely supports the wellbeing of teachers and leaders. Drawing on Dr Helen Wright’s experience in observing school cultures and coaching in international schools for several years, this session will explore:

• Why lunchtime yoga sessions don’t work for everyone

• The crucial importance of understanding self and others

• How to build a culture of trust and empowerment in schools

Language : English

Topic : Wellbeing

Wouldn’t it be better if we could “not escalate” more situations? Consistent use of non-escalation skills in school nurtures relationships and establishes a robust Social Contract. Inevitably though, your teams will meet pupils and parents (and possibly other colleagues) who don’t want to follow the rules. At these moments, your people need skills in gathering those people back into a supportive atmosphere, where collaboration and cooperation are more likely and the social contract is rebuilt and strengthened. At times, your staff will meet children or young people in crisis at your school. They may be so upset and angry that they are self-injuring or directing violence at others - staff or students. This talk will give your team a direction of travel for being more prepared to face such moments with sensitivity and professionalism - but most of all, with a plan for teamwork when a crisis hits.

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

Briefly introduce the topic of inclusion in children's books and its importance for promoting diversity, empathy, and understanding among young readers. Introduce my book, "Maya and Grace: The Tale of the Girl with No Hair," and how it contributes to the theme of inclusion through its heartwarming story inspired by my own experience with my sister with Down syndrome Body: I will define inclusion in the context of children's literature and explain how it differs from diversity and representation. Then highlight the benefits of inclusion in children's books, such as fostering empathy, promoting acceptance, challenging stereotypes, and empowering marginalized voices etc... Discuss the role of education in promoting inclusion in children's books, particularly through the curriculum, teacher training, and school libraries. how "Maya and Grace: The Tale of the Girl with No Hair" exemplifies inclusion in its representation of a character with Down syndrome.

Language : English

Topic : SEN / Gifted & Talented

In this session, we will explore the world of STEM education in Early Childhood Education (ECE), where we will demonstrate that STEM in ECE goes beyond promoting academic skills—It is not a curriculum but rather an innovative approach that fosters essential skills that are crucial for success in the emerging changing world preparing our young learners for a bright and promising future. By focusing on the core concept that STEM is applicable at all times and in all places, educators will find it easily to integrate STEM principles into their daily activities, maximizing its impact on children's development. The session will provide practical examples and easy-to-implement strategies, to effortlessly incorporate STEM education into their learning environment. We will discover together that implementing STEM education is much easier than educators may think.

Language : Arabic

Topic : Early Years

For the last four years, GEMS Modern Academy has adopted a student centric approach to Safeguarding and Child Protection. This approach recognizes that students are the most important stakeholder in the education system and involves students in key processes, giving them a voice and empowering them to take an active role in their own safety. This includes education on safe practices, creating a culture of trust, and providing support and resources to help students deal with any incidents that may arise. The measurable outcomes, innovations around safeguarding and cultural shifts have been encouraging and highly motivating. The presentation will feature students and the members of the staff safeguarding team highlighting key milestones and takeaways from their journey.

Language : English

Topic : Wellbeing

Leanne Fridd, Principal at Safa Community School, will share a compelling case study on how the school, in partnership with Komodo Wellbeing, successfully implemented a data-driven strategy to promote student wellbeing, aligning with the KHDA wellbeing framework. The session will unfold the journey of Safa Community School's wellbeing focus to bring this to the heart of the school. It will offer practical insights into how schools across the Middle East can replicate this success. The session will delve into the role of regular data collection and analysis in crafting a clear wellbeing vision, engaging students, staff, and parents, promoting students' positive attitudes and attributes, and fostering a culture where students proactively improve their own wellbeing and that of others.

Language : English

Topic : Wellbeing

This workshop aims to provide participants with an understanding of the importance of inclusion and effective strategies for supporting students with special education needs in the classroom. Participants will learn about the different types of special education needs and their characteristics, as well as strategies such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and assistive technology tools. The workshop will also cover creating inclusive learning environments, collaborating with parents and professionals, and providing accommodations and modifications. Participants will have access to resources and tools, including professional organisations, online resources, and community-based resources. The workshop will end with a Q&A and reflection session, with a summary of key takeaways and next steps for participants.

Language : English

Topic : SEN / Gifted & Talented

Gifted and talented is a term that can be retired. So how are we replacing it? High ability? More able? We can go beyond a shift in nomenclature. The high-end challenge for all is key. This will be an exploration of Renzulli, Gagne and Borland as leaders in the gifted field who have turned the definitions upside down. We will evaluate powerful strategies to stretch and challenge all students through inclusive models of enrichment and extension. Programmes for ‘gifted’ students can be elitist, exclusive, and antiquated. Identifying students is problematic. These are valid criticisms, so let's use new tools to identify, target, and extend our students' abilities.

Language : English

Topic : SEN / Gifted & Talented

The presentation will highlight the steps undertaken for sustainability by Blossom nursery (The Babilou family). We will showcase our roadmap, vision and projects and what does the transition entail. We will highlight our work with UNESCO in 2022 (1000 first day conference and UNESCO conference, Tashkent), our internal processes that were put in place for improving children health and safety, sustainable procurement, responsible consumption and reducing waste and projects initiated for pedagogy for tomorrow and people-first strategic pillars.

Language : English

Topic : Early Years

Music in Early Years is extremely important as it can contribute to their development in other areas, such as English and Math. The colour-coded Music system has multiple uses inside and outside the Music classroom. Also taking into consideration synaesthesia, ADHD, autism... and how we can improve their performance in other subjects.

Language : English

Topic : Early Years

Walk into our school and you will not see a traditional early year’s classroom. We have created a unique learning environment for our population of Emirati students with classrooms full of awe and wonder that ignite their curiosity. Our philosophy is underpinned by the Walker Learning Approach, and we have developed small learning centres where students are able to access their own learning and pathways. Our children have access to a variety of centres relating to real-life experiences, curriculum input, and creative opportunities. They learn to play and communicate together as they explore a variety of roles. In this presentation we will share with you how to develop an authentic and intention play-based learning environment.

Language : English

Topic : Early Years

This presentation will provide a brief overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how ABA-based strategies can assist individuals on the autism spectrum with developing the appropriate adaptive skills to lead a happy and independent life. Everyone (including individuals with ASD) is capable of living and working in the community with the proper support, and this talk will provide strategies on how this is achievable.

Language : English

Topic : Learning Environment

The talk will go over the Bahrain Teacher’s College recent initiative of training special education teachers through a Diploma program with a practical component. It will also go over key training needs and professional development areas for SEN teachers across the region

Language : English

Topic : SEN / Gifted & Talented

This is a presentation on the current findings from my Professional Doctorate with the University of Central Lancashire (UK), into exploring opportunities through school-policy review to improve teenager's mental health in school. This research is designed to help and support pupils in school, who may be suffering in silence at the expense of school leaders' policy decisions. The research focuses on four key policies: curriculum, teaching and learning, behaviour and assessment. The presentation will review international differences and cultural views on children's mental health and suggest ways to go forward in a post-pandemic world.

Language : English

Topic : Wellbeing

Transform your classroom or school from a compliance culture to a connected culture.  Drop your behaviour charts and punishment- based behaviour management policies and use the power of your nervous system to build strong, positive relationships with students, fostering a more inclusive and conducive learning atmosphere.

This workshop aims to empower educators with insights and tools to optimize their own nervous systems for the benefit of both themselves and their students. Join us for a transformative journey into the neuroscience of teaching and learning.

Language : English

Topic : Wellbeing