Educational experts at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) share tips on wellbeing
From wellbeing and kindness days, meditation, and mindfulness, schools in the UAE are raising the bar when it comes to mental health.
Wellbeing has emerged as a crucial factor in fostering academic and personal success.
Good mental health enables children to learn effectively, build resilience, and manage daily challenges; it also establishes a foundation for positive mental health throughout adulthood.
Schools worldwide are adapting their programmes to meet the holistic needs of their students, prioritising wellbeing as a fundamental part of their education models.
“Wellbeing is about creating an environment where students feel valued and understood,” explains Liam Cullinan, Principal and Head of Secondary at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi).
“When children feel connected to their school and peers, they’re motivated and engaged in their learning journey.”
Fresh approaches to wellbeing
Research shows that giving students the chance to start their day in a way that suits them helps them focus better, perform well in class, and enjoy improved emotional and physical wellbeing.
At NAS Abu Dhabi, their unique #MEtime programme offers students this flexibility.
Every morning before school starts at 8:30 am, students can have breakfast with friends, participate in physical activities, or simply enjoy extra rest at home, making mornings more flexible and personalised to their needs.
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This initiative, backed by studies on sleep, physical activity, and nutrition, has been well-received by families and is a key part of the school’s strategy to support student wellbeing.
“#MEtime has transformed how we think about mornings,” says Michael Connor, Head of Primary. “Students come to school more refreshed and ready to learn, and families feel reassured knowing there’s a balance between education and wellbeing.”
The importance of belonging
Belonging can make a huge difference to a child’s wellbeing.
When students feel secure and accepted, their anxiety drops, and they become more resilient.
At NAS Abu Dhabi, this means building strong relationships between students and staff, celebrating diversity, and encouraging a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.
Strong relationships across the school foster open communication and build a sense of trust, making it easier for families and teachers to collaborate to support each individual.
“It’s about creating a space where students feel empowered to explore and grow,” adds Mr Cullinan. “When children feel like they belong, they’re more likely to take on new challenges and succeed.”
As education continues to evolve, so does the understanding of what it means to support wellbeing.
Schools are increasingly looking beyond traditional approaches to find innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of their communities.
This means thinking creatively about integrating wellbeing into the curriculum and daily routines, ensuring the needs of students, families, and staff are met.
Whether it’s flexible timings, personalised learning experiences, or creating opportunities for students to build confidence, the aim is to find ways to help students feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
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