Their innovative flexible day the school reflects the importance of consistent routines, including a healthy meal, exercise and a good sleep
Setting the benchmark high, Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi) has put education at the fore with its Metime and Enrichment programmes, which according to Liam Cullinan, Executive Principal of NAS Abu Dhabi, means that the educational journey that goes well beyond academics.
“We believe that a happy, well-rounded child is a successful one, therefore we’ve designed an adaptive school day that allows a more personalised learning experience, where every child’s emotional, as well as academic needs are met,” he says.
As part of the programmes, the school has opted a later-than-usual start to the school day. While most schools in Abu Dhabi open to students around 7.15am, NAS Abu Dhabi starts at 8.15am.
“We have developed this concept to respond to the flexibility families need, the routines students need, and ensure that young individuals, particularly those who commute by bus, get enough sleep,” adds Liam.
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#METIME: A unique start to the day for early risers
Education researchers note that it is the schools’ duty to reflect on their opening timings. To this end, NAS Abu Dhabi has done just that by introducing ‘#MEtime,’ a ground-breaking initiative that transforms the typical school morning routine.
This window of time between 7.30am and 8.15am, is a full focus on each child’s start-of-day routine – students have the option to engage in invigorating activities, skill-building experiences, enjoy a nutritious breakfast with friends at school, or stay at home and sleep a bit longer.
This dedicated time aims to boost not only physical activity, but also emotional nourishment, setting the tone for a positive and productive day ahead at school.
Recognising the diverse needs of its youngest learners in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), NAS Abu Dhabi provides flexible pick-up times to ensure these students are supported in their transition into the school.
Enrichment beyond the curriculum
After the core school day, NAS Abu Dhabi’s Enrichment Activities Programme (EAP) offers a wide array of activities from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. These activities cater to varying interests, allowing students to explore new talents, develop leadership skills, and grow as well-rounded individuals.
From 4.30pm to 5pm students can connect with peers worldwide through the school’s exclusive, award-winning ‘Global Campus’ platform. This connection promotes not only academic enrichment, but also the development of global citizenship, broadening horizons and fostering collaboration.
“The innovative flexible day the school has created supports current research about the importance of consistent routines, including a healthy meal, exercise and a good sleep,” says Elise Ecoff, Nord Anglia Education’s Chief Education Officer.
“We know sleep promotes cognition and memory, facilitates learning, recharges our mental and physical batteries, and generally helps us make the most out of our days.”
The team at NAS Abu Dhabi are developing an excellent education platform that not only supports their families but also allows young individuals to be at their best. Clearly, the NAS Abu Dhabi approach makes the school day more personalised and enriching, while at the same time offering families flexibility.
It is a thoughtfully designed ecosystem that nurtures every aspect of a child’s development, aligning its practices with global research to create an environment where children thrive.
For more information about the school, visit nordangliaeducation.com/nas-abu-dhabi
For further information on education news around the capital visit Yalla Abu Dhabi Life
