Excellence in Schools 147
Students who feel safe and happy are far more ready to take part, build confidence, and learn from challenge as well as success. Education UAE: The UAE schooling environment can be very competitive. How do you balance wellbeing with academic success? Liam Cullinan: We absolutely recognise academic pressure exists, especially for students aiming for competitive universities. But wellbeing and academic success should support each other, not compete. We provide revision clubs, one-to- one support and mental preparation sessions before exams, alongside quiet spaces and practical strategies to help students manage anxiety and feel calm, focused and ready for the challenge. Children carry a lot of pressure, and if schools do not give them space to talk about how they feel, they will struggle. Creating calmer environments and
supporting wellbeing ultimately helps them perform better academically. Education UAE: Finally, what advice would you give schools hoping to embed wellbeing meaningfully rather than as a one-off initiative? Liam Cullinan: The first advice would be to listen. Talk to students, staff and families about what really matters to them. Just because something has always been done a certain way it does not mean it still works. Education is changing, and schools need the courage to rethink routines and listen to their communities. Wellbeing works when it supports everyone, not just one group. Real change begins by listening to students, families and teachers. In a Year of the Family, Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi’s TES Award win highlights how thoughtful change can strengthen both learning and family life. Through #MeTime, the school demonstrates that when students, staff and families are supported together, schools become calmer, happier and ultimately more successful places to learn.
NAS ABU DHABI NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Powered by FlippingBook