This week, let’s unravel one of life’s great mysteries: the difference between co-curricular, extra-curricular, and super-curricular activities. Anything with the word extracurricular used to throw me into a mild panic as I knew it would entail three children in three different parts of the emirate at the same time—inevitably becoming a scheduling chaos that turned this noble endeavor into a caffeine-fueled, chaos-riddled marathon. So, let me explain the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences of the three.
Author Archives: Heather Harries Ed Hub
Teaching in Primary, is so much more than spelling and times tables.
Teaching in Key Stages 1 and 2 (KS1 and KS2) is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a delicate balancing act of meeting curriculum expectations while nurturing young minds—and in many cases, hearts. In international settings like Dubai, primary teachers wear more hats than you’d find at the Ascot races. They’re not just educators but mentors,Continue reading “Teaching in Primary, is so much more than spelling and times tables.”
The Unsung Heroes of EYFS: More Than Just Finger Painting and Play-Doh
Last week, I received a message that was, let’s say, enthusiastic in pointing out that I’d been a bit remiss in singing the praises of the teaching within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and I had indeed glossed over each stage while I covered the school choice rather than what went on in it.Continue reading “The Unsung Heroes of EYFS: More Than Just Finger Painting and Play-Doh”
Choosing your new school.
Right then, let’s chat schools. One minute you’re changing nappies and negotiating with a toddler about why spaghetti doesn’t belong on the ceiling, and the next, you’re Googling “best Dubai schools” like your life depends on it. Blink three times post-birth, and boom! You’re staring at your baby in a mini uniform, all ready forContinue reading “Choosing your new school.”
What happens after GCSEs
After the GCSE whirlwind, the next step might feel daunting, but there are clear paths forward!
The GCSE low down – are you ready?
The stress of choosing GCSE’s is real, the what if’s. the opportunities, what doors will they open and which could they close?
Raising Children With Grit
Grit! Not the kind that shows up as tiny muddy footprints all over our freshly mopped floors (thank you, children, and pets for that constant joy), but the kind of grit that everyone can’t stop talking about these days—the stuff that’s supposed to turn our darling little ones into resilient, never-give-up troopers. It’s like everyContinue reading “Raising Children With Grit”
Mums of children with inclusion needs
Now, onto something a little deeper (but still with a light heart!) – inclusion. Mums, we’ve all got our challenges, but if you’re raising a child with inclusion needs, it can feel like you’re climbing Everest without a guidebook. And getting them into school? Oh, that’s just the start of the journey! Let’s face it,Continue reading “Mums of children with inclusion needs”
Expat Mums’ Weekly Column: The Power of “Why?, IB and UK explained”
But beyond the amusing questions our little ones ask, there’s a bigger one I hear from parents more often than any other: “UK curriculum or IB?” And that’s where things get tricky, because both are fantastic in their own ways. They each have unique strengths, and which one is best really depends on your child’s needs and future goals.
Reading…
Last week’s post got me thinking—how one little word can mean so many things depending on how you look at it! It’s probably why English is such a quirky yet essential language to master, and why IGCSE English is such a big milestone. Speaking of, did anyone else study Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s The Danger ofContinue reading “Reading…”