Heather Harries Education Hub

March Madness, Education Evolutions, and the University Admissions Shuffle

March, Change, and the Education Evolution

February vanished in a blink, and here we are in March—longer days, the peaceful reflection of Ramadan, and a whirlwind of changes in education. From the rising need for entrepreneurial skills in schools to universities embracing AI and shifting away from exams, the learning landscape is transforming faster than ever.

UK university applications are evolving too, with UCAS now demanding more than just enthusiasm—students must prove their passion through hands-on experience. Meanwhile, home fee status remains a hot topic for expat families, with new UCAS residency rules coming in 2025. But don’t worry, big changes won’t hit until at least 2029, so there’s no need to panic just yet!

With UAE universities climbing global rankings, Dutch institutions offering affordable alternatives, and the US still a strong contender, new opportunities are emerging for students everywhere. Stay ahead of the game—read on for everything you need to know about the future of education.

Make 2025 Your Year to Shine!

Ah, the start of a new year—a time for fresh beginnings, bold goals, and the inevitable decision to try (and fail) to keep houseplants alive! As we step into 2025, it’s not just us adults who get to reflect and reset. This is the perfect moment to sit down with your little ones and askContinue reading “Make 2025 Your Year to Shine!”

Why Christmas is so much more than trees and gifts.

Christmas is more than a festive holiday; it’s a time to teach children about generosity, creativity, and gratitude. From crafting ornaments and singing carols to the hilarity of the annual Christmas play, it\u2019s a season filled with magic, family traditions, and life lessons that last far beyond the holidays

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.”

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”

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.

The University Application Process and UCAS

The university application process can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for students applying to study in the United Kingdom. The central player in this academic adventure is UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), a crucial platform that facilitates the application to higher education institutions. Here’s a brief overview of UCAS and essential considerations forContinue reading “The University Application Process and UCAS”

Crafting Your UCAS Personal Statement: A Journey of Self-Expression

Posted by Amy Lobl: Hello there, future scholars! We hope you are ready to perfect the art of crafting the perfect UCAS personal statement. This document is your chance to shine, to stand out from the crowd, and to prove why you’re the ideal candidate for your chosen university course. With a maximum limit ofContinue reading “Crafting Your UCAS Personal Statement: A Journey of Self-Expression”

Why are study skills so important and how do you master them.

How to become a Grade A student   We all want to do well in the future, and you know you need to have a great set of results to make it happen. Hopefully, you are willing to do whatever it takes to get those great grades to get started. Getting great results is notContinue reading “Why are study skills so important and how do you master them.”