Emily Hopkinson, Principal of The English College, Dubai, was recently quoted in Khaleej Times, discussing how UAE schools use the days before term to bring staff back together, set up classrooms and lessons, and refresh safeguarding and health and safety procedures ahead of a new academic year. Mrs Hopkinson spoke about how this period works at The English College, Dubai specifically, from welcoming new colleagues to looking after staff wellbeing before the pressures of term begin. “Induction week, which takes place the week before students return, is an important opportunity to bring our staff community together and set the tone for the year ahead.”— Emily Hopkinson, Principal, The English College, Dubai You can read the full interview on Khaleej Times here: Back-to-school for UAE teachers: Day 1 tackles new rules for 2026-27 academic year. Setting the Tone for the Year Ahead Before students step back into classrooms, staff at The English College, Dubai spend a week getting ready together. Mrs Hopkinson and the Whole School Leadership Team use the time to make sure every colleague understands the school’s priorities for the year and how they fit into the wider requirements of Dubai’s education landscape, including those set by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Welcoming New Teachers from Day One New teachers get an even earlier start. Before the rest of the staff team arrives, they spend several days settling in. It is a time to learn how the school works, meet colleagues, and start to build the relationships they will rely on through the year. For anyone who has just moved to the UAE, that also means help finding their feet in Dubai itself. Because The English College, Dubai is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), new starters also attend an ISP welcome session, arriving already connected to the wider ISP network of schools. Preparing Classrooms, Curriculum and Safeguarding That extra time before students return matters. It gives teachers room to set up their classrooms, plan lessons and think through their curriculum, alongside refreshing safeguarding and health and safety procedures. The goal is simple: when students arrive on the first morning, classrooms are ready and learning can begin without delay. Reflecting, Planning and Getting the Priorities Right Much of induction week comes down to one question: does everyone understand what the school is trying to achieve, and what that looks like day to day? To answer it honestly, staff look back at feedback from parents and colleagues gathered over the previous year, working out what has gone well, where there is room to improve, and what needs to change before term starts. Training takes up a good part of the week too. Safeguarding and health and safety courses are compulsory for everyone, as well as time for curriculum planning, so the learning on offer from day one is high-quality and properly challenging. Wellbeing and Connection Beyond the Classroom Not all of induction week is spent in training rooms. Mrs Hopkinson and the team at EC make a point of building in time for staff to connect outside their usual roles, and this year that meant Bollywood dancing sessions and a round of golf alongside the more formal sessions. “Strong relationships are characteristic of EC, and the trust and collaboration we build as colleagues contribute to a positive environment for our students.”— Emily Hopkinson, Principal, The English College, Dubai Read the Full Interview Read the complete interview on Khaleej Times: Back-to-school for UAE teachers: Day 1 tackles new rules for 2026-27 academic year
