Wellbeing is when students are relaxed, happy, in good health and have a positive mindset which enables them to fulfill their potential in life. For a student to be motivated for learning and succeed in school and future life they must have a positive social and emotional wellbeing. New Academy School recognizes that students may face a variety of difficulties and challenges whilst at school, which has an impact on the chances of success and progression.
Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS)
Research proves students who do not have high self-belief tend to underachieve significantly compared to their ability. The school uses the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) to gain insight into attitudes that could be hindering achievement. The PASS test helps you detect possible barriers to learning, including issues around confidence, resilience, motivation, concentration, disaffection and alienation.
KHDA Dubai Schools Wellbeing Census (DSWC)
The school utilizes the analysis from the DSWC data to gain in-depth understanding of how students feel about their school life, home life, themselves and their relationships with others. The DSWC data provides insight into student attitudes towards their experiences in and out of school. The information obtained will enable the school team to meet the need. Depending on the analysis students will then receive group counseling.
Child Protection & Anti-Bullying
In adherence to the Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on child rights (Wadeema’s Law), abuse (sexual, physical, emotional and neglect), bullying, harassment, physical intimidation, violence, intimidation of any including cyber bullying is against our school ethos and will not be tolerated at NAS and will be reported.
All matters are reported to the Child Protection Officer (CPO) who is familiar with the procedures and actions which should be taken by the school to support any child who may be at risk. All staff (both teaching and non-teaching) are aware of their responsibilities in relation to the protection of all students at New Academy School.
Well-being Support
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) support at NAS
NAS aims at providing a safe school environment with a focus on wellbeing and character building. The school provides whole school approaches to SEL support during homeroom time and scheduled periods. SEL lessons are developed using the five essential competencies which are: Self Awareness, Social Awareness, Self Management, Relationship skills and Responsible Decision making.
Counseling Services At NAS
At NAS, students have the right to expect informed, impartial, supportive, timely guidance on career and social counseling organized by the school, around any personal difficulties to promote their happiness. For individuals identified as having challenges, group or individual support is provided. We respect the privacy of parents as well as students, hence, information shared is kept confidential in a secure location.
Social Counseling Support
Social Counseling addresses the emotional, social, and school concerns which students have at different stages of their lives. Counselors focus on emotional and mental health issues to improve their sense of well‐being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. They also provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological symptoms, (American Psychological Association, 2017). At NAS, Counseling is an interactive learning process between counsellor and student/s, whether individual or group, using approaches which are holistic and research based to support students personal, social and/or academic issues.
***For detailed information on NAS Wellbeing Agenda refer to our school’s
- Wellbeing & Counselling Policy
- Anti-Bullying & Child Protection
- Social and Emotional Learning Framework
