BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Holistic and wellbeing-centred learning is transforming UAE classrooms, with a recent report revealing that most students feel supported and genuinely connected at school.
A survey by edtech platform Peekapak found that more than 80% of students across 20 UAE schools feel connected, supported, seen, and positively engaged.
Already referenced by half of Abu Dhabi’s charter schools and leading institutions, the study examines four core areas: emotional wellbeing, academic resilience, social belonging, and school culture.
Students in the UAE reported the highest satisfaction in areas that are relational and socially expressed, such as supportive relationships, positive atmosphere, and kindness, the study showed.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Jenna Santyr, Director of Education at Peekapak, said the findings reflect “a clear shift in the UAE’s education landscape toward prioritising the child in all aspects, rather than just academic outcomes.”
This approach mirrors the growing emphasis placed by local authorities on social connection, positive school culture, and healthy daily routines as pillars of holistic education, Dr Santyr noted.
She pointed out that UAE schools are leveraging data to embed a sense of safety, identity, and purpose in everyday school life.
“The character traits schools promote are intentionally chosen to reflect both their school values and the kind of community they want to build. Once those traits are defined, schools make them highly visible and embedded in the everyday language teachers use.”
Dr Santyr said these values are reinforced through recognition programmes, storytelling, and acknowledgement, helping students apply them in daily life.
With UAE schools catering to a diverse array of cultures, languages, and backgrounds, the expert underscored the significance of inclusive wellbeing tools in classrooms.
“In culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, inclusivity comes down to making sure students see themselves reflected in the learning. This adaptability allows schools to maintain a shared wellbeing framework while still honouring the personal stories, values, and lived experiences of each student,” she added.
In many schools in the country, students’ wellbeing mandates are now embedded into everyday classroom practices and routines, going hand in hand alongside academic learning rather than competing with it, Dr Santyr said.
“This resulted in a shift in school leadership priorities, with policy and professional development decisions now increasingly shaped by data.”
Dr Santyr believes technology-driven wellbeing tools will play an even bigger role in building inclusive, supportive school cultures amid rapidly changing times.
“When used well, technology can help bring classrooms together by creating space for open discussion, reflection, and storytelling around wellbeing. Rather than isolating students, these tools can support shared conversations that build understanding, empathy, and a stronger sense of community,” she said.
Peekapak’s Wellbeing Surveys gathered insights from about 922 students and 478 teachers across five school operators, representing both charter and private schools.
Participation spanned early years, elementary, and secondary levels, ensuring diverse perspectives across age groups and school environments. The surveys administered to students and teachers were aligned with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge Student Wellbeing Framework and Measurement Scales.