Meaningful partnerships between school and home are vital for young people to thrive. By fostering trusting relationships among teachers, students, and parents, and using data purposefully to guide support, families experience clarity and consistency across home and school, an approach reinforced by international evidence such as UNHCR’s Primary Impact initiative (2023), which highlights strong governance, data-informed practice, and safe, nurturing environments as key drivers of student wellbeing and achievement. At Dunecrest American School, wellbeing sits at the heart of how students and families are supported. Located in Al Barari, Dubai, the school prioritises collaboration among leadership, educators, students, and parents, recognising that these partnerships are essential for every student to thrive.
At Dunecrest American School, wellbeing sits at the heart of how we support students and families.
Informed Leadership Through Data Driven Insight
Strong family engagement begins with informed leadership. Through the Komodo platform, students in Grades 1 to 12 complete monthly surveys that offer timely insight into their emotional, social, and academic experiences. This structured process enables teachers, counsellors, and school leaders to respond proactively, connect meaningfully with students, and implement targeted support before concerns escalate.
Key insights from the 2024 to 2025 academic year highlight measurable progress across the school community. Overall student wellbeing improved from 71% to 77%, while achievement and learning wellbeing rose from 65% to 76%. The highest rated areas were school climate and social emotional wellbeing, reflecting a positive and supportive environment. Monthly wellbeing surveys are completed by all students from Grades 1 to 12, with the data reviewed and actioned each month by teachers, counsellors, and school leaders to ensure timely support. Staff feedback also indicates strong alignment and satisfaction, with 80% of staff feeling aligned with leadership decisions, 76% reporting they are happy in their role, and 89% stating that Dunecrest is a safe place to work. In addition, digital wellbeing continues to be a priority, supported through external audits and the ongoing evaluation of a phone free campus for students.
Transparency and Trust Across All Divisions
Komodo survey findings are shared with teaching staff across all three school divisions through concise monthly reports that highlight strengths and areas for growth. This consistent sharing of information promotes a unified approach to student development and supports transparency within the community. Data is used as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and action, guided by student voice rather than being a standalone measure.
Partnering with Parents Through Communication and Education
Komodo survey questions are reviewed regularly by school counsellors to ensure they reflect real student concerns, including exam pressure, year to year transitions, and health and nutrition. These insights directly inform parent workshops, advisory lessons, and grade level town hall meetings, equipping families with practical strategies to reinforce learning and wellbeing at home.
Building Belonging Through Community and School Events
Community connection is central to fostering strong engagement with families. School events, performances, and celebrations throughout the year provide meaningful opportunities for families to come together, celebrate student achievements, and support holistic development. The school house system further nurtures a sense of belonging and mentorship, offering wellbeing focused activities that strengthen peer relationships across all grades.
Practical, Developmentally Appropriate Student Support
Students are supported through a comprehensive social and emotional learning programme aligned with the International School Counseling Association framework. Advisory lessons and targeted interventions focus on routines, transitions, resilience, and self awareness, ensuring all students receive consistent guidance within an international school context. This structured approach provides parents with confidence that emotional development is prioritised alongside academic progress.
Elevating Student Voice Through Leadership Opportunities
Student voice is amplified through Student Wellbeing Champions and the Wellbeing Committee, who meet quarterly to analyse division level data, identify gaps, and design whole school initiatives. Over the past year alone, overall student wellbeing rose from 71% to 77%, and achievement and learning wellbeing increased from 65% to 76%. Students shared 33 compliments to teachers, highlighting appreciation for guidance and support. School climate and social emotional wellbeing received the highest scores, demonstrating strong engagement and positive experiences across the student body.
Over the past year alone, overall student wellbeing rose from 71% to 77%, and achievement and learning wellbeing increased from 65% to 76%.
Digital Wellbeing and Responsible Technology Use
As digital habits continue to shape student life, Dunecrest takes a proactive approach to digital wellbeing. Partnerships with external specialists such as EdRuption support regular digital audits and informed guidance for families. School leadership is also analysing the long term impact of a phone free campus, helping to promote healthy and balanced technology use at home.
Aligning with UAE Priorities and Supporting Staff Wellbeing
Dunecrest’s initiatives reflect the UAE’s priorities around family cohesion, student wellbeing, and community engagement, while also recognising the importance of supporting staff. By monitoring staff wellbeing and providing opportunities for collaboration and recognition, the school cultivates a positive and connected culture that directly benefits students.
Through the integration of student voice, data driven insights, and strong family partnerships, Dunecrest fosters a learning environment where student wellbeing underpins academic achievement, personal growth, and meaningful engagement. This approach equips the school community to embrace challenges, celebrate successes, and nurture lifelong learning.
The integration of student voice, data driven insights, and strong family partnerships fosters a learning environment where student wellbeing underpins academic achievement.
For more information about Dunecrest American School, visit their website below:
Further Reading:
- How Dunecrest Prioritises Student Wellbeing with Komodo
- Beyond the Classroom at Dunecrest, Inside a Real World Approach to Learning