In response to the global conversation about Covid-19 induced mental health issues, one of Dubai’s leading British curriculum schools, Brighton College Dubai, will cultivate a positive narrative around mental health by introducing mental health and wellbeing studies into the curriculum when it launches its sixth form this September.
Based on the PERMA Model, a scientific theory of happiness, all sixth form pupils will study the Brighton Charter, which has been built into the curriculum to teach pupils about character development in areas such as leadership and resilience. It will also teach transferable skills such as public speaking, presentation skills, problem-solving, interview techniques and information and media literacy. Pupils will also learn about positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishments, and how to apply these to their lives.
Dubai sixth form adds to Brighton College’s existing outstanding sixth forms in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
A key member of the teaching staff who will be crucial in leading the vibrant sixth form at Brighton College Dubai, and implementing the mental wellness curriculum, is the newly appointed Founding Head of Sixth Form, Joe Hall. He commented: “As part of the Brighton Charter, we will develop mental health awareness, mental health first aid and a positive psychology amongst pupils. A huge part of my role will be supporting Brighton College sixth form pupils beyond the curriculum and academic studies and supporting them with character development and how to adapt and be prepared for a post-Covid world. We need to prepare our pupils, now more than ever, to be able to stand out in a world where more and more of us will, in essence, become freelancers as employment patterns change due to the pandemic. Transferable skills, communication skills and confidence have never been more important to learn alongside a core curriculum.”
With more than 15 years of teaching experience in schools around the world, Joe Hall’s previous role as Founding Head of Sixth Form at Brighton College Al Ain proves his extensive knowledge and experience in establishing a highly successful and outstanding rated sixth form in the UAE, as well as living and breathing the Brighton College ethos. Joe has taught many Brighton College pupils and has helped them on their journeys to becoming successful, confident and kind Old Brightonians, who have gone on to study at Ivy League and Russell Group universities around the world.
Commenting on his new role as Head of Sixth Form at Brighton College Dubai, Joe Hall said: “To be at the helm of launching Brighton College Dubai’s highly anticipated sixth form is very exciting, and our mission is to emulate the outstanding success that its sister schools in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain have achieved. My expertise lies in setting up and establishing sixth forms and building an environment that cultivates kindness, as well as helping pupils flourish and go on to achieve their best. I am very much looking forward to nurturing Brighton College Dubai’s sixth form pupils so they can reach their full potential and go on to studying at leading universities around the world. I also want to make sure they have all the skills and character required not just to survive, but to thrive in the mid 21st-century world.”
Resilience and attributes needed to thrive in the mid 21st century
Having taught in schools in Mexico, the UK, Korea and the UAE, Joe’s 15 years of teaching experience spans across many continents, cultures and religions. His expertise lies in leadership through his roles as Director of the English Department at a Mexico based language school, his role as Enrichment Coordinator and Humanities Teacher at Honiton Community College in Devon in the UK, and as Deputy Head of Senior School at Brighton College Al Ain.
Joe holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Secondary History from the University of Exeter, a Master of Arts in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of London, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford.
Brighton College Dubai Sixth Form will be located at the school’s world-class campus in Al Barsha South.