Fairgreen International School – Dubai

Significant success with curriculum, whole-school approach, general ethos and pupil impact

Could you start off by letting us know how long you/your school has been using Jigsaw for?

We started using Jigsaw in 2019. Our school is a pre K to Grade 12 international school, and only opened in 2018. We adopted Jigsaw as we knew it would provide an evidence based approach to social and emotional learning which aligned well with our mission and vision.

How has Jigsaw made an impact both from a school perspective for teachers and the students?

As a group on diverse international educators Jigsaw provided confidence and consistency in our approach to ensuring that children were developing the knowledge and skills required for them to be caring, resilient and adopting healthy lifestyles. Many of our teachers practice mindfulness and have loved being able to have 'Calm me' times. This has also really helped our children, who now know that mindfulness and their practice can help them feel peaceful and calm. It is always slightly amusing to see some of our children in the playground sitting cross legged in the playground having a mindful moment.

Can you provide examples or situations where Jigsaw has made an impact in the class/school or on individual cases?

One powerful moment, was in the counselling room, when a child who was having a difficult time at home, was holding Jigsaw Jerrie. As she rested her head in between Jerries ears, she said, "I never realised Jerrie was there to help hold your head up". The feeling of comfort and safety in that moment, was pronounced.

As a school we have over 60 nationalities, the Celebrating Differences puzzle has been an effective way at uniting, connecting and celebrating our differences.

Is there anything specific that you like about Jigsaw PSHE and its products?

We like everything - especially: the friends, the structure, the support from Jigsaw head office, the new portal is amazing and so much easier to navigate. It really simplifies and makes easy for teachers to deliver and teach with confidence.

What has parent feedback been like? If any.

An area we need to do better at.

If applicable: How has Jigsaw helped the school with regards to assessments?

We are not required to assess PSHE in Dubai or is this question more about do we think Jigsaw has enhanced student progress in assessments?

Do you feel there could be room for improvement in some areas / what don’t you like or feel does not quite work for the children and teachers?

I have discussed this with Carol Catton (Senior Jigsaw Associate Consultant) and Jan Lever, MBE (CEO and Co-founder of Jigsaw PSHE) about some of the topics are 'unteachable' in the UAE due to some topics being forbidden. I am keen to develop some content for Jigsaw which we use as an option to replace when we need to.

Assemblies - and launches could be improved with more interactivity

Finally, What do you feel makes us stand out to you vs other products offering PSHE?

I am familiar and have used other programs eg second step. I think how thoughtful and well prepared the materials are, the ease and simplicity in which they can be delivered. The content is engaging for children and the Jigsaw friends. It gives our school an identity and clarity about our approach.