- 29 Dec, 2025
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- 6 Mins Read
Inside an Edsidera Award School: Insights from Ambassador Eda at Arcadia Global School
When a school begins its Edsidera journey, something special happens: learning starts to stretch beyond the classroom, children take pride in developing real-world skills and their sense of independence and responsibility grows.
At Arcadia Global School, one of the leading British curriculum schools in Dubai, this transformation has already begun.
As one of the teachers leading the launch of The Little Star Award and The Rising Star Award, Eda has seen first-hand how the programme inspires students to think differently, try new things, and take ownership of their personal growth. From hands-on challenges that build confidence and resilience to meaningful reflections that strengthen home–school connections, Edsidera has quickly become a valued part of school life.
Now stepping into her new role as an Edsidera Ambassador, Eda is helping to champion life-skills education and share the impact the awards are having on her students and wider school community.
In this interview, Eda offers insight into her school’s launch and her passion for building real-life skills in young learners.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself, your teaching background, and your roles as FS2 teacher and FS Student Leadership Lead at Arcadia Global School?
I graduated in Preschool Early Years and hold a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Planning. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher; my passion stems from my own childhood. I always keep five-year-old Eda in mind when I am teaching my children or responding to their endless questions, because that little Eda had many questions that were never encouraged.
As an FS2 teacher, I use my magic wand, magical eggs, and my puppet friends. I often bring out Silly Billy, who asks delightfully silly questions to my little learners. Silly Billy encourages them to think outside the box and to respond with as much imagination and silliness as they can.
In my role as FS Student Leadership Lead, I focus on supporting our young leaders to demonstrate our school values and to be positive role models within our school community. I work on creating EYFS-friendly projects that reflect our AGS values and help our little leaders understand that being a leader does not mean being the loudest person in the room.
2. Arcadia Global School began implementing The Little Star and Rising Star Awards last year. What inspired the school to introduce the Edsidera programme, and what were your first impressions?
We introduced the Little Star and Rising Star Awards to further recognise, celebrate, and strengthen the holistic development of our learners. The programme aligns closely with our school values and our commitment to nurturing confident, well-rounded individuals, not just academically but socially and emotionally as well.
My first impressions of the Edsidera life-skills programme were extremely positive. I could immediately see how the Edsidera framework provided a clear structure for acknowledging children’s achievements in areas such as leadership, character, resilience and community spirit. It offered our young learners a meaningful opportunity to see themselves as capable leaders and positive role models. From the very beginning, it was evident that the children felt proud and motivated, and the programme quickly became a valuable part of our school culture.
3. How did you roll out the awards across the school, and which year groups or students are currently involved?
The programme is now implemented from FS1 up to Year 7, with each year group following age-appropriate criteria. This allows every child, from our youngest learners to our older students, to showcase their strengths, celebrate their progress, and take pride in their personal development. The awards have become a positive and motivating part of our school culture.
4. Have you noticed any positive reactions or changes in your students as they begin completing the challenges?
Yes, definitely. I have noticed positive reactions and meaningful changes in students as they begin completing the challenges. For example, I had one student last year who absolutely loved the programme, and her enthusiasm was remarkable. She was so excited about each challenge that she would spend her weekends completing her tasks and immediately wanting to share her photos and videos evidence.
Seeing her take such pride in her achievements and independently engage with the activities showed me just how motivating and empowering the programme can be for our learners.
5. How do you see Edsidera helping to strengthen family involvement in learning?
Edsidera’s Awards create a bridge between school life and home life, strengthening the community and helping children see that learning is an exciting, lifelong journey of creating themselves. I can confidently say that Edsidera brings out the best in students, parents, and teachers alike. It’s a programme that truly transforms the learning experience.
Many parents are incredibly hardworking and genuinely committed to supporting their children to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom, but sometimes they are unsure which skills to focus on or the best ways to support their children at home. Edsidera provides clear guidance, helping parents understand exactly how they can nurture their children’s growth.
6. What skills or qualities do you hope your students will develop through the Edsidera Awards over the coming months?
Through the Edsidera Awards, I hope my students will develop a wide range of skills and qualities that go beyond the classroom. I want them to enhance their physical development through hands-on activities, while also gaining a deep appreciation for UAE culture and an understanding of British values.
The programme also provides opportunities to practise Arabic skills in meaningful contexts and to develop an awareness of sustainability, even through simple tasks such as setting a table thoughtfully or managing resources responsibly.
7. What inspired you to become an Edsidera Ambassador, and what impact do you hope to have in this role?
I was inspired to become an Edsidera Ambassador because I see the incredible eagerness and dedication of our parents to support their children’s learning journey.
As a teacher, I also know how valuable it is for children to spend quality time with their parents, and through Edsidera, this becomes both meaningful and purposeful. In this role, I hope to guide and empower parents to engage effectively with their children, creating stronger home–school connections and ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom in a positive and enriching way.
8. What would you say to another school or teacher considering launching the awards?
If I were to speak to another school or teacher considering launching the Edsidera Awards, I would say: absolutely do it. I have seen first-hand how motivated and proud children feel when they complete their challenges. They are excited to share their creations, accomplishments, and experiences with both teachers and parents.
Edsidera also gives parents a clear and practical way to engage meaningfully in their child’s learning at home. Many parents are eager to support their children, but sometimes they aren’t sure which skills to focus on or how best to guide them. This programme provides guidance and structure, so parents feel empowered, and children enjoy quality time with their families in meaningful, purposeful ways.
For teachers, it’s also incredibly rewarding to watch children grow not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and creatively. They learn to take responsibility, set boundaries, collaborate, and think independently, all while having fun.
Eda’s Role as an Ambassador
Eda’s experience offers a powerful insight into how life-skills education can become a natural, joyful part of school life. Through meaningful activities, simple evidence uploads, and hands-on challenges designed by educators, students in her school are developing the qualities they need to thrive, from resilience and independence to kindness, community awareness, and confidence.
As an ambassador, Eda’s voice will help more schools understand what Edsidera can bring to
their learners: a programme that is teacher-friendly, student-led, and grounded in real-world growth.
Her school’s journey has only just begun, but one thing is already clear, the Edsidera Awards are helping students build skills that last long beyond the academic year.
Interview led by:
Sophie Gornall, Marketing Manager, Edsidera
Interviewee:
Eda Karpuz – Teacher at Arcadia Global School, Dubai