Better Buddies Around the World - GEMS World Academy, Dubai

Before introducing the Better Buddies programme GEMS World Academy, Dubai, teachers often found it challenging to come up with purposeful and interesting weekly buddy activities.  The Better Buddies Framework has helped teachers save planning time.  The Better Buddies values blend perfectly with our IB (International Baccalaureate) Learner Profile and Attitudes.

Students taking part in Better Buddies appear to settle in comfortably to the school community.  When students pass each other in the corridor they call out 'hi buddy'.  There is also evidence of harmonious playground cross age playing e.g. soccer.

Some student reflections about how they feel about having a buddy include:

• I feel wonderful because I like it when my buddy plays with me, and shows me she cares.
• I feel happy because my buddy helps me, when I am stuck on something tricky.
• I feel happy because I care about my buddy. I like it when my buddy says 'hi' to me in the corridor.

Randa Bakkar
GEMS World Academy, Dubai