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Introduction

Mission

The Arcadia counselling program aims to ensure that each student has the opportunity to develop the necessary competencies for academic success and personal growth. Our counsellors seek to empower students to achieve their full potential in academic, personal, social and emotional development, positive mental health and effective life skills, resulting in career and college readiness and positive wellbeing.

Counselling
Department Aims

COMPREHENSIVE

Understood by and accessible to all students, parents and teachers

PREVENTATIVE

Impart important skills to students, parents and staff using a proactive approach

DEVELOPMENTAL

Meet the needs of all students' needs, growth and developmental stages

Meet the Team

Edele Nolan

Head of Counselling

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Edele Nolan

Head of Counselling

My name is Edele Nolan and I am head of Counselling here at Arcadia. This is my second year in this role and my 7th year working in the UAE. I have almost 20 years experience in education. I worked as a school counsellor for 5 years and was a teacher before that for 14 years. I am a qualified Play Therapist,I have a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology, have a BA in Early Years Education, a BA in Montessori Education and am also a Mindfulness Educator.

I have worked in a variety of different settings around the world and feel I have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to working with children and families.

I am extremely passionate about what I do and believe in the importance of supporting student’s emotional and social wellbeing.  My goal is to continue building positive relationships of kindness, empathy, respect and understanding with the students and families of Arcadia. My door will always be open.  

Jessica Walkinshaw

Counsellor

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Jessica Walkinshaw

Counsellor

My name is Jessica Walkinshaw and I am the secondary counsellor and careers advisor at Arcadia. This is my second year here at Arcadia and 7th year working in Dubai. I have 13 years experience in education, having worked as a school counsellor for 1 year and Head of  Music and Performing Arts department in a large school in Dubai prior to that. I have a  Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology,  a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. 

Throughout my career, I have worked in both  primary and secondary schools in the UK and international settings. I have led performing arts and literacy across the key stages, worked as a teacher of special educational needs, and played a key role in developing wellbeing and Positive Education. 

Working as a school counsellor at Arcadia this year, I  aim  to share my  love of learning and passion for music, wellbeing and positive education with all students. I  strongly believe in the application of student-centred and solution-focused positive psychology interventions to achieve the best possible progress for all children. 

As a lifetime learner of the arts, I have  a special interest in incorporating the expressive arts into counselling techniques used with my students. I believe in the power of creative expression to enhance the lives of students and discover their individual strengths. I am  excited to be part of the Arcadia family this year to continue to support and motivate all learners to achieve their potential and flourish in an ever-changing world.

Our Offering

The Arcadia counselling Team supports all of our Arcadia students and families throughout the year. In the primary school we deliver classroom-based lessons and assemblies to all our students with a focus on the following topics

  • Conflict resolution & Anti-bullying, Online Safety
  • Being an upstander & Emotional regulation
  • Empowerment and self-confidence lessons
  • kindness & Friendship, Mental Health, Diversity, Careers Guidance, Growth Mindset
  • Yoga, mindfulness, and calm breathing techniques

WE ENSURE THE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF STUDENTS, PARENTS AND STAFF IS MET BY

  • Working to maximize student success, advocating and promoting access and equity for all students.
  • Providing innovative, interactive, and age-appropriate lessons, assemblies, and workshops for all students
  • Providing one to one sessions, small group sessions and student workshops
  • Developing positive parent relationships and providing support ( Webinars, coffee mornings, monthly counselling corner, Seesaw information, parent meetings)
  • Providing emotional support and training sessions for staff
  • Designing creative, inviting and calming environments for therapy sessions for students
  • Collaborating with families/teachers/ administrators/community/outside organisations for student success and wellbeing

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