Aspen Heights British School Abu Dhabi was thrilled to welcome Greg Bottrill, author of Can I Go and Play Now? and creator of The Drawing Club, for a special training session with our Early Years teachers. A world-renowned advocate for play-based learning, Greg’s visit created an enriching experience for both teachers and students.
Over two days, Greg worked closely with our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Oasis teams, joining lessons to share the joy of play while offering expert guidance on how to continuously strive for excellence in early childhood education. His presence in the classrooms sparked curiosity, creativity, and engagement, reinforcing the power of play in shaping young learners.
His playful and engaging presence left a lasting impression on the children, with one of our young learners, Zayed, excitedly sharing:
“He looks like Santa with his white beard! But the best thing about him is that he played with us and made up the funniest stories!”
As part of Aspen Heights’ commitment to leading best practices within the International Schools Partnership (ISP), the school also hosted a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session, welcoming Early Years practitioners from across the UAE and the wider Middle East to engage in Greg’s expertise and explore innovative approaches to play-based learning.
Reflecting on the experience, Sam Ribbens, Assistant Head of EYFS, shared:
“Greg’s visit was truly special. He has a natural ability to step into the children’s world, engaging with them in a way that feels effortless. From sitting on the floor building stories with blocks, to sparking laughter through imaginative play in the sandbox, he reminded us all of the joy in learning. Seeing the children’s faces light up as he played alongside them was a beautiful reminder of why play is at the heart of early childhood education at Aspen Heights British School.”
Greg Bottrill’s visit has been an unforgettable experience for both students and teachers, leaving a lasting impact on Early Years education at Aspen Heights British School Abu Dhabi. This collaboration further strengthens our school’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in every child.