We made a podcast: NAS Unplugged

Questions have a way of finding their way into every corner of a school. They surface during parent meetings. They appear in inboxes late at night. They are discussed at the school gate during morning drop-off.

With these questions it’s evident that parents want clear guidance on learning, behaviour and wellbeing; teachers see the same concerns repeating, and students want to be heard. Yet finding practical, trustworthy answers can often feel overwhelming.

With all this in mind, Year 2 teacher Zahid Shafi asked a simple, practical question: how can we connect our community better and share answers that actually help? That question became NAS Unplugged, a school podcast where honest conversations meet evidence-informed practice.

Why a podcast?

Audio lets conversations travel beyond a single corridor or classroom. NAS Unplugged captures authentic voices – students describing what works for them, parents sharing practical tips, and staff explaining policy – and wraps them in accessible, actionable insight because sometimes what families need most is not another document to read, but a voice they can listen to.

Episodes focus on topics parents search for most: safeguarding at school, supporting child wellbeing, effective learning strategies, and the implications of AI in education.

Parent of year 4 Student: “NAS Unplugged gave me clarity on AI in education and practical ways to support my child.

What you’ll hear

Episodes are concise and focused, averaging 20–30 minutes to suit busy families. Each episode frames a question, explores practical responses from staff, students and experts, and closes with clear takeaways parents can use at home.

Whether parents are driving to work, exercising, preparing dinner, or waiting for football practice to finish, they can access meaningful conversations that help them better understand their child's educational journey.

Stories that change how we learn together

Six episodes in, the podcast has already connected people in unexpected ways. A parent reported using suggestions from an episode to improve morning routines; a student said being heard on the podcast boosted confidence; staff members noticed fewer repeated questions because answers were accessible to all.

Most often, the most reassuring thing a parent can hear is that they are not alone.

• A concern they have may be shared by hundreds of other families.
• A question they have may already have been explored by experts.
• A challenge they are facing may be something another parent has successfully navigated before.

These stories are not personal experiences alone. They illustrate how open conversation, backed by evidence and clear guidance, improves the home and school partnership and student outcomes.

A continuous journey

In many ways, NAS Unplugged reflects what education should be: a continuous conversation. One that extends beyond lessons, classrooms, and school gates. Through every episode, we are creating opportunities for students, parents, and staff to engage with the topics that shape modern education, strengthening the partnership that helps every child thrive.

As Zahid reflects:

From conversations about the power of listening to children to exploring the fast-changing world of AI, each episode offers something valuable to reflect on. The aim is not just to talk but to listen, learn, and better understand one another."

Zahid Shafi

Listen to NAS Unplugged on Spotify or tune in directly through the NAS Dubai website

Don't forget to follow for future episodes and practical insights designed to support students and families.