Introduction
What should schools really be teaching the next generation?
In this episode, Spencer sits down with Tomas Duckling, Headmaster of one of the most prestigious schools in the UAE, to explore the pressures shaping modern education, the role of parents in an increasingly competitive system, the impact of technology and AI on learning and why the future of education must focus on building good humans, not just high achievers.
Tomas’ path into education was unexpected. After travelling the world in his early twenties, he began working at a North London school supporting refugees and immigrant communities. What started as a temporary role quickly became a calling, launching an international career that took him from Brunei to Aiglon College in Switzerland, one of the world’s most expensive schools.
Now leading Dubai College, Tomas believes schools should focus on far more than exam results. His mission is to develop character, empathy, kindness, and leadership, preparing students not just for academic success but to become good humans who can make a meaningful impact on the world.
Show Notes
00:00 – Introducing Tomas Duckling and Dubai College
02:05 – The history of Dubai College and why it’s so oversubscribed
04:15 – Removing the debenture system and creating merit-based admissions
07:12 – Tomas’ unconventional journey into teaching
10:03 – From London classrooms to international schools in Brunei
13:48 – Teaching at Aiglon College in Switzerland
17:10 – How global experiences shaped his philosophy on education
21:02 – Why academic results alone are not enough
24:30 – The importance of character, kindness, and empathy in schools
27:18 – The pressures parents place on modern education
31:05 – Comparing the UK, European, and UAE education systems
34:12 – The future of learning in a world shaped by AI
38:20 – Why human skills will matter more than ever
42:45 – The Edge Curriculum: teaching empathy, design, and entrepreneurship
47:30 – Encouraging students to solve real-world problems
50:15 – Bullying, kindness, and creating positive school culture
54:40 – The role of sport, extracurriculars, and resilience
58:10 – The debate around homeschooling and social development
01:02:20 – Diversity and multicultural education in Dubai
01:05:15 – The real purpose of education in the 21st century
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