How Dunecrest Prioritises Student Wellbeing with Komodo
This case study was originally published on the Education UAE website and it was created by the team at Dunecrest American School. You can read the original article here.
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A strategic, data-driven wellbeing program
The data collected from Komodo helps Dunecrest stay responsive to the evolving needs of its students. It provides valuable insights into key developmental areas, including social, emotional, digital, and physical wellbeing. The surveys provide visibility on trends across key wellbeing domains, enabling the school to design timely interventions. Whether it’s through personalized check-ins, classroom-based strategies, or wider school initiatives, this data empowers educators to tailor their approach and uplift every student.
Enhancing emotional and mental wellbeing
With each Komodo survey, students are encouraged to reflect on their emotional state and mental health. The system provides them with a clear wellbeing percentage, helping them track how they feel over time. When students need additional support, they can instantly request a private check-in with a teacher or counselor—allowing for quick, personalized responses that make a real difference.
Encouraging student self-awareness and engagement
Students are not only participants but active agents in their own wellbeing. Through visual graphs and trend tracking, they begin to understand what influences their emotional health. This promotes ownership and awareness, two key pillars of resilience and long-term mental wellness. Compliment features also reinforce a culture of gratitude and recognition among students and staff.
Tackling emerging wellbeing challenges
Digital wellbeing and exam-related stress are just two of the challenges that Komodo data has helped Dunecrest address. Insights from the surveys have prompted school-wide initiatives to promote healthier screen habits and reduce academic pressure during assessments. With this feedback loop in place, Dunecrest is well-equipped to respond to student needs before they escalate.
Empowering students to lead wellbeing initiatives
Dunecrest believes in cultivating leaders who care. Student Wellbeing Champions from both Elementary and Secondary School meet regularly to analyze survey results and brainstorm ideas to enhance peer wellbeing. In Secondary, select students also participate in Teen-to-Teen Mental Health Training, giving them the skills to be approachable, supportive figures among their classmates.
Strengthening relationships between students and teachers
One of Komodo’s most powerful outcomes is the enhancement of teacher-student connections. With access to student wellbeing data, homeroom, advisory, inclusion, and counseling staff are better equipped to hold meaningful conversations and adjust learning experiences accordingly. Students feel seen, supported, and heard—core ingredients of a thriving learning environment.
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“We are committed to the holistic success of our students, and that includes prioritizing their wellbeing. With Komodo, emotional and social support is not only personalized but also data-driven—empowering every student to reach their full potential,”
– Jeff Smith, Director, Dunecrest American School
Looking ahead: supporting educators, too
Dunecrest’s wellbeing journey is evolving. Building on the success of its student surveys, the school has started piloting the Komodo Teacher Wellbeing Survey. This tool allows teachers to reflect on their own wellbeing, share concerns, and help shape a more supportive workplace culture. Because a healthy school starts with healthy educators.
About Dunecrest American School
A vibrant community school in Al Barari, Dubai, fostering creativity, perseverance, and positivity. With both the American curriculum and IB World offerings, our inquiry-based learning approach engages students in real-world projects. Our robust sports, activities, and arts program develops the whole child. Experienced counselors provide guidance from elementary to university entry. Backed by Esol’s 40+ years of expertise in managing international schools, Dunecrest is committed to shaping bright futures through exceptional education.
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