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| iCademy highlights the importance to balance academics and athletics to achieve success both in school and on the playing field Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 February 2020: With an emphasis on children specialising in sports, the stress of doing well in a sport can easily override the necessity to do well in academic subjects at school. But this was not the case with Cameron West, who became a professional showjumper two years ago. Grade 11 student, West, emphasised the support that iCademy offered to help him become a professional showjumper. Statistically, research indicates that young people who participate in sports, whether at school or in community sports, perform better academically than children who do not participate in sports. “I chose iCademy and online schooling because it helps athletes like myself. Showjumping is not only a hobby but a day-to-day job, which requires full dedication that can quickly take over your life. iCademy allowed me to be flexible with my study hours and the environment gave me a great chance to finish high school and receive my GED. It is so helpful that iCademy offers the services it does because no other school in the Middle East offers this kind of education system and adequate support to athletes like myself,” West said. He added: “iCademy allowed me to train in the morning, which means I can attend classes later in the day. Sometimes I have shows during the week and the school has always allowed me to attend and participate in those shows. I have competed here in the UAE for the past two seasons, nationally and internationally in places such as Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Centre, Al Forsan and Sharjah Equestrian Riding Centre.” Educators at iCademy highlighted that participating in extracurricular events is important for students of all ages. Playing sports is a great way to build your child’s confidence and dedication. Recent studies and research has indicated that there is a link between physical activity and improved academic performance. When asked about his top five tips and techniques, which student athletes can implement to succeed academically, as well as athletically, West said: “Student athletes often have to juggle a variety of athletic and academic commitments at once. Schedules are typically jam-packed and workloads tend to be heavy. “Therefore, make sure your athletic commitments are working in-sync with your academic needs, not against them. Communicate with your mentors about any potential conflicts between your athletic commitments and schoolwork. Whether on the field or within the classroom, constant improvement should be your end goal. There will be moments when you are challenged by a tough loss, use these instances as ways to improve yourself and your skills.” iCademy provides students with the flexibility to focus on extracurricular activities, alongside academic learning, allowing them to move at their own pace and thrive in both education and extracurricular activities. About iCademy Middle East iCademy Middle East runs a fully accredited, US-curriculum program. For too long the delivery of education has been designed around curricula, instead of around the student. iCademy provides a bespoke, flexible and rigorous blended-learning approach to truly maximize the potential of their pupils. iCademy Middle East’s personalized approach to learning ensures complete engagement. Learning can be undertaken at each child’s pace, meaning that children no longer slip under the radar. Other schools promise individualized learning: iCademy Middle East delivers it. The online school is for grades K-12 and the Learning Centers cater for children from kindergarten through to grade 12. iCademy can benefit: Gifted and talented and require timetable flexibility Advanced learners who outstretch their peers academically Those who may have learning difficulties, special educational needs or disabilities Children who have been excluded from school Individuals that suffer from social anxiety Children who have been bullied in a school setting Those requiring additional support Students that respond well to learning outside the traditional environment Those who move regularly and for whom brick and mortar schools are not appropriate (military families for instance) Those who cannot get a place in a bricks and mortar school and/or are on waiting lists Those who are not being challenged enough at school Expat children living in the GCC without access to high-quality bricks and mortar schools |