British Primary School in Dubai, UAE

Dubai English Speaking School (DESS):
Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) is the premier English National Curriculum, international primary school in Dubai, catering to over 800 children between Reception and Year 6 (Ages 4 - 11 years). We are conveniently located in Oud Metha (Al Nasr), a small residential locality in the city. Each year group has five classes with average class size between 22 and 24 students. Each year group has a year team leader who is one of the team of five class teachers. At Key Stage One each class, and at Key Stage Two each year group, has a learning assistant. The school also has specialist staff in areas including games, literacy, music and ICT who both teach and support the work of the class teacher. The Learning Support Department supports both individual children and class groups. The school has a full time nurse.

English National Curriculum Education Programs:
DESS has many of the characteristics of a good British state primary school, but with the resources, class sizes, positive pupils, achievement levels & supportive parents of the best British independent schools.

Reception - Year 6 (Primary years 1 to 6):

- Classes are taught through English
- We follow the English National Curiculum for primary schools.
- 5 classes in each year group

Year Groups include:  Reception; Year 1; Year 2; Year 3; Year 4; Year 5 & Year 6.

- Subjects include: 

Arabic & Islamic Studies:
The Arabic department aims to:

- Develop the ability to communicate accurately and effectively in speech and in writing within the range of the contexts.
- Make linguistic connections: Students will explore the nature of languages as systems by making comparisons between Arabic and English, leading to an appreciation of the correct application of linguistic structures and vocabulary.
- Develop an awareness of the nature of the language.
- Encourage students to recognise that learning more than one language is a valuable life skill.

Design Technology:
In Year 5, the children learn about controlling movement with a cam mechanism as part of a simple toy. They develop their designing skills by using information sources to generate ideas and formulate an understanding of how cam mechanisms can be used to produce movement. In ICT, Year 6 investigated the various types of bridges seen around the world. From this knowledge they designed and built a bridge in Design & Technology that would hold, at least, a 1 kg weight. 

In Literacy, Year 6 researched Fables and, as part of their work, they had to write their own fables. Further developing this idea the children then went on to design their own hand puppets in Design Technology.

Geography:
Children at DESS have the advantage of coming from many different parts of the world and have a strong knowledge and understanding about different geographical regions, climates and environmental issues. Through investigations, hands on experience, research and school excursions, children are able to apply their geographical knowledge and skills in different contexts.  We also value our local area and seek to discover all of its hidden treasures.

History:
Pupils at DESS learn about the key events of the past and develop an awareness of how it has affected our lives today. Using artefacts, role play, themed History days and school excursions to various historical sites around Dubai, children show a strong knowledge and understanding of not only Ancient and British history but also our local history in Dubai.

Library:
The School Library is a colourful, busy, welcoming room. It is well stocked, comprising approximately 11,000 resources of non-fiction, picture books, fiction, newspapers, comics and audio tapes. It is also equipped with a network of 12 computers which gives students access to the library database, the internet for subject based research and CD-ROMs. The library also has an audio book hire section where children can download stories to their mp3 players. The audio book section has approximately 400 different stories available.

The children visit the library at least once during the week for their library lesson and many children also change books and use the facilities of the Library before school starts and during breaks. Years 5 and 6 are given the opportunity to be Librarians during the course of the year.

Literacy:
Literacy is a core subject that is celebrated by children, teachers and parents at the Dubai English Speaking School. Each child is valued and receives positive encouragement to develop their skills within this curriculum area. We follow the National Literacy Strategy as part of the British National Curriculum and all teaching members of staff have received the most recent UK training from our non-teaching Literacy Coordinator.

Each class participates in a daily Literacy Hour as well as additional time for library, spelling activities and handwriting. A great deal of emphasis is placed upon children's learning. We ensure that lessons are multi-sensory and interactive and therefore develop visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles.

Mathematics:
We use the National Numeracy Framework from the National Curriculum of England. This sets out the objectives to be taught in each year group, giving a clear progression of skills from Reception to Year 6. From September 2007, the curriculum consists of 7 strands, which are covered at different levels in each year group:

- Using and Applying Maths. (solving problems and puzzles)
- Counting and Understanding Number
- Knowing and Using Number Facts
- Calculating
- Understanding Shape
- Measures
- Understanding Data

Physical Education:
DESS PE department has 3 full-time PE teachers, 2 full time swimming teachers and 1 part-time dance teacher. As a department we set goals for children to develop lifetime habits in keeping fit and healthy. The department is focused on improving every child’s potential in physical activity. We approach every child’s needs individually and ensure that these are met. In addition, we also strive to ensure that there is a large element of fun within lessons. All areas of PE are covered including swimming, games, athletics, gymnastics, striking & fielding and dance.

A comprehensive programme of after school activities are offered each afternoon for the children to participate in. Fixtures and competitions happen in a wide range of sports throughout the year so the children can apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in a competitive situation.

PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education and Citizenship):
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship help to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active, responsible citizens. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of their school and communities. In doing so, they learn to recognise their own worth, develop high self-esteem, empathise and work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning.

They reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. Pupils also find out about the main social institutions that affect their lives and about their responsibilities, rights and duties as individuals and members of communities. They learn to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.

Also:  Art, French, ICT, Music & Science

- Additionally:  Games, literacy, music and ICT.