British Elementary through to 6th Form
The school established in 2005, offers a British education to over 1000 students , aged three to 18. The school’s curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England, enhanced by the International Primary Curriculum in the primary school and GCSE and GCE A level courses from Year 9 to Year 13. Arabic is studied throughout. The school states that it welcomes a wide range of students to study a curriculum designed to extend and excite them, no matter what their interests or abilities.
The academic programme is enhanced through an extensive and varied Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) programme which includes a wide range of sports, outward bound service and cultural activities.
The school says that it encourages its students to learn how to collaborate, socialize and work out their differences while also competing, aiming high and undertaking difficult tasks that are worth doing well.
Location
Emirates Hills, on Meadows Drive, next to the DEWA Building
Who runs the school?
A private school, DBS is run by Taaleem. All Taaleem schools are governed by the executive board at Taaleem and individual principals. In addition, there is an Advisory Board in order to facilitate parent and staff involvement, involve members of the community in planning the school’s future and streamline common policy making across Taaleem. The Dubai British School Advisory board consists of parents, members of the Taaleem Executive Board and staff, all of whom are invited to serve by the principal. The principal of the school is Mr Mark Ford.
Is this a non-profit school?
No
What facilities does it offer?
The school’s campus is compact but well equipped according to the school handbook. On offer are a sports hall, swimming pool, multipurpose astro and hard sports pitches and play areas. Classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards with full internet access. There are two libraries, four science laboratories, three ICT centres, art , music and design centres . From year 9 onwards, the school offers the International Award for Young People and in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 there is an established residential programme which allows all students to spend a week in the desert. The DBS Award Scheme is available for younger students while everyone is expected to participate in service projects.
What is the school’s philosophy?
According to the school’s mission statement , DBS is a school enjoyed by all, where ‘excellence is valued’. As a school community, the aim is to be approachable and supportive, to value continuity in learning, have high expectations of students and find strength in diversity. Every student at DBS is therefore encouraged to : challenge themselves, fulfill their unique potential, think globally and locally and be considerate of the needs of others. The school says that this mission statement emphasizes the role of the community in the school – parents, students, staff and friends alike.
Curriculum
Primary
The DBS primary curriculum is an enhanced and challenging version of the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with the latest National Curriculum strategies for teaching Numeracy and Literacy at its heart.
Learning is organised into Key Stages, with individual progress monitored in a number of ways including Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) from the UK. Expectations are very high and children have every opportunity to progress as individuals.
The curriculum is significantly enriched to reflect the culture of the UAE. Our science and humanities units are structured according to the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) which places a particular emphasis on international mindedness which is particularly relevant for our students. French is taught by specialists from Year 1.
Secondary
It is the school’s aim to provide students in the secondary school with a stimulating and purposeful curriculum, leading to qualifications which are internationally recognised for entry into higher education or employment.
Although the secondary school follows a strong British curriculum and tradition, it is international in many respects. The maximum long-term class size is 25, but there are many smaller groups, particularly in the Sixth Form and in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science from Year 7 onwards.
Admissions requirements
Download the application form from the school website, fill in and either scan or fax back to the school. Once the school has received your form as well as an application fee of Dhs500 (non-refundable) which can be made by filling in a Card Authorisation Form together with a copy of your credit card and passport photo page and sent through to (+9714) 361 9294 or emailed to admissions@dubaibritishschool.ae, the school will start to process your application. Other documents required include:
•Copy of school reports for the last 2 years. Must include current year
•Supporting documentation (if questions answered YES in the Application Form)
•2 copies of the child’s birth certificate
•4 recent colour passport size photographs of the applicant
• 2 copies of each passport (particulars page) for the father, mother and child/children
Your application cannot be considered until the above documentation has been received.
When all the required paperwork is received, you will be contacted by the admissions office to arrange for the appropriate Entrance Assessments. Assessments are only arranged if the school has places available, otherwise your application form will be placed on a waiting list.
Acceptance to the school is contingent upon the results of the assessment test, student interview and former school history.
KHDA Ratings
Good (as of 2011)