Indian Elementary through to High School
Our Own English High School has a history of 43 years of excellence. The school was founded in 1968, in the Bastakia area of old Dubai with only 27 students and 3 teachers and is today the flagship of all GEMS schools says Principal Aziz Akhtar. It is one of the premier institutions in the country with commendable rankings and 7877 students and 628 staff in its fold. KHDA/DSIB inspections have found our school worthy and have rated the school as ‘’good’’ with several outstanding features. Its recent achievement is being voted as the Best School in Dubai in a survey conducted by AHLAN in 2010.
Our Own English High School offers a curriculum designed and developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi and prepares students for the All India Secondary Schools Examination (at the end of Grade 10) and the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (at the end of Grade 12) conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, India. With over 7000 students of twenty-two nationalities and 310 faculty members from ten countries, `Our Own’ is a true reflection of multi –cultural Dubai at its best.
Location
The school is located in Al Warqa’a 3 in Dubai
Is this a non-profit school?
No
Who runs the school?
The school is owned and operated by GEMS, an international education company that owns and operates high performing schools around the world. The senior leadership team at the school consists of Aziz Akhtar, principal, Lalitha Suresh, headmistress and Latha Venkateswar, head of primary.
What is the school’s philosophy?
The curriculum is designed to ensure the all-round development of each student. A child-centric approach is utilised that promotes structured play, practical applications of knowledge and skills and regular school trips which stresses the importance of experimenting and experiencing in order to develop the total personality.
Teachers are trained to create and use programmes that make learning a joyful experience for their students, at Kindergarten. From Kindergarten through Middle School foundations in reading, creative writing, recitation, painting, EVS/science and mathematics are established and strengthened in a fun and stimulating environment, wherein the learning process is made positive and more meaningful. Emphasis is on helping students develop a growing enthusiasm towards learning, and a healthy drive to excel and achieve.
Special emphasis is also laid on the development of positive attitudes and healthy habits among the students. Students are introduced to social etiquette to develop strong moral and ethical values that will make them reliable and responsible world citizens through the teaching of Moral Science. Islamic Studies is taught to the Muslim students.
English is the language of instruction and Arabic is introduced in Grade 1 according to the UAE Ministry of Education requirements. Students are also offered the option of learning an additional language, including Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu or French. Throughout the curriculum students are presented with opportunities to research, solve problems and make considered decisions. Besides individual study, students are encouraged to involve in group study and team work as well which encourages the development of team spirit, emulating real life situations.
After successfully completing the AISSCE, students are eligible for admissions to universities and higher education colleges anywhere in the world (subject to the conditions prescribed), as it is widely recognized by all Indian and international universities. Students find placements in professional, technical and general education courses in India and abroad as they do exceedingly well in SAT examinations.
What facilities does the school offer?
The school is locatedon a large sprawling centrally air-conditioned campus spanning a massive area of 45,000 sq.metres, thus providing state -of-the-art facilities for student life and learning.
Library
There are two spacious and extensive libraries & resource suites stocked with an impressive array of fiction and non- fiction books, teaching resources including maps, periodicals, journals, newspapers, videos, audio-cassettes, CDs and DVDs. Fully networked student terminals are available to facilitate learning.
ICT facilities
The first Asian school in the UAE to introduce computers, the school now has classrooms equipped with multimedia projectors and internet facilities. Each teacher is provided with a laptop to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.
Eight ICT labs are equipped with sufficient machines with the latest processor, LED screens, high speed internet access and a wide range of interactive teaching aids. The two labs for the Senior section have the latest software for elective subjects- Computer Science and Informatics Practices.
Science Labs
Eight spacious and well-equipped labs provide the facilities necessary for demonstration, experimentation and project work at various levels in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Fashion Studies and Home Science. Four separate General Science Lab caters to the younger students of the Primary and the Middle School.
Art Studio
The Art room is the centre of all creative enterprise in the school and homes all the artefacts made by the students. There are two Art Studios to cater to the needs of our growing numbers.
Music Studio
Music in KG, primary and secondary schools aim to encourage students to develop an appreciation of all forms of music. The school has two well equipped music rooms for the KG Primary and Middle School Students. Teachers organise extra-curricular musical activities which include various concerts and recitals, as well as the organisation and rehearsals of any school musical groups such as choirs, bands or orchestras.
SEWA Activity Room: The school has a SEWA Activity Room for Grade 9 & 10 which exhibits environmental and international projects. SEWA stands for (Social Empowerment through Work and Action) which in the Indian environment refers to the concept of service to the community an important requirement in the CBSE-I curriculum.
Maths Lab
There is a maths lab to engage the Senior students during their Maths Activity period which enhance the learning and understanding of mathematical concepts.
Outdoor KG Play Area
Two separate shaded play areas equipped with a variety of age appropriate outdoor equipment has been specially designed for use by the younger children.
P.E. Resources
The school is equipped with three Basket Ball Courts. Besides this the school has a large open space on the second floor for P.E. activities and two large triquads for Primary students. The open spaces all around the school provide ample scope for outdoor activities.
Auditorium
The centrally air-conditioned multi-purpose auditorium having a seating capacity of 600 is used for a number of activities like assemblies, inter-house competitions and indoor games.
Cafeteria
The school cafeteria is a hygienic and well stocked facility that serves nutritious snacks and beverages at affordable prices. Mobile canteens are also set up on the three floors for the convenience of students.
Medicare
The school has three well-equipped First Aid Centres with two full-time doctors, four permanent nurses, attendants and maids. All cases of injury or illness receive immediate attention and whenever additional medical aid is required, students are rushed to the nearest Hospital or Clinic.
Parking: The school has set aside ample parking space for parents and visitors. Our fleet of 125 buses are parked in a designated area away from the main building so as not to pose a threat to student’s safety and security.
Physical Education
Children experience many areas of activity including games, dance, athletics, swimming, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Basketball and other outdoor activities.
Emphasis is placed on the value of exercise as a means of enjoyment as well as promoting a healthy way of life.
Participating in team games is encouraged in order to develop appropriate social skills. We participate in Inter-School tournaments and competitions.
To provide a full range of facilities for physical education, the school has hired the facilities available at a nearby club. “Our Own” has an established reputation for sporting achievement.
Guides A perfect package of mental and physical activities that contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, and social potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of the local, national and international communities. Under the able guidance of competent teachers, students are given training to ‘be prepared’ to face the challenges of life. Public Speaking Public speaking involves “learning by doing.” Students are trained to give short demonstration speeches beginning in primary grades and progressing through high school. Their oral communication techniques are refined and retooled as they gain more experience through debate and elocution.
Visual Arts
We pride ourselves on providing a wide platform for students’ artistic and creative energies. We help to channel creativity and imagination as a means of self-expression, through a series of art competitions and talent shows held throughout the year. The fine quality of Art at “Our Own” is in evidence in the department and is on display around the school. Students gain genuine fulfilment by expressing themselves in drawing, painting, three-dimensional work, and other media.
Environment Club
The broad aim of the Environment Club is to inculcate a sense of respect and responsibility towards the environment and build awareness among all age groups. The club realizes that skills have to be developed in young children by which they can bring about a change in the existing state of the environment. Though formal education has an important role to play, when it comes to environmental education, the teaching and learning process is done through a ‘fun-and-learn’ method, thereby generating a genuine interest for the subject in young minds.
Performing Arts
Our students are engaged in various performing arts. These include musicals, cultural performances, dances, elocution and drama.
Music is developed through vocal and instrumental skills-based activities contributing to the school’s characteristically energetic and outgoing ethos. There are plenty of opportunities for children of all ages to participate in choirs and ensembles.
Over the years, we have help mould students with exceptional theatrical talents and presence of mind on stage. The opportunity to perform is given an excellent foundation at Our Own where large scale productions are staged at least twice a year.
Students learn to develop a deep appreciation for different forms and various expressions of art and culture and gain self-confidence and poise.
Overnight Camps
The camps provide older students an opportunity to gain respect and love for nature and teach them how to be environmentally responsible. They also learn to preserve and protect our natural resources and wildlife. Camps are organized periodically to also foster a spirit of adventure.
Beyond Curriculum
Mentoring
Pupils are attached to designated mentors to monitor progress and extend advice wherever needed.
Workshops Special workshops are organised in various subjects every year taking the students beyond the classroom and into more comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the subject. Under the supervision and guidance of the teachers, students themselves help in the organising and conducting of these workshops.
Olympiads Our students in large numbers participate every year in the Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science Olympiads organised by the Council of CBSE schools in the Gulf. These Olympiads help in giving students the competitive edge and bringing out their talents.
Educational Trips Travel expands the horizon of knowledge. The school conducts field trips and outings that provide interesting, fun filled and educative experiences for the students. These educational trips allow students to experience hands-on activities that they learn about in books, bringing lessons to life thus allowing them to get acquainted with real life situations.
The school also provides students opportunities to travel outside UAE as a part of their educational trips. In the last years students have visited 1. Sultanate of Oman 2. Malaysia 3. Egypt.
Children for Children and ‘Youth & Youth’ Programs to educate our students with the GEMS core values a programme called ‘children for children’ and ‘Y2Y’ are conducted. In the children for children programme high achievers in Grade XI stay back twice a week to help the students in Grade V &VI. Every year nearly 40 to 50 students in the middle school take advantage of this programme.
In the ‘Y2Y’ programme, Senior students mentor their own classmates and follow up on their learning.
Admissions requirements
Register online at https://school.gemsoasis.com/students/studenqform.aspx
Fees
| G1 | 5,518 |
| KG2 | 5,518 |
| Grade 1 | 6,758 |
| Grade 2 | 6,758 |
| Grade 3 | 6,758 |
| Grade 4 | 6,797 |
| Grade 5 | 6,797 |
| Grade 6 | 7,678 |
| Grade 7 | 7,678 |
| Grade 8 | 7,678 |
| Grade 9 | 9,596 |
| Grade 10 | 9,596 |
| Grade 11 (Commerce / Humanities) | 11,196 |
| Grade 12 (Commerce / Humanities) | 11,196 |
| Grade 11 (Science) | 11,676 |
| Grade 12 (Science) | 11,676 |
Registration Fee: AED 500 (New Admission) Payable at the time of submission of application forms – this fee is one time non-refundable and payable over and above the tuition fee. The registration fee is not transferrable across GEMS schools.
A sum of AED 30/- is charged for ID Card & School Diary. Fee Counter Timings: 7. 45 A.M. – 5.00 P.M. (Sunday to Thursday) During School working days. School Fees must be paid latest by the 10th of every month. In cases where dues are not cleared by the 25th, the name of the defaulter will be referred to the MOE for future action and re-admission will be granted on payment of a re-admission fee subject to the Ministry’s approval. Tuition Fee payable in a year will be collected in 10 installments. Fees will not be collected for the months of July and August. Fees can be paid in advance also. Mode of payment:
Online Fee payment If there is any online login issues please mail to helpdesk_ood@gemedu.com
School Fee Counter Cash/Credit card/Cheques Cheques should be made in favour of ‘Our Own English High School-Dubai’ only. (Post dated cheques will not be accepted)
Please bring the Student ID Number while coming to pay at the School Fee counter.
Students will not be permitted to appear for the school examinations if their fees are not paid & all reports will be withheld.
KHDA rating
Good (as of 2011)