Parents and students living in Dubai are fortunate to have many excellent choices when it comes to selecting a school. In the United Arab Emirates. This is a kingdom where schooling is mandatory for all — including local and expatriate children — who are between the ages of 6 and 18. There are public and private schools in Dubai, and many esteemed international schools, so it is essential that parents and students understand the differences between these schools.
International Schools in Dubai
International schools have long been regarded as excellent learning institutions. These high schools believe that the purpose of education should extend beyond academics and focus on teaching happiness and wellbeing, as well as building capability in the new generation for them to take humanity in the right direction.
Here’s why choosing international schooling for your child is a good idea:
The curriculum
International schools are often rooted in a common curriculum programme, such as the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge IGCSE programme which consistently allow students to be self-learners and inquisitive of their surroundings. They also teach students to be responsible for themselves, their actions, their environment in a respectful and kind manner. These values build strong individuals of character who are global citizens who believe in equality and oneness of the world.
Class sizes
International schools are often able to provide a smaller class size than local public or private schools, allowing students to receive more personal interactions with their instructors.
Primary language
The primary language in most international schools in Dubai is English. Students have the opportunity to delve into other foreign languages, but the majority of instruction is provided in English.
Teaching methodologies
International schools often attract world-class instructors and teachers, many hailing from different countries around the world. The result is a multicultural approach to teaching that allows educational professionals to share methods that work best for them.
Both local parents and expatriate families prefer international schools because of the educational experience that these schools offer. Students benefit from educational leadership that believes teaching happiness and wellbeing in schools is paramount, and that focus on personality development as well as academics.
Understanding Public Education in Dubai
In Dubai, the public education system is managed at the federal level by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education. At the local level, the Dubai Education Council and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority oversee the public schools in Dubai.
These are a few important facts that expatriate families need to understand about public education in Dubai:
● Local residents can attend public schools for free, but expatriate families must pay tuition and fees to attend public schools in Dubai.
● The courses at public schools in Dubai are taught in Arabic. English, however, is emphasised as a second language, and students do have the opportunity to enhance their English language skills.
● Public schools in Dubai offer a curriculum programme that is similar to those provided in public schools in the United Kingdom. Parents may notice distinct similarities between the curriculum programme structures at both public schools and international schools.
● Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 attend mixed-gender classes, while most other grades are separated by gender. In the future, it is anticipated that more grade levels will begin to mix the two genders.
● Parents who are relocating to Dubai will want to know more about the public education system in this community and will need to understand the differences between public and international schools in Dubai. Once they are able to compare the two options, they will be able to make a decision that is best for their particular circumstances.
The Benefits of Selecting an International School
Expatriate families may discover that there are many benefits to selecting an international school for their child. These are just a few of the most significant benefits that students and their parents may realise:
Many students find it easier to transition to an international school when they are relocating from another country. This is because courses are taught in English, and the curriculum is consistent from one international school to another. When this transition is seamless, students can adapt quickly to their new home.
Students benefit from a welcoming and inclusive multicultural environment. At international schools in Dubai, students will be surrounded by peers from the local area as well as other countries around the world. This allows students to learn more about different cultures and to be more accepting of diverse perspectives. It helps better prepare students for a global economy, where they will be working side-by-side with people from various backgrounds.
Parents and students find that an international school allows them to build a new community after relocating from another country. International schools provide both parents and students with opportunities to get involved and to connect with other members of the school community. For many, this becomes a home base in their new country and allows them to assimilate better to the local area.
Students are able to grow both personally and academically. Not only do international schools offer rigorous academic curriculum programmes, but they also focus on teaching wellbeing and happiness and schools. These schools include personality development training programmes in their curricula, which allow students to become the best version of themselves.
One of the premier international schools in Dubai is the Global Indian International School which offers an inquiry-led, skills-based curriculum. At GIIS Dubai, the curriculum is anchored by the 9GEMS framework, which emphasises the importance of personality development. This is a holistic approach that focuses on academics as well as other aspects of student growth, such as universal values, art, sports and leadership. It serves as the foundation for the curriculum and is incorporated into every aspect of the school.
The school also incorporates technology into classrooms designed to improve the student experience and help our learners develop valuable 21st-century skills. Parents who believe that the purpose of education is for children to grow and develop into lifelong learners will appreciate the benefits of an international school. International schools in Dubai provide students with both a rigorous academic curriculum and a multicultural environment where they can ask questions, develop solutions and collaborate with their peers.
