The Elementary School

Welcome,

In the elementary school we are proud to educate over 600 students from many different nationalities and cultures. We provide a warm and caring atmosphere where students are taught to inquire, think creatively, reason critically, collaborate constructively and communicate effectively. Our goal is to nurture knowledgeable, skilled and caring independent learners.

We are committed to academic excellence and to supporting each child in reaching their full potential. Instruction within our American based curriculum is rooted in current research about how children learn and effective instructional practices. In the elementary school teachers employ a range of instructional practices to deliver a high quality program within each curricular area and at each age-level. As an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorized school, a key feature of our program is inquiry-based learning and transdisciplinary study.

Being located in the United Arab Emirates, our school is enhanced by, and prides itself in, the influence of Arabic language, and Emirati culture and traditions. The teaching of Arabic language and culture is an important element of our taught curriculum, where students from all nationalities and languages receive the opportunity of learning Arabic and developing an understanding of the peoples, traditions and culture of the country in which they are living.

In the early years of elementary (Pre-K to KG2) we believe that the development of social and physical skills is as important as academic development. Our program addresses the social, emotional, physical and educational needs of young children and prepares them for the grades to follow. Children are introduced to early literacy and early numeracy concepts and skills as well as introduced to experiences that encourage them to inquire into the world around them and to make connections with what they already know.

In Grade1-Grade 5 our aim is to help our students to experience a broad and rich education but also to develop learning skills that will allow them be successful at the next stage of their school career. We believe it is vital to teach children the basic literacy, computational, reasoning, critical thinking and technological skills they need to function as young learners. Students receive instruction in core subjects within the homeroom environment; specialist teachers teach Arabic Language, Islamic Studies or Character Education, Technology, Music, Library and PE.

In elementary there are counseling, learning support, reading and ELL teachers who provide support to students with mild learning needs or differences.

Supporting students’ social and emotional development is an important responsibility. Prime responsibility for student care and support is the classroom teacher who has most direct contact with a child. Students and teachers are supported by a counselor, the principal and the assistant principal who each have pastoral care responsibility for specific grade levels. Our active student council and the range of sports and activities which take place after school further support students ‘connecting’ with and through the school. Within the curriculum, the IBPYP learner profile and the units of inquiry act as powerful vehicles for developing understandings about roles, responsibilities, values and behaviors, and about our school’s beliefs and principles.