Dubai International Academy AL BARSHA
Mission & Values Our Vision Providing world-class education
Our Mission To empower students with a holistic, rigorous and international education for success in an ever-changing world
Our Philosophy • To be recognised by the success of our students in achieving their personal goals • To make student development the centre of all school decisions • To aspire to the highest internationally recognised performance standards • To build and celebrate a culture based on internationalism • To enable the staff to become life-long learners through the development of their professional practice
Our Core Values Achievement | Collaboration | Innovation | Integrity | Respect | Responsibility
Our Beliefs • We believe that a healthy mind and body, a positive attitude and behaviour help one focus and learn • We believe in the pursuit of excellence whilst balancing the academic, aesthetic and athletic facets of education • We believe that teamwork between students, teachers and parents is critical to the overall learning process • We believe in encouraging students to take pride in their achievements and applaud others’ achievements • We believe that internationalism is vital for holistic education • We believe that effective teaching in a safe, positive school environment enables children to develop academically and socially • We believe that the IB Learner Profile leads to the holistic development of students
Our Approach • • • • • •
By benchmarking with the highest internationally recognised standards By developing each student’s individual potential for leadership By empowering students with a global and a local perspective By responding sensitively to the full range of students’ educational needs By using technology to enhance learning By utilising the IB curriculum and reinforcing the core of the programme models for our curriculum
About Us Opened in September 2018, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (DIA Al Barsha) is the newest member of the Innoventures Education group of schools, building on the established success of DIA-Emirates Hills. The school will offer all four IB programmes – the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) from 2020.
From the very beginning, our constant endeavour is to prepare our students for leadership roles in a world where change remains the only constant. We respond to these challenges by delivering a holistic, rigorous and a well-established international curriculum that provides our students with the tools to communicate across the world and help them become lifelong learners. A rich language syllabus, sports programme and a broad range of co-curricular activities complement our academic programme and help provide innumerable opportunities for our students to develop a well-rounded personality. Technology is well-incorporated in our education system and we believe in empowering students to take control of their own learning through the effective use of IT throughout the learning process.
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is fortunate to have a very diverse, international group of students and staff from over 50 countries. Our teachers are experienced, wellqualified and committed to continuing professional development. Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is an IB World School. We will also be seeking accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges). The school is a member of MEIBA (Middle East IB Association).
The IB programmes are designed to challenge students to meet internationally recognised academic standards as they prepare for higher education and the knowledge economy. Our students will graduate with a broadened world-view and the mental agility to pursue their dreams in an ever-changing global landscape. As with our sister school, we anticipate students’ University placements at top ranking universities in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and several other countries around the world.
Dream Inspire Achieve •
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What do we dream for our children? We dream that our children are always happy, healthy, confident and well-educated. We look forward to them succeeding in their chosen careers, raising their own families and giving back to society as responsible global citizens. At Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, we work in partnership with parents to lay the foundation that can make these dreams a reality.
How do we inspire our students? We implement the best practices available in education to motivate students. We encourage reflection to enable students to set and achieve their own goals. We provide opportunities for students to grow as independent thinkers, lifelong learners and leaders.
What do we achieve? Students who can work collaboratively with their peers and adults, young people who respect their fellow beings, take responsibility for their environment and demonstrate integrity in all their actions. Students who are empowered to achieve success in an ever-changing world.
IB Curriculum and Learner Profile
The IB programmes form a coherent sequence of education by promoting the education of the whole person through an emphasis on their intellectual, personal, emotional and social development. In all programmes, the education of the whole person is manifested through all domains of knowledge, involving the major traditions of learning in languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics and the arts.
The IB continuum of international education is unique because of its rigour, challenging students to excel in academics and in their personal growth.
The IB Primary Years Programme, for students aged 3 to 11, focuses on the development of the whole child as an enquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The IB Middle Years Programme, for students aged 11 to 16, provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, to become critical and reflective thinkers. The IB Diploma Programme, for students aged 16 to 19, is an academically challenging, balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepare students for success at university and beyond. As IB learners we strive to be: • Enquirers • Open-minded • Knowledgeable • Caring • Thinkers • Courageous • Communicators • Balanced • Principled • Reflective
Creating Our Dreams
Kindergarten
IB Primary Years Programme (pre-KG and KG1) The Kindergarten Programme at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is centred around student enquiry and hands-on learning. The learning environment allows students to experience a variety of centres created to develop and extend their awareness of the world. Centres extend from the classroom to outdoor areas that are purpose-built to foster relevant learning opportunities. In these early years, routines and structure are important to allow for clear boundaries from which to explore. Along with the class environment, students experience stand-alone classes in both physical education and music & movement. It is an exciting and very special time for children as they make new friends, develop emotionally, build on skills and knowledge and begin to find their place in a wider social group. The Units of Enquiry and the Learner Profile within the Primary Years Programme foster this and create a framework to make greater sense of the world. The curriculum focuses on the whole child through their academic, physical, social and emotional development. These years are ones of endless questions in a safe yet stimulating environment.
Making a Mark in a Diverse World
Primary School IB Primary Years Programme (KG2 – Grade 5) A great start to your child’s education is where a love of life-long learning begins. At Dubai International Academy Al Barsha our Primary School follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). This is a cross-curricular and structured enquiry-based programme. Students explore subject areas through trans-disciplinary units of enquiry, allowing them to make connections and relate their understanding to the real world. The students’ progress is carefully assessed against clear and realistic expectations in the form of learning outcomes. Students have a clear understanding of their learning goals and are active in directing their own learning.
As a learning community, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha strives to make connections through collaboration and understanding. This occurs amongst our students, staff, parents and the wider community. We believe that parents play a fundamental role in the development of our students and we encourage active partnerships to this end. Regular information and feedback sessions are scheduled to ensure a clear parent voice in determining the future direction of our school.
Reaching Our Goals
Secondary School
IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10) Our Secondary School follows the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). The curriculum consists of eight subject groups integrated through five interactive areas providing an interdisciplinary, enquiry-based approach to learning. It provides a framework for learning, which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. IB MYP emphasises intellectual challenge, makes connections between academic studies and the real world and fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement that are essential for the 21st century.
Students study eight different subject groups through Units of Enquiry, where Concepts are used as a vehicle to enquire into issues and ideas of personal, local and global contexts in order to examine knowledge holistically. They are required to study at least two languages (as part of their multilingual profile), humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and technology. In their final year, students will also undertake an independent ‘personal project’ to demonstrate the development of their skills and understanding. Students are assessed on a continuous basis through the MYP Assessment Criteria against standards that are consistent around the world. Assessment tasks are varied and allow students to demonstrate their achievement according to IB defined objectives. Students set their own learning goals and reflect on their progress, which enables them to become independent learners. The programme culminates in the award of the MYP Certificate at the end of Grade 10 and is considered to be the best preparation for the rigorous Diploma Programme that follows.
Knowledge is the Key to the Future
IB Diploma Programme – Grades 11 and 12 (from 2020) At Dubai International Academy Al Barsha all our students will be prepared for university education. In the final two years we will offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is an academically challenging, balanced programme of study. This ensures that our students develop as internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help create a better and more peaceful world. The programme addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students, thus preparing them for higher education and the 21st-century workplace. The programme is recognised and respected by leading universities worldwide. The IBDP is a two-year course that offers a broad-based curriculum in which students are encouraged to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world issues and problem-solving. An international perspective underpins all areas of study. Students study six courses selected from six different disciplines that include two languages, humanities, sciences and mathematics, creative arts may be offered as electives. They also study Theory of Knowledge, write an individual research paper, the Extended Essay and participate in CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) activities.
Student performance is assessed against pre-specified assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject, rather than the performance of other students, therefore universities value the rigour and consistency of the Diploma Programme assessment practice. Students take externally set and examined written examinations at the end of Grade 12. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. For students who might find the full Diploma too challenging, we offer individual IB Courses, which are recognised for entry into tertiary education locally and abroad.
Striving for Excellence
Student Leadership
Duke of Edinburgh International Awards Programme
From the outset, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha has established a Student Council which represents the student body and supports the school with ongoing feedback, community building, fundraising and environmental initiatives. Students are also nominated as friendship ambassadors to support new students and enhance systems of student care and positive behaviour.
The international award is known worldwide as ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award’ and is open to students over 14. Students can prepare for the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. As a requirement for achieving the Awards, students have to engage in a physical activity, community service and creative activity, for a required number of hours according to their level. The highlights of these are the expeditions that students have to undertake to qualify for the different Awards.
Sports
Model United Nations
Physical education is taken very seriously at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha. We believe that a healthy mind and body, plus a positive attitude and behaviour help one focus and learn. We support a healthy lifestyle by involving students in structured physical activities and by promoting healthy eating. We encourage every child to do their best and support the talented by providing plenty of opportunities to develop their skills within and outside the school. A healthy lifestyle is a habit developed at a very young age and we facilitate that by involving students and teachers in exciting and fun activities. All lessons are structured to ensure a confidence-building environment while focusing on skill development and fitness. Break times also allow for a range of independent and structured activities for the children to choose from.
The Model United Nations (MUN) programme in Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is a simulation of the United Nations, where students are given the opportunity to act as delegates and debate on current world issues. At Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, MUN will feature throughout the year, with students being trained to write resolutions on international issues, debate intelligently and effectively and gain a good understanding of the working process of the United Nations. Students are also given the opportunity to attend other MUN conferences and meet like-minded individuals to collaborate towards finding applicable solutions. The involvement of students in international conferences gives them an experience very close to the actual United Nations and they are given the incredible opportunity to interact with students of different regions and cultures.
The school has competitive sports teams who compete in the DASSA/DAPSA leagues, for Dubai’s leading schools in basketball, football, netball, swimming, cross-country, athletics and badminton tournaments. Additionally, students can avail the opportunity to train in a variety of other sports and activities through our Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme. www.diamun.org
DIAMUN Our sister school DIA Emirates Hills also hosts its very own conference, DIAMUN, where students from schools around the world attend and commune as delegates of the United Nations. DIAMUN serves as a gateway for many to the world of diplomacy and assists students to hone their public speaking and writing skills. It provides a forum for students to discuss global concerns in a context that simulates the real world and encourages students to critically analyse situations that are shaping the world today in terms of politics, human rights, conflict and the environment. The first DIAMUN was held in 2009 and has since become an annual event in the UAE school calendar. The last conference was attended by over 900 delegates from all over the region and beyond.
At Dubai International Academy Al Barsha, our support is provided in a manner that respects the students’ language and cultural origin and builds on their existing abilities. Students follow a programme that has close links with the mainstream programme, enabling a meaningful and purposeful context for communication and eventual integration into the mainstream. It focuses on developing and expanding vocabulary, oral skills, written skills, listening skills, comprehension skills and builds their confidence to interact in all class settings. English as a Second Language (ESL) support is provided from Grade 1 to Grade 9.
Available Learning Support Our Learning Support Programme consists of distinct components that work together to ensure each individual student has the necessary tools and support to succeed. These sections include: Mentoring of students with Limited Achievement, College Counselling and University Placement (from 2019), Special Educational Needs Counselling and Advisement, Academic Enrichment through the Gifted and Talented Programme, English as a Second Language Programme and Student Development through Teacher Training and Professional Development. A team of dedicated specialists, counsellors, advisors and highly qualified faculty, work in close collaboration to monitor student progress and ensure that all students are supported with individualised care and focus.
Eco Club Dubai International Academy Al Barsha will be working towards achieving the Green Flag status conferred by the Eco Schools UAE. The Eco Club will be involved in environmental activities such as organic gardening, can collection, plastic collection in collaboration with community groups and corporations. A complete eco-audit across both primary and secondary schools is conducted each year and strategies to make the school ‘greener’ are put in place. The Eco Club is involved, in conjunction with EEG, in UAE clean-up events. They also are promoting their drive to improve biodiversity.
Languages Dubai International Academy Al Barsha offers Arabic, which is mandatory for all students in the UAE – up to Grade 9 as well as French and Spanish as part of its curriculum.
Mother Tongue Programme As part of our commitment to our international student population, we promote, wherever possible, native language instruction. These classes take place during the school day and are run by private teachers.
English as a Second Language Programme Additional support in English is offered to students who require extra help to develop their proficiency in the English language.
Empowering Each Student
Gifted and Talented Programme
Pastoral Care
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha serves the needs of Gifted and Talented students through the GATEway programme. GATEway - Gifted And Talented Enrichment programme - creates individualised life plans for each identified student.
Daily life of students in Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is supported by the School Leadership Team. Working in conjunction with teachers in the school, the leadership team ensures a secure and happy environment for all of our students, where all are respected for their backgrounds and their individuality. The monitoring of our students’ behaviour, social and emotional well-being is of key importance in Dubai International Academy Al Barsha as we believe that a happy student will learn better. The organisation of our Homeroom Programme and a rich variety of house programmes and after-school activities have enabled well-recognised success in the personal and social development of our students.
These plans focus on four key areas: inside the classroom, after-school activities, clubs/ teams/events and external activities. Plans are developed with the input of students, parents, teachers, counsellors and the GATEway Coordinator and are constantly assessed for their effectiveness and modified when necessary. GATEway seminars and field trips are also designed to specifically explore and enhance each student’s talent or gift. In order to be inducted into the programme, students are first nominated. These nominations can come from teachers, parents, counsellors, coordinators or even peers or the students themselves. After being nominated, information and data are collected from all available sources and evaluated. This information is used in conjunction with a student interview to determine eligibility for the programme. Areas for nomination include but are not limited to: general academics, specific subject areas, athletics, music, performing arts, visual arts, technology, computers, leadership and creativity. GATEway students are closely monitored and their progress is continuously assessed.
BYOD Technology is an essential part of education at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha. We believe that to be able to live, learn and work successfully in our information-rich society, students must be able to utilise technology effectively. Students’ lives today are filled with technology that gives them access to information and resources, enabling them to pursue their interests in their own way and at their own pace. The opportunities are limitless, borderless and instantaneous. Dubai International Academy Al Barsha supports a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme that encourages Secondary School students to bring their laptop to school and benefit from the use of technology in their learning. A filtered internet connection is provided. We believe that placing the technology of choice into the hands of our students: • Provides opportunity for individualised learning • Increases independence • Promotes self-initiated learning within and beyond the classroom This policy allows students to use the device with which they are most comfortable and with which learning will be most effective. At the same time, the use of personal devices in the classroom is at the discretion of teachers. Students in Grades 3 to 5 are required to bring an iPad to school to use as a tool to support learning in a variety of ways.
Student Support Services
Library
Facilities
The library and learning resource centre is stocked not only with books, but also with a range of media, including newspapers, magazines and e-resources. The reference section holds a collection of encyclopaedias, thesauri and dictionaries, some of which are also available online.
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is situated in the Al Barsha suburb of Dubai. Its campus houses world-class facilities as well as sporting and recreational facilities. These include: • Spacious and well-equipped classrooms • 2 networked libraries • Specialist classrooms for music, drama, dance, art and language learning • Fully-equipped science labs, computer labs and design technology labs • Climate-controlled, multi-sports halls for a wide range of sports and other activities • Large auditorium (500 seat capacity) fully equipped for shows, performances and conferences • 2 swimming pools
• 6-lane, 400m running track • Full-size football pitch and other grassed outdoor playing areas • Shaded play areas • Playground equipment installed in all play areas • Shaded outdoor basketball and tennis courts • 2 cafeterias • Music and movement sprung-floored room for kindergarten
It is well-known that a school library has an impact on the learning and achievement of all students. The Dubai International Academy Al Barsha library offers both students and teachers a calm and comfortable environment to study, research or escape into the amazing world of books.
The Primary and Secondary Schools have dedicated libraries, with relevant, age-appropriate books available for borrowing. Within the library itself, study tables and resources are strategically placed for individual or small group research. There are separate IT classrooms attached to the library as well as numerous tutorial rooms. Secondary students also have the opportunity to research online from their own wireless devices.
Dining As Dubai International Academy Al Barsha caters to international students, we serve a wide range of balanced meals in our cafeteria to suit different tastes. Students can purchase lunch from the cafeteria at a reasonable price or bring their own packed lunch to school.
Transport We have contracted an external transport company to provide bus transport for students. The buses serve most areas in and around Dubai.
Co-Curricular Activities
About Innoventures Education
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha offers a variety of after-school activities for students. The current choice includes art, music, singing, rock band, reading club, drama, a variety of sports, IT, dance, chess and languages, which are all offered in supervised settings.
Innoventures Education was established in 2004 with the vision of providing world-class education to Dubai. Dubai International Academy opened in 2005 and within a few years it has been established as one of the premier international schools in Dubai.
As part of our commitment to our international student population, we promote, whenever possible, native language instruction as part of our co-curricular programme.
In 2010, Innoventures Education took over the management of the Raffles Schools and Nurseries in Dubai and added ten Raffles nurseries to its portfolio. Collegiate American School, a premium international school that offers the best of American education with a curriculum based on the American Common Core Standards, was launched in 2011. In 2018, Innoventures Education opened a second campus of Dubai International Academy in Al Barsha offering the IB Continuum of Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP) and Diploma Programmes (DP). It also opened Raffles Starters, an Early Years School offering Pre-KG, KG1 and KG2 based on the Montessori approach and feeding into its schools.
Today more than 7,000 pupils from over 100 countries, ranging in age from 12 months to 18 years, study in schools and nurseries managed by Innoventures Education, making it a significant stakeholder in the education sector in Dubai.
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1 Collegiate American School Umm Suqeim 2 Tel: +9714 427 1400/1402/1403
2 Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills Tel: +9714 368 4111
3 Dubai International Academy Al Barsha Tel: +9714 524 4800 / 524 4900
4 Raffles World Academy Umm Suqeim Tel: +9714 427 1300/1302/1303
5 Raffles International School Umm Suqeim Tel: +9714 427 1200/1202/1203 Raffles Starters & Nurseries 6 Raffles Starters, The Springs Souk, Tel: +9714 427 1241/1233 7 Umm Suqeim, Tel: +9714 427 1228
8 Dubai Marina, Tel: +9714 427 1473
9 Emirates Hills, Tel: +9714 427 1461
10 Town Centre, Tel: +9714 427 1458
11 Lakes, Tel: +9714 427 1471
12 Hattan Gardens, Tel: +9714 427 1472
13 Springs 7, Tel: +9714 427 1466
14 Arabian Ranches 1, Tel: +9714 427 1476
15 Arabian Ranches 2, Tel: +9714 430 7129
www.diabarsha.com
Al Barsha, Dubai, PO Box 118111, UAE. Tel +971 4 524 4800 / 524 4900 | Fax +971 4 294 1561 / 294 1571