British
Education khaleej times
Focus on
individual learning Enrol in a British school to open up doors of academic opportunity
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A DVER T ISING SU P P LEMEN T
Real learning for a real future The Aquila School aims to raise creative, independent and resilient design thinkers with lessons that have a real sense of purpose
ff Farhana Chowdhury
he British curriculum is a highly respectable and sought-after syllabus in the UAE, where students indulge in a vibrant practical and theoretical learning experience. Several schools in the UAE apply the system, which has proven to give rise to intellectual children, who later on become exceptional thinkers and leaders in their own right. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 58 out of 185 private schools in Dubai alone are dedicated to the British curriculum. Its latest report, released this year, further revealed that these schools are highly rated in terms of education quality, activities and achievements. Designed to meet all the developmental needs of students, British education opens up portals of thoughts and opinions. It encourages students to question, explore and evaluate different circumstances and make sound decisions based on sound judgement. Teachers take on novel teaching modes and assessment methods that aim to develop analytical thinking and adopt a global mindset among students. The system is categorised into three stages — the Foundation for ages three to five, Primary for 5 to 11 year olds, and Secondary education that is targeted at ages 11 to 18. Upon completing Secondary education, students are granted an A-Level qualification, which opens up doors to unlimited course op-
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58 out of 185
private schools in Dubai alone are dedicated to the British curriculum
tions. British schools further weave technology into its subjects, giving rise to a forward-thinking, tech-savvy generation. In addition to classes, extracurricular activities form an essential part of the school system. From involvement in performing arts to excellence in sports, students are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities that add to mental and physical growth. With qualified teachers hailing from all over the world, British schools are confident in creating positive thinkers and exceptional leaders. Kings’ Schools, for instance, follow a tagline “The Best by Every Child”. Each student is considered an individual, with boundless potential to grow and develop into a bright adult. Similarly, The Aquila School promotes independent and creative thinkers with ambition and purpose. British education continues to remain one of the top and highly recognised curricula in the UAE, giving students an opportunity to access some of the most competitive universities in the world. — farhana@khaleejtimes.com
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here are many schools in Dubai – and as each year new schools open, families become overwhelmed when looking for a place to enrol their children – whether they are new to the UAE or are looking for a different experience. One new school opening in September 2018 is The Aquila School located between Skycourt Towers and The Villa in Dubailand. The school is being led by two well-known figures who already have an enviable track record here in the UAE. Wayne Howsen, Principal, and Kylie Cleworth, Head of Primary, have previously led one of the Aldar Academies in Abu Dhabi – the first school in the emirate to be graded as outstanding, and the only one to receive the grade twice. This means that The Aquila School is being led by experienced people who understand what it takes to create a successful school in the UAE. The Aquila School will initially open from FS1 to Y6, with further year groups added each year to eventually become a 3-18 school offering the IB World Curriculum, a range of BTec course and the International GCSEs. This range of qualifications reflects the school’s commitment to give children and students choices in their learning pathways, which would be evident from a very early age. As well as focusing on academic excellence and selecting the best bits of the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum, the school will focus on creative thinking and technology through art and design,
fostering curiosity and self-motivation. By doing this, the school will aim to be a leading example, globally, of a design thinking school. The class teachers have
been recruited from the U.K. (and the school’s leader’s previous school) and will ensure the school delivers on these key areas:
The Aquila Promise • Your child will learn at levels that will amaze them and you — we guarantee they will make as much progress as possible in all areas. • Your child will love coming to our school. • We will communicate with you about your child’s learning and all aspects of life in our busy school in ways you haven’t experienced before. • Our curriculum will inspire your children to be creative, independent and resilient design thinkers with lessons that have a real sense of purpose — underpinned by academic rigour. • Our school will be the heart of the local community – with a shared sense of purpose that helps your child develop as broadly as possible. Aquila Pupils are in line for really exciting and motivating educational experiences. Admissions are open and the leadership of the school are happy to meet with families at any stage to discuss what the school can offer for their children. E-mail: admissions@theaquilaschool.com Website: www.theaquilaschool.com
British Education
khaleej times
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AD V ERTI S ING S U P P L E M ENT
Leading with a difference At Kings’ Schools, you can trust your child’s career with the best education
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Alan Williamson
Kings’ Dubai continues to be the longest standing ‘outstanding’ school in Dubai. Our foundation, primary and secondary schools share an impressive record of academic achievements and progress. We understand that in a highly competitive world your children need the very best start in life.
t Kings’ Schools we teach our children to become effective, enthusiastic and independent lifelong learners, able to adapt to challenges and thrive in a fast-moving, modern world. What sets us apart is not only our inspiring, passionate and highly qualified staff, world-class facilities and educational track record, but also our guiding principles through which we strive everyday to do ‘The Best by Every Child’. Our approach to delivering the highest standards of education is rooted in our British heritage and international perspective. We treat each child as an individual; crafting personalised pathways to ensure they get the most from their exciting learning journey. As one of the foremost international schools groups in Dubai, our family-led community is as diverse as the nation it proudly represents. British families are still the overwhelming majority with more than sixty other nationalities represented. While our academic approach is predominantly based on the UK education system, at Kings’ we embrace an international educational culture by adapting the best aspects of global learning. Kings’ Dubai continues to be the longest standing ‘outstanding’ school in Dubai. Our foundation, primary and secondary schools share an impressive record of academic achievements and progress. We understand that in a highly competitive world your children need the very best start in life. To make this a reality we hand-select the best teachers from around the world; individuals who we are confident will nurture, develop and provide your child with world-class learning opportunities within the context of strong pastoral care. At Kings’ we do things differently. This isn’t a marketing cliché but refers to the
way we place emotional intelligence at the heart of everything we do. Happy children are successful individuals and we work hard to infuse a love of learning within a supportive, challenging and inclusive environment. This still results in strong attainment but without undermining the importance of wider student achievement. Learning behaviours are also a key fo-
cus at Kings’ from collaboration, critical thinking and enquiring minds to emotional intelligence and leadership. Teaching children to think for themselves and flourish in a technologically advanced society, we know that effective communication, working with others, problem solving, risk taking and overcoming challenges is part and parcel of being a Kings’ learner.
KINGS’ SCHOOL DUBAI Tel: +971 4 356 6800
KINGS’ EDUCATION
The Best By Every Child
We believe that everyone in school should be a role model to others, right from the youngest members of our community. Achieving results the right way while enjoying learning is fundamental. Respect for each other, the outcomes of their learning, and their environment is essential. Progress and academic success go hand in hand with fun, and we are very hands-on when it comes to ensuring our children are equipped with the right skills and learning tools while monitoring their wellbeing and rewarding achievement. I feel personally honoured and privileged to be at the helm of such a wonderful group of schools. However, beyond the essential importance of leadership, it is our children, learning professionals and parents that collectively shape, support and deliver the Kings’ vision. Together, we continue to develop and inspire our young learners to become the leaders of tomorrow. — Alan Williamson, Director of Kings’ Education & Principal at Kings’ School Al Barsha www.kings-edu.com/enquiries
KINGS’ SCHOOL NAD AL SHEBA Tel: + 971 4 237 5555
KINGS’ SCHOOL AL BARSHA Tel: +971 4 356 6800
OUR VALUES GO BEYOND THE CLASSROOM At Kings’ Schools we believe in a holistic approach to education that works alongside academic rigour. Our British heritage allows us to cultivate a vibrant and international community across three campuses, where students and families alike feel valued.
kings-edu.com