Vision, Mission and Core 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
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To make student development the centre of all school decisions
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To aspire to the highest internationally recognised performance standards
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To build and celebrate a culture based on internationalism
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To enable staff to become life-long learners through the development of their professional practice
Core Values Achievement | Collaboration | Innovation | Integrity | Respect | Responsibility
The RIS Endorsement
About us
At Raffles International School, we take our responsibility for the education, care and welfare of each child very seriously. It helps us establish the cornerstones that support the growth of lifelong learners, and helps students mature into positive and productive contributors to the community in which they live. Established in 2007, RIS has more than 1,500 students from over 90 countries. Our 200 academic staff from over 30 different countries are all highly experienced, well qualified and extensively trained.
Raffles International School provides a world-class curriculum blending the highest internationally recognised standards and practices with UAE Ministry of Education requirements. Starting with a powerful combination of UK Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and Montessori approaches to learning, RIS students progress through the National Curriculum for England to IGCSE and A level qualifications, with BTEC Business Studies as a 6th Form (Year 12 and Year 13) option from September 2018. With our outstanding curriculum offered in a truly international learning environment shared by students from over 90 countries and a strong English as an Additional Language (EAL) support structure, RIS provides a unique combination that perfectly serves our international community. RIS is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East. RIS was fully accredited by the UK Department for Education after undergoing a British Schools Overseas inspection in 2015. In addition, in 2016 RIS was awarded the much coveted Green Flag status and is now an Eco School.
First Steps
Explore the New
The Montessori philosophy encourages children to be independent and to learn though a carefully prepared environment. The education is designed to meet the needs of the child, allowing them to develop at their own pace and build an awareness of others. Our teaching is creative and forward-thinking; we are always seeking innovative ways to inspire our children with a lifelong love of learning. We believe that the way children are taught is as important as what they learn. Our approach is holistic, incorporating academic excellence and the attainment of skills as well as knowledge. We ensure a supportive environment focused on student happiness, health and well-being. We encourage our children to be active learners in every aspect of school life, inspiring independent, self-motivated and confident learners. The environment is well suited for outdoor learning through play with four playing areas, a cycle track and a garden for those who love to explore nature. The children also spend time in the Early Years Centre where they develop skills such as sharing, team building, communicating and problem solving. The Year 1 curriculum is an integrated thematic approach that ties separate disciplines together into studies of the physical universe, the world of nature and human experience. In this way, one lesson leads to many others. In Year 1, EYFS integrates and incorporates the Montessori approach to learning into the core content areas of English, Mathematics and Science. This prepares children for a seamless transition into the remainder of the Primary School programme.
Early Years – Nursery, FS2 and Year 1 In the Nursery and FS, the school follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum blended with the Montessori approach to learning. In the Early Years, we focus on: • Physical Development (Moving and Handling, Health and Self-care) • Communication and language (Listening and Attention, Understanding, Speaking) • Literacy (Reading, Writing) • Mathematics (Numbers, Shapes, Space and Measure) • Understanding of the World • Expressive Art and Design
Make an Impression
Primary School (Years 2-6) The National Curriculum for England provides the framework for teaching and learning in Primary School. It outlines what students should know, what they should be able to do and what concepts they should understand for each year of primary education. Through the National Curriculum for England, students are introduced to a comprehensive set of progressive learning objectives for each key stage and each subject. Student attainment and progress is measured against clear shared benchmarks and validated through external assessments taken in May each year.
Raffles International School – The National Curriculum for England By skillfully combining the National Curriculum for England with the curriculum for Dubai Schools provided by the UAE Ministry of Education, RIS provides a broad and balanced curriculum framework which meets all UAE statutory requirements and addresses the needs of our international community of learners. The National Curriculum for England is taught at almost 3000 schools worldwide and is structured to enable students to transfer into RIS with relative ease. By offering the National Curriculum from EYFS through to secondary, RIS ensures expectations built consistently and progressively year on year, leading to IGCSE and A Level or BTEC pre-university qualification.
The National Curriculum for England provides the curriculum framework in the core subject areas of English (also English as a Second Language), Mathematics and Science. While the National Curriculum provides a natural progression through primary education, it is also compatible with other curricula, and most importantly provides international benchmarks for each stage. UK SAT assessments assess learning at the end of Primary (Year 6) and provides attainments data measured against curriculum benchmarks. All assessment data is transfered to Year 7 teachers for the following year to ensure a smooth transition to Secondary. provide attainment Besides the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, the academic programme includes the specialist subjects of Information Technology, Physical Education (PE), Music and Art, which are taught by specialist staff. The programme also features Foreign Languages – French and Mandarin, as well as the mandatory subjects of Arabic and Islamic Studies for Muslim students as stipulated by the Ministry of Education. Our students are knowledgeable, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged.
Aim for Excellence
Secondary School (Year 7 – 11) Students enter the Secondary School in Year 7 at 11+ years old. Building on the strong foundation of the Primary School programme, students in the Secondary School continue with the National Curriculum for England, incorporating IGCSE syllabus in Years 10 and 11. This framework ensures students harness their full potential and effectively apply knowledge, skills and understanding to each and every subject area.
Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) Sixth form students choose ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Levels or BTEC qualifications as their preparation for university or college study worldwide. ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Levels develop in-depth knowledge of subject content, learning skills and independent critical thinking. At RIS, we focus learners on the application of knowledge and understanding in a global context appropriate for our international community. Students can also opt for the BTEC route as an alternative to ‘A’ level. This career based qualification is designed to give students the skills they need to move on to higher education or to go straight into employment. When combined with academic learning in school, the BTEC develops practical knowledge and skills and higher education institutions are increasingly choosing BTEC qualified candidates for their academic and practical courses.
In June 2017, the first cohort of Raffles International School’s students completed their IGCSE qualifications. They achieved outstanding results of 82% A*-C. In June 2018, this figure rose to 85%.
By carefully blending National Curriculum for England with UAE MOE curricula, RIS programmes allow for teaching and learning to be placed in a local context and are suitable for students whose first language may not be English. They are based on best international practices, developing communication skills, self-confidence and understanding of the global environment and its challenges.
Most of our IGCSE graduates progress to ‘A’ Levels and follow highly individualised subject combinations, guided by senior staff and mentored by the Head of Sixth Form. Starting September 2018, BTEC Business Studies offers students a substitute to ‘A’ Levels and provides a well-recognised alternative academic path to college, university or career options.
IGCSE results are a key strength of the school with options for Year 10 students to choose early entry mathematics and some languages.
Push to Perfection
Student Support Services English as an Additional Language The EAL programmes at RIS are dedicated to optimising individual learning and potential for students who are learning English for the first time or not yet proficient in English. Students in need of EAL support are identified through admissions at entrance or by the Homeroom Teachers/Form Tutors in the first few weeks of school. Inclusion At RIS, the Raffles International School Extends (RISE) department provides various forms of support for children who may, from time to time, face barriers to their learning. Inclusion support is highly personalised and detailed Individual Education Plans (IEPs) which map students’ learning targets and provide a record of their progress towards achieving goals are agreed between student, teachers and parents. School Counselor The RIS counseling department is here to help students and parents have a happy and successful school year from a personal, social and emotional perspective.
Facilities RIS covers a total area of over 30,000 square metres, with ample capacity for up to 2,000 students. The vast premises houses world-class learning facilities as well as sporting and recreational facilities change to houses world-class learning, sporting and recreational facilities. • STEM labs • Learning Resource Centre (Library) • Fully-equipped classrooms • Auditoriums • Art rooms • Science laboratories • Computer laboratories • Soccer field • Examination hall
• Multi-purpose hall • Swimming pools • Gymnasium • Indoor sports hall • Dance studio • Basketball court • Tennis court • Prayer room with ablution facilities • Sixth Form Centre
Dining As RIS caters to international students, we serve a wide range of balanced meals in our canteen, to suit different tastes. Students can bring their own packed lunch to school or purchase lunch from the canteen at reasonable prices. Transport RIS has contracted an external transport company to provide bus transport for students. The buses serve most areas in Dubai.
Co-curricular programme
About Innoventures Education
Well-rounded students are usually more prepared for challenges in life. So at RIS we are committed to ensure that our students excel in the academic curriculum and also in the co-curricular programmes.
Raffles International School is managed by Innoventures Education, one of the leading names in nursery and school education in Dubai.
We encourage participation in a range of activities to support the holistic development of our students. CCA’s build self-confidence and provide opportunities to broaden interests and develop social interaction between peers and self. Activities at all levels (Primary and Secondary School) develop teacher and student interests and skills in sports, languages, outdoor education and the arts.
Innoventures Education was established in 2004 with the vision of providing world-class education. Our first school, Dubai International Academy, opened in 2005, and within a few years was established as one of the premier International Baccalaureate schools in the region. In 2010, Innoventures Education took over the management of the Raffles Schools and Nurseries in Dubai. 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 added to our portfolio in 2011. In September 2018, DIA Al Barsha and Raffles Starters were new additions to the group.
Today, over 7,000 students 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 4804 / 524 4904
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