2. Where is the school located?
VISS is located on an 85,000 square metre site in the Al- Mamzar area between Dubai and Sharjah, behind Al Tawuun Mall, close to the Sharjah Expo Centre, and by the Al Mamzar lagoon. The entrance is off Al Mamzar Corniche.
VISS is 15 minutes north from Dubai airport, and is conveniently located adjacent to Al Etihad road with easy access from Emirates road via Sharjah Ring Road.
3. How do I contact the school?
Victoria International School of Sharjah
P.O. Box 68600
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Phone : +971 6577 1999
Fax : +971 6577 1888
Email :
admin@viss.ae
Web :
www.viss.ae
4. Is the school co-educational?
Yes. By special decree, VISS is a fully co-educational school where classes at all grade levels include males and females, with the exception of some practical activities undertaken in the Health and Physical Education subject, such as swimming from Grades 6 to 13.
5. How many students are in each class?
VISS has a commitment to an individual learning approach and most classes have between 20 to 25 students. In meeting the different academic needs of the students, the school uses a variety of teaching methods which may mean that class sizes may vary from class to class. Senior secondary classes are much smaller.
6. What is the curriculum?
Adapting the best of Australian education, our innovative and engaging syllabus up to Year 10 is based on three core frameworks taught in the State of Victoria.
The curriculum content is delivered by challenging and stimulating learning methods that are especially tailored to develop lifelong learners and global citizens. Our youngest learners in the Early Learning Centre (Nursery-KG2) are introduced to the Victorian Development Framework.
Our primary and secondary students from grade 1-11 follow the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. Our senior students in grades 12 and 13 are offered the world-class and globally renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.
7. What are the benefits of an Australian curriculum?
The Australian curriculum used at VISS places a high emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, research, communication, and technological competence, essential skills for 21 century students . It does this through an innovative and engaging curriculum, ensuring students undertake a broad range of subjects, multiple opportunities, rigorous assessment and individual learning plans.
Recently, in various international studies, Australia has ranked #1 for education, while in a variety iof international testing, Australian students consistently outperform their UK and US counterparts.
8. What co-curricular activities are available at VISS?
VISS offers an extensive range of co -curricular activities including sports, such as swimming, cricket, basketball , netball, karate, and ballet. In particular there are a number of specialist academies:
• Private instrumental lessons and music ensembles are offered through the VISS Music Academy.
• A learn to swim and squad programs are available through the VISS Swimming Academy.
In addition, there are theatrical productions, public speaking and debating events, and dance.
9. What are the facilities?
VISS has been purpose designed and was built by the Government of Sharjah through the direct support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah. The beautiful and unique design of this school incorporates the latest international research and thinking of how school layout adds to student learning.
The facilities include three separate but interdependent schools: an early learning centre, a primary school and a secondary school all on one site in separate but linked areas. Each school has modern, well equipped and spacious classrooms, in addition to withdrawal, specialist and large group areas. A state of the art Science-Innovation and Technology Centre, modern Library and Resources Centre and a VCE Centre all enhance the school’s learning environment. Additional specialist facilities include a five hundred seat theatre and purpose built Performing Arts Centre, fully equipped music and art rooms, outdoor presentation areas and an amphitheatre a swimming pool, four basketball courts, a soccer field and safe and engaging play equipment. Throughout the school site are comfortable covered outdoor seating areas and grassed courtyards. The school also provides a large cafeteria and indoor eating areas.
10. How do parents become involved with the school?
Parents have a key role to play in their child’s education, and close cooperation with the school can only maximize the outcomes for students. We see education as a collaboration. Parents can participate in school life, both formally and informally, through the parent association, volunteering and staying up to date with news about what is happening in education. Opportunities are available for parents who wish to volunteer, helping in school activities like: excursion and school events, assistance with other programs, and participation in committees and cultural groups.
There is an active Parent Association which runs both friend-raising and fund raising events. The school encourages parents to be involved.
11. Is there an entry assessment?
Yes. As the curriculum at VISS is rigorous, an assessment is undertaken to understand the learning needs of the student and ensure that the school is the correct fit for the student.
12. Is transport available for students?
Yes. VISS operates an air-conditioned fleet of buses to bring children to school from all over Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.
Specifically, our bus routes cover the following areas:
• Al Garhoud
• Deira and adjacent neighborhoods
• Mirdiff and adjacent neighborhoods
• Shaikh Zayed Road
• Dubai Marina
• Silicon Oasis
• Arabian Ranches
• The Palm
• Ajman
• University City
The enrolment form has a section where parents may indicate their interest in this service. Information can be obtained from the School Administration.
13. What are the fees?
The current school fees (per annum) are:
Nursery 23.300 | KG 1 28,600 | KG 2 34,450 | Grade 1 40,050 | Grade 2 41,700 | Grade 3 41,700 | Grade 4 41,700 | Grade 5 41,700 | Grade 6 47,950 | Grade 7 47,950 | Grade 8 47,950 | Grade 9 47,950 | Grade 10 54,000 | Grade 11 60,000 | Grade 12 60,000
14. What do the fees cover?
VISS is a not for profit school. Any surplus is fed back into the school to create further opportunities for students. The fees cover all curriculum instruction, student wellbeing and management support services and structures, co-curricular activities, some targeted incursions and excursions and all school owned learning and teaching materials.
15. How do I enrol my child at the school?
Contact the registrar on registrar@viss.ae or at 06-5771999. You can also visit
www.viss.ae for more information about enrolment.
17. Who is the Principal?
Dr Roderick Crouch – the Principal, has worked as an educator in several countries during his career. Most recently, he was foundation principal of Moreton Bay Boys’ College, in Brisbane, Australia, where he introduced many curriculum innovations, including the International Baccalaureate. Dr Crouch is committed to academic excellence, and assisting students to become responsible global citizens and lifelong learners. He has been involved in the establishment of several schools and has consulted on leadership and management to a number of schools across Australia. Dr Crouch has also presented at education conferences across the world. He regularly writes on educational leadership issues for a variety of professional publications and is on the editorial board of the international journal ‘Leadership in Focus’.
“Completing a quality education at VISS means that young men and women will be able to travel and work anywhere in the world, achieve success in their professional and personal lives, and become the best global citizens they can be. What better goal for your child than a life that makes a real difference? ” Dr. Roderick Crouch, Principal
January 2013 - VISS Primary School - Mind Games 2012 – Inter School Literary Challenge -
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For more detailed information please visit our website at
www.viss.ae
