Julianna_M
Posts 7

I am also considering this nursery for my 4 y.o. daughter (she speaks English and French). Need smth near Green Community and all others seem to be full already... Any comments and feedback would be appreciated. We are coming to Dubai in a month only so can't visit yet... Is there a good mix/balance of nationalities in the school? Do they have outdoor play area?

Lady_Brit
Posts 29

um hanin
Posts 22

bump ;-)

um hanin
Posts 22

Hi to the Ladies who replied / interested in this post ... I am looking for your feedback on this school as now the year has started,,, and things are getting underway ...I have my children over there ... and frankly I see that the FS classes are a bit more crowded than I expected ,,,one teacher per 23-24 kids with an assitant who is not much of a teaching assistant but more of a school nanny ,,, and they also have a rather rigid very structured Time Table format for these FS classes ... whereas I see at that age especially FS1 should be more about play, enjoyment and LOVING going to school everyday,,,, I dont wnat my child to start hating education because he / she hates going to school ... and I see this happening a lot ...

also coupled with their long hours from 8 to 2 and then the bus commute ,,, I have voiced these concerns to the school managment a lot ... but I dont see that it is getting anywhere ,,, so I am seeking other mums' opinions /experinces on this ,,, as I dont like to feel that I am only paranoid :-) and just another over- concerned parent ....

Frankly though I see that their style of education at the FS stage is a bit daunting for children at that age ... for older classes and primary sections .. I am ok about it ... it is just FS that I am concerned about .... hope to get some feedback and advice .. will be much apprecaited :-)

sarahanne
Posts 51

HI EmSa,
I went to visit the school this morning. A little bit hard to tell, as the teachers aren't back yet and everything is still being cleaned/unpacked etc. They said there will be three KG1 classes this year, maybe even four, depending how many enrolments they get. With max 20 children per class, for one teacher and one assistant, so that sounds fine.
I think I will most likely go ahead with the school. I do really like Greenfield, but the fee difference is huge, that's a lot of money that I can keep in my pocket and do other things with the kids with! And I think it does look like a good school, the people I met were all lovely and very helpful.
Can I ask you one more question? Do you know where are the teachers trained? The most important thing is obviously the teachers-are you happy with their experience and qualifications?

EmSa
Posts 23

Yes it is British Curriculum and the cut off is the same date. My son will be 4 at the beginning of September but I have chosen to put him into KG1 in line with most other schools. Have you been to visit the school yet?

sarahanne
Posts 51

Thanks EmSa,
The Abu Dhabi school is British curriculum and the cut off for age is 15 Sep. Do you know if this school is the same? My daughter is turning four in October, so I am assuming she would be going into KG1 if I send her there?

EmSa
Posts 23

Hi Sarahanne

My son has been at this school since January 2010 in the nursery and then pre-school and is going up to KG1 in September. I have been pleased with the school as a whole but there have been times where I have been a little frustrated mostly with the lack of communication. The staff are very friendly and the school is always well presented and clean. I was considering changing my son to Greenfield Community when he started KG1 but he has been very happy at the school and like you say it is also much cheaper than Greenfield. IF there is anything else that you would like to know then please do not hesitate to ask.

sarahanne
Posts 51

I'm looking for some feedback on Al Worood in Dubai Investment Park. Can't seem to find much information, the only website I can find is for Al Worood in Abu Dhabi.
Particularly wanted to know if parents were happy with it. My daughter will be going into KG1. I am aware there is also Children's Garden and Greenfield near the Green Community, however I'm looking for something a bit cheaper!