Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Help with school cut-off dates. Pulling my hair out.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

LovingLife34097

88

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 08:35

Unfortunately the cut off date is enforced by the schools and they rarely look at the individual child. They use the cut off date as power tool. I'm facing the same issue. I already spoke to KHDA and they don't seem so strict about it. If the school recommends for your child to be in a different grade/year, KHDA will not oppose that decision. It's a matter of fighting with the school.

226

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 01:00

Tilly, the KHDA is perfectly aware that grades (US and IB) and years (English) don't tally. A friend's daughter just transferred last summer; she had finished Grade 3 at IB and went into Year 5 in a BC school. So it is perfectly possible to change later. That's good to know, two years ago when we applied to the Taleem school we were told that once a child is registered with the KHDA then the following year they can only go to the next grade even if they change school/curriculum! I really looked into it and also asked the school my children were attending and the answer was the same! If it's easy to transfer from one curriculum to another without falling a year behind then the OP should have no problem putting her daughter into british curriculum year 1 this September, however if she wants to go to a different IB school then her DD will probably fall a year behind.

504

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 00:10

Tilly, the KHDA is perfectly aware that grades (US and IB) and years (English) don't tally. A friend's daughter just transferred last summer; she had finished Grade 3 at IB and went into Year 5 in a BC school. So it is perfectly possible to change later.

226

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 00:05

Hi derien, I understand your concern. We had our DDs names down for a Taleem school and as my eldest DD is born in January she would have been placed in a class below the british curriculum. We decided not to send them to that school, I also called the IB schools in the UK to find out what their cut off date was and they all said September, so it doesn't seem to be because of the IB system, it's just a taleem system. I found out that as in the IB system children start school a year later, what they are taught in FS1 is the equivalent of the british curriculum FS2. So though academically your daughter should be fine going into year 1 in a british school, the problem you'll have is that according to the Ministry of Education children can not "skip" a year so if you change school she'll still need to go to FS2/KG2!!! You need to contact the registrar of the schools you're considering putting your DD in and ask them if she'll be able to go into year1, I think in your case the new school needs to get permission from the Ministry of Education. It is doable and I think if you want to change curriculum then this is the best year when she'll be going into year 1.

137

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 21:55

this web page has a good table to explain the years in each curriculum. http://www.dubaifaqs.com/education-dubai.php Edited for spelling! <em>edited by MrsO on 09/02/2012</em>

504

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 19:32

Just reading this thread confuses me! Doesn't take much though! Anyway I would like to know what is the diff between FS2 and year 1? Is FS2 reception but just not called that? We're from scotland and reception year relates to our p1, first year of proper 'school' if you get me. So do you complete FS2 at a nursery and not a school here if you are following English curriculum? My daughter will be 5 in the november and back home she would have started school that August passed. So here when would she start? The september before she's 5 or later? Also FS1, is this where they would go when they are 3? We would like to send our duaghter to TCG, then JBS I think they are in the same company? Any help would be useful!! Yes FS2 is reception. JBS is an IB school so it doesn't operate with 'reception'; KG1 would be the IB equivalent of reception but instead of starting it when you are 4, you start in September of the calendar year in which you turn 4 (which is obviously not when you start P1, but is the first year of 'proper school' in the IB system

46

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 13:32

Just reading this thread confuses me! Doesn't take much though! Anyway I would like to know what is the diff between FS2 and year 1? Is FS2 reception but just not called that? We're from scotland and reception year relates to our p1, first year of proper 'school' if you get me. So do you complete FS2 at a nursery and not a school here if you are following English curriculum? My daughter will be 5 in the november and back home she would have started school that August passed. So here when would she start? The september before she's 5 or later? Also FS1, is this where they would go when they are 3? We would like to send our duaghter to TCG, then JBS I think they are in the same company? Any help would be useful!!

beckybeach47723

23

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 13:25

what's the rush? give her the extra year! why make school hard .. she can always be challenged above her capability and have a boost of self-esteem, rather than play "catch up" and feel inferior .. just my opinion, take it or leave it.

504

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 12:58

How can you say the cut off dates are 'bad', they are just different. The same as the Scottish system, at least in my day (think that may have changed, but to spring, not to September.)

504

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 12:16

Surely the cut off dates relate to the curriculum not the school ownership? BC is Sept, IB is end Dec. If you transfer from IB to BC, even the KHDA recognises the different grade system, and that KG1 in IB is equivalent to yr 1 in BC, grade 3 = yr 4, etc.

1618

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 12:16

I think you have to try other IB or US curriculum schools as British curriculum cut off dates are September. When my son started shook he turned 3 in Jan and started FS1 the September after so he was 3.75 years old when he started FS1, 4.75 FS2 and 5.75 years old year 1.

highland lass30162

515

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 12:11

Sorry I don't know about cut of dates. But better to change schools this summer than being stuck in this system. I would have thought any school you enrol them in will place the child in the correct age appropriate grade but better to do this now while they are young. My DD was briefly in an American School while we were at another location and her grade was 1 year out of the British System. She reverted back when we changed School. Sorry possibly not very helpful.

3220

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 12:07

I would place her in year 1 and just do the extra homework it would take to catch up with her schoolmates. Kids are quite good at that age with learning new things fast.

1575

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 11:46

Hi ladies, I was hoping someone on EW could give me some advice about what to do. I find myself in an awkard situation with regards to my daughther's schooling and I'm not sure what to do next. My daughter turned 5 end of January and is currently in FS1 the The Children's Garden in Jumeira. I remember having a huge disagreement with them when I enrolled her back in June 2010 about whether she should go straight into FS1 or pre-primary. All the teachers at TCG recommended pre-primary. So this is her second year at TCG and she is only in FS1. She will be starting FS2 in September so I am gussing that by the time she starts Year 1, she will be 6.5 years old, turning 7 during that year. The Taleem schools seem to have a completely different cut-off date to ALL other schools in Dubai , meaning that they work on a calender year. If she goes into a Taleem school for year 1, she will be smack bang in the middle in terms of age in the class. However, if she attends any other school in Dubai starting Year 1, she would be a whole year older than some of the other kids. I wish I had been informed about this at TCG when I enrolled her as now I cant see a way out. She would technically be old enough to start Year 1 this September but she hasn't even done KG2. If I keep her at TCG another year, I have a choice of 2 schools, both are Taleem schools and both charge over 65K per year in the primary section What should I do? Does anyone else know of shcools that use 31st of December as the cut-off date for admissions? TIA <em>edited by derien on 09/02/2012</em>

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis