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HORIZON OR SAFA ????

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Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 09:30

I agree that they don't make any mispresentations unlike many other schools. We also moved our kids to a different school and argued like you did regarding Horizon being a sisterschool. That said if I had the choice between the 2 sister schools upon enrolment I have no doubt that we would have chosen Horizon. Both schools make their premisses available to outside groups for some extra-curricular activities unrelated to the school and we spent time over the past years at both premises even after we left Safa. Like I said before, the differences are tangible. I have a personal dislike for stale environments featuring glossy paint. Others might not feel the same and that is also OK.

482

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 08:20

SAFA school didnt make any misrepresentation in any way to parents about their lack of facilities during the school tour. When parents registered their children into SAFA, they know that fact already as there is no promise that something difference would be delivered in the future. DD already in SAFA when Horizon called. DH and I agreed that it's not worth it to move her there as they are sister schools. We do register DD at another school and that would be the only school that we would take DD out from SAFA for if there is any place become available in the future. Until then, she is enjoying herself at the school and that's all that matter. For my DD class, all the moms know each other, some of the parents socialize outside school activities and I am always grateful to the SAHM who constantly volunteer with the class activities. It's a good community spirit.

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 07:15

Now that we have decent playgrounds and sportsfields, I know what the children were robbed off at Safa ;) They spend so much time at school and a decent playground and grass makes all the difference. We did not think it was cool when the Reception kids had to sit on the flaming hot concrete, lined up in rows, after breaktime, singing songs before they could enter classrooms. In my books that is just wrong. Not to mention that the little patches of sand that exist here and there is used by the cats, never replaced with fresh sand and the children play in the gunk? I am not sure whether you have any other experiences with other schools in Dubai? Flow of space and proper areas to play, hide, seek, skip, kick ball, run etc are very important in childhood. Girls most often socialise in spaces underutilised by boys (they like the nooks and crannies) and boys prefer a field.

3901

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 00:08

Horizon. It not only has better facilities, but is also stocked with resources that you won't find at Safa. School environments (look, feel corporate identity and image) has a massive impact on children and staff alike and should not be ignored IMHO. There are tangible diferences between the two schools and even on performance level Horizon excels above Safa. There is not even grass to play on for the kids at Safa. Going to Safa Park once a year for sport hardly overcomes the problem of not having a decent playground and sportsfields. Our children went to Safa and we moved them to a different school precisely because Safa is not matching the standards of international private schooling we feel comfortable with. I understand that some schools offer great buildings and environments and poor education, however the schools under discussion is Horizon and Safa and Horizon is by yards the better option between the two. edited by Singapore Sling on 15/02/2011 we joined Safa in September..they go to Safa park more than just for Sports Day ! We are very happy with the school - lovley swimming pool, plenty of after school activities to choose from - mostly free, regular emails, caring staff. The playgrounds are fine imo. Always lots going on...I would be happy to recommend it to anyone..

33

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 10:13

I don't know if this is useful... I found Horizon school had the BSME accreditation (see their website for report).

33

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 10:05

Horizon. It not only has better facilities, but is also stocked with resources that you won't find at Safa. School environments (look, feel corporate identity and image) has a massive impact on children and staff alike and should not be ignored IMHO. There are tangible diferences between the two schools and even on performance level Horizon excels above Safa. There is not even grass to play on for the kids at Safa. Going to Safa Park once a year for sport hardly overcomes the problem of not having a decent playground and sportsfields. Our children went to Safa and we moved them to a different school precisely because Safa is not matching the standards of international private schooling we feel comfortable with. I understand that some schools offer great buildings and environments and poor education, however the schools under discussion is Horizon and Safa and Horizon is by yards the better option between the two. edited by Singapore Sling on 15/02/2011

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 05:20

Horizon. It not only has better facilities, but is also stocked with resources that you won't find at Safa. School environments (look, feel corporate identity and image) has a massive impact on children and staff alike and should not be ignored IMHO. There are tangible diferences between the two schools and even on performance level Horizon excels above Safa. There is not even grass to play on for the kids at Safa. Going to Safa Park once a year for sport hardly overcomes the problem of not having a decent playground and sportsfields. Our children went to Safa and we moved them to a different school precisely because Safa is not matching the standards of international private schooling we feel comfortable with. I understand that some schools offer great buildings and environments and poor education, however the schools under discussion is Horizon and Safa and Horizon is by yards the better option between the two. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 15/02/2011</em>

Sugarbeach23383

1566

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 13:24

We chose H over S. would you please give me some details in both schools, these schools are well known? do they have good feed back? sorry i am not in Dubai yet so just checking their web sites didn't make me feel so confident about them, I would be happy if you give me some more info x They are both meant to be very good schools. Not sure I'm able to give you any "solid" details, it was more a preference thing and a gut feel that DD would be better suited to H. The facilities at H was better and also last time I looked, the KHDA for H is "very good". Although, whether one chooses to take the KHDA reports into the equation is up to the individual. If you have a place at either Safa or Horizon, grab it. You only need to deliberate over this question if you have offers from both.

436

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 12:40

TD - how old is your DS? We have just settled DS into school here, and he is doing quite well. The school is abit disorganised...which does my head in. Safa was our first choice, and we are still on the wait list...If we got offered a place I really am not sure what we would do. I would love to know (broadly speaking) why you chose to move him from his last school - was it a hard decision? or a no brainer. Just curious - sorry, it's just your post made me start thinking about our niggles with DS current school. DS does not cope with change that well so moving schools is quite a big decision for us.

TurkishDervish8886

185

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 08:52

My son moved to Safa last September and he is thriving. The school is lovely, the teachers are very good. The principal knows every child by name. He has excelled in his academic work, he made lots of friends quickly. He loves going to school in the morning and does not want to miss a single day. The communication with parents is good and the staff are very approachable. I would recommend them to anyone. I feel it is a very underrated school. HTH

14

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 01:50

We visited Horizon two years ago and were very impressed. We were on the waiting list but never got to the top. The school suggested we try Safa instead. We did and our son is now in Year 3 there. He absolutely loves it. The curriculum is varied and interesting. The school is small so it doesn't have facilities like a sports field but they use Safa Park instead. There is a real community feel about the school with the Head and Deputy Head knowing all the children individually. Horizon and Safa are sister schools and I doubt you could go wrong with either. Thanks for the info, I rather have a small community than put my kids in a big school specially that my son is very shy, I already sent mail to Horizon but didn't get any response will try Safa as well :)

11

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 11:30

We visited Horizon two years ago and were very impressed. We were on the waiting list but never got to the top. The school suggested we try Safa instead. We did and our son is now in Year 3 there. He absolutely loves it. The curriculum is varied and interesting. The school is small so it doesn't have facilities like a sports field but they use Safa Park instead. There is a real community feel about the school with the Head and Deputy Head knowing all the children individually. Horizon and Safa are sister schools and I doubt you could go wrong with either.

14

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 23:57

We chose H over S. would you please give me some details in both schools, these schools are well known? do they have good feed back? sorry i am not in Dubai yet so just checking their web sites didn't make me feel so confident about them, I would be happy if you give me some more info x

Sugarbeach23383

1566

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 22:53

We chose H over S.

Bellydancer7038008

35

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 11:04

Horizon have a larger special needs section, I do believe.

107

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 09:48

daisy22, I do not have personal experiences with either of these schools however doing a search for them will provide you with positive feedback. Both of these schools seem to be highly regarded with many people on EW. SH

32

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 01:25

has anyone got children in any of these schools ?

32

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 00:58

Horizon or safa ??????

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