Moving to Dubai from the UK this summer and trying to choose a School for 8 year old daughter | ExpatWoman.com
 

Moving to Dubai from the UK this summer and trying to choose a School for 8 year old daughter

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 19:21

Hi, I am looking for a little feedback from parents of kids age 7/8, I am currently reading KHDA reports for the top 15 Schools in Dubai and basically what I am looking for is real feedback from parents who actually have kids in these schools. I am visiting some schools in April for tours and would appreciate any advice out there. Having looked at the extensive lists of schools, I am sure the other schools all are pretty good but don't have the outstanding label attached to them.

Thanks
Bex

2298
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 March 2016 - 04:23
The outstanding schools will be the most expensive, and if you choose a Good, they will be forever striving to improve as it affects how much they can increase the fees by !! As already said, there are different curricula and also profit and not for profit schools plus schools that are part of a chain run by a company such as GEMS or Taaleem - depends how you feel about that and you can research them and their core values.. Then there is location to look at - it's a juggling act with your husband's work location, where you live and where the school is !! Ideal is to have them all close but whatever happens you will almost certainly have a school run of minimum 20/30 minutes.. Personally I can't recommend Safa Community School highly enough - brand new building - only in its second year and I can't fault it. Staff are all lovely and it has a real nurturing feel to it... It's situated near Arabian Ranches which is a popular community but only a short drive from lots of other communities. Best to see how you feel once you actually visit - you can tell a lot more once you've visited and met the staff...but i'd definitely recommend putting Safa on your list..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2016 - 03:31
Jebel Ali Primary School (JAPS) may well have a space for your 7/8 year old as it is moving to a new location at Akoya near Arabian Ranches and Remraam. it is a not-for-profit, english national curriculum school, strong in English Maths and Science as well as Sports and Music. Teacher turnover is low which I liked and fees are reasonable. Hope that helps and good luck with your search.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2016 - 11:54
Hi Bex Welcome to the world of being an expat, I can remember when I was told to find a school and then a house to live in. There are so many different curriculum's, UK, Canadian, PYP, American, etc etc, and there is benefits and downfalls in all of them, and then it also comes down to have you got a school allowance from your husbands company, as schooling is expensive. You say you are coming over in April for a looksie, Look at Hartlands, my friend has her kids there her son is about the same age as your daughter, she is very happy with the school, Gems also have a good reputation. Remember you also have to go through an assessment to get your child into a school, which can be a pain in the bottom and frustrating Good luck with the search :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2016 - 10:55
Hi Bex, schools here can be spread far and wide, keep in mind where you or your partner is working as to where you will live and the school. It's an interesting juggle. We had our looksee here in May last year and moved the end of July. My boys 4 and 7 are in Gems World Academy in Al Barsha. Gems have a load of schools here but it also depends on the curriculum you want to follow. I am very happy with GWA for my boys at this age, the PYP system suits them both well so far. My only concern has been the very little science based ideas they have been subject to but the teachers are working on this. It surprised me as the lab is envy making to any adults who remember the basic labs we had at school when we were kids ;-) The KHDA ratings are quite thorough and you will find those top performing schools can be the hardest to get into, as in they have the longest waiting lists. Hope this helps a little and that some more experienced Mum's can jump on and share their experiences. Good luck AEW
 
 

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