Understand private tutors now illegal but are there tutoring companies /summer schools in Dubai? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Understand private tutors now illegal but are there tutoring companies /summer schools in Dubai?

687
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 11:47

As above, I am wondering if I might have to hot-house my kids over the summer holidays so that they can get a bit closer to their peers in Dubai before they start the new school year (school system in Australia is 5 months behind you guys grade to grade).

Are there "summer schools" or tutoring companies that I could send my children to? Even if it's just for a morning several times a week to help them get up to speed on the foundation stuff? I know it's not going to bring them to the same levels but it might get them closer...

If so, are these schools/tutors operating over your summer holidays or do they close down as everyone apparently leaves Dubai for cooler climates (and Ramadam of course too).
TIA

687
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 14:57
Thanks everyone. Appreciate the replies and you've given me something to think about too re the social networking aspect. Somehow that had slipped my mind in flurry of trying to work out the school issues. Perhaps you're right - I'm better off doing some more ad hoc fun things with them at home and then helping them assimilate into Dubai Society rather than putting them through something formal... Once we have a school, I will speak to them and try and determine where they should be and what the gap is. As you said, perhaps the upcoming school can provide us with some direction... K vs K: They are turning 9 in March - going into Term 3 of G4; and turning 6 in July. 6 year old is the main problem as according to the Brit Curriculum he should be going into G2 in Sept. Yet because of Aussie school start dates and birthdate cutoffs he only started reception/prep here this week. What proportion of local expats leave Dubai in July-August? Most of them???
1238
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 13:32
My DS went to a Sylvan summer camp last year - tutoring.
2958
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 13:22
If you are planning to go into brit curr school this is a really good website from a school in the UK with weblinks for english and maths programmes http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/index.html http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/literacy/index.htm
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 13:11
BMAP, Perhaps the Distance Education School (QLD) may be able to help with curricula pieces for your children. I can't quite remember all the details,( we used DE in Vic for a period of time), but think they have a minimum amount of books/ work you can buy.Think it was either 3 or 6 months worth- & if it's less than that,then they recommend you organize work via current school. Really,I would keep it fun.Lots of reading,activities & playing.
481
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 12:54
Actually I think there are a couple of academic focused summer camps. I would look at these businesses and see if they do hold summer programs (I think Mathnasium does for sure). http://www.mathnasium.com/ http://numberworks.com/ http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/dubai/index.cfm?CFID=23603785&CFTOKEN=48498520 http://www.fastrackids.com/dubaidiyafah To be honest, if you can take it it would be MUCH cheaper and less stressful (ie no driving around, not as structured, etc) to buy a couple of books and spend 20 min reading and 30-45 minutes doing an activity each day. We used a range of books including: http://www.amazon.com/Scholastic-Success-3rd-Grade-Bind-Up/dp/0439569710/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296118292&sr=8-1 & http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Language-Review-Grade-3/dp/1557996571/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1296118431&sr=8-3
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 12:42
There are lots of summer school programmes but they are usually more activity focussed - not sure I've even heard of one where the kids do school work. I would sign them up to have fun at one of the summer camps and perhaps do some work with them at home yourself to help them catch up. There are loads of resources on the internet now that are useful. I'm sure if you speak to the school they are going to join that they would be able to point you in the right direction of work, websites and books to cover with them. If I were you I would probably concentrate on them making new friends, getting swimming lessons and just focussing on a small amount of work on some fun sites during the summer break. After all - they are only young and need to have fun!
232
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 11:59
Hi Pony, how old are your kids? If they are primary level, don't stress it. Our children were also 6 mnths behind but they assimilated fine and were able to catch up really quickly (within a few months actually). No need for extra tuition. You should speak with your school as they may be able to give you books etc which cover the work done to date. Also, have them working on sites such as abc reading eggs and math sites and you will find that they are fine. Enjoy the time off and focus on their social adaptation, the rest will fall into place;)
 
 

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