Mareas | ExpatWoman.com
 

Mareas

Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 17:42
Most schools are now working at a higher academic level due to the new GCSEs Oh I just knew you would have a come back! jog on dearie back to Downton.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2015 - 11:51
Hi My daughter is in Year 8 at EC and was also at the primary from Year 5. A lot of ridiculous rumours were spread during the closure of the primary, EC IS NOT CLOSING DOWN!! in fact the board have set in place various improvements to the building which started this summer. EC is a fabulous school and as it is non-selective children of all academic levels attend. The school is small so no children go unnoticed, the standard of teaching is superb with a majority of the teachers coming from the UK. My daughter loves it there, the pastoral care is excellent and bullying is absolutely not tolerated. Her academic results are superb and she is on track to already take her French GCSE 2 years early. My eldest daughter attended DC also an excellent school but very different to EC. No DC do not give preference to UK passport holders, academics are what they look for. At this stage my daughter at EC is working academically at a higher level than my daughter who attended DC was at her age. Hope this helps.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 17:14
Hi I have one for sale if you are interested. It is the natural wood colour. 250dhs in very good condition. If you would like photos please post your email and I will send them to you.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 07:43
Or you can use stronger garbage bags. Brilliant idea Dentro - thank you - I have over 100 plants to dig up, so this will be a much cheaper option!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 18:31
Thank you Divinebeet,
Mareas
62
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2013 - 17:57
Hi Ladies I am moving villa and digging up all the plants to take with me. Does anyone have any black plastic flowerpots - (the ones that the plants come in when you get them from the nursery) that they don't need any more? I need medium to large sizes. I would be most grateful. Alternatively, has any one seen these for sale? TIA
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 12:22
Have "liked" but so far only 44 - come on EWers - every little helps!! DD is an ex- ECPS and now Secondary student and we have not been approached to sign a petition - maybe this can be addressed?? really want to help.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 11:52
So, instead of closing the chapter.......PLEASE SUPPORT US TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. Blimey - how can we offer support? is there a petition? A truly wonderful school and devastating for staff and students alike.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 20:11
Landlord fully aware and not in the slightest bit interested either - hence having to sort it ourselves! anyhow DH has done a great job and the useless extractor fan is now disconnected from power and purely there for aesthetic reasons - LOL!!!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 18:51
Mollydxb - you are an angel, thank you so much x
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 15:10
Mollydxb - thanks that would be great if you could get the number, I am in Dubailand so cannot get down there this afternoon. I will go and have a look in the morning x Noddy2: Gosh! I need to really up my game then! thanks x halal.suzanne: thank you but I need 3 beds min!!! Rose717 - sounds a possible for you?
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:29
In that case, me thinks I have been very generous to her in the past!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:27
Hi I think I know a place around 2500AED per month. Would that be ok for you? Free to move in 2500 a month? really??? is it a store cupboard?
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:00
Thanks Horizonmum - I have contacted them and will chase up weekly from now on!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 11:40
Thank you ladies, I am on lists for most of the companies mentioned but will def add my name to the others. Thanks again.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 10:39
30 dhs and if she doesn't like it then tough! nobody gives me tips and I work just as hard!! 100 dhs is outrageous in my opinion.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 10:36
Great news if it truly works in favour of the tenant, but for us it may be just too late. We are self-employed and trying to find the rent is an on-going struggle. I am dreading what will happen if Dubai gets the Expo.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2013 - 10:20
What a wonderful show last night, a true professional and superb entertainer,what talent. He is as good now as he was 20 years ago. Puts all these so called "stars" of today who can't hold a note, to absolute shame. He sang all the favourites, had a tear in my eye when he sang "Empty chairs and empty tables" goose-bump moment! Now and again they get it right here: started on time, fantastic orchestra and support singers, great staging, lighting etc - other promoters here take note - and the most reasonable ticket prices 100 dhs!! My 11 year old DD can't stop talking about it she loved every minute. Really hope he comes back again next year. If anyone is going tonight enjoy! the location is hard to find however as no signs, if you drive to The Viceroy Hotel the Forum is opposite it just after the waterpark.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 19:09
Evening ladies, I was there today at trade centre and got in to see rehearsal, honestly save your money. Tiny stage, rubbish seating and the ballet company is average, It's not the Bolshoi or Royal Ballet Co!!! My humble opinion but I do know what I am talking about as ex-dancer.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2013 - 19:07
Hi Ladies We have 3 play areas, very nice new and kept clean, nice equipment. No pools and only a very small kiosk that sells basics nothing fancy! Rents have sky rocketed and I honestly don't think its worth it, we pay 135,000 for a 3 bed semi and have been here 2 years, they are now asking 180,00 for same house and they are not renting. HTH
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 13:57
Thanks, have sent you an e-mail.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 13:29
Hi Irooni Yes I have one for sale. 50 dhs, Please leave your contact details and I will get back to you. I live near Silicon Oasis. Thanks
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 20:01
Second for Matalan, we found they fitted much better than M&S ones and with no frilly bits to show through school shirts!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 17:16
DXBagain - thank you for your insight and comments, it's certainly not an easy decision and I am going to consider all options. It was great to hear that your eldest had done so well in A levels and had good uni offers. Thanks again.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 14:46
Hi Dubai museum, only the first part straight after the entrance is in the open air, the rest is underground. Highly recommend if you are new to Dubai as it gives you a good insight as to how life used to be here and great for the kids. Also dirt cheap, 10 dhs entrance if I recall!! HTH
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:58
Mareas, Most Grammar school tests in the UK are IQ based (my friend is a head at a top grammar school) they don’t even mark the maths and English papers if the IQ results are not up to standard. Personally I feel SATS papers are not sufficient standard (unless you are doing level 6) the DC entrance test is more on par with UK private school entrance exams. HTH Hi DollyDuck So 11+ common entrance papers then? how would I get copies of public school entrance exams? Just googled this it appears they all use CE papers, so I will continue with this and IQ tests. Thanks for your help.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:53
Mareas, Most Grammar school tests in the UK are IQ based (my friend is a head at a top grammar school) they don’t even mark the maths and English papers if the IQ results are not up to standard. Personally I feel SATS papers are not sufficient standard (unless you are doing level 6) the DC entrance test is more on par with UK private school entrance exams. HTH Hi DollyDuck So 11+ common entrance papers then? how would I get copies of public school entrance exams?
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:49
Hi You can get study/revision books in Macgrudy's Jumeirah for handwriting skills they have them upstairs with the study guides. They have them for KS1 and KS2. HTH
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 13:11
Many children, mine included were not tutored for the exam and no doubt many others are tutored. They did not find it at all quirky but it seemed a familiar approach for those who had studied the English national curriculum in primary school. Children coming from other curricula may find it different I guess but they certainly gain places from Choiefat and from IB schools but maybe have tutoring, I don't know. The year 5 report and primary head teacher's report is also important. Perhaps not too much information is given out to avoid too much tutoring to the test and children getting stressed and seeing it as too big a deal. Thank you March - that was useful to know. DD studies English curriculum. She did not get a head teacher's report only a class teacher report. My step daughter told me that DC visited Jess and JAPS to talk to the kids and their teachers, I don't expect this will happen at DD's school as it has a secondary school and I can't imagine they would be welcoming a competitor through the doors.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 12:35
Good morning ladies, DXB again - I take your point of view, however my DD is bright but lazy and all her teachers since Year 3 have agreed that she needs that extra push to achieve what she is totally capable of and she is the youngest in her year, hence the extra home tutoring. She has plenty of spare time to enjoy playing and extra curricular activities and is a happy girl. She has expressed the wish to attend DC since we came to Dubai as she wants to follow in the footsteps of her big sister. I have to give her every advantage that I can as she wants to study medicine and she will be up against students from other cultures in this field that are intensively tutored from a very young age. In my opinion DC is still the top secondary school for British Curriculum here, what I dislike about the other schools is that they boast in the media that they got excellent results but the way they publish them is misleading. DC is very transparent with their results and you can see exactly what was achieved on their website, moreover they publish the accepting Universities of leavers whereas the other schools only publish the universities that students have applied to not if they have been accepted or not. If their results are so great why can't they publish them clearly like DC does? You are lucky that you and your daughter needed no extra tuition - do you know that these days the pass rate of 11+ in UK for Grammar school has to be 96% and above - wow! I don't know any kids that could achieve that without tutoring. If she does gain entry and struggles and is unhappy then of course we would review the situation. My step daughter was pushed very hard at DC and I remember phone calls with her in tears over English essays but she had nothing bad to say about the school and it has done her proud. Emmsie - I agree, I think tutoring a 10 year old is fine as long as they can handle it and it is not causing any stress. flydiver - It is scary trying to make the right decisions for them, its a tough world out there now and you have to give them every fair advantage that you can. DollyDuck - Thank you, I am using Year 6 Sats and 11+ papers - Hopefully this covers it!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 18:14
Hi Suze63 You can delete your e-mail address. Sorry I edited mine out! I have sent you mail.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 17:19
Hi Suze63 My DD was 10 in July, surely they must take this into consideration when they will be up against kids of 11+? I was given a number for a tutor who charges 300 dhs an hour, I did not contact him because we cannot afford it and I don't know if he has any knowledge of the DC test, if you want his number I can pass it onto you. My e-mail is hotmail.com - please let me know when you read this so I can delete. Would be nice to have a chat as getting very stressed about this. <em>edited by Mareas on 03/09/2012</em>
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 16:33
Duh!! I meant Year 6 SATS papers - I certainly wouldn't pass the test!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 16:18
Re posted - I hope!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 16:16
Hi Suze63 Good luck with getting any info on this! it seems that when it comes to DC nobody wants to impart any info, a friend of mine said people get very cliquey about this. As I said in my OP my step daughter attended DC and left in 2009 with outstanding grades, she has since been to a top Uni in UK and graduated this summer, she got a job straight away - so enough said, DC came out tops for her and she absolutely loved it there. I am not interested in any negativity about the school, we know it delivers and that she left a happy and grounded young lady. We cannot afford a tutor at 300 dhs an hour so I am home tutoring DD with Year 5 SATS papers and 11+ papers, which is what my step daughter did 10 years ago! We are being realistic about her chances as the competition is hard core!!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 16:08
Hi Suze63 I have replied to you in my post re entrance exam in the Nurseries and Schools section.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 14:30
Hi The cheapest place to find these is Carrefour but if you want better quality then there are two shops I go to - don't know their names but one is in Jumeirah Centre downstairs opposite Benetton and the other is in Beach Centre Jumeirah the sign outside says school supplies they have two shops in there and in one of them at the back is all the professional art supplies. HTH.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 15:26
Anybody??!! it seems to be so hard to get any information on DC. Would be so grateful for any advice. Any teachers out there that have any info? Thanks.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 18:55
Sorry forgot to mention the Crowne Plaza over looks Shatti Beach which is great for the kids, also Chedi probably not great if your kids are very young.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 18:50
Hi, I used to live in Muscat and would only recommend the following, having stayed at all the hotels in Muscat! Al Bustan - 5 star - stunning views, with beach, pool and amazing restaurants - would be my first choice if money no object! Chedi - 5 star - no views to speak of but a stunning hotel Crowne Plaza - 3/4 star - okay pool, okay food - great views over the bay and a small beach area Shangri La - would not be my choice but very popular especially with kids as they have a lazy river! its just a bit Costa de Sol in my opinion Hope that helps
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 16:14
Stay calm and carry on!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 16:12
Yesterday we came back from a weekend in RAK, on the hotel beach was an european lady, lying on the beach topless. Employees of the hotel ask her kindly to wear the top but the refused. edited by Gege_DXB on 22/04/2012 Really!!! I thought that was against the law? having said that I was at a swimming pool last weekend in Sharjah and a guy got in wearing underpants that immeidately went see-through - apart from gagging! I had my DD with me and had to ask the poor filipino guy attendant if he could say something, the underpant guy was most unhappy, but what would have happened if I had been wearing a thong- bikini (shudder at the thought of that!! ) or a white see-thro bikini (double shudder!!) doubt I would have got away with that in Sharjah! :\:
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 16:03
Twinkle and Bunty comics then in later years Jackie, Smash Hits and photo story books and taping the top 40 off the Radio on a Sunday night! I had a Saturday job at Lilley and Skinner shoe shop and used to save my whole months wages to get a pair of white stillettos with staff discount! oh and lastly the band Kajagoogoo anyone remember them?? Dont forget My Guy haha and Lamal from Kajagoogoo... Too shy shy haha The photo stories in My Guy!! I loved them! and had a massive crush on Lamal - didnt he have purplish spiky hair??
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 15:52
My friends hubby was a lifeguard, swimming coach and ex competitive swimmer, he's in his late 40's now though but fully capable LOL - he may be interested - can you let me know what you are paying and I will ask him if he is interested.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 15:47
I am guessing Mareas that we are of the same generation, as I could have written your post! Do you remember those cut out paper dolls that used to appear on the back of Bunty?! I loved them! And did you get fed up when the DJs (deliberately) talked over the beginning and end of the tracks on the top 40 to stop people like you and me recording them?! LOL Shamat! 1968 Birthday!! Oh yes now I remember the paper dolls! I used to sit with my finger hovering over the record and stop buttons to try and "edit" my recordings but always ended up with the first syllables of DJ chat!! did you used to sing along to the songs with your copy of the lyrics from Smash Hits?? I think we had a much better time as teenagers than the kids do now!
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 15:19
Twinkle and Bunty comics then in later years Jackie, Smash Hits and photo story books and taping the top 40 off the Radio on a Sunday night! I had a Saturday job at Lilley and Skinner shoe shop and used to save my whole months wages to get a pair of white stillettos with staff discount! oh and lastly the band Kajagoogoo anyone remember them??
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 15:08
Hi I bought a used Touareg recently and I am very happy with it - of course all German cars are very safe and have to pass the highest safety tests. I drive back and forth on Emirates Road every day and feel very safe in it and I have young kidsI cannot give you any monthly maintenance costs as there have not been any yet! If you are looking to buy a used Touareg I can really recommend Auto GB who sold me mine, it is run by a lovely British man who has worked in the motor industry in UK and here for years, I saw his poster in Spinneys and gave him a call and he spent ages asking me about what I was looking for and my budget etc . He doesnt have a showroom but goes and looks for the car for you saving you hours of hassle. He gave me a couple of cars to choose from and was very patient and kind whilst I made my mind up. The car was a good price and it came with a warranty. His number is 0561367335.
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 10:46
Hi, I can recommend the company I recently bought my car from, the owner is British and he goes and finds you what you want - very good service, the car came with a warranty also, the number is 05 61367335
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 09:04
Sorry forgot to add we arrived in Beirut with two cats and two dogs - I will be honest it was a nightmare - we flew with ME airlines from Paris and everything they told us would happen in Beirut didn't! we arrived to find the vet had gone for the day and our animals were impounded for the night - after tears and tantrum (from me!) DH had to find a clearing agent and pay hundreds of dollars to various "officials" to get them released. It isn't the easiest place to have pets and a lot of landlords will not accept them. In the mountains where we lived they shoot the wild birds and I was always petrified that my cats would not come back home! If you want to walk dogs then you will only be walking them on the pavement and on the lead
Mareas
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 08:56
Hi Blossomdearie I am British as is my husband and we lived in Beirut for one year. Lebanon/Beirut offers a very different experience for a full expat family than for a lebanese origin expat or maybe someone who's husband or wife is Lebanese. We ran our own business there and our daughter who was 8 years old at the time attended school. Most of the schools are church schools however our daughter attended International College which is an international ib school, there is also Broumanna High School. She liked the school very much and the standard of education was similar to here, she was the only British child in the school with no Lebanese parents and sometimes this was quite isolating. They have to study arabic daily. There are some nice places to live in Beirut - we lived in the mountains in a place called Broumanna. Villas in Lebanon are only for the very wealthy and if you are lucky enough to find one for rent which is rare you will pay upwards of $70,000 a year and the villa will be very old and badly maintained. Apartments are easy to find but the bigger your budget the better. We paid $25,000 a year for a 3 bedroom with a terrace. Electricity supply in Beirut is split between mains and generator and this can get frustrating and very expensive, you could always guarantee the electricity would go off just as dinner was in the oven! There are good supermarkets and a few malls but nothing like here, the shopping tends to be more independent shops and also a lot of very expensive ones. Security wise, I had to drive through security checkpoints everyday where there are soldiers sitting in tanks with the guns pointing at the cars! and all the soldiers are armed, it didn't bother me but for some it could be scary. We avoided the west side of Beirut for security reasons, you are advised to register with the embassy when you arrive. There are a couple of international womens groups you can join that hold coffee mornings if that is your scene. All in all we had a love/hate relationship with Beirut but it was a great experience.
 
 
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